A Royal Affair: Friday Fancies # 11

Here ye, here ye! Patrons of the blogging community, please welcome Lady Cambron Tildsley Jewellskitt of Murfreesboroshire (that's me). The day has come to welcome Catherine Middleton to the royal ranks. In her honor, and in respect of  Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I present to you my Royal Friday Fancies:

Royal Affair by S_Sophisticate featuring valentino dresses

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and a little bit of royalty!

Aching Hearts Need Our Prayers

As we all know by now, several southern states have been hit hard by tornados and storms. With the death toll at 200 and rising, my heart aches for the vicitims of this devestation. When I was a freshman in high school, we had a tornado come through our school. T2K, as it was commonly referred. The immediate and long-term affect it had on me is difficult to put into words. With each passing storm, I'm crippled by fear that mother nature's destruction will reign. 

I see the aftermath of yesterday's weather event and feel deeply impacted by the way people's lives were changed. The horrific images and video footage evoke painful emotion and deep sorrow. I know that individuals will never again be the same. Weeks, months or maybe even years will be haunted by post traumatic stress, family members will not return and homes and buildings will take many months to be cleaned up and rebuilt. Our friends need our prayers and our help. 

Please reach out to those in need. Prayers go a long way. This could have very easily been your community or mine. Remember to tell those around you how much you love them. Life is not a guarantee. Don't take for granted any of the things you have because a gust of wind, a change in atmospheric pressure or just a small act of life could change it forever.

Until next time, may your heart be heavy for those in need of our prayer. Lift up our Southern friends and plead for their comfort during this trying time.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy hump day, y'all! Hope everyone is safe and sound after another round of scary storms. Unfortunately, there are more to come. Please, stay safe. I've decided to link up again for What I'm Loving Wednesday. Here we go:

1.) Kentucky Derby is just over a week away! All Kentuckians LOVE their horse racing, and I am true to that trait. I enjoy reading up on the jockeys, owners, trainers and examining the build of each horse. I giggle at the names and drool at the perfectly designed silks. This year, I'm LOVING that soo many are wearing pink and green! While I haven't done extensive research on the contenders, at first glance, I like Midnight Interlude and Dialed In! I'll give my official picks next week.

2.) The ROYAL WEDDING is two days away. I can HARDLY wait. I can't wait to share my Friday Fancies! William and Kate. Yes, PLEASE!

3.) Books. I've been a bookworm in the worst possible way lately. I can't help it. I get pulled in and can't let go. I'm on the last two Dot Frank Books and then, on to the classics. I've seen every body's list of what every girl must read, but what is your opinion? Tell me your top five classics for my consideration. I'll use your advice and then share in a later post!

4.) My itty-bitty cousins. I know I've shared this once already, but they are ANGELS. I Love them and their tiny hands and tiny toes. I sure wish I could spend more time with them!

Burger from Burger Up

5.) Burgers. I know I should be loving something like salads, but all I can think about is a good juicy burger. I blame it on the delicious Bison Burger I had a few weeks back. The perfection still lingers on my tongue. At least I haven't eaten lots of burgers...just dreamed.

Not to be Debbie Downer, but there is one thing I'm not loving. I sent my sissy a nice little gift from my visit to Keeneland and she has YET to receive it. It has been a week. I'm hoping I'm just impatient and someone didn't STEAL it. The packing did have Keeneland all over it. Keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and lots of daily joy!

Smiles for a Rainy Day

Happy Tuesday, y'all! Hope everyone is staying safe and dry. With a good portion of the country being hammered by storms, I though we could all use a little pick me up. 

Warning! The picture I'm about to show you may boggle your mind and send you into stitches. I've seen this guy not once, but twice on the interstates around Nashville. Luckily, both times I was in the passenger seat and was able to snap a photo. 

Look closely. There are two dogs with goggle/face masks on!

On another note, I've got my assignment for Atlanta Yankee Belle's Staycation Swap. I can't let you in on who I have, but am very excited. I realized I didn't post anything on my dream "staycation," so without further ado, here it is:

My ideal staycation in Nashville, Tennessee would be one of the following:

1.) An afternoon/evening at Arrington Vineyards. In the spring and summer, Arrington Vineyards has live jazz music and tastings. Visitors bring baskets of snacks and blankets or chairs and enjoy great wine and the live entertainment.

2.) A weekend evening spent at Yazoo Brewery for tour and tasting. What's not to love about good, local beer?

3.) An evening of music at the Bluebird Cafe. {E and I had our first date there :o) } This is where many great musicians/ songwriters get their start. Among the many, Garth Brooks was first "found," at the Bluebird. 

4.) A Nashville Sounds Ball game. Hot dogs, baseball and a guitar shaped scoreboard! Yes, PLEASE!

