The Wedding

One of my best friends got married this past weekend. I have know her since i was 4 years old. We were the only two from out high school to go to Auburn and really she is just very dear to me. She got married on St Simons Island (island number 2). It was the most beautiful wedding that I have ever been too. And I really am not just saying that because I love her very much, and I have been to some wonderful weddings. there were a few minor things that i would change - but not many. So I will give you a few pics:

First the church was the most beautiful church I have ever seen:
And then where our flowers....

And of course the bride.....



(her veil was monogrammed.... yes we are southern)

And let me tell you... her family knows how to get down. The Band of Oz was great! And since the wedding was at 5 there was plenty of time to dance dance dance!

There was a beer and bit Thursday night - instead of a sip and see so they didn't have to lug the gifts to the beach which was fine with me.

Friday we had a brides maids luncheon and the rehearsal. Now the rehearsal - the guys had golfed all day and had a few beers. Most where respectful but there was one that was not. I think that may be the biggest understatement of the world. He was so wasted at the rehearsal that he could barely stand up and he started mocking the minister. Thats right mocking the minister. The groom told him that if he acted like that tomorrow that he would be observing the wedding and will not be participating. That night at dinner his wife lead into him - she is very straight laced and it was like the old Joe came out. It was bad. thankfully he straightened up for the actually wedding but we all had a few doubts.

anyway i need to get a good night sleep so i can tackel the stack of work i came back too. more updates tomorrow.

loveliness

Sorry for being MIA - but I took a week of vacation... if you didn't know your google reader does not count after 1000 unread feeds. It simply says "1000+" so it is going to be a while for me to get through them all. But one of these days when I get caught up on all of my work I will get to them.

So what did i do for a week.... i went island hopping... not at glamorous as it sounds but it was WONDERFUL. First I was at Isle of Palms - i was just there but this time I took a few pics. First where i had my morning coffee while everyone else was still sleeping (internal alarms blow).
And then this is the bedroom that i stayed in, i like to call it the Auburn room (WDE). But i must say these are two colors that I would not normally put together but just lovely!

The second island is to come.... and a wedding and a late night beach story.... yeah I know how

Cliché but it was a fantastic time!!

Empty Nest

Sunday night my youngest brother graduated from High School. It was the first time our whole family has been together for an event since Christmas so we were able to get some cute family photos. But it is just so weird that my baby brother is going to be living on his own! Not to mention that he is going to be the 7 hours from home and he leaves to start summer school in less then a month at Ole Miss. I am more in fear of how Mother Mary will be handling this because I cannot handle spur of the moment to trips from her. Hopefully she will visit Middle brother at Auburn and not head down to Florida.

Anyway she now proudly has an Auburn and Ole Miss sticker on her car.

beating a dead horse

Do y'all ever feel like your life is going in a circle? I can honestly say that the past 9 months I have been living in Limbo. I feel like I tell my friends the same story over and over again - which I am tired of my own story! Work - work out - sleep - repeat. (sometimes I skip the workout - oops)

What has been the most frustrating is that I have been ready to move - SO READY - last summer I went to visit a friend living in Manhattan and ever since i have been dying to mover there. I want to live in that environment, the city that never sleeps.

In the consulting world it is typical to change projects multiple times a year - I have been on the same project for TWO YEARS and I am so over living in Tallahassee. I am ready to be closer to family and friends .... life. So when I was talking to HR I was in the process of rolling off the project that I am currently on to a project in Portland, OR but that all came to a screaching halt. I have been used and abused on this project. So Monday i finally stood up for myself. I asked to be put on travel. Well not all the way but some of it. I aske for half my rent to be paid and to be reimbursed miles. Which that ends up being about $1200 more dollars a month and I got it approved. I am having a dance party in my office!!! So I was extended untill the end of september (read: 13 monthes later then expected) and it seems like there is going to be more opportinites if i just hold on tight....

lovely lamps

Today I was browsing my reader (while I was supposed to be working) when I stumbled upon a profile of Christopher Spitzmiller at All the Best. Living in an apartment has me addicted to lamps. The over head lighting leaves a lot to be desired and I have been in search for some new lamps. Not that i can afford even the cheapest lamp from Christopher Spitzmiller i can still day dream. These red ones are great that Ronda has are so stinking cute!!!
or this silver in a similar shape in a room at Todd Alexander Romano:

Or even these pink ones....

