Monday, December 27, 2010

Ho Ho Ho!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas weekend!  We sure did in our household, enjoying my "last" Christmas as a Laffitte! I just checked my theknot wedding website- only 152 days to go!

Unfortunately, I can only assure you in writing that lots of memories were made because I have NO pictures to share of our fun. Thankfully, Santa Claus must be a blog follwer because he brought me a new camera so watch out, Pioneer Woman- I'm on to you! :) Just kidding.  But I can't wait to take some pictures and post on the ole blog.

South Carolina had a great surprise and wintery treat yesterday- a white Christmas!! I can't think of the last time we had snow in December.  If we are lucky, we typically get one snow a year, and it always comes in late January or February. Remember this snow from last February?  Anyways, it was so much fun, though quite freezing cold!!!

I am working from home today- which is amazing- and then am off Tuesday- Thursday and our office is closed Friday.  . .So this is my last day of work until 2011!  Hot dog! 

I must say I really like working from home. It is SO quiet.  I can't believe how much work I have gotten done!  I am really impressed with myself. I think that probably can be attributed to that fact that my phone has not been ringing too much, and the emails are kind of sporadic. Everyone must still be on vacay!!  And I think I'm also super motivated because this is such a treat, I don't want to screw it up!! :)

We are moving to Laurel Spring tomorrow morning until the New Year. I can't wait to get there, be with my family, have Lash join us, go for many long walks to the gate, play some games, hunt, and relax!  I could not think of a better way to end 2010.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Debut and a Test Run

My beautiful little sister made the last of her debuts Saturday night in Columbia at the Camellia Ball.  Doesn't she look gorgeous?


Knowing we had a fun occasion to get dressed up for, my mom scheduled a hair and make-up "test run" for my wedding day.  What a treat!  We had the best time spending the afternoon in the salon getting beautified. 

I'm not sure if my hair will be long enough to pull all the way back in May for the wedding, but if not, I really like the simplicity and understated elegance of this look below pulled half back.


My mom wanted us to take these pictures to email to the stylist.  They make me laugh because they are so staged but I'm glad we documented the trial run.



Our fam :)  My mom's dress was my favorite.


 Funny story:  The black one shoulder dress I am wearing is the same dress I wore to prom in ninth grade!!  I could not BELIEVE it is such a classic that I can wear legitimately 8 years later + moreover, it still fit.  I was about to do cartwheels when I put it on!

More family.  The girl cousins at the ball, minus one.


Love you debutante! You were stunning!

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Little Personal Day :)

I have just given myself a wonderful gift!  I had an extra vacation day to burn or else I would lose it at the end of the year, so I decided to treat myself to a luxury not very often afforded- a day of R&R with absolutely no plans!  I'm also taking off the week after Christmas, but this surprising day off comes highly recommend!!

It's 9:45 am, I am still in my PJs and robe, catching up on all your blogs, drinking my second cup of coffee, and enjoying this absolutely drop dead gorgeous morning in Charleston.  Life is good!!

I am about to dive into my early Christmas present from Lash- the Pioneer Woman's cookbook- and dream about all her delicious recipes!  (I love to spend hours reading a new cookbook).  Then, I'm going to the gym and getting, hopefully, a great run in, grabbing lunch with Lash and his sister, and then heading down King Street to do some last minute shopping.

This is fabulous.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hurry Down The Chimney

Hi friends- I put this on the ole 'Book yesterday, but thought I'd try the next best source of comments and opinions!  

Can anyone recommend the Nikon S80  . . .

or the Sony CyberShot DSC-H55?

I'm not quite ready to take the plunge to the big girl stuff yet (i.e. DSLR), but do want a step up from my Canon Powershot.  Any suggestions or advice?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

On my mind . . .