5.) Any local, trendy restaurant outing would be ideal. I'm a self confessed foodie and love trying new things! Especially at local restaurants! {Nashville Originals}

I'm looking forward to seeing what my "staycation" has in store! Hope y'all are too!

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and a strong umbrella and rain boots!

We are FAMILY!

Happy Monday, y'all! From the looks of all the blogs, it seems as though you all had a WONDERFUL Easter! 

I traveled home to my old Kentucky home this weekend to celebrate with my family. On Saturday, I spent time at my Nana's house and had a great time catching up with aunts, uncles and cousins and delighting in delicious food! My Nana's beau made AMAZING peanut butter fudge. I need to get the recipe to share with y'all. By the time I went back for a second piece, it was all gone! Needless to say, I was VERY disappointed. I spent the rest of the evening visiting with my cousin Brad. 

Lilly, Tristan, Mackinlee, Brad and Holly

My cousin Brad is a little bit older than me and we've never really had the chance to grow close, mainly because we use to live in different states. I'm glad that we have taken the time to reconnect and grow closer. We spent time Saturday evening looking though old pictures of us, our parents and various other family members-some of which I'd only ever heard about. I cracked up when I saw how much my Mom and Papaw looked alike and how too cool for school my aunts and uncles were back in the day. 

Me with my itty-bitty cousins-notice how "happy" they all look!

On Sunday, I got up and went to the church I've practically grown up in. It is SOO nice to come on any given Sunday and still have the same faces teach your Sunday school lesson, and let you join in like you've never left. The service was great and it felt good to be sandwiched (I was in the middle) between two of my favorite people, Nana and Aunt Gina. 

Savannah, Jon, Janie and Kenndy

Yesterday afternoon, we had lunch at my Aunt Barbara's house. Her garden is PHENOMENAL. I took a video to share the beauty of it. (I've tried uploading it. No luck) Her wisteria vine has created a canopy over her fish pond. It makes for a BEAUTIFUL outdoor gathering. Hopefully next time the rain will hold off and we won't be rushed. I got to spend time with my other cousins, Jon, Janie and Chris and enjoy their sweet new baby, Kennedy and their already precious, Savannah. Between the two of them, and my cousin Brad's kiddos, I have some pretty AWESOME little bitty cousins. Brad's tater tots, Lilly, Tristan and Mackinlee (named after my Papaw Mack) are sooo well behaved and always a hoot. 

All the cousins, plus added in sister and brother in law! Ha!

I came home yesterday feeling soo blessed and lucky to have spent time with everyone. On my way home I couldn't help but to think that without the sacrifice made for us by our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, none of this would be possible. I am truly blessed. 

P.S. I forgot to take pictures at Nana's house! 

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and the gift of knowing an AWESOME God.

Friday Fancies #9: Hoppy Easter

Hoppy Easter, y'all! Linking up with {av} again for Friday Fancies. If you haven't participated, I recommend linking up. It is soo much fun and half way addicting. What's not to love about creating a dream outfit! This week I put together an Easter weekend look. Daffodils were my Papaw's favorite flowers, so this one's for him! If you look closely, you'll notice I have two handbags. I couldn't choose, but because this is Friday Fancies, I picked both! Don't you just LOVE the Tory Burch bag?

Hoppy Easter by S_Sophisticate featuring yellow prom dresses

Be sure to link up next week for a SPECIAL edition of Friday Fancies featuring: THE ROYAL WEDDING GUEST outfit, followed by the Kentucky Derby!

Lots of exciting events to look forward to!

Until next time, may your Easter be full of magnolias, bourbon and safe travels!

Keeneland Recap

Race to the finish!

Since this week seems to be the official Southern Sophisticate recap week, I'll continue with my recap of another recent adventure; Keeneland. Following the Maker's Mark tour, we proceeded to Lexington (Kentucky). AKA GOD'S COUNTRY...no joke. If you've never been, go. It's B-E-A-U-tiful!! Imagine the prettiest rolling hills and horse farms you can and multiply it by 20. Lexington is simply gorgeous and is the epitome of thoroughbred racing. 

E's first Keeneland Experience

I was a little worried when I woke up on Saturday morning because the weather was not in our favor. Nonetheless, we proceeded to the track in our best spring attire. While most would tailgate before entering the track, we didn't really have the option. By the time we got out of the car and snapped a couple of pictures, the drops began to fall. We decided to proceed into the facility and wait it out. All in all, it was a good decision. By the second race, the torrential downpour came to a halt and the thunder and lighting were swept away. God was ready for some horse racing...and racing we did. By the third and fourth races we had got into a groove and had won back everything we spent. I used the rest of the afternoon to show E the premises (rain free) and catch the rest of the races. 