Plywood.... who knew!?!

A while back Jennifer blogged about a lovely plywood wall. I must say that I hasn't totally floored by the idea until recently. Who knew that such an inexpensive material could be turned into something so chic!

I cannot remember for the life of me where I snagged this picture form but I think it is fabulous. The plywood is applied in squares with the grain altering. AND there are finishing details such as a floor board - and crown molding would be a must for it to look like a finished project and not just a DIY gone wrong. I was thinking maybe one wall of a study or mudroom.

Craft update.

A while back I talked about mimicking a paining that I found online. Well since I have a new camera I can now show you what I have done... YAY.

So this is what I painted:

I haven't decided what to do with them yet... or if i even like them but there they are.


I also was inspired by an Athens local artiest: Cecil Allie. I have been searching to find some of her art work online - but I have failed. She is known for her 'chicks' and flowers. It is folk art. my feeling on art is that it has to speak to you... that's it. It does not have cost a lot of money or be technically sophisticated.
Since I am trying to be especially frugal - I tried my hand at a C.Allie inspired artwork. It is a watercolor - and most of cecil's are acrylic and on scrap wood. But I tried.

My other find... yard sale find that is a 8x10 - I wasn't there early but people didn't know what they were missing and the owner didn't know what she had. So I snatched it up.... it was a single red guinea, but not just any guinea is was a Cornbread. Loud and Proud right on the front it displayed the name Cornbread.

I got this guinea for $5.00. SHOCK and AWWW.... I didnt negoticae the cost. Similar paintes are for same for around $200.00. Needless to say I was thrilled.

Cutting edge

.... Well kind of.

I don't know about you but I tend to be a few steps behind when it comes to the latest technology. I don't have a blackberry (I am getting one when i need and upgrade), I got an ipod 2 years ago - which was about 2 years after everyone else and i have had the same camera for 5 years - i used it for one. I haven't uploaded photos in years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME! I got a new camera - and it is a touch screen. oohhahhh.

so here I am on the edge - new camera with a touch screen. I am going to test it out pronto!!

2 YEARS!?!?

My lovely co-worker (whom also went to my alma mater) proceeded to inform me that we graduated from college exactly 2 years and 1 day ago today. I couldn't help but feel a bit old. It is weird to me that college is becoming somewhat of a distant memory. I can no longer tell people in the workplace that I "recently graduated from college" because 2 years is not exactly recent.

I remember the day that I graduated college. I had my first job lined up and thought I was making a lot of money. I had all these plans. I had a boyfriend whom I thought I was going to marry. Boy how time can change things! I am now single and independent. I bitch at the taxes that get taken out of every paycheck. Paying rent each month is like the biggest kick in the balls.

If there is one thing about college that I could get back, it would be my impulsiveness. In college I would take risks without calculation. It seems that in these 2 years I have somehow lost that ability to take risks. For example, I would love to drop everything and move abroad for a year. If you asked me to do this when I was 21, I didn't/wouldn't have thought twice about it. In fact, I did study abroad and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Now the thought of moving abroad is too expensive, too risky, etc. etc.

So now it raises the question...is it possible to take 'calculated risks' or is it all or nothing?