  • How is it only Tuesday?
  • How is it already December 14?
  • I signed some company Christmas cards yesterday.  Then I realized this is the last Christmas I will sign my name as Mary Loyal Laffitte.
  • We have our office Christmas party Friday night.
  • Last year, Lash got locked in the bathroom for a solid 20 minutes.  Talk about a funny memory involving screw drivers and all!
  • I'm bringing burgundy mushrooms for an appetizer.  The Pioneer Woman did a spread on them here.
  • I want to be her.  Seriously.  I want to take amazing photos and cook amazing food and blog about it all with amazing writing skills.
  • I've asked Santa for a camera for Christmas so maybe I'll start to learn how to take awesome PW pics.
  • Speaking of Santa, I still need to get some last minute gifts. Pushing procrastination.com to the max.
  • Also wildly obsessed with Modern Family.  I've watched 6 episodes in 2 days.  For those of you that know me, I do not watch TV.  # clearly needed some serious downtime and fighting off a cold.
  • This month has been the most stressful month I can remember.
  • However, some people really come through in the clutch when you need them to lift your spirits.
  • He is in control.  
  • The reason for the season

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I did not want to spend a lot of money on decorating our quaint little apartment knowing that Lash and I are probably going to be getting some Christmas and holiday decorations with all the wedding fun, and we will most likely be in another apartment post wedding.

However,  I love Christmas and could not bear the thought of not putting up any decorations!  Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue with her leftover decorations, and Santa's little elf was quite busy around our apartment during her brief stay.

Our place is so cheery!  I love how it turned out!

You may remember my DIY lima bean wreath.  Still calling all bow tiers.  haha.


Our entry table and mirror is adorned with garland and a pretty ornament.

It is really awkward taking a photo of a mirror!  I just got back from the gym- can you tell?

Our little tree!  

The dining room chest.  This is my favorite piece of furniture. I love the green.
P.S. Lash got me that wine cooler last year for Christmas and it has been a GREAT gift. Highly recommended!

Our dining room table is set with festive place mats and an advent wreath.


I love adding little understated touches around the house like adding balls in vases, etc.

I bought this festive tray from Walmart for $10.  I am obsessed!


It's the most wonderful time of the year!


Only 17 days to go. Can you believe it?

Monday, December 6, 2010

Lessons

I joined a gym at a good time in my life.  Today, I banged out 5 miles of stress and daily grind on the treadmill. . . and it felt so good.  


I find myself facing many situations right now where I have no control over the outcome.  And, I am convinced that the worse part about not having any control is absolutely not having any control.  :)  For the type A, grab the bull by the horns person I am, this does not sit particularly well with me.

I am trying to keep my focus on the cross.  To pray without ceasing.  To lay it down.  To be patience.  To trust.

God teaches you lessons in funny ways, no?

Yet, I am thankful for the learning experience.

Phillippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I think the most interesting and powerful phrase in that verse is "with thanksgiving."

This sentiment is also similarly expressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

While it may not be the easiest for me to give thanks in these gray situations, I am ever thankful that my God has significant plans for me, and that one day, I will see how they unfold.

Until then, I am clinging to the cross.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Roasted Broccoli

My five and six year old self would be horrified to think years later I'd devote an entire blog post to broccoli.

But let me tell you- this is my favorite way to cook broccoli.  Ever.

Beware, the below is not mind-blogging regarding technique or ingredients used. It is a simple, everyday go to way to deliciously get some greens on your plate.  The basic premise involves roasting the florets at a high temperature until they caramelize.

This inspiration of this recipe comes from one of my foodie favs- Ina Garten.  In all of her dishes, I think Mrs. Barefoot Contessa manages to capture the perfect combination of the simple yet the sophisticated, and maximize flavors in a way that are both ingenuous and incredibly replicable.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Roasted Broccoli


Ingredients: EVOO, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt

Preheat oven to 425.  Drizzle a light touch of EVOO on broccoli, a splash of lemon juice, and a shake of both red pepper flakes and salt.

Roast in the oven 20 to 25 minutes until crisp- tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.  I always shake the pan around a bit as it cooks, but I'm not sure if that is necessary or not.

After 20- 25 minutes, you can either eat it at that point as I most often do, or fancy it up a little bit by zesting a lemon over the broccoli, adding some freshly graduated parmesan cheese, and/ or toasted pine nuts, and putting back in the oven for a few.

