Sorry for the hiatus....

It's been super busy around our house. We have been decorating for Christmas and spending lots of time with family. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Will's family at his grandparent's house in Florida. Since then, it's been a blur! We do have some news to share (partly why it has been a blur)---

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!

We are super excited and can't wait until June when he or she arrives! I am just finishing up my first trimester and finally feel a little less queasy. Haven't been sick, thank goodness! I am still really tired through out the day, but I think that is easing up a little bit.

We are looking forward to spending the holidays with family and friends...celebrating the season and our upcoming bundle of joy. 

Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day!! Will and I are incredibly blessed to be spending this special day with his family. We are down in Jacksonville, FL at his grandparent's house. They are wonderful people! I have adopted them as my own grandparents. We are spending the day watching the Macy's Parade, eating yummy food, and of course watching football. This year, I am thankful for all of the special people in my life: family, friends, co-workers, and our church family. I hope that you all take a moment and think about what you are thankful for. Have a wonderful day!

This Week

Halloween was yesterday...we didn't have but one group of Trick-or-Treaters, thug teenagers! We don't have hardly any children in our neighborhood, so we weren't expecting any. Then, the hooligan's from who knows where showed up. We promptly told them we didn't have any candy, and they were on their way. Last night, we had a pizza for dinner from our fave Pizza Joint. Usually we go on Sundays for Trivia, but we missed it this week.
Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (Brenner, as Will calls it)
Wednesday: Pasta with Marinara sauce
Thursday: Will and I both have meetings
Friday: Prepping for BBQ chicken fundraiser
Saturday: BBQ chicken fundraiser (@ Will's Masonic Lodge)

That's about all we have going on this week. I have some baking to do towards the end of the week. I always enjoy being creative and making/decorating cakes. I am making a hay bale cake for a one year old's harvest themed birthday party. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Weekend Recap and Meal Plan

Will and I had a lovely weekend spent with friends and family. Friday night we had dinner at San Jose's with our BFFs4L- always a good time!! Saturday night we celebrated Will's brother Andy and his finance Brittany's engagement with a family gathering. I made these delicious cupcakes in the couple's wedding colors, yellow and navy blue. They were the hit of the party!

Meal Plan:
Monday: Will has a meeting
Tuesday: Chicken Noodle Casserole (I made some to take to a friend who just had a baby, so I doubled it to make some for us)
Wednesday: St. John's Connections gathering and pumpkin carving
Thursday: Will has a meeting
Friday: ?
Saturday: ?

Hope you have a great week! It's officially fall and I love it!!

Hodge Podge

The weekend of October 8th, Will and I went to Clemson to the Clemson vs. Boston College game. We had a great time! The weather was perfect and so was the company.

On Sunday, we took Scotch to the pumpkin patch to look at pumpkins. He didn't cooperate very well with taking pictures.

We did not do so great planning meals last week. We were really busy during the week. On Friday, the 14th, my office had their 20th Anniversary Party at the Saluda River Club in Lexington.

On Saturday after the party, I was flat worn out! I slept late. We went to Lowe's to get some home improvement items. We also stopped by Verizon because we were due to upgrade our phones. We both had Blackberry Curves. We knew we wanted to switch to Android devices. I ended up getting the LG Enlighten and Will got the Casio Commando, which is a really manly, tough guy phone. So far, we really like them. I was afraid I would miss my Blackberry. My phone does have a full keyboard that slides out, so I think I will be alright.
This week, things have been getting back to normal. We had our house appraisal early Tuesday morning, so Monday night we were busting our butts to get the house clean and minor repair work done. The appraisal was for our refinance. We have decided to keep our townhouse and rent it out. We will probably start looking for houses around the first of the year. We did our weekly grocery shopping last night, because the weekend was so busy.

Meal Plan:
Monday: Whatever we had at home while we were cleaning/working.
Tuesday: We picked up Chipotle after grocery shopping
Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner
Thursday: Pork chops, rice, and veggie

We are looking forward to my brother-in-law Andy and his fiance Brittany's party on Saturday night. I am baking cupcakes for the occasion. The will be yellow cake with yellow icing with navy blue sixlets on them- their wedding colors.
Hope everyone has a good week!

