Friends, Birthdays & Good Food!

Happy Monday, friends! Today I was home sick. I think the fall weather has finally caught up with me. I still feel kind of crummy, but can't stop thinking about how wonderful my birthday weekend was. Friday evening, I helped my newly engaged friends stock the bar at their new casa. It was soo GREAT catching up with girls I haven't seen in months and starting my birthday celebration early.

Saturday, sweet E delivered my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte to my bedside table along with one of my favorite birthday cards ever, a singing gnome! We spent the rest of the day shopping and grazing at my favorite village restaurant, Jackson's.

Saturday evening we had dinner reservations at Midtown Cafe. I have to admit, I was hesitant of going there. BOY was I surprised. This has to be one of Nashville's best kept secrets. I've lived in Music City for three years and never hear of it. The name does not do this place justice. My starter of lemon artichoke soup was TO DIE FOR, not to mention the Mahi Mahi and lobster risotto! E ordered the veal and it was just as tasty! We ended with Creme Brule and lingered over a delicious Cotes Du Rhone wine. To top off a perfect birthday, we enjoyed special birthday cocktails at The Patterson House.

If you haven't had the chance to dine at a pre-prohibition inspired cocktail lounge, I HIGHLY recommend it. After several visits, I am still blown away by the creativity and time that goes into creating the delicious concoctions. This weekend I left my drinks up to the bartender and came away very pleased. First I had a cucumber based drink as refreshing as mountain water. I ended the evening with a Bulleit Bourbon based classic cocktail. My favorite though, was sweet E's Pumpkin spice Bourbon drink called Rocky Top. AMAZING.

To end my weekend, I was treated to a mani/ pedi. 27, while hard to think about, is treating me well so far! I'm looking forward to the many memories to surely come throughout the year! Especially my birthday dinner with the girls on Wednesday!

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

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!

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.

Spring Flings!

Sure the April showers are well underway, but all I can think about is the fact that SPRING IS HERE and so are all the wonderful events that accompany it. Some of my favorite events take place in spring and countless memories have been made over the years. I LOVE the fact that when the weather warms up everyone is out and about and it is NEVER difficult to get your pals to play. Today I'm guest blogging over at Texas Prep . Be sure to stop by to check out some of my favorite warm-weather outfits! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite spring happenings:

Keeneland

Being a Kentucky girl, I think this is a given. For three weeks during the spring and fall, southerners make the trek to Lexington to take part in viewing one of the most demanding sports around-horse racing. Much like the Kentucky Derby, attendees put on their Sunday best and socialize like there’s no tomorrow. If you like to take advantage of the warm spring weather, Keeneland is for you. Most will show up early to tailgate (and sip bourbon) prior to races. If socializing isn’t your thing, the pure beauty and history of the park is reason enough to show up early. I am looking forward to celebrating spring, (and hopefully a national championship) next weekend with all of my girlfriends and their beaus.

{via}

Family Circle Cup

I’ve never been, but it’s definitely on my list of things to do. Charleston, tennis, YES, PLEASE!

Cinco de Mayo

Okay, so it might not be an AMERICAN tradition, but American’s have certainly embraced this holiday. Go ahead and admit that on May 5^th you have-or plan to be- parked in a booth or on the patio of your favorite local Mexican restaurant sippin’ margs and dining on a tasty burrito.

{via}

Spring Football Scrimmages

From Tuscaloosa to Austin and all the way in between, football fans travel to their respective college campus’ to cheer on the newest additions to their team and see what old players have in store for the upcoming season. Spring football is a great way to get outside, catch a few rays and test out any new tailgate gear you may have picked up over the holidays.

Music, Art & Food Festivals

Spring is a great time to embrace the culture of cities and towns throughout the south. Check out magazines such as Julep, Garden and Gun and Southern Living to see what your area has to offer. Some of my favorite festival ideas include the International BBQ Festival in my hometown of Kentucky, Mule Day in Columbia Tennessee, and Spoleto in Charleston, South Carolina.

Weddings

That’s right! Spring brings with it, WEDDING SEASON! If you’re anything like me, the last few years, or maybe even for the first time, weddings have your calendar packed JAM-FULL of festivities. The great thing about weddings is that each joyous occasion warrants a new dress (or at least the thought)-Your friends only get married once! If you’re not a fan of weddings, use the event as an opportunity to catch up with old friends or visit that town you’ve been dying to travel to.

{via}

Crusin’

Crusin’ via bike, boat or maybe even a convertible. All of these options make for a PERFECT spring day with your beau!

What are your favorite spring flings? Do you have any fun activities planned? I’d love to add some new things to my list!

New Kate Spade Cruiser {via}  {via}

Until next time, may your spring be full of magnolias, bourbon and warm, spring weather!

Happy Birthday, Momma Bear!

Today is my dear mother's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! It sure stinks to grow up and have to be away from your loved ones on special days like this. It seems like just yesterday my Mom was helping me with my latest second grade science or art project, perfectly tying my bow for cheerleading tryouts and helping me pick out the perfect shoes to go with my prom dress. Yes, my Mom is a great Mom. Even now that I'm 26, she still always welcomes me home with open arms and sends me back with tasty meals and some money in my pocket.

Happy Birthday to the greatest Mom. I Love you and hope your day is EXTRA special!

XoXo

P.S. I definitely tried typing in "Mom" on the Facebook search bar to tell my Mom Happy Birthday....

Double Trouble

Sister Bear! Missy

On this cold, snowy Tuesday I am missing my other half more than anything! Some of you might not know, but I have a twin sister! That's right, a TWIN! Unfortunately she is 22 hours away in El Paso, Texas. Her husband is a member of the armed forces and was recently ordered to move there. I am looking forward to a week of summer exploring in the great state of Texas.

Fast facts about my sis:

*We are not identical

*Nurse (Ah-mazing nurse!)

*Ambidextrous

*Married for 4.5 years

*Fitness Freak

*Two dogs

*LOVES Fall

*OBSESSED with Tervis Tumblers

*Loves Dr. Seuss and Little House on the Prairie

*Drive a MASSIVE Dodge Ram truck (that is way too big for her)

*Has a Nook that I would LOVE to borrow and forget to return :o)

Missy and Kevin

Don't make fun...I had bad vision...
and always had my mouth open.
She was DEFINITELY the cute one!

Twins and Friends-My Masters graduation

Love you Sister Bear!

XoXo