Slow Saturdays

Slow is a relative term around here.  We run at the speed of chaos most days, but Saturday mornings afford us a few moments to slow down, catch up on the stack of 500 magazines, watch cartoons and drink PLENTY of coffee. 

After our trip to Napa last month, Dear Hubs and I are hooked on French Press coffee.  There's something more fancy glamorous about making coffee with this method than the traditional pot.  Not  to mention, it does indeed taste fab!  I bought my press on Amazon - easy to find and not expensive actually. 

My new mug is a gift to moi from moi, compliments of a little gift shop around here called elle b gifts.  I just adore the set!  That with a new copy of Food & Wine (a fave) magazine as well as many, many more are set for the reading. 

Once I conquer this leisure style for a few minutes, perhaps I'll set out on something more active today!  Hmmm... there are those oyster topiaries I need to make, that run I need to go on, those drapes I was considering starting, that work I needed to catch up on, the Charmed Life Kids that needs shipping and many more ideas on how to spend the morning.  Yep ... better get crackin!

Happy Saturday, y'all!

Spain (in 48 hours)

The past 2 months have been a blur thanks to planes and travel.  In addition to two wonderful vacations (that I'm behind on sharing), I've had work travel like it's well .... my job!  Dallas, Chicago, California ... the normal stops plus a last minute trip to Barcelona have kept me one very busy diva!

Here's a few snaps from my glorious, but short, trip to Barcelona.  Even though I don't speak a lick of Spanish today (working on correcting that with some training), I'd definitely consider some repeat visits!  I was there for meetings but was able to squeeze in a few site seeing stops, more food than my belly could take and the gracious hospitality of the local culture.  It was a great time as far as work goes for sure!

My journey started in Barcelona, where a new found friend and local colleague picked me up from the airport and whisked me north towards France.  We found our home for the next 24 hours in the Pyrenees mountains.  The tiny village was charming and warm.  Home to about 7,000 people, it's also the home of the business partner I was there to meet.  Picture a small, nice ski town in Colorado with far more old world charm.... that's it!

The village is nestled atop a hill and the views are absolutely breath taking, day and evening.  The hosts were oozing with Euro hospitality and we ate ourselves silly with meals that lasted far too long, eating way too much!  Details on those delish dishes later.

 

After a jet lagged day of meetings, we headed back to Barcelona to meet a few more partners and conduct some interviews.  By this point, I was determined not to return to Spain until I could speak SOME Spanish.  I felt like such an American not knowing anything to say but pointing like a wild woman at what I was trying to say.  Not to mention, my hosts had already told me that I look like what they expect "Americans to look like" for whatever that's worth.  And, then they proceeded to ask me if I was a Prom Queen, to which I laughed and realized that this "American look" must not be too terribly bad!  

 

Back in Barcelona, work wrapped up and we had a few hours to spare.  My local colleague was kind enough to stay and serve as my tour guide and interpretter for the remainder of the evening.  Sigh of relief for sure! 

 

Among our many, brief sight seeing stops in the city we ....

 

Went to the market to see the amazing displays of culinary wonders.  From cheeses, produce, meats of all kinds and sweets ... this market had everything you can imagine (and a few graphic meat related things I wish I could block out!).

 

 

We walked the crowded streets, oogling over the old architecture and charm.

 

 

We stood in awe (and me with my iphone camera) at the beautiful state buildings and cathedrals.  The architecture is a wonder.  I stand mesmorized every time I think about how difficult it must have been and how long it took to build these beautiful buildings back so long ago.

 

 

And this is where my tour guide likely thought I'd lost my mind ... I went from tourist to crazy lady, snapping pictures of the cute Halloween window display.  He could understand the buildings ... but the pumpkins ... a man will just never understand!

 

After a brief trip, I'm ready to start my language training in prep for a return visit.  Love, love, love it!

