I am a dancer at heart. I started ballet & tap at the age of 4 and I picked up jazz along the way. I continued until I was in high school, at which point I decided cheerleading at my little private school took priority and I quit. It is one of the greatest regrets of my life. While I enjoyed being active in my school life, dancing is in my heart - and still is. I'm a ballet girl at heart, but love just about any style. You will always find me on the dance floor!
One of my favorite shows is So You Think You Can Dance. I love watching dancers excel in their style, as well as learning new styles. Season 9 is looking like a great season! One of my favorite styles to watch are the beat boy/steppers/pop&lockers. I have no idea how they can move their body that way! I especially love when they have such natural dance talent that it shines through in more technical pieces. Most of them have never had formal training. My all time favorite is definitely Twitch from Montgomery, AL on Season 4:
with another favorite from Season 4 - Kherington
This season, I'm amazed by Cyrus from Atlanta. I mean, really, how can a person move like that?
but the dance I absolutely loved from the Top 20 show was the girls contemporary dance:
I know Cameron is as excited as I am about SYTYCD being back...
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Folding sheets
I wish this post was a little more interesting that the title, but it's not. I finally learned how to fold sheets this weekend. Yes, my life is very exciting, and this is what happens when Cameron leaves me alone for the weekend.
It all started when I was folding laundry and took some beach towels to put in the linen closet. I probably should have taken a picture so you could all see just how much of a disaster it was, but that might be a little more than I'm ready to disclose! Basically, I wasn't sure how I was going to fit the towels, short of stuffing them in and shoving the door closed (which has been done before...). So I decided that moment was the time to reorganize. I pulled everything out and started over. While looking at my haphazardly folded sheet sets, I remembered something I had pinned via Pinterest about folding sheets. Fitted sheets always drive me crazy. I didn't think there was a good way to fold them - until now.
Look how nice and neat they are!! I'll admit the fitted sheet almost got the best of me as usual, but once I figured it out, I was amazed. So if you're bored and decide your linen closet needs some help you have to check out the tutorial over at The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.
PS. can I tell you how old I feel after posting this??
It all started when I was folding laundry and took some beach towels to put in the linen closet. I probably should have taken a picture so you could all see just how much of a disaster it was, but that might be a little more than I'm ready to disclose! Basically, I wasn't sure how I was going to fit the towels, short of stuffing them in and shoving the door closed (which has been done before...). So I decided that moment was the time to reorganize. I pulled everything out and started over. While looking at my haphazardly folded sheet sets, I remembered something I had pinned via Pinterest about folding sheets. Fitted sheets always drive me crazy. I didn't think there was a good way to fold them - until now.
Look how nice and neat they are!! I'll admit the fitted sheet almost got the best of me as usual, but once I figured it out, I was amazed. So if you're bored and decide your linen closet needs some help you have to check out the tutorial over at The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.
PS. can I tell you how old I feel after posting this??
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Memphis
We have been back from our trip to Memphis for a few days and I am just now starting to feel caught up. Funny how that is? Cameron agreed to play in a golf tournament out of town this weekend so he wasn't at home long before he was off again!
The trip was great - so good to see college friends, my parents, and visit a new city. We left after work Friday. I had planned to sneak out early, but the afternoon spiraled out of control with lots of sick pets showing up so we arrived in Memphis around 1am Saturday morning. After a lazy morning, we headed out to eat some Memphis BBQ at The Commissary in Germantown.
The ribs were amazing! They definitely rank up there with the ribs from Sticky Fingers (my personal favorite) and, of course, Cameron's. Their slogan is "So good y'ull slap yo' mama!" - they're good but no, there was no slapping going on! After lunch we did a little antiquing, which Cameron & my dad were thrilled about! :)
We had to cut our antiquing short, so we could go home and get ready for Jack & Kate's wedding. Jack is one of Cameron's friends from college. The wedding was beautiful and it was so good to see Auburn friends. The ceremony was held in a gorgeous Catholic church in old Memphis. After that we headed to the Memphis Zoo to celebrate! We were having way too much fun to take pictures (bad blogger, I know!) and this is the only one I got - Cameron with Clayton & Graham.
After the reception we all decided to head downtown to a bar named Raifords, on the recommendation of a Memphis local. Little did we know we were headed for Memphis' version of Studio 54. Disco balls, light up tiles in the floor, mirrored walls, plenty of smoke, and lots of disco music. Oh and your only option for beer is a 40 ouncer! Not quite what we were used to, but we had fun and danced the night away.
Sunday morning we celebrated Father's Day with brunch at a cajun restaurant. My parents drove us around showing us the area, stopped to let me get my Anthropologie fix, then headed home for naps. This old lady can't handle 2 late nights in a row! We had a low key dinner at home on the back patio.