NOT OKAY

I work in an office with a lot of pregnant women. I can say that in my walk downstairs to cafeteria for breakfast this morning, I passed 3 pregnant ladies. It really pains me to have something against a pregnant person because I really want to be happy for them. However, it is not okay for pregnant ladies to wear empire waisted dresses that are not made for maternity!!! I realize that everything out in the stores not is a bit more "flowy" than it used to be. And I also realize that we are in a recession and people really do not want to buy too much.
I wish I had my phone so I could take a picture of this fashion feux-pa that was taking place but let me just try to help you visualize what I saw. She had on a dress like this, and it was almost like she was trying to squeeze a basketball underneath her dress. What she did not realize, was that her dress was not only pulling in the front, but also in the back. You literally could see her panty line and all the glory from the back!

I just want to say that there are several low cost options that would have been more suited than trying to fit a circle inside a square. Target and Old Navy make adorable and affordable maternity clothes. How cute is this!?

Old Navy: $24.50!

Literally Smells

This past weekend I went to Prattville, AL to see my friends new life, home, job, friends for one of her wedding events.

All I have to say is.... I.COULDN'T.DO.IT!

First - not to be a snot - but the only people I talked to the entire weekend who had graduated from college were teachers. No one else.

Second - it smells. all the time. There is a paper mill in Prattville therefore the entire town stinks. My friends new house has a pool out bad were we enjoyed most of our Saturday and i could parly handle sitting out there.

Finally - every one is married with a baby on the way. As i have blogged earlier i am NOT ready for babies. The town is for people who want to live a 'simple' life. We went 'out' saturday to a bunker... cement walls..... yeah... enough said.

What is her Sign?

I need to write a full post about last weekend but I honestly have not had time. But I will say it was a blast. I couldn't get enough! Isle of Palms was a wonderful break and I stayed as last as I could and didn't get home until about midnight and had to work the next day. The weather was fantastic and I was even about to get in a workout Friday and Saturday morning.

This is what makes boys cluesless....

As I posted earlier we are going play the game where you ask the guy questions and see how many the bride to be gets right. Well one of the questions was 'What is her sign?' - Bo was confused - and the responce was 'Stop'.

Brutally Honest

The one thing about me that all of my friends will say is that I will tell them the truth. Brutally Honest. I will not just say that what you are wearing is ugly or that I don't like your boyfriend but if you ask - expect my honest opinion. One of my coworkers can in to the office with a true butt cut. she had short hair and her bangs are growing out so she is trying to figure out how to handle the 'I need a hair cut' stage. She asked if I liked it - my response was 'I like it the other way much better'. If you don't want to know my opinion don't ask because I am not going to say what you want to hear. I am going to say what I think.

I started to make a list of things that I will never say are 'OK'

First - I think these should be banished for anyone over the age of 8. The Mini Backpack. They are not flattering and if it isn't that heavy/big then carry a normal purse.It makes you look like a 'Fat Guy in a little coat'

My second is the shoes with the straps around the ankle. Unless you are super skinny (PS you suck) and want to make your legs look bigger then shoes with straps around the ankle are OUT!

Rock

Suck

I tend to vote for a long and slender over short and fat. Maybe I am odd but I just hate them - can't help it. As my arty friends would say 'they don't speak to me' so I will pass and would tell you to as well.


And the past two days - I have seen Both of these way way way too many times. The strapped shoe is more common but the mini backpack - people please!

Music to my Ears

The weather in the ATL has been absolutely beautiful these past few days. I would even venture to say that it is getting hot here in what some call "Hotlanta" (read: most Atlantans make fun of people who say this, but I thought it was fitting). Since the weather is getting warm, one of my most favorite things to do is ride in the car, with the windows down, sun roof open and listen to my favorite summer jams.

I like to think that everyone has one jam that they listen to when their windows are down. A "summer" song or album. My summer album is Garth Brooks' Double Live album. I think I love this album for warm weather driving because it reminds me so much of my college days. I can remember blasting "Calling Baton Rouge" and "Two Pina Coladas" during many spring breaks in college. "Friends in Low Places" is a song that nearly everyone would belt out during parties.

