Friday Favorites, Honeymoon Edition.

Oh how I wish there was a “rewind” button on life!  I want to go back and relive our wedding weekend and the honeymoon over and over and over again.  A lot of our time was spent simply laying low by the pool but we did a lot in the 9 days we were there. I promise to give a full recap of where we went for our honeymoon (Scrub Island in the BVIs) but for today I’m going to give you my Honeymoon Favorites!  And to be honest, the best part about these posts is that I get to relive the moments while posting the pictures.

Favorite View:  Waking up to this every.single.morning. was amazing.

Good morning from Scrub!

Favorite Place to Grab a Drink:  While on our honeymoon, we decided to rent a private boat and captain for a day and basically go island hopping.  And by island hopping, I mean, bar hopping.  One of our first stops was Cooper Island.  It’s easily my favorite place for a drink because there were bar tables in the ocean.  Had it been any later in the day, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave…  Wanna know the funny part about this picture?  Big Guy is the one that got the frozen drink!  Pinky’s up.

Cooper Island cocktails

Favorite Adventure:  By far, my favorite adventure of the trip was the island hopping day.  Here are some of my favorite pics capturing our day:

Cooper Island swing

Star fish at Cooper Island

Willy T’s

view from Soggy Dollar

Time to head back to Scrub!

Favorite Sunset:  This picture was taken on the ferry as we were on our way to dinner.

Beautiful sunset.

Favorite Drink at Scrub:  Sandie Split.  Sandie was one of our favorite employees at Scrub Island.  She made me this drink the first night we arrived and I had to have one every time she was behind the bar.  All I know is that there was lots of rum (light and dark) plus some orange juice.  The rest is Sandie’s secret.

Sandie Split

Sandie!

Favorite Dinner:  We ate some pretty amazing food everywhere we were, but my favorite dinner by far was our private dinner on the beach.  It wasn’t the food that made it my favorite but the company and the privacy was pretty hard to beat.  After a long few weeks of wedding preparation and the whirlwind of the wedding, this private dinner was much needed the second night of our honeymoon.

dinner for two

just us and the sounds of the ocean.

Favorite Frozen Drink:  Let’s be honest, we drank a lot of cocktails during our honeymoon.  But they weren’t one after the other – I promise there was lots of water in between each and every drink.  I mean, if you can have a drink at 11:30am on a Wednesday, why not?  The British Smile was one of my favorite frozen drinks – basically it’s a “skinny” bushwacker.

British Smile

British Smile in his hand, but no smile on this face.

Favorite Day of Relaxation:  I knew from the day we booked our honeymoon that I was going to spend a day at the spa.  Whether Big Guy was going to join me?  That was up in the air.  But he agreed and I’ve never seen that guy so relaxed in my life.  We did the full couples package and it was simply amazing.  Bonus – it was overcast that day, so I didn’t miss any of my sunshine time.

champs and relaxation

private infinity pool

relax.

Favorite Drink:  If I had to name my favorite drink of the whole trip, it would be the Kiwi Caipirinha from a hole-in-the-wall sushi joint we ran across in Tortola while killing time before dinner.  Y’all – this think was out of control.  Fresh kiwi, mint, lime and goodness muddled together.  And isn’t the color gorgeous?

kiwi cocktail

Favorite Picture:  Okay, I can’t really pick a favorite.  But I love this picture.

sandy hands

Favorite Husband:  Thank you, Big Guy, for the most amazing honeymoon I could have ever asked for.  It was the icing on the cake after the most perfect wedding.  I’ve always daydreamed about my honeymoon and my real honeymoon far surpassed anything I could have imagined.  And can I just say, it was even more amazing that Big Guy put up an email message saying he was out of the country and work wasn’t always on his mind (he got about 30 minutes a day to answer important stuff).  Big Guy works so incredibly hard every day and my favorite part of the honeymoon was having him all to myself.

Mr. and Mrs.

my favorite person

love you. (okay, done being lovey, dovey)

Friday Favorites! Almost no time to pin.

The key word in the above title:  ”Almost.”  I haven’t been on Pinterest in quite a while but I managed to pull myself from working too hard and did a little pinning.  I couldn’t leave you without “Friday Favorites” for two weeks in a row.