My Fitness Pal

I'm officially back on the wagon. I have been VERY slack lately on keeping track of my food/calories and going to the gym. As a mater of fact, I haven't done either in about a month. So, Monday I decided to kick it into high gear. I started tracking my food again on My Fitness Pal and went back to the gym yesterday. Will has also gotten back on the wagon. He has been going to the gym early in the morning before work. He is keeping track of his food using the Weight Watchers points. I am so proud of him! I know that we both need to eat and live healthier, and this is the first step.

Meal Plan for this week:
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Baked Chicken, scalloped potatoes, and limas
Wednesday: Visitation at church
Thursday: Will has a meeting, I'm on my own
Friday: My office's 20th anniversary party- oysters and BBQ

Hopefully Will and I will both stick with it. I think the accountability of tracking everything helps me stay on track.

Playing Catch-Up

This week has been kind of a doozy. I have been swamped at work trying to get ready for our big 20th anniversary party next week, along with my regular work. I was out sick on Tuesday (24-hr. bug) , so I have also been playing catch up.

Meal Plan:
Monday night: Buitoni herb chicken tortellini with marinara sauce
Tuesday night: I was still feeling bad, so we just had sandwiches
Wednesday night: Baked chicken and scalloped potatoes
Thursday night: We both have meetings
Friday night: ?
Saturday: Clemson for the football game
Sunday: Trivia at Pizza Joint

Birthday!!!

Today is the big day, the big 3-0! So far, I feel exactly the same as 29. I know it's no overnight thing, but shouldn't I feel a little older? I guess we will wait and see.



I have had a wonderful few days celebrating with friends and family. I have also received some amazing gifts!



Nook Color...this was on the top of my list! I love it! Thanks Mom!



I also had a new camera on my list...my Dad picked this one out, except mine is red! I can't wait to learn how to use it.

 


Barnes & Noble Gift Cards from Will's family...can't wait to download some Nook Books!

Edible Arrangement from my dear husband...made my day at work today!

One of my dear friends gave me some lovely cupcake papers and a beautiful candle holder. I have also received some fabulous birthday cards! I am so blessed!

Birthday Week Kick-Off

It's finally here...my 30th birthday week!! We have plans with family and friends starting tonight and going through the week. Tonight, we are going to my "surprise" dinner. It's a surprise, because I don't know where we are going and who will be there. Will wanted to surprise me with the whole shebang, but I'm not a huge fan of surprises. I like to know what is going to happen and when. So, I talked him into telling me it would be tonight, but other than that, I don't know what to expect. I know it will be a marvelous evening!! We have plans to tailgate with friends for the Carolina game on Saturday. On Sunday, we are going to have my birthday lunch with Will's family and hopefully play Trivia on Sunday night. Monday night will be our celebration with my dad and step mom. My dad's birthday was this week, too. Tuesday night is my actual birthday and I have a Junior League committe meeting, so I'm not sure what our plans will be for then. On Wednesday, Will and I are going out to dinner with my mom and stepdad to Terra, one of our favorite fancy restuarants in town. I think that is the last of the festivities. I am looking forward to them all. I feel blessed to be surrounded by amazing family and friends.

Love this cake...clearly my name is not Melissa.

The Usual Monday Post: Weekend Wrap-Up and Weekly Meal Plan

Despite the dreary, chilly weather, Will and I had a fabulous weekend on Edisto Island with my family. We cooked a nice meal at the house on Friday night and just relaxed. Saturday was spent watching football...all day long! We started with College Game Day. Up next was the Clemson vs. Auburn, which Clemson won! Yay! We flipped back and forth for the little while before the Carolina game began. Carolina beat Navy in a very nail biting game. Go Cocks! We had a delicious pork loin, green beans and roasted potatoes for dinner, followed by more football to round out the night. Sunday, it was still dreary, we were not able to go out on the boat before we had to head home. Sunday afternoon, we went to Will's friend's 30th birthday party. We had a great time catching up with his college buddies and their wives and kids. Last night, we were invited over to Will's parents for family game night. We had a wonderful evening, and it was nice not to have to cook or buy dinner after being gone all weekend. Usually on Sunday nights, we play trivia, I kind of missed that, but we will resume next week.