You will go ga-ga over this broccoli.  I promise.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Laundry Laments. . .

Y'all.

I've been having a terrible time with my laundry lately.  I'm not sure WHAT my problem is.

First of all, I've washed two loads in the past few weeks without detergent.  Two loads. . . aka I've made the mistake on two separate occasions.  ADD, anyone?  I'm pretty sure that is getting me absolutely no where.  No to mention, nothing frustrates me more than having to rewash them (with soap), and waste more water.  I'm sure my roommate also feels the same!

Then, I swear my dryer is eating my socks because right now, I count six little fellas that are missing their match.  Six.  How does that happen?!?


And lastly, the now green washcloth pictured below was the color of the yellow towel before I washed it, by mistake I might add, with my brand new Forever 21 jeggings. . .  I guess that's the price you pay when you buy jeans for $17.50.


Here's to growing pains!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Working on the Registry

Sunday marked the official 'six months to go' countdown, and I honestly cannot believe how fast our engagement is flying by!

Since we spent Thanksgiving in Georgetown, my mom and I took the opportunity on Friday to go to Myrtle Beach and get started on our wedding registry.  We are going to use local vendors from both of our hometowns, and then a national store or two to appease the out of town guest.

Friday, we met the Springs for lunch and afterwards, Lash's mom and his twin sisters joined us on our journey. .  I can't believe his sisters stuck it out the entire time like they did!  I'm sure they were bored out of their mind looking at china, crystal, and other home knick- knacks, but they were such troopers and it really was so special to have them there.

Though we technically do not have a clue where we will be living, it's fun to start planning and envisioning how our little home will look one day some day.  I'm getting really excited!  {As if I wasn't already, haha!}  We visited a great fine gifts shop as well as an interior design boutique.  My favorite store that was visited- of course- was a kitchen store.  I could have spent hours in there wandering around and looking at various gadgets and gizmos and daydreaming all the while. I loved it.

Now, I'm totally inspired and want to go to Williams- Sonoma, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or Pottery Barn and use those cool scanning guns.  I feel the experience of the scanner gun will be unduly satisfying and climatic in and of itself.   Is that crazy?

Did you enjoy registering as much as I did?

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thanksgiving Recap and Recipes

Can you believe Thanksgiving has come and gone ,and we are now in Advent?  2010 is flying by!

We had a great Thanksgiving at my grandmother's, and it was so nice to get out of town for a few days.  In light of some recent happenings,  I was ready for some TLC and quiet time with the fam.

Unfortunately, my blog has taken a terrible back seat over the holiday hustle and bustle.  My grandmother does have a computer at her home that is installed with the latest and greatest edition of Windows 95 so in order to surf the world wide web, you have to be willing to sit for decades for a page to load. She recently got a wireless hook up but after the techie installed it, she unfortunately forgot the password.   Armed with our laptops in tow, my sister and I unsuccessfully attempted every common and/or logical password to break the code, but alas, we gave into a few days of computer silence.  Sometimes, getting a break from reality is a nice change, though.

Back to the holidays. . .  do you feel like you have been eating for the past five days like I do?  Wow, it was all so great though.  My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are tied between an oyster pie and my mom's balsamic gravy that is out of this world- I need to post these recipes at some point.  And, I admit, I love the canned cranberry sauce.  Yes, canned cranberry sauce.  I know. . .

The biggest come- from- left- field- and- hit- a- home- run recipe with our fam? Paula Dean's Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Bars.  Luci was so excited about making them, she probably talked about it for two weeks.  It was all I could do to say "uh-huh" and "sounds good Luc" when we were talking.  I'm not crazy about pumpkins, much less Ooey Gooey Pumpkin? Gross.com.  Nevertheless, she was right, and they are amazing. You definitely will want to file that recipe away for your Fall 2011 holiday menus. They are awesome.

