Wedding Day Fun

Wedding season is so fun, and while I'm concentrating on more interiors projects lately, I love the occasional wedding sprinkled in. Especially one for such a sweet friend. I had a ball over the past 6 months planning and shaping this beautiful event with the bride and her mother. I was honored to design and decorate the front entrance of the First Baptist Church here in Gainesville, GA. In addition, I tied bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres and a few nose gays for mothers and grandmothers. It was so fun, and I love the way it all turned out! 

Here I am with a car full of flowers, driving 5 mph at the 11th hour so that nothing wilted in this Georgia heat. Thankfully, by the 6:30 wedding time, things were cooler and nary a wilted hydrangea to be found! 

I used a mix of simple white and green flowers for the church exterior. Lots of hydrangea, cream roses, bells of Ireland, snap dragons, eucalyptus - and the stunner - gorgeous white phalaenopsis  orchids! They're so gorgeous!! 

At the ends of the railings, boughs of hydrangea, eucalyptus and orchid were tied to the green garland. 

The spray above the door was composed of orchid, roses and stock. It was worth me being on top of a 12' extension ladder! 

I flanked the church doors with white distressed urns (from my own wedding) that were positively stuffed with so much gorgeousness ....white and green with a hint of purple (to tie in the lavender used in the bouts). 

I love a picked-from-the-yard bout style. These were so sweet and fragrant with tulips, lavender and roses. Some of the tulips reaaaally opened during the afternoon heat and, well, they had to be plucked and left behind. ;)

I'll keep you guys posted with the photog's pics when they come out...I simply adored these bridesmaids bouquets and didn't get a great pic. A mix of eucalyptus, hydrangea, roses and peonies was perfect for this June wedding! 

An in-construction shot, in my basement work space. 

I'm always so thankful for David's help...he's my perfect assistant! I could never do it without his help - loading the car, keeping an eye on Henry, breaking down flower boxes. And my gosh, he's the most handsome date ever, to boot! I'm a lucky girl. 

We had a ball celebrating at the reception later that night! 

Wedding Day Fun

Wedding season is so fun, and while I'm concentrating on more interiors projects lately, I love the occasional wedding sprinkled in. Especially one for such a sweet friend. I had a ball over the past 6 months planning and shaping this beautiful event with the bride and her mother. I was honored to design and decorate the front entrance of the First Baptist Church here in Gainesville, GA. In addition, I tied bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres and a few nose gays for mothers and grandmothers. It was so fun, and I love the way it all turned out! 

Here I am with a car full of flowers, driving 5 mph at the 11th hour so that nothing wilted in this Georgia heat. Thankfully, by the 6:30 wedding time, things were cooler and nary a wilted hydrangea to be found! 

I used a mix of simple white and green flowers for the church exterior. Lots of hydrangea, cream roses, bells of Ireland, snap dragons, eucalyptus - and the stunner - gorgeous white phalaenopsis  orchids! They're so gorgeous!! 

At the ends of the railings, boughs of hydrangea, eucalyptus and orchid were tied to the green garland. 

The spray above the door was composed of orchid, roses and stock. It was worth me being on top of a 12' extension ladder! 

I flanked the church doors with white distressed urns (from my own wedding) that were positively stuffed with so much gorgeousness ....white and green with a hint of purple (to tie in the lavender used in the bouts). 

I love a picked-from-the-yard bout style. These were so sweet and fragrant with tulips, lavender and roses. Some of the tulips reaaaally opened during the afternoon heat and, well, they had to be plucked and left behind. ;)

I'll keep you guys posted with the photog's pics when they come out...I simply adored these bridesmaids bouquets and didn't get a great pic. A mix of eucalyptus, hydrangea, roses and peonies was perfect for this June wedding! 

An in-construction shot, in my basement work space. 

I'm always so thankful for David's help...he's my perfect assistant! I could never do it without his help - loading the car, keeping an eye on Henry, breaking down flower boxes. And my gosh, he's the most handsome date ever, to boot! I'm a lucky girl. 

We had a ball celebrating at the reception later that night! 