Monday: Chicken Alfredo and salad
Tuesday: Chicken Poppy seed Casserole from King's Market on Edisto Island and limas.
Wednesday: Pork chops with rice and corn
Thursday: St. John's Connections
Friday: My Birthday Party Dinner! (I don't know the location, Will is trying to keep it a surprise)
Saturday: Tailgating for the USC vs. Vandy game
Sunday: Trivia at Pizza Joint

Hope everyone has a great week! My birthday week starts soon...count down is one week from tomorrow...the big 3-0!!

I am so ready for FALL!

Enough of the stifling heat already!! This summer has been one of the hottest on record. The couple of weeks have offered a glimpse of fall...cooler morning temperatures! However, the highs have still been in the upper eighties and nineties. The forecast for the weekend...wait for it.....the 70's!!!! I can't wait!! Will and I will be at Edisto this weekend...perfect beach weather!
I have been reading the newest Southern Living with all of the apple and fall recipes! My favorite time of year to bake. Last week, I baked the Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake, and I plan on making the Apple-Butterscotch Brownies to take with us to the beach.
Some of my other favorite things about the fall:

Candy Corn

Fall Foliage

Coats! If you know me, you know that I have an extensive collection. I can't wait to wear them!

I also, love Thanksgiving! Spending time with family is so precious to me. The whole holiday season beginning with Thanksgiving going through Christmas and New Year's is magical!

Oh yeah, and there is football!

Happy Almost Fall, Y'all!!

Monday Meal Plan and Weekend Wrap Up

Wil and I had a great weekend spent with friends. Friday night we had a meeting to attend. We went out for drinks afterwards at Henry's. We snagged seats in the lounge area and had a relaxing evening. Saturday, Will had to work in the morning and I had errands to run. I made this amazing cake from the cover of this month's Southern Living.


Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Saturday afternoon, we went over to Will's parents to watch the first half of the Clemson game. From there, we went over to some friends' house to watch part of the Carolina game. We had one last stop for the night at more friends' house to watch the second half of the Carolina game and the Richmond race. What a busy, fun-filled day! (By the way, Clemson, Carolina, and Harvick won! A happy day of sports in our household!)
Sunday began with a welcome back breakfast at church. They served a wonderful breakfast and had a ministry fair of all activities going on this fall. After church, we came home and made our meal plan and grocery list for the week. We went grocery shopping then to a 9/11 memorial service in the afternoon. We concluded the evening with trivia at Pizza Joint...our favorite Sunday funday activity!

Monday: Rotisserie chicken, baked sweet potato, and limas.
Tuesday: Chicken alfredo pasta and salad
Wednesday: Will has a meeting; I will be eating leftovers (probably make chicken nachos)
Thursday: Pork chops, rice, and corn
Friday-Saturday: We will be at Edisto with my parents
Sunday: Trivia at Pizza Joint

I hope everyone has a great week! I am looking forward to the weekend--Edisto with the fam!

Weekly Meal Plan

Will and I are back from a fun-filled weekend in Durham with the Millers. We had a blast spending time with the kids and their wonderful parents.
We got back late Monday afternoon and Will's mom graciously invited us over for dinner, so we didn't have to cook.
Tuesday: Tonight I made homemade potato soup with ingredients we already had at home.
Wednesday: Movie night with our living social fandango tickets. We will grab a light dinner out.
Thursday: Will has a meeting at his Masonic lodge and I have a Junior League meeting.
Friday: We have a meeting to go to that includes dinner.
Saturday: We have plans to watch the Richmond race with friends.

Hope everyone has a great week! Although it is a short work week, it just means you have to cram in extra work on the days you have.

