Highlights from Grace & JP's wedding

 I don't have a lot of compelling pictures yet. We were running around all day: from the salon to the ceremony. Here are some great highlights, and I'll share more when we get the photographer's shots!!

The ceremony was lovely. It was full of sand and sentiment. 

Something blue

Our dad and half brother in attendance

It was also my Uncle's birthday!

 The cakes

More family

The rest is either in memory or will pop on facebook or youtube. Which means we had too much fun!!!

 Congrats Grace & JP!

Back from Mexico!

Back from my sister, Grace's wedding! Shawn and I are taking it easy right now. We've got some Dexter and The Voice to catch up on...so more to come!!!!!!!!!!

Honoring Loved ones at a wedding

I came across this image on Pintrest. It's from Style me Pretty blog.

What an endearing and understated way to honor and include a loved one on the wedding day. I'll definitely bring a pic of our dad to my sister's wedding and see where he can sit.

Cupcake induced nap

It's my day off and I try to explore. 

I'm constantly on the search for the best cupcakes.

 We're having a big birthday party at work, so maybe I should taste test a few before we put in an order.
So found this shop, and bought these cupcakes.

 They definitely take the cake on presentation. Get it?
Meet the Salted Caramel cupcake: stuffed with caramel, butter cream topped, with a peanut praline on top. The icing is whipped soft, but not really sweet. The brown salt crystals packed a sodium punch.

 This is one is all apple & crumb. It's still in the fridge, because I was defeated by the Salted Caramel. Three hours later, I woke up, and felt a heavy need for a jog.

 The little chocolate cookies i made below are now old news. Because they're healthy. But I'll come back to you my little raw babies. After the sugar and butter have dissolved.

The cupcakes are from Sweeter Days Bakery in Ft.  Lauderdale.

The recipe for the raw, gluten free, and almost sugar free chocolate cookies came from Chocolate Covered Katie. I added chocolate chips, coconut flour, and peanut butter.

 It's a healthy dessert blog.

As you can see, I've got my teeth in both the healthy and unhealthy, so I balance out!

She received it, now I reveal it.

I sent my sister a text that read: Expect something blue to arrive today that will help take you places. 

I like being cryptic when UPS technology tells me exactly when my surprise gets delivered.
It's the Kate Spade Mrs. passport cover. It's blue, but I know she can't necessarily carry around her passport cover on her wedding day, so there is something else to serve that tradition. I'll have to wait a few weeks to reveal it, though. Cancun, baby!

Speaking of the title "Mrs," it's still a little weird. After almost three years, I am  not used to it. Almost no one ever calls me by that title. I'm very intrigued by the title, since I acquired it in the instant that I was married. I've grown accustomed to my married surname, but not Mrs. Maybe, I'll just introduce myself as Mrs. Whitmire from now on?

Kate Spade wedding gifts (& a promo code!)

Browsing for wedding things for someone special and because i just like the stuff, I found myself on Kate Spade's site. I won't tell you what I got and for whom until she gets it. 

And there is a promo code from Retail me Not, for 20% off, with free shipping. Just type in GODOTTY at checkout.

This clutch is so fun, I'd put marbles in it and shake it on the dance floor like maracas!

I couldn't resist. (I resisted buying something for myself. But the promo is still going on until October 3...so I might revisit.) 

The Emison, $262.40 with promo

Something Blue?

The Charm, $260, with promo

I almost got these for a wedding....still thinking about it.

Don't for the Thank You notes! Kate Spade has some of the cutest stationery.

Bloody Mary done right.

Bloody Mary from The Pub: Verdict-drink is ok, but the wins in the garnish category. (Lime, cucumber, cheddar, pepperjack, green beans, pepperoncini, gerkins and a banger.)

Brunch is the best way to start a leisurely day, The above pic was taken with my friend in town for an archeology job. Then I spent the rest of the day slightly buzzed and confused. 

 Better than laundry.

-LRW

Gardening here involves a machete

   Do you know people who like pruning Bonsai trees?

 Like its a soothing activity that just melts the stress away?

Let me be honest with you: slashing your palms with a machete feels soooo much better!

This is south Florida living. We also know that royal palms are self pruning, so it's less work for us.
   This morning I transplanted 14 plants, including 11 succulents in the front of the house. I got dizzy a few times at first, but I proudly accomplished a small portion of our yard that badly needed attention. Hats off to the people who work outside in this climate. It's nasty, and I was in a long sleeve tee, cargos, and a cowboy hat. Oh, and a machete.  It's no wonder why many people down here let their yards go. Yeesh. We'll try not to do that.
  Before that we had a deep discussion on career development while we were about 15 yards into the Atlantic Ocean. It sounds amazing because it is. We're pretty lucky to start our days like this.

And we cherish every day of it!

   

House guests

My sister, her fiance, and his sister just left after a week. Before that my friend from Greensboro visited. We had lots of beach time, and went to Key West again. Then Storm Issaac came and we had lots of mall time.
Oh, I didn't mention this guest:

 Meet Kiba, the Shih Tzu! 

 HAppy Hours!

and Poses

 We know how to have a good time.