more than you know

Today David and I celebrate our 1 year anniversary!

From the beginning, he knew about my blog - good or bad. He read the entire thing I think before our second date. I told him that my blog was not about boys but alas he's a big part in everything I do and the weddings and parties I attend so nonetheless he's be featured more than he'd probably prefer. But can you tell that I absolutely love it!?

One year ago today he had the guts {as he puts it} to call and meet me for lunch - a girl he spotted across Kool Beanz that hot July evening. He stumped me with his 352 Gainesville/Ocala area code phone number that afternoon he unexpectedly called. I'm so glad he did :)

The past year has been the best of my life. I hope we have many, many more years together.

I love you, more than you know.

beach work

Yesterday I traveled to our latest beach condo renovation located along the Emerald Coast. It was a full day of driving, measuring, reviewing samples and verifying paint colors - but a good day nonetheless submerged in the world of design. Plus we had a view of the beautiful Gulf waters as we worked...not a bad gig.

For lunch, our intern and I went to George's at Alys Beach. And let me tell you how fabulous it was!! It was quite the swanky place, not exactly how I pictured it, as we walked into the white bead board lined walls and vibrant paintings of frogs hanging on the wall. But of course it was in Alys Beach so I'm not sure why I wouldn't think it would be anything less than ritzy. Oh my gosh, was the food delicious! I had the "power" wrap with a side of sundried tomato and basil hummus. That was my kind of work day.

Last night when I returned from the beach my heart was so heavy. Unfortunately, yesterday I received word of two very sad deaths. First, my boss's mother passed away. She has not been at the office all this week so I've been holding down the fort and making sure Main Street Design stays alive! I am so sad for her and her family though. She and her mother were very close, but it was a peaceful passing after quick failing health over the last week or so.

Second, a co-worker of David's received news that her son in Afghanistan was shot and killed by a sniper. So incredibly tragic.

Two very opposite deaths, yet we have one Lord and Savior who is comforting both families at this very instant. How amazing His love.

Happy...almost...Friday!

when the coast is clear

Sunday was an extraordinary adventure to Gulf Shores, Alabama with David to see Jimmy Buffett!! The concert brought some relief to the Gulf states affected by the oil spill and 35,000 tickets were given out. The sea of fans, stretched from Florida to Texas, literally stretched across the beautiful coastline of Gulf Shores as we got down to all of Buffett's famous songs for 3+ hours. It was SO hot but so much fun!!

As a free concert to boost Gulf state's morale and economy, Country Music Television recorded live, and uninterrupted, 90 minutes of the show. Jimmy sure knows how to throw a party and there's no doubt he loves the Gulf waters. To see a clip of the song he wrote specifically for this tragic incident and performed last night click here - when the coast is clear. Hope so of you actually caught it live last night!

But here is the best part...we were in the Florida VIP tent! Talk about the way to watch a hot, outdoor concert. Free food and booze, rocking chairs, and sun coverage - I'll take that any day! We also met the Governor of Alabama Bob Riley, who partied next door, and his entire state and staff were so very gracious for hosting this concert.

Before the concert we had lunch at Lulu's which is worth the mention. Lulu is Jimmy's sister and hosts a fabulous and fun restaurant at the Homeport Marina. I had some very delicious blackened mahi tacos! Lulu herself was there enjoying the live music and doing TV interviews supporting her brother's concert later that night.

David and I had the best time together yesterday! David, thank you for starting our anniversary week {yes, all celebrations should last at least one week!} out with a bang! Here's to Mr. Utley!

overlooking the crowd.
I did look somewhat decent pre-sun and sweat!

these fabulous oyster shell adorned urns were in the vip tent and I absolutely loved them

what's in a name

Ah, Howey-in-the-hills, Florida...wherever did you get that name? If you guessed that it was named after the founder, you are correct. And Mr. Howey's orange grove was hilly. Yes, bingo.

David and I traveled to sunny central Florida this weekend for the nuptials of Will and Ashley. The ceremony was in the bride's hometown of Eustis and the reception and sleeping venue was the Mission Inn Resort & Club in ever bustling Howey-in-the-hills. Now I had heard a lot of great things about this resort and was looking forward to a luxurious weekend however, I do believe the Mission Inn had already seen it's glory days. It was a little dated and worn but the rooms had recently been re-done and they were great. Luckily there was a beautiful spa on the property and I booked a noon facial for Saturday. It was fabulous! It was my 1 year anniversary gift I requested from David and I loved every relaxing minute of it!

The wedding and reception were nice although I didn't care for the decor...something about red and green just doesn't do it for me. But everything was tasteful and the 8-piece band was great. Will was a fraternity brother of David's so all of his college friends were there and we had a blast dancing the night away!