Weekend Look-Ahead

I am super pumped about the long weekend ahead! My office closes at noon on Friday and will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. Will and I have plans to travel up the road to Durham, NC. We will be visiting the precious Miller Family. I nannied for the family's four adorable children for just over a year. The two older boys were in pre-school and I stayed home with the infant twins. I love them with all of my heart. They moved from Columbia to Abilene, TX and then to Durham, NC. I am glad they are a bit closer now. I can't wait to spend the long weekend with them!



The twins: my flower girl and ring bearer

The Miller Family

Monday Meal Plan

For the second week in a row, Will and I stuck to our weekly meal plan. It has really helped us focus on our week, and in the process, save money. We definitely have cut back on eating out. I have been taking my lunch to work rather than going out to eat. This week is going to be a little bit difficult to plan. Will has meetings on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. The only real night we have to plan for is Wednesday.

Monday: Will-meeting; Caroline-salad Will stayed home-Pork chops, mac and cheese, and green peas (from last weekend's meal idea that we didn't cook
Tuesday: Will-meeting; Caroline-sandwich
Wednesday: Homemade 3-Cheese Manicotti and salad
Thursday: Will-meeting; Caroline-takeout

We will be out of town this weekend, so we won't be able to plan ahead for meals. Hopefully next week Will will be home more, and we can plan some yummy dinners in!

Wow! Time flies...

When you are busy!! I can't believe it has been over a month since I last posted. We have been busy bees lately.
What all has happened since my last post...
I spent the last weekend in July at Edisto with my parents, my best friend and her parents, and some other friends of our parents. It was a wonderful relaxing weekend away. Will and some of the guys, including my best friend's husband, spent that weekend in Atlanta going to a Braves game. They had a great time, as well.

In other exciting news, Will and I are starting the process of of selling/renting our townhouse and buying a new-to-us single-family house with a yard. We have met with a realtor friend and a recommended mortgage company. We definitely have our work cut out for us getting everything in order to officially start the process. We are pretty sure that we are going to rent out our townhouse and buy a new home. Stay tuned for for more information in the coming months regarding house stuff. Needless to say with us trying to get everything in order, we have mandated a strict budget in our house/lives.

A couple of weeks ago, I volunteered at Mission 2011 at the Carolina Colliseum. This was a great experience. I look forward to helping out again next year. The next day, my family celebrated my youngest sister's graduation from the University of South Carolina! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

This past Saturday, Will and I, along with my parents and family friends walked in the William Wilson Memorial 5k. This event has been held the past two years in memory of William Wilson, a family friend. William passed away after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle on Devine St. We also got to spend time with my aunt, uncle, and cousin from Virginia on Sunday! We had a meal and evening together. Wish we got to see them more often!
Other than those few fun events, we have just been spending time with family and friends, and working of course!
Along with our budget, came the need to plan meals. Will and I have planned evening meals for the past two weeks. We sat down on Saturday or Sunday and plan our meals for the week. We look at what we already have at home in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. We then make our grocery list for the things we need. I find coupons for those items on my list. I use a variety of resources for collecting coupons: Southern Savers, the Sunday paper, and coupons.com are all great!

Week 1:
Saturday: Grilled chicken, sweet potato fries, and lima beans
Monday: Chicken alfredo and salad
Tuesday: Pork chops, rice, and green peas
Wednesday: Tacos (ground turkey)
Thursday: Turkey Burgers, crinkle fries, and grilled asparagus
(weekend nights will not be planned, we will just not slurge too much eating out)

Week 2:
Monday: Chicken tenders on Caesar salad
Tuesday: Caroline out/Will sandwich or leftovers
Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed potatoes, and limas
Thursday: Pancakes/Waffles and Bacon/Sausage
Weekend Meal: Pork chops, mac and cheese, and corn

We have actually done really well sticking with our meal plans. I hope we can continue to do so. I think it helps to do our one weekly grocery shopping trip and have everything we need for the week. I hope we can keep up our good work and routine.
Hope ya'll have a good rest of the week!