 

Happy Halloween

We celebrated the scariest day of the year in good style around these parts.  Baby B woke up and headed off to school (unusual for a Wednesday) to participate in the Halloween Parade.  It was the cutest darn thing to watch all of the preschool classes march their costumed selves around the balloon lined walk way outside the school.  Like a good mommy, I stood and froze my derriere off for a good 45 minutes waiting on the festivities (that's love). 

The original costume of choice for Baby B was Bam Bam from the Flintstones.  How cute would that have been - little boy running around with his baseball bat as he always has.  He would have just loved it.  Well, when temps were threatening near freezing range, the thought of a half naked baby was just too terrible to imagine.  And, if you toss tons of layers under his little Bam Bam costume ... it just wouldn't be cute (or make sense), so ... we pulled out the tried and true pumpkin suit!  The good news - it's warm and conducive to layers.  And thus, Baby B was a darling pumpkin, hat and all, this year!

When the walkers class finally surfaced, Baby B was proudly walking and holding the hand of one of his teachers.  He was so darn cute and all smiles as his adoring fans oggled over the cute littles in costumes.  All that was fine and good until he spotted mommy in the crowd.  Then, he made a bee line straight for me, which meant that to continue in the parade ... mommy joined the walkers class. 

 

After we did an elaborate bait and switch with one of the teachers, Baby B's day at school continued without a hitch.  He crafted and did all of the fun things that the walkers class does.  Proudly, he came home with a decorated pumpkin.  And, while I'm not sure if the oddly feathered two eyed (the other is under the feathers) pumpkin is a masterpiece or should be examined, I sure think it's just darling.

 

Once we completed our afternoon nap time, we headed over to sweet bestie A's house for a fall party prior to trick or treat.  Guest stops with a few other friends to say hello, Baby B officially trick or treated one or two houses and then marched himself home. 

 

 

I guess when the baby goes home, he's trying to tell you he's had enough?  The child seriously walked (and knew where to cross the street to get home) at least 5 houses with Dear Hubs chasing behind him.  When we arrived home and everyone shed layers of coats and costumes, we dined on BBQ chicken pizza and salad.  Zsa Zsa and Pops were on hand with a giant pumpkin shaped cupcake for Baby B to enjoy as well.  Enjoy he did (and cover everything in orange frosting!)!  Once bellies were all full, Baby B called it a night, surprisingly close to his normal bedtime too!   

All in all, it was a successful and fun Halloween.  Now, onto November for more festive events and fun!

Ten Years

It's hard to believe it was ten years ago today that Dear Hubs and I said our "I do's" at Primrose Cottage in Roswell.  It feels like only yesterday. but Lordy ... looking at the pics now - we looked like babies!  I guess it really has been 10 years! LOL. 

 

And today, these two senior citizen looking peeps are in Napa enjoying a GLORIOUS weekend in wine country.  Pics and juicy details are forth coming once I get the phone to synch! 

 

Happy Anniversary, Dear Hubs.  Thank you for ten wonderful years and for being an incredible husband and father.  Love you.

 

xoxo

b

 

 

Beach Baby

Saturday, we loaded up the car with enough stuff to move to a foreign nation for a few months.  No lie.  I know traveling with the little tot means carrying "stuff" for every situation, but lordy be ... this is some STUFF.  Two diva dogs, one tot and enough fixins' to stay for a long time.  That just might be the case!

A short drive later, and a shockingly swimmingly good experience with the gypsy tag alongs ... and we were in South Carolina at Hilton Head Island.  As a child, we vacationed here for years with Zsa Zsa and Dear Ole Dad.  Instantly as we came across the bridge, the old memories of the gold fish pond at the Mariner's Resort, the onion ring loaf at Damon's, the ice cream cones after mini golf and all sorts of related things came rushing back. 

This is the start of my beach chapter with my sweet Baby B.  Strategically (I'm nothing if not strategic), we waited until after the summer rush AND waited until we knew that Baby B was old enough and big enough that he would enjoy the experience.  At 14 months ... I'm convinced we timed it right!  We have a house here for the week.  Beachfront, big enough for an army and with our own pool.  We love it.  Since we knew it would be fun and "a first", Dear Hubs and I invited both sets of grands to join us.  Lala even made it down for a day or two here at the beginning. 