On the 4th, we celebrated America's birthday {and my half birthday!} with a car ride back to Tallahassee and fireworks on tv. Suffice it to say - our holiday was pretty low key. But I had Monday off from work so I gladly extended the celebration.

Here's to a 4 day work week, God bless America, and Mr. & Mrs. Spicola! Congratulations!

raspberry bellinis during cocktail hour...yum!

friends

alpha tau omegas.
and the silly camera guy who was in the way the entire night including when he almost knocked down the altar arrangement during the ceremony because he was on the platform in clear view...major no no in my book!

sparkler send-off {david's face is hilarious!}

the newlyweds...and the camera guy.

summer roommate

Some of you may or may not have known that I've had a summer roommate. My dear friend Erin has been living with me for two months and I'm so sad that tomorrow is her last day. Tonight we had our farewell dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood joints Red Elephant. David also joined us - whom she has lovingly referred to as "dad" this summer.

Erin and I met way back when she was a freshman ADPi and I was a big bad senior. We clicked instantly and became fast friends. She always knew she had an open invitation at my home and after she graduated this past May she took me up on the offer as she planned her next life move. I'm so glad she did!

We've had a fabulous time and as much as I do not care to have permanent roommates I've been thrilled to have her as my summer roommate. I'm trying to get her to stay but she is moving back home to Jacksonville as she continues her education with a master's program. I will miss our whimsical talks on how we would like to work for kate spade just for their retail discount, her latest shoe/bag purchase, and weekend jaunts to New York City.

I look forward to hearing all the amazing things in store for her as she continues to make the post-undergrad transition. I'm just happy I was there to be a part of it. Cheers to friends and roommates - the door's always open, xoxo.

nine plus decades and 4 generations later...

This crib has been through 4 generations and it is the most precious thing. It currently resides in my former bedroom in Ocala {yes, former...I don't even have a room anymore - don't even get me started!}. When my brother used it as a baby, it was the only crib my mother used. Once Michael began to crawl, he simply kicked out the screen and would crawl out when ready!

As you may have guessed it the crib first belonged to my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth - which I believed I've referenced before. It was ordered by her parents in 1915 through the Sears & Roebuck catalog. Generation after generation it has been repaired, repainted, and revamped to its current condition shown below.

baby ME in her new crib circa 1915

sk in the crib at grandmommy's during her outside photo shoot

The girls traveled to Ocala this past weekend to celebrate ME's 95th birthday! Mom planned a fabulous party Friday night and friends and family were there to toast this amazing woman. The rest of the weekend was just what I needed - lunch at Latinos, downtown shopping with mom, visit with friends, and sleep. Here's a glimpse of what we did...

friday night birthday party! mom made a delicious chocolate cake with seafoam icing - ME's favorite and the kind her mom used to bake for her

a collage of young mary elizabeth...what I loved the most: the bigger the bow, the better!

flowers from her family

the grandsons took turns repainting the shed out back this summer...michael finished an hour before the party. I'm beginning to think the new acrobatic tricks he learned and performed for us this weekend were the reason the painting got finished just in the nick of time! my grandpa phillip owned gulf stations and I love this vintage sign.

sally kate and her ruffles were at the party!

ME and MC

happy birthday to you

m & d...the color of the party was bright green :)

the radcliffe kids

grandma jean and grandpa warren
{the anniversary guests of honor}

on saturday morning we visited heather lane's cousins for some catching up and decorating advice. here are sk, liza, and rebecca.

we love this family! I babysat liza, rebecca, and brent since they were each newborns...my, how they've grown. liza is even old enough now to have her own e-mail address - so we exchanged :)

and just another photo shoot with sk after church on sunday...

i wish you could see her whole dress...i bought it at the rosemary beach outdoor festival and it's made of a beautiful colored embroidered pillowcase...will follow up with a close up of the detail.

summer fridays

{via glamour daze}

Aren't summer Fridays just the best!? In New York City the term Summer Fridays entails working a half day each Friday during the summer months. It's quite popular in this bustling metropolis and is offered by many businesses due to the dreary and dark winter months Manhattanites endure. Albeit, you have to work an hour extra M-Th.....but I'd say it's well worth it to start your weekend at noon each Friday.

I, too, am celebrating Summer Fridays today. I'm leaving work at noon and headed to Ocala with the girls to celebrate Grandmother ME's 95th birthday tonight! And looking forward to a fun and relaxing weekend at home.

Another celebration is in order today as my other grandparents toast to their 56th wedding anniversary! What a blessing and example they are.

Hope you might be taking part in Summer Fridays wherever you may be!

Cheers to all~