More of My Favorite Weeknight Meals

If you guys are like me, weeknight dinners need to be fun and fast. Especially if you're a mom.
My toddler keeps me busy, but my husband and I are a great team, and can get a meal together pretty quickly. Our go-to meal involves a protein like fish or pork with a few sides of veggies and a green salad. I love to cook, so I like to throw in some new recipes every now and then.

Usually, I grocery shop once per week, planning out my meals on Sunday evening. If a recipe calls for fresh produce, I will make a quick run to the grocery later in the week too.

Here are some of our favorite recipes as of late. Most are fast, and the fresher the produce, the better.

Hope you guys enjoy!

Pinterest's Blackberry Mozzarella Grilled Sandwiches
This was a HUGE hit! Super tasty!

Crab Omelettes
We eat a lot of eggs around here, and throwing in the crab made them feel extra special. A side of asparagus completed the plate!

Paleo No-noodle spaghetti
I loved this! The crock pot is so nice if you have time earlier in the day, but you know the evenings are tighter on time. And it makes your house smell so good!

GOOP'S Kale Guacamole

I will make this and we eat on it for a few days. If I come across a recipe that kale can be added, I try to make it - the super-food makes me feel like I can justify the Stacy's Pita Chips that pair so nicely with this dip. :) 

My Quinoa and Ground Turkey Taco-ish Soup

**I substituted ground turkey for ground beef, and added the quinoa to make this soup a bit more filling. 

We don't reserve this soup just for the cooler months, but rather cook it all year 'round. Its easy to freeze if you make a big batch, or to re-heat for tasty left overs. 

More of My Favorite Weeknight Meals

If you guys are like me, weeknight dinners need to be fun and fast. Especially if you're a mom.
My toddler keeps me busy, but my husband and I are a great team, and can get a meal together pretty quickly. Our go-to meal involves a protein like fish or pork with a few sides of veggies and a green salad. I love to cook, so I like to throw in some new recipes every now and then.

Usually, I grocery shop once per week, planning out my meals on Sunday evening. If a recipe calls for fresh produce, I will make a quick run to the grocery later in the week too.

Here are some of our favorite recipes as of late. Most are fast, and the fresher the produce, the better.

Hope you guys enjoy!

Pinterest's Blackberry Mozzarella Grilled Sandwiches
This was a HUGE hit! Super tasty!

Crab Omelettes
We eat a lot of eggs around here, and throwing in the crab made them feel extra special. A side of asparagus completed the plate!

Paleo No-noodle spaghetti
I loved this! The crock pot is so nice if you have time earlier in the day, but you know the evenings are tighter on time. And it makes your house smell so good!

GOOP'S Kale Guacamole

I will make this and we eat on it for a few days. If I come across a recipe that kale can be added, I try to make it - the super-food makes me feel like I can justify the Stacy's Pita Chips that pair so nicely with this dip. :) 

My Quinoa and Ground Turkey Taco-ish Soup

**I substituted ground turkey for ground beef, and added the quinoa to make this soup a bit more filling. 

We don't reserve this soup just for the cooler months, but rather cook it all year 'round. Its easy to freeze if you make a big batch, or to re-heat for tasty left overs. 

Mountain Fun: A DIY Centerpiece

Over the weekend, we spent time in the mountains with our friends. With three little ones in tow, dinners out are not as common, but staying in is just as fun! What's that old saying? "All you need in life is good friends, good food, and good wine" ? Never was a truer statement said! We lingered around a delicious dinner, and enjoyed time together. Earlier in the evening, I received this gorgeous copper container and beverage cooler from my dear friends - it was begging to be stuffed with wildflowers from my mountain garden! Here's a tiny peek at how I pulled it together:

Ps. Instead of putting water in the bottom of the vessel, I placed 5 plastic cups, each filled with water, in the bottom. This helped keep the flowers even, watered, and from spilling.