Favorite Small Bite:  Chicken and Waffles.  Let’s just say that we had an epic breakfast last Sunday morning.  Four girls ordered the chicken and waffles.  One of my friends insisted that I recreate the dish.

these bites just need blueberry Tabasco syrup

Favorite Bucket List Item:  I’ve never been sailing.  I don’t think Big Guy is a fan but I don’t care.  It’s on my bucket list as of today.

sail away

Favorite Table:  At the same place that we devoured chicken and waffles on Sunday, I fell in love with reclaimed wood tables.  How gorgeous and rustic at the same time!

reclaimed wood table

Favorite Bauble:  In one word:  adore.

make a statement

Favorite Dips:  Dips are totally different than appetizers, right?  I’ll just keep telling myself that…

Fire-Roasted Corn Dip

Favorite Grilled Cheese:  It is National Grilled Cheese month, after all.  So I think that I’ll celebrate this weekend.  You in, Big Guy?  How about we combine two of my favorites:  grilled cheese and pizza?

grilled cheese, please.

Favorite Truth:  This past weekend was simply amazing.  A lot of people would think that putting 8 girls together might cause some cattiness.  But I can honestly say there was no tears or mean words.  And that is why I have the best friends in the whole wide world!

laugh!

Well it’s my last weekend of being a single gal…so to celebrate, I think I’ll have a glass of wine and a grilled cheese sandwich.  Totally normal.

Friday Favorites!

Can you believe Monday is April 1st?  Can you believe this weekend is Easter?  I have a fun weekend (hopefully relaxing, too) planned with our families.  I will get to see my entire family and I’m simply tickled pink.  I told Big Guy this morning that the most important task today is to find an Easter egg kit that simply lights my world on fire.  I live to dye eggs.  I’m serious.  I hope you enjoy your (hopefully) 3-day weekend and I’ll see y’all back here in April!

Favorite Chicken on the Grill: Ummm, wine in my marinade?  Yes, please.

Favorite Corner:  Simply put, My name is Emily and I adore bar carts.

Favorite Color Palette:  The planning of my wedding may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean I can’t brainstorm for other people.

Favorite Side Item:  Fruit and Nut Slaw.  Perhaps someone will let me put this on the table Saturday night.  (Though, I’d use feta or goat cheese instead of blue.)

Favorite Cocktail:  This will probably be “my” drink of 2013:  Coconut Lime Mojito.

Favorite LWD:  I’m on the hunt for a LWD (little white dress) for my hen party coming up (read: in TWO weeks!!!!!!!!!) and I wish I could find one that looks this good on me.

Favorite Workout to Try:  This will be in the rotation next week!

Friday Favorites, Spring Edition.

I am so ready for Spring I can’t stand it.  I’m over these cold mornings and wind that slices through you like a knife.  Be gone!  I heard crickets the other evening and it made me smile.  Since Spring will officially be here next week, what better way to welcome it than a Spring Edition of Friday Favorites.  No more cords, no more Frye boots.  I want my sundresses and Jack Rogers.

Favorite Cover-Up:  Is this not fantastic?  Such a classic look but totally not boring.  I could see myself wearing this on the honeymoon (not to rub it in) while grabbing lunch poolside.

Favorite Use of Hard Boiled Eggs:  I still dye Easter eggs.  Big Guy dyes them now, too.  It’s a tradition.  But what to do with all the leftover eggs.  I usually make egg salad but this year, I think I’m making this twist on the deviled egg.

Favorite Cocktail:  This reminds me of my favorite sangria at Cantina 18 in Raleigh.  I want a pitcher of this Sour Apple and Pear Sangria on my back deck on the first day of 80 degree weather.

Favorite Sandal:  I love this strappy sandal.  You could pair it with white jeans (ohhhh, white jeans!) or a fun dress for date night.  Adore.

Favorite Spring Bag:  This sunny striped Michael Kors bag screams spring.  I would rock it all season long.

Favorite Side Item:  I love Spring time because that means I don’t have to cook inside on the weekends.  You can take it outside.  (I must note, we grill year round, but in the Spring it’s more fun because I can annoy Big Guy and sit on the deck with a cocktail while he’s grilling.)  Take your veggies outside and throw them on the grill!

Favorite Workout:  Walking in around those strappy sandals above means you gotta keep those legs lookin’ lean.  I plan on trying out this leg strengthening workout Saturday AM.

Favorite Thing (no matter the season):  Champs!!!!

Happy, happy weekend!!!!!

Friday Favorites, I haven’t stopped pinning.

Even though I didn’t show you my favorites last week, I haven’t stopped pinning.  Trust me.  So here are my favorites this Friday.