We played, we collected shells, we played some more, we watched waves, we splashed in waves and did just about everything possible to get ourselves completely sandy!  It took just a few split seconds at the beginning to get Baby B comfy with his giant sandbox!  Moments later, he was laughing and enjoying every minute of it.  Of course, two sets of doting grands, a sweet Auntie Lala and Dear Hubs and I were just all grins watching this little tot giggle, splash and enjoy every minute of it!

 

 

 
After hours at the beach, the tot ate like he had never seen food before.  Someone clearly worked up an appetite.  We ended the day with a bike ride and a low country boil.  Yep, I'd put this one in the success column!  He's definitely a beach babe!  Here's to blue skies and big fun this week - cheers y'all!  xoxo

I Heart Sevenly

Today, I'm sporting a super cute fitted chocolate brown V-neck t-shirt with my flared jeans and a khaki little jacket.  Yes, of course, I'm still wearing heels with it ... let's not be crazy.  It's casual, but thanks to the new dress code at work (so that we look and feel more like a "cool" technology company), it's totally appropriate.  The tee has a large swirly script phrase on the front that says "Live Life". 

While stylish, it's even better than that.  This tee was purchased and just arrived this week from an amazing company called Sevenly.  Each week, Sevenly offers a different t-shirt design to support a cause for people in need around the globe.  For seven days (get it), the tees are available and the proceeds are donated back to the cause.  The purpose is to drive awareness for the charity, do social good and provide financial support for the worthy causes that might otherwise go unnoticed.   

My tee supported an organization in China focused on saving the lives of baby girls that are at risk of being killed or abandandoned due to the cruel laws that limit the number of children a family may have.  I couldn't be prouder to have the chance to support this cause.

Now, I follow Sevenly on social media and their website.  I'm sure this is just the start of a very thoughtful addiction to new tees AND helping others!  Proud of Sevenly and the great works they do for social good around the globe!

    

The Long Weekend

Well we did our very best to fight the semi-gloomy weather and celebrate every last ounce of summer this long Labor Day weekend.  Friday kicked off just right with Mexican food with the fam.  I don't know what happened, but Dear Hubs and I looked at each other around 5 and proclaimed a hankering for all things cheese dip and taco! 

Saturday brought a day full of projects and the usual errands.  With a huge (and I do mean HUGE) organization project underway and nearing completion in the garage, we sorted, trashed and stuffed for what felt like hours.  Try doing all of that with a little that wants to hold power tools ... it 'aint that easy!  That evening, we joined friends for an end of summer fish fry.  The men folk had caught more than a ton of fish deep sea fishing and now, we all gathered to dine on the delicious fruits of the sea.  I was responsible for my signature hush puppies at the "bring a dish" event.  Oh, if only they all knew how simple that really was! 

Anywho, we dined until our bellies could hold no more and then we sat around like a bunch of beach whales watching the celebratory start of college football on tv.  Perfecto.

Sunday brought another day of projects along with a stop down to see Grand Nana (my Nana) for the fam.  We wrapped up the projects and called it a day early so we wouldn't dare be late for the big wedding event for C and B.  They were married in a beautiful Jewish ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead.  Bestie M served as the Matron of Honor and she made a lovely speach that just melted hearts.  The cake was a beauty and the white tree decor was really elaborate (and may need to be recreated in a some fashion for the holidays!).   Pardon the terrible pics with the iphone, did the best I could with the crazy lighting and minimal equipment! :)

Monday was D-day, that's delivery day around these parts.  We finished up every bit of the garage and I turned my attention to my new found craft storage in the basement.  It was shocking to try and organize my crafty wares only to realize I could (a) open my very own Hobby Lobby with all the junk I have saved up or (b) should go on a special crafting edition of that trainwreck show Hoarders!

