apparently i've been living under a rock

While I was surfing the web and browsing online stores... my usual pastime... I stumbled upon Tiny Prints personalized iphone cases. Um, news flash -- Tiny Prints sells more than paper items? I truly did not know this! Have I been living under a rock? I mean, for just $40 you can create an iphone case to your liking. Such a great gift idea for the person who has it all. Eh ehm, my mom!

 And because I feel like I spend so much money throughout the year on cute address labels, I've decided that it's about time I invest in a good rubber stamp or embosser. Which one do you like better?

Moral of the story: Although Tiny Prints is my go-to online store for invitations, announcements and greeting cards, they offer so much more... including Erin Condren planners!

christmas gifts: men - olrids & downtown

With the holidays slowly approaching, I'm sure we're all beginning to think about what we're going to buy for that special man in our lives. After perusing the Oldrids & Downtown websites, I've come up with some great, out-of-the-box options!

Barbour Hip Flask

6oz. flask with leather trim - Perfect for just about every man under the sun!

Tassimo

I own this machine and swear by it - So user friendly, appealing to the eye and easy to clean!

Cranium WOW

For the artist, actor, wordsmith or data hound in your life!

Racing Wheel Pen Holder

Perfect for any NASCAR, Indy or Formula 1 fan's desk!

Oldrids sells more than just gifts -- They sell furniture, clothing and so much more.

Happy shopping!

the perfect gift... bullets poker

I don't know about the men in your life, but my husband loves poker night with the guys!

He has an old, shabby table that he sets up and I'm thinking about getting him a new one.

Shhhh... Don't tell 'em!

Bullets Poker is my one stop shopping website for everything poker!

From tables to chips to accessories... You can find it all here.

Bryan's always had a table top and I think that's what he prefers.

I love this poker table top with its wood track and black edging.

If he pushed my seasonal tablescape aside (ahem!), it would fit perfectly on our dining room table.

And because I love blackjack, I think I'd throw in this automatic card shuffler for myself.

I mean, I'd feel like such a pro!

So tell me... Are you or your significant other a lover of all things gambling?

If so, what's your favorite to play - poker or blackjack?

Happy Friday!

* This is a sponsored post. I had the freedom to write what I wanted, all words are my own and my honest opinion.

scenes from the summer...

We do many things that either never get photographed (because contrary to how it appears, I don't take photos everytime I do something with friends or Bryan) and some things just don't deserve their own blog post. Below are some of my "lost photos from summer."

We took Cali to eat with us in Birkdale Village... a lot!

Spent afternoons at the lake

Shucked some corn

Popped a bottle that a friend gave us as a wedding gift... it's wine from the winery we got engaged at in Sonoma - Bartholomew Park

Doggy playdates

and fur-mama playdates

Warm clean sheets = snuggle time

 I had this for breakfast!

I baked diet coke brownies

football started

Although today is the last day of summer, it's still warm in the only 2 states I really care about, NC and CA, therefore I'm not ready to embrace fall quite yet... My pumpkin spiced latte will just have to wait! In the meantime, margarita anyone?!

the lucky one

Saturday morning I woke up to lots of puppy kisses and husband cuddles. 

Happy birthday to me!

As I got out of bed, I saw a red rose sitting on my nightstand with a little note.

From on my toothpaste to in my bowl of blueberries, I found handwritten notes from Bryan everywhere. 

The note that surprised me the most was the one that was on the ottoman at the foot of our bed. You see, Bryan and I do not give each other birthday gifts. But this note implied there was a gift inside, and I was puzzled.

I opened the ottoman to find a card and the most perfectly wrapped box.

Next thing you know I'm crying happy tears, but at the same time saying "this is too much... too much." Bryan explained to me all of the reasons why I deserve this amazing present - one that I will be rocking when I'm 80, God willing!

Oh look, it came with a puppy!

While pipe dreaming, I always said that I wanted a Speedy 35, but after seriously thinking about it, that size is entirely impractical and too gaudy for my taste. But the Speedy 30? Pure perfection!

Knowing the reasons why Bryan gifted it to me, along with the touching words he wrote in my card and the little notes he left everywhere, makes me fall in love with him all over again... He is such a sentimental, thoughtful and appreciative man.