Favorite “Oh my goodness, I need that.”:  Brilliant.  Just brilliant.  Sometimes I don’t want to take the ironing board down for one little shirt.

 

Favorite Salad Presentation for a Party:  Individual salad bowls with the dressing in the center.  Must easier than people serving themselves.  Just grab and devour.  

Favorite Curb Appeal:  I adore the look of this home.  The stone, the balcony, the wrap around porch…

Favorite Bag:  This bag is a fantastic transition piece and it would match everything.

Favorite Space:  Nailhead trim stools, dark floors and island, white glass cabinets…the list goes on and on…

Favorite Salad:  A light, refreshing yet filling salad.  Perfect for spring.

Favorite Daydream: Pink umbrellas, gorgeous ocean, blue sky, toes in the sand.

Happy Weekend!!!!  Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday!!!

Friday Favorites, the last of February.

Can you believe that next Friday will be March 1st?  March!?!?!  Where did February go?  Enjoy these last Friday Favorites for February (triple “F” right there).

Favorite Kitchen Upgrade:  Butcher block counter tops!  Though I’m not so sure about white cabinets after having to wipe them down constantly.  Maybe I just need to work on being cleaner in the kitchen…

Favorite Truth:  It doesn’t happen as often as it used to but seriously!  And I’ll tattle on myself – I’m pretty addicted to Instagram on the weekends.

Favorite Day Dream:  I think most everyone is day dreaming of Spring.  Bring on the warm weather.  But I’m totally guilty of dreaming of my 9 day honeymoon.  And I’m not ashamed.

Favorite Bauble or Bangle:  I’m seeing chunky jewelry all over the place!  (And I love it!) But I love the delicate look of this mint and gold necklace.

Favorite Tip:  Who knew you could clean a cast iron skillet with salt?  Not me.

Favorite Dinner to Serve Momma:  Momma will be visiting quite a few times in the next couple of months.  I think I’ll whip up this salad for her on one of those visits.

Favorite Side:  I’m pretty sure these little shrooms will be accompanying steak on Saturday night.

I hope you all enjoy your last weekend of February!  I know I will – soaking up all the calmness before the wedding storm happens!!!!

10 Fridays

I just realized (well, I actually just counted) that there are only 10 Fridays between now and my wedding week!  That really put things into perspective.  Holy cow.  Where has time gone?  And can I just say that those 10 weekends between right this minute and our wedding weekend are packed.  Thankfully they’re packed with fun stuff…showers, parties, Easter, and I’ve packed one full of nothing for sanity purposes.

So what’s this weekend going to be packed with?  Well, tonight I’m kicking off the weekend with a girls night!  The snow ice cancelled my plans for a date with my Buttercream Queen a few weeks back so we’re making up for lost time.  And Saturday is full of fun!  I’m spending the whole date with Big Guy and I couldn’t be more excited.  We’re going to try a new-to-us restaurant for lunch, run a few errands and cook dinner fit for “Fat Saturday.”  A weekend with no where to be is just what the doctor ordered.  I’ll catch you up with all the details on Monday.  But for now…my Friday Favorites of the week.

Favorite Computer Nook:  I can’t see this as being Big Guy’s office but I can totally see myself in this space, blogging and pinning away.

Favorite Covered Dish:  If I was invited to a family reunion this weekend, this trifle is what I would take.  Peanut Butter, bananas and brownies.  Shut up.

Favorite Garden Tip:  Painted strawberry rocks in your garden chase the birds away from your strawberries. They hate pecking on stones and assume that all the strawberries are hard.

Favorite Use of a Cast Iron Skillet:  PIZZA!!!  And the toppings sound amazing, too.  Brussel sprouts and bacon.  I’m sold.

Favorite Bag:  Are you not obsessed with this bag from Cole Haan?  If Big Guy can have 4 pairs of his shoes, can’t I have one bag?  (kidding, Big Guy, kidding)

Favorite Salad:  This salad makes me crave warm weather, grilling outside, cocktails on the deck and fresh veggies from the garden.

Favorite Boozy Dessert:  So I kind of love Amaretto.  And I’m not sure where our love affair began.  And then it was taken to a whole new level when combined with chocolate.

Favorite Quote:  All I can say is “Amen.”

Make this weekend fabulous!

Friday, you’re my favorite.