Me, Pucky and MAS in the tunnel

I felt lucky to take in two of my favorite jockeys in action, Kent Desormeaux, best known for riding Real Quiet and Big Brown straight to the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby. I also saw Julien Leparoux who broke the record at Churchill for riding six winners on a single card. I can HARDLY wait for the Kentucky Derby in two short weeks! 

I told you I have a soft spot for "older people."

We ended up staying at Keeneland tailgating until around 8:00 that night. The weather was wonderful and we couldn't get enough of the fresh, Kentucky air. I cannot wait to make it back to Keeneland in the fall.  If you've never been, consider going, but I warn you. Once you go, you will have to come back every year! It's enchanting!

After a LONG day of racing

Thanks to MAS for being a LOVELY host and to Pucky for being a great travel companion. Love you ladies!

Post-race tailgate. My favorite picture of the day. Typical

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and preparation for the Run for the Roses!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Today I'm doubling up. What i'm loving Wednesday and Wedding Wednesday.

This is the first time I've linked up for What I'm loving Wednesday with Little Daisy May and am VERY excited. I'm always loving random things and get excited to pass the word along, hopefully this will be a continued outlet for my enthusiasm. 

Here we go:

A.) I'm loving Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Bonnaroo Buzz is back, and it's GREAT. I've also just discovered Vanilla Health Bar Crunch. Do it. You will not be let down.

{via}

B.) James Booker. Thanks to E, I have a new obsession. This man can simply play some music.

C.) I'm loving that I've found a little motivation to get out and start running again. While I haven't done any distance of note, I am working my way up and feeling good.

{via}

D.) Edamame. Steam these suckers and chill them to add to a salad. They add the perfect amount of crunch!

{via}

E.) College Prep's Vineyard Vine's Jockey Silk inspired desktop! My favorite pattern and a darling quote!

{via}

F.) Last, but certainly not least, I am LOVING that I get to see my SWEET Jorgie when I am home for Easter.

 Puppy Love

Wedding Wednesday

 In the last month, I've gone to three weddings, One in Murfreesboro, TN, Owensboro, KY and Gatlinburg, TN. Each was unique to the couple tying the knot and LOADS of fun.

Nichole and Chance married at a small, country church on March 19th. The church was quaint and filled to the brim with guests. It may have been the most touching ceremony I've been to in years. Chance nearly fell apart as Nichole walked down the isle. He was so overcome with emotion and joy to be marrying her and you could simply see it in his eyes and reaction as she marched toward him.

Nichole is my pledge sister in Kappa Delta. We use to sit beside each other at meetings and she always had me in stitches. I couldn't be happier for the two of them. Chance is a great guy, and Nichole deserves  NOTHING but the best. Don't you just LOVE their wedding photos? Shots by Cheyenne did a WONDERFUL JOB! Props!

Next up, March 26, 2011: Maggie and Bryan. Maggie and I have known each other since the sixth grade. Yeah, we go WAY back. I cannot say enough about Mag's disposition. She is cheerful, happy-go-lucky and a GREAT friend. She looked incredible on her wedding day, and Cara Dee Photography (a fellow class mate, and birthday sharer) did a PHENOMENAL job capturing it!

{via}

Maggie and Bryan were married at a Baptist Church in my hometown. I don't think you could have squeezed another person in. There had to of been at least 250 in attendance. The reception, however, was my favorite part. It was held at an old Bourbon Distillery. Cara did a GREAT job capturing the beauty of the place. While I'm not dreaming wedding bells just yet, no matter where I go, Cara will come with to capture my day!

{via}

Lastly, Krystal and Mike. April 16, 2011: Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Krystal has been my best friend since we were in high school. We first met in church at a young age and I've had the joy of watching her life come to fruition. First, through her education as a nurse, and now as a mother and a wife. You can't dream up friends like Krystal. She is there for me through thick and thin and I am BLESSED to be a part of her life. 

With this ring, I thee wed.

While rain threatened the affair, it was not in God's plan for the wedding party to be soaked. Just hours before the ceremony, the skies cleared and the sun shined down on Gatlinburg. The temperature and the skies were the definition of perfection. Chase, Krystal and Mike's son, took the first opportunity at enjoying being outside.

Who doesn't love a little boy blowing bubbles with joy?!

I was honored to be a part of Krystal and Mike's day. The tears of joy felt amazing.
Through all three of the weddings, E has been such a trooper. He's snapped photos, dressed up and been a great dance partner. I can't thank him enough for being so special....except with a SMOOCH!

XoXo

Until next time, may your weddings be full of magnolias, bourbon and enough love to go around!