He thinks he's the lucky one, but I know that I am!

a surprise gift

Last week Bry and I received an e-mail, text and card in the mail all telling us that we had a grill waiting to be picked up at our local Home Depot.

Holy what?!

Our dear friends, Hollie and Eli, bought us a grill as a wedding and housewarming present. Hollie said that she wanted to make sure our marriage lasted before she got us a gift. She's a funny one! She's also due to have a baby in 4 weeks, so the fact that she was thinking about us at this stage in her life just amazes me.

Hols, I know you're reading this - I don't know what we'd do without your/Eli's friendship... and I 

sure as hell don't know how we'd make BBQ chicken either! Thank you for being you. 

We can't wait for Brooks' arrival!

9 pictures taken in 8 different states and 1 different country

Changing subjects now... Lets talk hair! My hair.

Living in California I didn't always do my hair. Well I did it, but 50% of the time I would let 
it air dry and go about my day and night. 

Christmas 2009

winter 2009

summer 2010

When I moved to the south I got away with this look throughout the summer months, but quickly realized that beachy hair doesn't fly throughout the other 3 seasons. Everyone here teases and curls and puts rollers in their hair. 

Because the weather's getting nicer... and my curling iron broke... I've recently gone back to my summertime beachy messy hair. Bryan came into our room last week, stopped dead in his tracks, stared at me and told me that he "loved" my hair. The fact that he commented on my hair speaks volumes, but the fact that he used the word love? Well, clearly I need to sport this style for my man more often! 

How To

Catwalk root boost at part

Blow dry roots surrounding part

Go to sleep with wet hair or Air dry

Frizz ease throughout

Hairspray face framing hair

This "do" literally takes me 3 minutes. It's my version of wash and wear and I'm so happy for it to return to my life.

 Southern belle I am not. California girl? For life!

holiday surprises

Before Christmas I received the most unexpected and thoughtful gifts in the mail.

Whitney sent us the most perfect ornament to add to our tree - "1st Christmas in our new home. All roads lead home" I mean, this was made for us -- thanks Whit!

Then my friend, Anna, sent me this amazing jewelry tree and a yellow scarf from Urban Outfitters. Can you get any sweeter? I don't think so! I mean, she saw me blog about these items, bought them and had them shipped to me. Amazing and so appreciated!

These two girls made my Christmas just that much more special. These were such unexpected and thoughtful gifts. I was, and still am, truly overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness. I need to take a cue from them...

Thank you ladies, I know you're reading!

our 1st year anniversary celebration

I have never celebrated an anniversary.

I don't believe in it.

I mean, you have a boyfriend and you could be broken up before you know.

Bryan and I never acknowledged an anniversary while dating.

We never acknowledged one while engaged either.

The only anniversary that I ever wanted to celebrate was the one I shared with my future husband.

It's the only one that matters to me.

And now that I'm married, I was able to celebrate my anniversary with my husband!

***

Bryan and I spent our 1st wedding anniversary 2,288 miles apart with Bryan home and me in Seattle.

I woke up the morning of May 22nd to get ready for my long work day ahead, all while reminiscing over what I was doing at that exact time 1 year ago to the day -- I was at the Little Sand Dollar in St. Thomas going through hair and make up with my mom, Bryan's mom, my aunt, maid of honor and all of my bridesmaids.

Much to my suprise, their was a knock on my hotel room door.

With this delivered to me... I came home from Seattle pooped. I had had really crazy flights that delayed my arrival home an entire day. Walking in my front door, I was greeted by these puppies screaming "Happy Anniversary" at me! To celebrate, Bry and I went to Bonterra Dining & Wine Room in Dilworth. We each ordered Prosecco, which brought us back to our honeymoon in Italy, and paired it with a salmon/goat cheese spread and a roasted tomato/basil spread. For our meals, Bry had the grouper and I had the scallops. Delish!Happy to celebrate with our baby girly... who may or may not still be wearing a Christmas collar....On our way home we stopped off and got some of our favorite frozen yogurt and ate it on our back patio.
Oh, and clearly I can't forget to mention the best present ever.
Yes people.
We are going to the CMA's!
November 9th, I will be cheering on all of my favorites at the best award show of the year!
And Bryan told me that just hours after he bought these tickets they were all sold out. Love him. What's a girl wear....???
I love my honey!