Mountain Fun: A DIY Centerpiece

Over the weekend, we spent time in the mountains with our friends. With three little ones in tow, dinners out are not as common, but staying in is just as fun! What's that old saying? "All you need in life is good friends, good food, and good wine" ? Never was a truer statement said! We lingered around a delicious dinner, and enjoyed time together. Earlier in the evening, I received this gorgeous copper container and beverage cooler from my dear friends - it was begging to be stuffed with wildflowers from my mountain garden! Here's a tiny peek at how I pulled it together:

Ps. Instead of putting water in the bottom of the vessel, I placed 5 plastic cups, each filled with water, in the bottom. This helped keep the flowers even, watered, and from spilling.

My Henry Turns 2!

It's so hard to believe that another year has gone by! 

Our Henry has made life so FUN and keeps us busy with his curious questions, funny words, and ever-growing vocabulary. He talks all the time, which we love! He loves to play outside, eat crackers, and watch Chuggington. 

His dancing skills are pretty awesome, and he could stand on the steps of the pool and splash for hours. Preferably naked. 

He's a great eater, and probably likes breakfast most of all.

Eggs, waffles, hash browns, Kashi, and avocado are his favorite things to start the day.

It seems like just yesterday we celebrated our little man with his Radio Flyer Party 

and his big Safari party! 

(click links to see more on those)

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This year, for his 2nd birthday, we celebrated with a Firetruck party at my parents' house, for a small group of family and close friends, over the Mother's Day weekend. 

Henry was tickled to get his very own shiny, red firetruck to mark his big day! 

I had little red favor boxes ready for our guests, filled with some of Henry's favorite things. Cheese crackers, peanut M&M's, sidewalk chalk, and sugar cookies. 

My amazing sister-in-law Laura Lyn designed and painted the adorable signs for Henry's breakfast buffet! She always does such a wonderful job, and I am so lucky to call her family! Henry adores his aunt "La-Lyn"! 

My super-mom made the most delicious grits casserole! 

My mother-in-law, Pammy, is famous for her incredible homemade biscuits, so I was tickled to serve them at the party. They were a hit! As usual! 

David, my super-hubs, and my Dad, the breakfast-chef-extraordinaire, were in charge of waffles, bacon, sausage, and eggs. Deeeeee-lish! 

Family friend Su-Su did these amazing pecan muffins....they were fantastic! 

This is my best friend Amy's daughter Kennedy - she is so sweet and Henry is crazy about her! 

My grandfather, Henry's great-grandfather, Gongaman sat with Henry during breakfast....these two make each other laugh and smile like no other! 

As a surprise for my Henry, we asked the firetruck to visit. Henry wasn't sure about it at first, but really warmed up to it after a few minutes. 

My sweet nephew Ben (and cousin Aiden in the cab too) played all over the truck! I think the little ones, the big boys, and the adults all enjoyed seeing the firetruck, opening all the doors, and climbing on it too.

This is Henry and his cousin Gray. They were both born in 2013....I am so happy they get to grow up together. Love those little curly headed boys! 

Henry was elated to be in the firetruck with his cousin Ben! 

We are so thankful Mr. John came and brought the firetruck to Henry's 2nd birthday party! 

Family! 

Mom, Gongaman, my aunt Jill, brother Brince, sister Abbye and Chris

David and (our other friend) Chris 

It was such a fun morning, and we loved having our closest friends and family there to celebrate Henry's love of Firetrucks! 

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For Henry's real birthday, I had a super casual afternoon/evening play date here at our home with our Gainesville friends. Easy, kiddo-friendly food was out to snack on between trips down the slide, drawing with chalk, and running around the yard. Pretzels, goldfish, squeeze pouches, popcorn and M&M's, mini cupcakes, and a Chick-Fil-A platter were out for kids and adults to snack on. 

Henry and his darling friend Evelyn...as you can tell, they've enjoyed their cupcakes! 

My friend Caroline and her little Turner

Precious girls: Arabella and Annie Kate

Sweet baby Elizabeth! 

My awesome friends Callie and Jen

Henry loved playing with the "big" kids! 

Jen and her 3 girls - loved having them here to play! 

It was such a fun day of celebrating our little one. We are so blessed with amazing family and friends, and are ever thankful for them. Henry loved having his friends come to his house, and so did David and I! 

Happy 2nd Birthday to our Henry!