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Thursday, March 31, 2011

wrapped with love on our wedding day

I've asked tons of married couples, engaged couples and single people their opinion on wedding gifts. As in from the bride to the groom on the wedding day and vice versa. I've gotten a host of mixed reviews on what people have done, are doing, would do if they were in the position. Regardless of what is spent, what matters to me when we made this decision is that we'd both have something that we would associate with our wedding day.

Mike and I decided to exchange gifts. Like most gifts we do, well its not a surprise. We set a limit of a few hundred dollars and decided not to "over spend". We both picked out things we'd like and that would be useful/important to us. What did we pick you might ask? Well, I'll let you in on a little 'non' secret!

Mike, being the crazy triathelete that he is, wanted something for his new race bike. I ponied up the cash and wrote him a check so that he could pick the best thing for him. He choose his new deep-dish front race wheel. While this will not get used everyday (it'll be used in races), it'll still go noticed for sure. My motivation, when he is racing his first full Ironman in November, he can look down and see the wheel and think of me and the support and love and encouragement he needs...hopefully to spin the extra mile and go further than he thinks he can.

I picked a ring. Why yes, I'm getting my wedding band also on our wedding day, this will be my right hand ring. I've always wanted one and well, this one will serve as a memory of our day. I picked out a gorgeous David Yurman ring (which I get to pick up today) that has not only a pearl, but some diamonds too. Nothing to blingy or flashy (my left hand has enough of that), but something gorgeous that I can wear daily as a reminder of our important big day. Also, I think this would be a great piece to pass down to our (future) daughter or (future) son for his wife ... you see my point.

While we both know what we're getting, we wont be able to use/have the items really til our wedding day. I've also got a special surprise for Mike that he has no idea about. This will also be something to keep him remembering our big day and the vows we'll make in just under a month.

What did you do on your wedding day? Did you give a gift? Or would you if you were getting married?


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Dolphin Event Recap

The Dolphin Tales exhibit/show opening I went to last night was amazing! The aquarium was decked out, the food was stellar, drinks were flowing and the crowd was awesome. The show was about 30 minutes long and can be compared to a Sea World/Broadway/Dolphin extravaganza mix. Post dinner, we headed back to the ballroom for dessert and coffee. It was a fabulous night and I was very lucky to get to attend! Next time you are in Atlanta, or if you live here, make sure you visit the new exhibit/show at the Georgia Aquarium.

dolphins during the show

how cute is this!?

one of the dolphins in the exhibit

coolest dolphin around!

dolphin cookie I brought home for Mike

one of the 'Parade of Dolphins' - Conan O'Brien

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Do the Dolphin Can-Can

Atlanta is home to many things of awesomeness. Home Depot, Coke, Braves, Hawks and Georgia Aquarium to name a few. Okay, there's a ton more but this is the first 5 that came to mind! Given my job as a Product Marketing Specialist, I do events here and there (more there these days than here), but I quite often get invited to event locations for "showings" or "private events" to meet with planners and check out event spaces. 

Luckily, one of those places is the Georgia Aquarium. Late last year, Mike and I attended an event and 'Behind the Scene' tour through an invite I got at work and tonight I'll be heading back down for one of the opening events for the Dolphin Tales, the newest addition to the Georgia Aquarium. Sadly, I can't bring a guest so Mike will be staying home for this one. I'm pretty stoked to be honest. Usually the food is pretty good and the drinks are flowing, not to mention, I get to hang out with Flipper...or at least a distant cousin to Flipper! I'll be sure to do a recap later this week about my adventure! 

Sorry for the blurry image of the invite...it's definitely from my blackberry!

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Update on Stella

I blogged last week about my dear friend, Devon and her puppy, Stella. Since then, Stella has had surgery to amputate her front left leg and will start chemotherapy in the coming weeks. Stella is in great spirits and is learning quick how to manage on 3 legs instead of 4.

When we all found out about the news of Stella and the surgery, we were heartbroken to hear how much money, emotional pain and struggle this would cause both Devon and Stella. Thanks to our amazing group of friends and a few emails of encouragement, a group of us was able to raise almost $700 to give Devon. She was blindsided by this generous gift this morning and her reaction can best be described as awe, shock and overwhelmed by generosity. Not only did she get a check, Stella got a goodie bag full of things (shout out to Erin F. for a fun shopping trip to PetsMart!)