What a week!  I feel like I’ve been in this week for a month now.  Whew.  I’m sure it’s because I have a BIG weekend ahead (eeeeek!!!!) and I’m just ready to see all my friends and family.  Our friends here are throwing us a “Stock the Bar” party (aka Bubbles and Bourbon) and we are thrilled.  I can’t wait to share more about that next week.  But for now…here are my favorites from this never ending week.

Favorite Drink:  I’m obsessed with sangria.  And blood oranges are perfect this time of year.  So I see Blood Orange Sangria is in my near future.

Favorite Color Inspiration:  Poppy, pale pink and gold.  Color perfection.

Favorite Salad:  How can you go wrong with a fajita-inspired salad?  You can’t.  Plus there’s a homemade dressing that sounds so good I want to drink it with a straw.

Favorite Visual:  I’m a sucker for cheese plates.  They’re one of my favorite things.  I could eat cheese plates for dinner every Friday night if I wasn’t marrying a steak man. Who wants to have a Friday night cheese plate date with me?

Favorite Post-Wedding Task:  After the wedding is all said and done I can’t wait to organize the kitchen.  And I’m serious.  Momma Bell not only will be with me for a whole week the week of the wedding but she can go ahead and plan a weekend trip post-wedding to help organize my kitchen.

Favorite Chilly Treat:  York Peppermint Patty Ice Cream!  I’m squealing like a little girl.

Favorite Bangle:  There are about 58 outfits I could imagine wearing this gorgeous bracelet with.

Favorite Beauty Upgrade:  I’m not a lipstick wearer.  But it’s all the rage.  I’m on the hunt for the perfect color that I can pull off effortlessly.

Happy Friday!!!!  My biggest problem currently is what I’m making Logan and Jamie for dinner….

Unfriendly Weather

It’s the last Friday in January…can you believe that Christmas was a month ago?  The weatherman is calling for some unfriendly weather today which caused me to cancel my dinner date with the Buttercream Queen.  I’m bummed.  But I still have a date lined up with her.

Sooooo…let’s get to the Friday Favorites and just forget about this unfriendly weather for a few!

Favorite Biscuit:  Does this not remind you of Bojangle’s Bo-Berry Biscuit?  If you’re not from the South, you won’t understand (bless your heart).

Cousin of the Bo-Berry Biscuit

Favorite Warm-me-up Dinner:  Weather that’s not leaving the 30s makes me want soup.  This Cheesy Taco Soup would warm up any cold night.

Warm me up!

Favorite Stud:  I could see myself wearing these lovely Kate Spade earrings more than once a week.

 

just lovely

Favorite Superbowl Snack:  I’ve been a nacho lover since I was a young one.  I will never forget ordering nachos with the neon cheese sauce at every Charlotte Hornet’s game I went to with my Dad.

nacho love

Favorite Spin on a Southern Staple:  Cinnamon + Pistachios + Chicken Salad (plus it’s lightened up!) = AMAZING.

Southern Staple with a Twist

Favorite Workout:  I think I’ll bust this out tomorrow morning!  It’s a boredom buster.

Saturday AM workout

Favorite Cookie:  Chewy and full of chocolate and peanut butter.  I’m in (it’s gluten-free!).

get in my mouth.

Favorite Cocktail:  This makes me ready for summer.  Bring on the warm weather and mojitos!

cocktail time!

Favorite Rules:  I would for sure follow these rules, especially while sippin’ one of those gorgeous mojitos.

 

rules i want to follow

Favorite Promise:  I would love to include this somewhere in our ceremony.

 

ceremony verse

Favorite Way to Start the Day:  Happy Day!

yay!

 

99 Days to go!

Guess what…99 days ’til THE day.  And it’s Friday.  Today’s a good day.

We’ve got a big weekend ahead and Monday’s a holiday for this girl so I’m super pumped.  Helllllo, Sunday Funday.  Now let’s get to the good stuff:

Favorite Book to Read:  Seeing as lots of wedding stuff is happening, this book only seems appropriate.  A story of a dysfunctional wedding weekend and complicated relationships. She blends social satire with a creative plot that covers love, desire, infidelity, and the risk of living a false life.

Favorite Funny:  Seriously though, maybe she is the problem!

Favorite Sunday Night Comfort Meal:  The Pioneer Woman does no wrong.  Sunday Night Stew.

Favorite Use of Pastel:  I would love this in a beach house!

Favorite Use of Avocados:  Make it into the salad bowl!

Favorite Truth:  

Favorite Splurge:  Last week it was Ohio, this week it’s all about Texas Fries.

Enjoy your weekend!