Monday morning we wandered through the historic town square of Collierville (the suburb my parents live in). My mom found a store earlier that she knew I would love - and she was right. First Fruit Collection is full of French home decor. Absolutely gorgeous! If I could furnish my whole home in this store, I'd be one happy girl! Check out their website & blog for some serious eye-candy
This sweet little bowl came home with me. I have been wanting a dough bowl for a while, but I wanted a smaller size and a smaller price tag than most ones a see. While this isn't a true dough bowl (and I'm pretty sure it's a reproduction), it has a beautiful patina, and just the right size & price. Now to decide what to put in it...
For lunch on Monday we ate some of the best fried chicken of my life at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (on the recommendation of a friend). OH WOW. I didn't know chicken could be that good. After 2 pieces, I seriously considered making a second order!
So Monday was to be our tourist day. We had planned to take a tour through downtown Memphis - sold out. Mud Island - closed. Even the Peabody ducks couldn't fit in the schedule due to dinner reservations. So what else is Memphis known for - Graceland. Now I'm no big Elvis fan, and Cameron is even less so, but Graceland is just one of those iconic places that you have to visit while in Memphis right? The house is pretty cool - UGLY inside, but cool. I was disappointed you don't get to go upstairs to see Elvis' room. And in the words of another couple at the wedding - "You don't even get to see the toilet!!"
We did have a star sighting. One of the guys from ZZ Top was getting a private tour right behind us. Not the best picture, but I tried not to be too obvious!
Along with the house, they have lots of other "extras" to see. The planes and cars were cool, but after that they're just milking the whole Elvis thing. Like the exhibit with clothes from musicians who were influenced by Elvis - really, Scotty McCreery???
After we were "Elvised" out, we went home to change for dinner then went downtown to Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. We've been to a Brazilian restaurant before so we were prepared for it. Basically, they have waiters with giant kabobs of different meats walking around and they stop and cut you off a piece. The food just keeps coming! We were all thoroughly stuffed!
Tuesday we hung around with my mom for the morning, dug up some plants to bring back with us (more on that later), then packed up and headed home. It was a great trip, and I look forward to heading back to Memphis for Christmas!
The trip was great - so good to see college friends, my parents, and visit a new city. We left after work Friday. I had planned to sneak out early, but the afternoon spiraled out of control with lots of sick pets showing up so we arrived in Memphis around 1am Saturday morning. After a lazy morning, we headed out to eat some Memphis BBQ at The Commissary in Germantown.
 | ||||||||||
| picture from ulikafoodblog.com |
because everyone needs a buffalo for their child to sit on...
loved these old printing blocks
French furniture always catches my eye
Cameron and I both spotted this bookcase, only to learn it was "Not for sale." We are thinking about building one like it
Story of my life
this little greenery ball came home with us
as well as this Mexican sugar mold. I have wanted one of these for a while and I think this is a reproduction, but the price was right. The color is not. I plan on putting citronella candles in it on the coffee table on the back porch. I'm thinking about repainting it a rustic yellow...
We had to cut our antiquing short, so we could go home and get ready for Jack & Kate's wedding. Jack is one of Cameron's friends from college. The wedding was beautiful and it was so good to see Auburn friends. The ceremony was held in a gorgeous Catholic church in old Memphis. After that we headed to the Memphis Zoo to celebrate! We were having way too much fun to take pictures (bad blogger, I know!) and this is the only one I got - Cameron with Clayton & Graham.
After the reception we all decided to head downtown to a bar named Raifords, on the recommendation of a Memphis local. Little did we know we were headed for Memphis' version of Studio 54. Disco balls, light up tiles in the floor, mirrored walls, plenty of smoke, and lots of disco music. Oh and your only option for beer is a 40 ouncer! Not quite what we were used to, but we had fun and danced the night away.
Sunday morning we celebrated Father's Day with brunch at a cajun restaurant. My parents drove us around showing us the area, stopped to let me get my Anthropologie fix, then headed home for naps. This old lady can't handle 2 late nights in a row! We had a low key dinner at home on the back patio.
This sweet little bowl came home with me. I have been wanting a dough bowl for a while, but I wanted a smaller size and a smaller price tag than most ones a see. While this isn't a true dough bowl (and I'm pretty sure it's a reproduction), it has a beautiful patina, and just the right size & price. Now to decide what to put in it...
For lunch on Monday we ate some of the best fried chicken of my life at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (on the recommendation of a friend). OH WOW. I didn't know chicken could be that good. After 2 pieces, I seriously considered making a second order!
So Monday was to be our tourist day. We had planned to take a tour through downtown Memphis - sold out. Mud Island - closed. Even the Peabody ducks couldn't fit in the schedule due to dinner reservations. So what else is Memphis known for - Graceland. Now I'm no big Elvis fan, and Cameron is even less so, but Graceland is just one of those iconic places that you have to visit while in Memphis right? The house is pretty cool - UGLY inside, but cool. I was disappointed you don't get to go upstairs to see Elvis' room. And in the words of another couple at the wedding - "You don't even get to see the toilet!!"
 |
| Cameron really wanted to take the monkey statue home |
 |
| maybe we should bring back the carpeted hallway look... |
We did have a star sighting. One of the guys from ZZ Top was getting a private tour right behind us. Not the best picture, but I tried not to be too obvious!