After tossing a bunch of odds and ends, gathering a pile for charity and pronouncing myself organized; I turned my attenion to my inexpensive dresser and new Annie Sloan chalk paint.  Assuming this little thing turns out peachy, I will be painting a matching one soon for a very low cost night stand solution for our master.  Stay tuned.

On Sunday, Dear Hubs pronounced himself "a very useful engine" and I couldn't help but chuckle.  What on Earth did we do before having a little that is obsessed with Thomas the Train?  But yes, Dear Hubs ... I'd definitely agree!  We finished the day with homemade fish tacos and Georgia Tech football.  Besides the tight game ending in a loss, the weekend was proclaimed a success!



   

Let's all go to the movies

Every now and again, dear Hubs and I try to sneak away on a Saturday evening for a movie, good dinner out on the town or some other shenanigan.  This Saturday, with not much planning, we headed out for a few hours of fun.  Our original plan of going to the in-town prohibition styled hot spot of Holman and Finch was foiled by (a) poor planning and (b) a tired diva after CITY FINALS of USTA tennis and (c) a hangy that Dear Hubs was nursing from too much rye whiskey Friday night (the details of how that happened still seem fuzzy).

Anywho, our initial "big steak dinner" plans weren't well planned and fell apart the minute the hostess at a local fave spot claimed a 2 hour wait.  I don't know about y'all... but this diva does not wait 2 HOURS for any food.  I don't care what it is. 

So, after hemming and hawing, we settled on a quick Twisted Taco bite (which was delish) and the movie The Campaign.   After eating more queso and chips that our tummies could handle, we skipped the popcorn and settled right into our big oversized movie seats to be either really entertained or take a nap to sleep off those tacos!

We made it just in time to catch a few coming attractions that were classified by moi as either "so cute" or "creepy, scary... don't even think we will come see that".  After the "quiet please" clip that I swear hasn't changed since I was in middle school, the big show started.  Look, truth be told I'm a huge fan of Will Ferrell. He's so great.  This movie fell right into his wheel house and was just as priceless of every minute of Talledega Nights, Anchor Man, Old School ... you name it!  I looked over to find Dear Hubs almost in tears a few times.  If you love Will humor, you will like this flick.  If it's just so so ... it's definitely worth a rental!

charmed,
~b

The First Fete

Weeks of brainstorming, hours on pinterest and countless "wouldn't that be grand" sort of moments came together this past Saturday as we celebrated the dear sweet Baby B's first birthday.  Hard to believe that tot is a year old. 

His big day started with a celebratory donut for the special occassion.  Fear not, I didn't let him eat the entire thing, there was plenty more sugar where this came from!

We spent the afternoon playing on the new slide fort, a birthday gift from the grands and prepping the lawn for the extraordinary party to come!

Shortly before party time, we had a little thunder shower scare, so we set up for the party not once but twice!  Lordy me, we had good practice after the first setup / dry run and the second time was a snap. 

I'll share all the many cute details and the how to's over the coming days, for now ... enjoy these fun pics. 

For a party of about 60 guests celebrating Baby B's big first birthday, I planned a vintage lawn party with a Southern twist.  We wanted it fun for littles and bigs of all ages.  Dinner was catered by the Varsity food truck.  A band was on hand to sing silly songs and hits we all know.  Treats and cold beverages kept everyone full.  And games were played along the lawn to keep everyone busy. 

The invite set the tone for the event

Posing with our friend from the Varsity

Sweet Bestie M and Family

Buddy T and her boys enjoying Varsity treats

The truck arrives and we are ready for fun!

The line forming

Musical entertainment on the lawn

Cupcakes for guests and smash cake for B

It was a hit!

The sweets table

Dear Hubs and the Grand Dads

Bestie A and her fab fam from Charleston

Zsa Zsa

Enjoying the fun

Lollipop Time!

Wagon Pushing - who is doing the work here?

Happy Birthday, Baby B!

I promise more close ups but I'm beginning to feel like a proud grandma tossing books and books of pictures out here.  More to come!  Happy Birthday, my precious baby B!  xoxo