Hey Friends...

Hey! I hope you all haven't missed me too much in the last week. Busy, busy! Our week days are filled with full work days, exercise (hopefully), cooking dinner (hopefully), and relaxing. They are really not that exciting and news worthy. Actually we did have a fun, impromptu date night last Tuesday night. We went and saw the movie "Bad Teacher". It was funny, but not the best funny movie I have ever seen. I'm glad we didn't pay full price. I had purchased a Living Social deal for Fandango for 2 movie tickets for $9. We would laugh at a scene then it would be several minutes/scenes later that we would laugh again. You know what I mean, it wasn't continually funny. None the less, it was terrible.
So, on to our much more interesting weekend:
Friday Night: Will and I went over to my parents for pre-dinner drinks, then out to dinner at Cantina 76, a great local upscale Mexican restaurant. We called it an early night and went home to watch our newest fascination on Netflix, How I Met Your Mother. I can't believe we never watched this fabulous show before. I think they are getting ready to be in their seventh season. We are half way through Season 1 and absolutely love it! I hope we can catch up in the next couple of months before the new season starts. If not, we will DVR it and watch it when we do get caught up.
Saturday was spent at the pool with my precious "babies". I spent a year nannying for a fabulous family and their 4 children. I spent my days taking care of the youngest two, twins! After they moved away, we kept in touch and remained close. The twins were the flower girl and ring bearer in our wedding. They are now 5 years old and still adorable! They came to spend the day with me while their parents dropped the older two boys off at summer camp. We had a fun day at Chick-Fil-A and the pool. Saturday night, Will and I attended the wedding of two of our friends. The ceremony was gorgeous and the reception was fabulous! We partied the night away at 701 Whaley and afterwards at Nightcaps.
Sunday...suppose to go to church with my family and the family of the twins (from Saturday). I texted my mom when my alarm went off and politely declined the church invitation. I went back to sleep. I woke up again at 11:30, because we had plans to go to my parents' for lunch after church. Needless to say I didn't feel so hot from all of the activities the night before. Hangover is an understatement for the way that I felt. It was like death warmed over. We got to parents' for lunch and I promptly laid down on the couch and didn't hardly move the whole time we were there. After a brief stay, we went home and I went right back to sleep until 4:30 that afternoon. At that point, I was feeling a little better. I could at least sit up and not feel dizzy and nauseous. I had a light dinner, watched a little TV, and went back to sleep for the night. I actually felt pretty good Monday morning. I was glad because I surely could not have gone to work the day before. What a night! I haven't felt that bad in a couple of years. I hope that won't happen again for a long time! We sure did have a good time though, it makes it almost worth it.

Weekend Recap

We enjoyed yet another wonderful summer weekend! The weekend consisted mostly of eating and spending time with family.

Friday night: Dinner at Pawley's Front Porch with Will's family...yum! Will is trying to achieve greatness and get a knife on the wall with his name on it. In order to reach this goal, he must eat every burger on the menu (12, I think). He has eaten 4 over the last few months.

Saturday: We got an early start on Saturday morning with a yummy Chick-fil-a breakfast. The plan was for us to help Will's brother Andy's fiance move from her apartment to a rental house. This endeavor took until the early afternoon. We had a late lunch from Zaxby's. I love their Caesar salad! After lunch and some rest, I went to our neigborhood pool for some exercise and sunning. We had a quiet evening in watching the race and eating some yummy homemade chocolate/peanut butter chip pancakes!

Sunday: We got up early and headed to our favorite breakfast place, Bruches, before church. After church, we headed to check the Mast General Store which has recently opened in Columbia. They have a some really neat stuff! Next, we headed towards the Publix to do our weekly grocery shopping. On the way, we stopped at on of our new favorite spots, Yummilicious, for a fun lunch! We then enjoyed more afternoon pool time! We concluded the evening by having dinner at our fav pizza place, Pizza Joint. Oh,  what fun, summer days!

Happy Birthday America!

