the damage it left behind is nothing short of a war zone.

Shortly after posting last Wednesday, my power blinked off, the clouds became black, and the countless tornados struck. One after another, the city sirens blared.  The wind bent the trees parallel to the ground and carried debris across the roadways.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and the damage it left behind is nothing short of a war zone. 

Ironically NWH and I had already planned a get-away-weekend to ATL (which was wonderful).  But as we made our way back, it is still clear the terrible aftermath of the storms.  Over 300,000 are still without power (including us).  Restaurants and grocery stores are running off generators in effort to provide food and water to the community.  Then there are the hundreds of families who have lost loved-ones and friends.

NWH and I realize how blessed we are to be safe and sound.  A few ruined groceries and the lack of AC is nothing compared to what others are facing.  Please keep everyone affected by the storms in your thoughts and prayers.  It’s going to be a long recovery for many.

I cannot wait for Friday to get here!!!

Friday cannot get here soon enough!  On the calendar… a weekend trip to Atlanta!!  I’m so excited.  NWH and I just love getting away for a long weekend together.  We love staying in hotels and having “mini-vacations.” 

On the weekend agenda… seeing Shrek the musical!!  Just look at these pictures and tell me the show is not going to be amazing!! 

I love Broadway shows, but NYC is a little far so I’ll have to settle for the tours!  Did I mention I cannot wait for Friday to get here!!!

Easter Weekend Recap

We had an absolutely fabulous Easter weekend.  I hope everyone else did too!!  MIL and J-Man got here Friday evening.  Saturday NWH had to work, but MIL and I got out together. We enjoyed lunch, shopped a little, and then laid by the pool for a few hours.

Saturday night we went to our newest, FAV restaurant in town.  (They have the best crab cakes in the world!!).  The weather was perfect for sitting outside underneath the lights.

 

(J-Man acting crazy!)

Sunday morning NWH and I opened our huge Easter baskets from MIL and J-Man.  Next we were on to church, and afterwards we headed to the Country Club for a wonderful lunch together.  I just love our family and the time we get to spend together. 



future-far-far-far-away-future-nursery

Um… did ya’ll see this?  Mariah and Nick’s luxurious babies’ room. 

Wow, I love this!  So shabby… so chic!  I love the bows on the cribs, pink and green; and the piping on the curtains pulls everything together. 

 

NWH and I are going to wait a while on the babies… but I love looking at inspiration for the “future-far-far-far-away-future-nursery.”

day dream with these beautiful Easter place settings.

Easter is just around the corner!!  And even though Easter Sunday lunch will be left up to the cooking staff at the Country Club, I just couldn’t help but day dream with these beautiful Easter place settings. 

 

I got these floral placemats at Kohl’s not too long ago and will probably do a simple table top Friday night when MIL and J-Man get here.  I’ll be sure to take pics! 

Wow!  Time flies when you’re having fun… or working, staying busy, going crazy, you name it!  I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I’ve posted.  A few days ago I thought, I need to post; it’s been a day or two! Hahaha!

Well, happy Monday to everyone.  I hope this week is fabulous…as fabulous as these photos.

MIL and J-Man are in the process of selling their beautiful home in Tennessee and trying to get to the big city of ATL.  I absolutely love Atlanta and all its amenities (I mean… all its shopping).   Here’s a condo they looked at call Drexel… how beautiful is this thing!

NWH and I enjoyed a pre-summer night eating, drinking, and talking outside.

Our weather was just perfect yesterday.  With highs in the upper 70’s, I thought it would a perfect evening to spend outside on our patio.  Geared with our ipad (and Pandora radio), NWH and I enjoyed a pre-summer night eating, drinking, and talking outside.

I picked up these citronella candles at Tj’s yesterday.  So much prettier than regular one’s I think.

Now… if only the plants on the patio were a bit greener!

She was my absolute favorite

So I have never been an American Idol fan, ever.  I’ve never watched the show and have NEVER voted for contestants….except for this season.  NWH and I have been tuning in each week since the show began and have actually grown to love it. 

Embarrassingly, last night’s elimination of Pia left me in tears.  Yes, I cried!  She is so talented, not to mention NWH’s huge crush on her!  She was my absolute favorite.  All I can hope for is that her career takes off like other American Idol non-winners. 

For those of you who missed her talent… just take a listen!

the Whoppin’ Watermelon is calling my name!!

Unlike shoes, clothes, jewelery, and purses, makeup is not typically my thing.  I’m a diehard Merle Norman user, but have bought the same compact, bronzer, blush, mascara, liner, etc., since high school.  Occasionally I get out on the edge and wear a different color eye shadow, but other than that I’m pretty plain-jane when it comes to cosmetics. 

HOWEVER, I’ve seen Clinique’s New Chubby Sticks advertised everywhere, and I am dying to try one.  They are supposed to be a cross between a lip stick, gloss, and balm and are chubby so a mirror isn’t needed to apply.  I don’t know about ya’ll, but the Whoppin’ Watermelon is calling my name!!

Call it a Southern Tradition or just spoiled

Yes, I am the adult that still gets an Easter Dress.  Call it a Southern Tradition or just spoiled, but I look forward to getting a new springing dress every year! 

Now I’ll admit, there have been a many of Easter Sunday’s that have passed where 40 degree temperatures kept the new dress in the closet, but with a date like April 24^th, I’m hoping to get to where this one.

It’s from Lauren Conrad’s line at Kohl’s and I LOVE IT!  I belt just about everything anyway, but my favorite detail is the cutout in the back with the bow detail.  Here are a two more of her dresses, there are so classy to me!

Evidently, they are a hot commodity right now.

In my search for a low-fat/ low-cal dessert (remember the soufflé’s were not so yummy), NWH and I have been eating strawberry shortcake parfaits for the past few nights.   These things are delish! 

Since making them, I’ve seen recipes all over the internet and on television shows. Evidently, they are a hot commodity right now.

Mine were pretty simple.  I made a box of sugar free instant vanilla pudding, sliced a carton of strawberries and marinated them in 3 tablespoons of splenda.  I chopped store bought shortcakes into cubes and layered the cake with pudding, then with strawberries, and a hipping spoonful of sugar free whipped cream on top!  YUM!

P.S. Unfortunately these aren't my pictures (pictures via google), but I promise mine tasted just as good as these look!!  Happy Friday!!



my eyes have been on the lookout for a new wreath

Even though I woke up to 41 degrees this morning, I am hopeful warmer temps are on the way.  The spring bug has been itching me a while, and my eyes have been on the lookout for a new wreath.  Here are a few of my favorites that I have seen out and about.



Spring Berry Wreath $35.00 and Pier 1

Mixed Floral Wreath $19.99 at Kirklands

Artichoke and Fig Wreath $79.00 at Walmart.com

I also have entertained the thought of making my own.  I love this DIY one at HGTV.  It's perfect for Easter, but I could also replace the eggs with silk flowers for a more all-year-round-look.  To get the full tutorial, click here.