Stella with her goodies!
Thanks again for all the puppy prayers and words of encouragement to Devon. It sure did brighten my day to see people care and I know Devon was blown away by the support, love and generosity of our friends.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Bachelorette Round 2

While I don't have all the pictures to share just yet, my Atlanta Bachelorette party was a total success. Dinner at a favorite Mexican place in the Virginia Highlands, 14 of my good girlfriends, booze, lingerie and some bar hopping ... oh and torrential rain! 
after a few too many at dinner and preparing for the rest of the night at Dark Horse Tavern!
I'll be sure to do a post once I get some photos from the girls who were there! Thanks again to all of you for making me feel so special and celebrating with me not once, but twice!
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Peachtree Road Race Lottery Update!

I blogged a bit ago about the changes to the 2011 AJC Peachtree Road Race. I submitted my information on the first day and waited patiently for my email letting me know that I either got in or didn't. To my surprise, this morning I had an email waiting in my inbox. Good news. I got in! Thankfully, Mike and a few more of our friends did as well.

According to 11 Alive News, 2,000 people were not selected in the lottery. I happen to at least know of 2 people who didn't get in. The good news in this situation is that there will be a number transfer system from April 8-May 8 for people who got in the race but can't run, etc. to transfer numbers to the 2,000 not so lucky individuals who weren't selected.

Looking forward to lacing up my shoes and running my second Peachtree Road Race! Here's to hoping that BLAST and my future training (I have until July 4th) will allow me to PR in this race.

Happy training and if you entered the lottery, did you get in?

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Friday, March 25, 2011

Funny Email Friday

I got this from a male coworker today and thought I'd share!


THE  FEMALE  MERIT / DEMERIT  SYSTEM
In the world of romance, one single rule applies:
Make the woman happy.
Do something she likes and you get points.
Do something she dislikes and points are subtracted.
You don't get any points for doing something she expects. Sorry, that's the way the game is played.

Here is a guide to the point system:

SIMPLE  DUTIES
You make the bed (+1)
You make the bed, but forget the decorative pillow (0)
You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets (-1)
You go out to buy her what she wants (+5) in the rain (+8)
But return with beer (-5)
You check out a suspicious noise at night (+1)
You check out a suspicious noise, and it is nothing (0)
You check out a suspicious noise and it is something (+5)
You pummel it with iron rod (+10)
It's her pet (-20)

SOCIAL  ENGAGEMENTS
You stay by her side the entire party (0)
You stay by her side for a while, then leave to chat with an old school friend (-2)
Named Tina (-10)
Tina is a dancer (-20)
Tina is gorgeous (-80)

HER  BIRTHDAY
You take her out to dinner (+2)
You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar (+3)
Okay, it's a sports bar (-2)
And it's all-you-can-eat night (-3)
It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, and your face is painted the colors of your favorite team (-10)

A  NIGHT  OUT
You take her to a movie (+1)
You take her to a movie she likes (+3)
You take her to a movie you hate (+6)
You take her to a movie you like (-2)
It's called 'Death Cop' (-3)
You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans (-15)

YOUR  PHYSIQUE
You develop a noticeable potbelly (-15)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and exercise to get rid of it (+10)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and resort to baggy jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts (-30)
You say, "It doesn't matter, you have one too." (-8000)

THE  BIG  QUESTION
She asks, "Do I look fat?" (-5) (Yes, you lose points no matter what)
You hesitate in responding (-10)
You reply, "Where?" (-35)
Any other response  (-20)

COMMUNICATION
When she wants to talk about a problem, you listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression (0)
You listen, for over 30 minutes (+50)
You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV (+500)
She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep (-4000) 


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J.Crew Private Event Wrap Up

My sister in law, Danialle, is obsessed with J.Crew. She has a personal shopper there and is friends with all the associates in all the metro Atlanta stores. When Danialle got invited to the private J.Crew event at Lenox, she picked up the phone and eagerly asked if I'd attend with her. She promised a good time (and a way to keep my mind off Mike being in Las Vegas), discount on clothes and drinks. I was sold.

After a heinous day and an hours worth of traffic on the way home, I was ready for a drink and some retail therapy. This event was the cure for my stressed out day! In no time, I had a dressing room started and a drink by the amazing crew at Holeman and Finch (a favorite bar of Mike and I's was catering the event). I wasn't concerned on spending money, I just wanted to have fun. After knocking out some immediate no's, I was able to score some awesome items at J.Crew (all with a 15% discount)! I picked up all of the below items as well as an adorable necklace which I couldn't find online to show.