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!! Will and I had a fabulous time with friends and family. We started off the weekend on Friday night by going to dinner at the Village Idiot, one of our fav pizza places in town. Great food and beer, even better prices!!



On Saturday, we spent the day relaxing and tiding up the house. We went over to our dear friends' house that evening to watch the race. I will admit to being a Kevin Harvick fan. I know he doesn't always win, that's ok with me, as long as he finishes ahead of Jimmie Johnson!

Kevin Harvick is sponsored by Budweiser- what says "I love America" more than Budweiser!

Sunday was another day spent with family and friends at the home of dear family friends. We spent the afternoon poolside enjoying each others' company and a huge feast! The menu included: BBQ pork, ribs, chicken wings, rice, hash, potato salad, fruit salad, green beans, corn on the cob, and desserts galore!
We rounded out the weekend by spending more time with more friends at their house. The have recently gotten a pool and invited all of us over to celebrate America!! After we left there, we went out to the Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert. This was a first for me. Great peaches and people watching!

We ended the evening of the 4th by watching the NBC Macy's Fireworks special. It was a great show- amazing fireworks!! I can only image how much that cost to put on. I guess it's kinda sad that we never saw any real fireworks over the weekend, but we sure did hear them from our house every night.
I do love long weekends...except the going back to work part!

Back to the grind

First off, Will's birthday bash was a huge success! We had a great time celebrating with family and friends!

Table-Scape

Me and the Birthday Boy

Beer Pong Table- built by Will, his brother, and his dad. Painted by me, Will, and his brother and sister. The floating beer pong table idea was replaced by this creation.

After the party was all said and done, we headed to Edisto! We had a wonderful vacation with my family. The weather was HOT, but a great time was had by all!! We relaxed alot, we ate alot, and enjoyed each other's company. It was so nice not to have anything particular to do. I read 3 books and soaked up some rays! We went for late afternoon boat rides in the creek and walks on the beach.

Lazy Beach Pup

Boat Ride

Photo Op before Dinner at the Old Post Office

We got home from the beach on Friday afternoon. We spent the day acclimating ourselves back into reality. Vacation sure does suck the life out of you. I am glad we had the whole weekend to recoup before going back to work today. Saturday night we celebrating my good friend Blair's birthday at one of our new favorite restaurants, The Pizza Joint. We had a fabulous time with friends, as always! On Sunday, we got up for church and spent the rest of the day relaxing.
Oh, I did finally make it back to the gym Saturday morning- it kicked my butt! Will and I did some water exercises/aerobics yesterday- that is a great workout! I will definitely be taking advantage of our neighborhood pool for exercising! I have heard that 20 minutes of walking in the pool equals 40 minutes of walking on land. That works for me! You can definitely feel the resistance walking in the pool.
So, it's back to the grind this week before the long 4th of July weekend! We will be celebrating with dear family friends at their pool.  For now, I'm just working for the weekend!!

Vacation Begins Today!!

The day has finally come....VACATION!! Well, technically we aren't leaving for the beach until Sunday. No work until next Monday!! There one important event standing in the way of vacation, though. Will's fabulous pool party bash on Saturday night! The last minute plans are finally coming together and I think we are all set. There will be some last minute decorating and burger grilling before the festivities begin tomorrow evening. I'm very excited to share the night with my husband and our friends to celebrate his birthday!!
Then, off to the beach we go on Sunday after lunch (which will be spent with Will's parents for Father's Day)! Will and I went to dinner with my dad last night to celebrate at Travinia. We had a wonderful meal and even better conversation. We will celebrate with my step-dad when we get down to Edisto on Sunday. Looks like we have a fun, busy weekend ahead...then a nice, relaxing week at the beach!!

Photo by Susan Roberts

Playing Catch Up

I know it's been a while since my last post. Here is why...I have been a busy girl!

I had a wonderful weekend at the Isle of Palms and Charleston celebrating with friends for a bachelorette weekend. Friday night, we went to Coconut Joe's for cocktails. After a few drinks, we went back to the beach house and cooked dinner- Mexican! We had a great evening hanging out at the house. Saturday was a lazy day of laying out on the beach. Saturday night, we geared up to head downtown Charleston for dinner and drinks. Our party bus picked us up and we headed to dinner at Tommy Condon's.