It is funny how when I am in the car I can put on my music and day dream or remember things from the past. It must be because I am always battling Atlanta traffic and have the time on my hands! I always say that every summer there is one hit song that it is stuck in everyone's head. Last summer it was the "I Kissed a Girl Song". Though, I'm not one to kiss girls, I did think that song was catchy. I wonder what the hit song of the summer will be this year....

People are starting to think I am crazy.

Truth be told: I am not really crazy. But over the past year I have been over emotional. I don't know why I have suddenly been so emotional. Today - I hit my low. I was at the gym spending some quality time on the elliptical and the end of a tennis tournament was on the TV. I have not been watching the tournament, I have no idea who the lady is who won. What I know is that she started cry, gave her parents hugs and the commentary was about how that this was her first major win and having a player show their emotion for all their hard work was very refreshing. So I started too. Crying that is.... at the gym.... YEAH what the hell is wrong with me?!? And I have to tell you this is the second time this week!!! First time was Tuesday, while watching the biggest loser (which was not a good one to workout to - makeover week). But the brown team, father and Son, got to see their wife/mom and son/brother after the had the makeover. The brother that is not on the show is large and he was upset because he felt left out, in his words 'now he is the big one.' He was upset. And he and his brother had a touching moment and I started to cry. CRAZY. I used my sweat towel to wipe my face so that hopefully the people working out around me wouldn't look at me like I am crazy. This is something that has come over me this past year and the only reason that I can point to that caused my overly emotional self.

Almost a year ago a very dear family friend suffered a AVM rupture. She is 27, married, at the time had 6 month old son (he is now 1 and a half) , actress/model, God loving, generous kind woman. Not to get into too many details it is basically like she has a stroke. And after a 16 hour surgery, she miraculous survived. If you would like to read about her story visit this site. It may give you a little different perspective on life.
But anyway her mom started a blog as well.... this is when Southern Belle 1 changes into crazy person at work. That's right - at work. When this first started I was in a cube where there was no privacy and I would have to choke back the tears. Now when she writes a blog I just shut my office door and pretend that I am on the phone. You know like any other will behaved employee. I will say this though it helps me have a more realistic perspective on the day.

Anyway..... I think people are starting to think I am a crazy crier!

It's her party

I am counting it down.. in less then 2 week I will be enjoying a lovely weekend at Isle of Palms, SC for one of my best friends from high school's bachelorette party. Not only is it going to be a much needed break for work... because i do that too much... but it will also be a fantastic time catching up with great friends.

Being to domestic goddess that I am, I have been trying to plan the most economical and beautiful spreads for the weekend. I love party planning! Chicken Taco Salads and White Sangria for the first night and who knows what else.

My real problem is trying to come up with creative games to play on the night when we have the lingerie shower. Some of the game as SOOO LAME and while the bride loves games I still want them to be fun for everyone else as well. I think the games where you make the gowns out of tissue paper are will .... awful.

One game that we are going to do is ask the groom a set of questions before hand and then as the bride at the shower. For each that she misses she takes a shot.
Now keep in mind that one of the bridesmaids is the grooms younger sister. So we are trying to avoid the extreamly ackward moment. So the questions about.... What is the most public place that you ever had sex? What is his favorite position? ... will be removed.

But now I am drawing a blank. I need some more game ideas. Bride LOVES this shit and I got nada.

Do any of yall have shower games that were unique - easy to play - all around good fun?

Band of gold

I don't know if it is just my southern conservative upbringing but it really hurts my heart when married adults do not wear wedding bands. There are at least 3 men in my office that never wear a wedding band. I must say, if I was any of their wives I would be pissed. Again, maybe this is me just being southern conservative but i think it is a sign of disrespect to the women (or man) you have said you are going to spend the rest of your life with. Especially when you spend most of your time traveling for work - ie. staying in hotels, hanging out at bars, and not mentioning your wife. Am I just being over sensitive? I don't think so and it really bothers me. I know it shouldn't it is none of my business and it doesn't even affect my work - I can not help it. Get over it SB1!!
On the other hand, I was told in a bar by a guy recently that he is hesitant to talk to ladies that have a ring on their left hand at all. AT ALL!! I have a pearl ring I wear everyday on my left hand.... I love it.... something like this....