3 inch Chino shorts in Light Sage
3 inch Chino shorts in Shadow
Katie Color Block Cami in Orchid Blue
Jenny Dress in Deep Peri
Summerweight Chino (bermuda short) in Sweet Moss
Colette Dress in Heather Nickel (shown here in Faded Black)
Currently I'm rocking the Colette Dress in Heather Nickel and my new necklace! Thanks for the new outfit, J.Crew!

Also, the highlight of the event was that Jenna Lyons, J.Crew's Creative Director, was going to be there. Not only was she there, we got to meet her and chat with her for a few minutes! Jenna is totally down to earth and personable.  She looked amazing and told us that not only does she love sequins, she wears them at minimum, 3 times per week! So fun to chat with her and even more fun that Danialle got to meet her fashion icon! What a great role model for J.Crew and all fashionistas out there!

After 3 attempts at a normal photo, Jenna decided this is what was needed. 
Overall, I spent way too much money, found a new personal shopper (thanks, Natalie) and had a great time with my sister in law! Thanks Danialle for the invite, can't wait to do it again!

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Happy Thursday!

Today is a crazy day. Mike leaves for his bachelor party in Las Vegas (God Help Me!), My sweet friend's puppy is getting its leg amputated (SO SO sad) and I get to go to a private event at JCrew. All in all, it's going to be hectic mixed with some serious emotions for a few reasons. So instead of getting into the nitty gritty of how I'm feeling, I'll share some new photos instead!

Baby Kona says Roll Tide!

7:45AM this morning ... nothing like an ICING to start your bachelor party!

Mike's obsession! 
Hope your Thursday is going well! The good news, it's almost Friday!

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Say A Puppy Prayer Today, Please!

My sweet friend, Devon, has a gorgeous 6yr old St. Bernard named Stella. Stella is fun loving, often times a portable heater and an overall loving pup. She even has a really cool barrel to go around her neck!

A few weeks ago Devon took Stella to the vet (and our friend, Dr. Hernandez) because she had been limping. She thought Stella might have hurt herself playing with Devon's twin sister, Ryan's dog, Beckett. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The news was much worse than this and can best be described as gut wrenching. Stella has bone cancer. This is something so sad and hard for those close to Devon and Stella to swallow. I can't imagine how Devon, her twin sister and their whole family are dealing with this. What I do know, is this family is strong and they will make it through. 
After hearing the options for Stella, Devon had to make a hard choice on what to do. Today, Stella will have her front left leg amputated. Post this surgery, she'll start chemotherapy in 2 weeks. Poor Stella girl has no idea what the coming days, months and hopefully years will bring for her as her world is about to be rocked. So today, I ask that you send big puppy prayers up for Stella. May her surgery go as planned and that she be kept safe and her recovery to be quick and pleasant. Please keep the vets, assistants, Stella, Devon and her whole family in your prayers.
Devon and Stella
Stay strong, Devon! We're all here for throughout this hard journey. We love you bunches and can't wait to play with you and Stella soon! Also, Baby Kona sends you big puppy prayers, kisses and a snuggly hug!


*all photos courtesy of PhotoSynthesis Studio (Devon's AMAZING Photography business! Be sure to check her out if you're in need of a photographer!)
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tribute to Atlanta Coasters!

I've seen these cute little items at local boutiques around Atlanta as well as at some of our friends places. I've always thought they were cool and something neat to have in your home. So I finally was bored of staring at our coasters that I've had since 2005 (though they were super cool and from Madrid, Spain) and decided to bite the bullet and pick some of these adorable ones up.

What's so cool about these new coasters you might be asking? Well they are all unique and photo-imprinted on travertine tile. Each coaster highlights a historic or cool location in Atlanta. Made locally by The Coasters Collection, there are over 30 designs to choose from. In addition to the ones already printed, they do custom orders with no minimums! Here are the four I picked up.





Check out their website for other coaster options. I know for a fact I'll be getting a few more. These would make a great housewarming gift or any gift in general!

Which ones of the collection would you choose?