Along with the house, they have lots of other "extras" to see. The planes and cars were cool, but after that they're just milking the whole Elvis thing. Like the exhibit with clothes from musicians who were influenced by Elvis - really, Scotty McCreery???
After we were "Elvised" out, we went home to change for dinner then went downtown to Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. We've been to a Brazilian restaurant before so we were prepared for it. Basically, they have waiters with giant kabobs of different meats walking around and they stop and cut you off a piece. The food just keeps coming! We were all thoroughly stuffed!
Tuesday we hung around with my mom for the morning, dug up some plants to bring back with us (more on that later), then packed up and headed home. It was a great trip, and I look forward to heading back to Memphis for Christmas!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Foodie Friday
This week I tried out a couple of veggie dishes. For our meatless night, I made ratatouille from Southern Living. This was a stretch for my anti-squash hubby. We both agreed it was good, but not really craving it again. Worth a shot if you are a big squash/eggplant fan.
Wednesday night, Cameron made steaks to celebrate our friend Harry's birthday. I decided to try out this recipe for tomato, corn, & avocado salad that I found over at Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers. I love reading Charleston girls' blogs. Unfortunately, it makes me miss it soooo much! Back to the food - I loved it. Very fresh and summery. The boys agreed it was good, but I think they were a little more into the steaks!
We are off to Memphis for the next few days! My parents moved there several months ago and this will be our first visit. Looking forward to some great food!
Wednesday night, Cameron made steaks to celebrate our friend Harry's birthday. I decided to try out this recipe for tomato, corn, & avocado salad that I found over at Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers. I love reading Charleston girls' blogs. Unfortunately, it makes me miss it soooo much! Back to the food - I loved it. Very fresh and summery. The boys agreed it was good, but I think they were a little more into the steaks!
Harry sporting Cameron's "Indiana Jones" hat
We are off to Memphis for the next few days! My parents moved there several months ago and this will be our first visit. Looking forward to some great food!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Happy Anniversary!!
Four years ago today, I said "I Do" to the most amazing man. Cameron truly is my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without him. These 4 years have been absolutely amazing, and I look forward to many more!
Since I'm new to the blogging thing and have not yet shared pictures from our wedding, I decided now would be a good time to do it! I was so blessed to be able to have my fairytale wedding in Charleston, SC. I spent much of my life growing up in Summerville, one of Charleston's suburbs. Unfortunately, my parents moved away while I was in school at Auburn, but I still considered it home and there was no other place I could imagine having my wedding but the most beautiful city in the world! I took on the task of planning a long distance wedding while in the midst of vet school. It was such a whirlwind! Thankfully, Pinterest had yet to be invented - my grades suffered enough that year! I knew I wanted to embrace the historic character of Charleston so we chose First Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in the South, for our ceremony. The reception was held at the Thomas Bennett House, a classic Charleston home with a beautiful yard. It really was my dream wedding and I was so happy to share it with so many family & friends.
This post is very picture heavy! It's so hard to narrow down my favorites. Our photographers were amazing and I highly recommend them - Sposa Bella.
Since I'm new to the blogging thing and have not yet shared pictures from our wedding, I decided now would be a good time to do it! I was so blessed to be able to have my fairytale wedding in Charleston, SC. I spent much of my life growing up in Summerville, one of Charleston's suburbs. Unfortunately, my parents moved away while I was in school at Auburn, but I still considered it home and there was no other place I could imagine having my wedding but the most beautiful city in the world! I took on the task of planning a long distance wedding while in the midst of vet school. It was such a whirlwind! Thankfully, Pinterest had yet to be invented - my grades suffered enough that year! I knew I wanted to embrace the historic character of Charleston so we chose First Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in the South, for our ceremony. The reception was held at the Thomas Bennett House, a classic Charleston home with a beautiful yard. It really was my dream wedding and I was so happy to share it with so many family & friends.
This post is very picture heavy! It's so hard to narrow down my favorites. Our photographers were amazing and I highly recommend them - Sposa Bella.
 |
| Cameron with his Dad & brother |
 |
| seeing each other for the first time |
 |
| our nephew Philip was our ring bearer |
 |
| my vet school peeps |
 |
| funny that most of Cameron's friends disappeared for this, then the guys who were present were less than enthusiastic about catching the garter! |
 |
| no Auburn wedding is complete without a little WAAAAR EAGLE! |
 |
| there may have been a Michael Jackson dance off |
 |
| Harry serenading us with "My Cheri Amore" |
Here's to many more years together!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)