All of us girls before getting on the party bus.

After dinner, we walked a few blocks to Mad River Bar and Grille and Market Street Saloon. We had a great night celebrating Anna and her upcoming nuptials.

Yesterday was Will's birthday! We celebrated by going to dinner at Solstice Kitchen.
1. We had a Groupon.
2. They have a great weeknight special- $25 3-course menu.

We are looking forward to celebrating Will and his 30th birthday more this weekend at his pool party!

COUNTDOWN to VACATION = 3 WORK DAYS!!!

Planning Will's 30th Birthday Bash!!

Will's 30th birthday is next week!! We are having a huge pool party for him next Saturday at our neighborhood pool.

Our Neighborhood Pool and Cabana

He has already gotten one of his gift's from me in preparation for the the big event:

Weber One Touch Copper Grill


 He also wants this:

Inflatable Beer Pong Table

I still have to finish planning the menu and decorations. I also need to figure out what kind of cake to bake. It will be some kind of chocolate cake, because to him, birthday cakes have to be chocolate.
I love these pieces from Target:

Napkin and Silverware Caddy



Metal Tub

I love the multi-colored stripes. They go perfectly with the invitations I got for the party, which are turquoise and navy.

Party Invitations- I printed them myself using a fun, navy blue font.

I think I will bring in more turquoise and navy with the table decor, as well. I have to keep it as manly as possible, to keep the hubby happy! Stay tuned for more party planning fun...




2 weeks until VACATION!!!

I am so looking forward to my week's vacation at Edisto. Two weeks of work until a much needed week off. Until then, I will work this week and have a little weekend mini-vacation at the Isle of Palms for a friend's bachelorette party. Then, its back to work for the week, while celebrating Will's 30th birthday, my step-mom's birthday, my brother-in-law's birthday, and Father's Day. It actually looks like it will end up being a busy two weeks before the grand prize....a week at Edisto!!

Our house

View from the porch- gazebo and beach



Back to Life, Back to Reality...

Will and I had a fabulous long weekend!! We spent time on the boat and the beach. A little too much sun actually, but fun none the less. Coming back to work today was a little harder than a regular weekend. I think long weekends tend to do that. We got back from the coast yesterday afternoon, unpacked and got laundry started. We went to see The Hangover Part II last night. It was hilarious, although not quite as good as the first one. All in all a great weekend with family and friends!

Sunset over the marsh

Bennett's Point Landing and B&B Seafood

Sunshine and Summertime!

I am so looking forward to a long weekend on the coast!! Will and I will be going with my family to Bennett's Point, a small getaway in the A.C.E. Basin. My step-dad and some of his buddies bought a little concrete block fishing/hunting cabin aptly named "Mosquito Creek Hunt Club" at Bennett's Point in the late '70s. I have grown up going down for weekends like Memorial Day and 4th of July. We go down there with friends and have a great time. The house itself is less than desirable to stay in, but the company and memories make up for the lack of luxury. During the day, we go out in the boat to a little island called Otter Island. One side of the island is near Bennett's Point and the back side of the island faces Edisto Beach, another love of mine. The atmosphere out on Otter Island is very "Redneck Yacht Club." Lots of people, boats, and coolers. It's a blast!! I can't wait to escape after a short day of work tomorrow and spend the weekend in one of my happy places!!



I want to go back...

Will and I honeymooned in the Riviera Maya in Mexico at a fabulous resort called El Dorado Casitas Royale. I am dying to go back. It is obviously only a wish, seeing as it is expensive, and we are living on a very tight budget right now (due to my car troubles). We had the most wonderful time enjoying the beach, pools, bars, and restaurants. We took a day trip to the ruins at Tulum. We met some friends who were also honeymooners. We had a blast! I would love to go back again sometime by ourselves or with our friends from home.