*all photo's are from The Coaster Collection's website


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Grand Exit

After the vows are said and the party is done, it's time for the reality of marriage to begin. But before we can head out on our marry way, we must have a departure. Like most things I do, and especially in regards to our wedding, I try to be different. I pondered a few ideas of what I'd like Mike and I to do our grand exit to, but most things I thought of, well so did everyone else. Here were a few of my ideas

Idea 1: Sparklers
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Idea 2: Bird Seed
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Idea 3: AirHorns
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So after some more thinking as none of these would do, Mike and I came up with something that is semi-unique and symbolizes one of our favorite things...FOOTBALL! While I am an alum of The University of Alabama and Mike of The University of Georgia, we decided that shakers (or pom poms as my mom calls them) would be our best bet. We're hoping this really shows in pictures and that the crowd will be split in what they choose!
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So in 38 days (holy moly every time I see this I freak out a little bit), we'll be proceeding with our grand exit through a sea of Crimson and White (YEA ALABAMA) and Red and Black (Go Dawgs) to our getaway car ... a 1941 Cadillac!
Sorry for the bride and groom in the pic...stole it off the company's website :) 
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Cutest Tote Bag ... EVER!

I told you guys yesterday about the adorable tote I got from my sister-in-law and brother for my birthday this past weekend. Well here it is.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I will for sure be using it in Hawaii and well, probably the rest of the summer :)

Thanks Danialle and Jason for always finding the best little gems!


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Monday, March 21, 2011

Another Week ... Oy!

Hello, Monday. So we meet again. Thanks to my 5:15am wakeup call and intense BLAST class this morning, we've already been hanging out a while. Hopefully I'll be saying bye-bye and Hello Tuesday soon!

Yesterday we headed up to my parents for my belated birthday lunch. The food was super yummy and the cake was to die for. How cute is this cake? My sister-in-law got it from Whole Foods. It was almost too pretty to eat. It tasted just as good as it looked!
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I also got some great stuff from my family. AMEX gift card and Pottery gift card from my parents (and Bailey Boo, our family puppy), an ADORABLE J.Crew 'Just Married' tote (I'll snap a photo tonight) and a gift certificate to Duke's Restaurant in Hawaii. With the help of my sneaky fiance, my sister-in-law/brother found this restaurant and knew it was at one of the hotels we're staying at in Kauai! Such a unique and useful gift! Can't wait to get some good stuff with all my gift cards and to use my tote on the honeymoon!



This week is starting off slow, but will end with a bang. My sister-in-law and I will be heading to JCrew for a private event at their Lenox location on Thursday. She's more than excited about meeting Jenna (JCrew's resident fashion aficionado) and getting some shopping in. Also, Mike is leaving for his bachelor party in Las Vegas on Thursday with a few of the guys. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned/nervous/sick to my stomach about what will go on out there. I've made myself clear to all parties attending how I feel about certain things. Lets hope they keep it in check while having a wonderful (drunk) time. Thank goodness my girlfriends will be keeping me in check while he is gone. Saturday, while Mike is partying it up on the Vegas strip, I'll be having a good time myself in the Virginia Highlands. My friends and I will be hitting up Pozole restaurant and bar hopping/causing a ruckus post dinner. Look out Atlanta, this could get interesting!

In other news, I paid off one of my credit cards this past weekend! It feels so good to know that I don't owe anymore on that card. I'm halfway done with my other card and should have it paid off by the end of May. Once that's done...it's time for a new car! I blogged back in January about my choices and I'm still unsure of what I want. This too will come down to a numbers game ... so get ready to wheel and deal! Mommy wants a new ride!

This week also marks the downhill to the wedding. 40 days til the wedding to be exact. I'm not real sure where the last 326 days have gone. What I do know is that I've still got a lot to do in 40 days. God willing the hangover isn't too bad, I'll be heading to my parents on Sunday to get some stuff done with my mom. The little things on the list are piling up and we've got to get them tackled. It'll be April 30th before we know it.

Update on RSVP's. We've had a cease on receiving them in the mail. I haven't received an RSVP in almost a week. Yes, I'm that sad about it. I get so excited when a red envelope is in the mail!

Total Number of Invites Sent : 90
Total Number of People Invited : 182
RSVP Cards in Limbo : 33
YES - 99
NO - 6 (so really 11 ppl)
Worst Case Scenario - 162

The RSVP deadline is fast approaching ... only 2 more weeks! I sure hope we get all the responses in by then. Really don't want to have to call and hound people to find out if they are attending or not! So if you're reading this and are invited to the wedding and have YET to send in your RSVP...GET ON IT!!



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Friday, March 18, 2011

the next 10 days are looking so bright ... i might need my sunglasses

Just checked the 10-day weather report for Atlanta. My day has officially been brightened with the results of what I saw.

I can't wait to get outside this weekend and next weekend as well! Looking good Atlanta! Can't wait for girls dinner tonight and Crawfish Boil tomorrow at Kramers! Sunday is family lunch day and hanging out with some friends after they whoop up on the Publix Half Marathon!

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day and even better weekend!

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