But I would not confuse this ring with an engagement ring. His response was that you never know these days.... well if you don't want to talk to be cause you are afraid that I am engaged or married then you aren't worth my time. enter cold hearted bitch mode*

I digress





My new jewelry obsession: Tiffany keys

I am in Love!

I might give myself a birthday present of the Crown key in stirling silver. But we will see....

Porches, Gifts, and Lamps, Oh My!

This past weekend I headed to my home town to attend a wedding shower for one of my oldest friends. It was lovely. The host’s home was very contemporary, which is not really my personal style but I can appreciate the design. But the Porch…. What a porch! I which I had taken more pictures – but here is the flavor….

This is just the covered area - it was seamlessly picture perfect. Needless to say I would be on the porch all the time! There was room for a ‘dance floor’ and two small bar set up and the gifts were placed in a wheel barrow (or around). The host, Sonia owns Sonia Says and used to be an interior designer. Well … it shows. Her eye for creativity was exemplified all over.

Next to the wheel borrow sat the gift that my family and another gave the Bride and Groom. And I must say ‘I want one!’ ….. Very badly. We found this one at a yard sale for a steal!
It was this lamp: But with a shade that looks like this (much better then the white above!)
It is a carerra marble table lamp - The first shape with the black shade.

Is it bad that the only reason that I would want to get married right now is for the gifts? Since, this is not a good enough reason to get married I'll just wait.

What I'm Wearing Today....

"You can never be to fat for your shoes"

I once heard these words of wisdom and I believe that they do in fact describe perfectly my infatuation with shoes. I could be completely discontent with my weight, but somehow, putting on a fabulous pair of high heel shoes instantly makes me feel sexy and confident.

I bought these fabulous shoes this weekend during a sale at Macy's. After seeing these wonderful Nine West heels in various ads, I stalked the internet until they went on sale. Luckily, I had been saving several gift cards from Christmas and was able to buy them without feeling guilty. I mean, after all, we are in a recession, and every purchase has to be thought out and planned. Ha.

Today, on this dreadfully dreary day in Atlanta, I am wearing my fabulous shoes, and I can say that I feel equally as fabulous. Even, though my hair is in a ponytail due to the bed head gods not giving me a break, it doesn't even matter because I've got jazz in my step.

A place to call my own

One of my categories that I have been saving for is my own home. I HATE PAYING RENT!!! My problem isn’t just that I want a $350k home for $150k but even more is that I don’t know what town I want to call home. Oh the life of a single consultant. I want something comfortable some like this...Except without the stroller..... I am so not ready for babies.... I am too selfish right now to take care of another life. I love being able to pass babies off to the appropriate mother when they make a fuss.

And getting back to how I got hooked on blogs.... Personal Finance blogs. I have been saving for some 'home' somewhere at some future date. My goal is to have a 10% down payment in 3 years. While I wish I was ready to buy a place now (buyers market people) I'm not. For so many reasons. I keep thinking maybe I should buy and investment property - beach house anyone?? - but that is just not realistic.


Anyway I found these shelves.

I was thinking how I could make them on my own and just started day dreaming about a house. If I had a house I would make these shelves but there is no point when I have no idea how long I am going to be living in this apartment.

I mean what do you think? They couldn't be that hard to make right? I recently read in southern living about an interior designer who hold the same 'college' mentality that I have. She sees and idea and thinks to herself how she can make it on her own or find something similar cheaper. I love this concept. While I have dreams of having Waterford decanter to sit around - there are some beautiful antiques on Ebay.
This is just not something that needs to be a reality for me right now but a girl can dream.

I feel like I am rambling - and it is late so I am going to call it a night. happy decorating!