This week, I really should be sticking to a combo of celery and water, but let's be honest, that's not happening!   Last night before Monday's reality struck, I fixed one more 'comfort food' supper for Lash of the PW's meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  I am not a meatloaf fan, but was tempted by the PW's claim along the lines that "this meatloaf will convert the non-meatloaf lovers."  I didn't hate it, but I also wasn't converted.  Her mashed potatoes {mashed, of course, with butter, cream cheese, and half and half} were, obviously, incredible.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and an easy Monday transition back into the swing of things.  I hope to be back more often this week with fun recipes and stories to share.  Enjoy then, 'tis the season!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving all!

I'm headed to my grandmother's home on the coast, and I can hardly contain my excitement to get out of town for a few days and be with those I love most.

My dad is affectionately referring to this season as my "last" Thanksgiving and my "last" Christmas. I am constantly reminding him that I am only getting married, not dying as his sad tone suggests. :) 

I guess that's what happen when his first daughter prepares to walk down the aisle and change her last name.

 I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing, and safe holiday with family and friends.


Oh, and Go Cocks!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

DIY: Lima Bean Wreath

Read the title and you probably think I'm crazy.

But, this Saturday I had no plans and sometimes crazy things happened when one has no plans.

That morning, I was checking my Google reader, and was totally inspired by Katie who was inspired by Reed who was inspired by All Things Thrifty.  Don't you just love this??


I did!

And all of a sudden my Saturday with no agenda became a Saturday with an agenda. I was making a Lima Bean Wreath.

The only things needed:
1 Styrofoam Wreath (16" wreath was $8.99 from Michael's)
1- 2 Bags of Lima Beans ($1.24 at Wal-mart)
Spray Paint ($0.97 at Wal-mart)
Ribbon
Hot Glue


And then you just start glueing!  

I don't think I really thought through the fact that this project involves glueing every. single. lima. bean. on the wreath.  One at a time.   

This is when I began to doubt my decision to DIY and had to take a break.  haha.


But I kept going.  And finished hours later- notice it was dark outside when I finished glueing. hehe.


So the wreath got a little spray, tied with a pretty red ribbon, and viola- the finished product!  {However- please note: calling all professional bow tie-ers in the lowcountry.  I need help!!}


My first ever DIY complete.  I'm so glad I stuck with it, and am actually kind of inspired to get a little crafty every now and then.  It will be especially fun to do when Lash and I make a house our home.  :)

P.S. In case you are thinking of attempting this-  if I could do it again, I would a) buy a 10" wreath- not 16" and b) buy a pre-tied ribbon.  But it was so fun. . . and turned out okay!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Kroger

I left my engagement ring last weekend at Croghan's to get it resized.  The ring has been a tad big since we first got engaged, but let's be honest, I have not wanted to part with the ring for even a minute.  I also didn't ever feel like I was in danger of it falling off, so I ignored it. . . until fall arrived, and the cooler weather came to stay, and I got on my exercise kick.

In addition to the changing seasons, I am very grateful that Anna reminded me of the terrible night in college in which my three roommates literally scoured every inch, trashcan, and vacuum bag on Wofford College's campus for another friend's engagement ring that had fallen off.  Thankfully, they later found the ring, but it certainly left them all scarred with nightmares.

Anyways, it was very difficult to leave the ring at the store.  I did not want to see that thing go and be out of my sight for an entire week.  Misery!  Thankfully, I was babysitting when I dropped it off, and the crazy kids had me cheered up in a matter of minutes. . . or at least I was preoccupied keeping them straight :)

Yesterday, after five lonely days, it was finally ready!  Unfortunately, the store hours were not quite conducive to my work schedule so I begged Lash to go pick it up for me.   However, on his way there, he called, clearly getting a little confused on King Street.  "What's this place called again?" he asks, "Kroger?"

Well, I could hardly keep myself from falling out of my chair laughing.

Haha, no Lash, Kroger is the grocery store.  I'm pretty sure the only rings you can find there are out of the bubble gum machines, but I do so appreciate you running that errand for me.  :)

I feel like a proper woman again!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Just Did It

I finally did it.  I joined a gym!!!

I have been debating this decision since last Christmas, and I am pretty sure it was on the top of my new year's resolutions last year.

Yep, that didn't happen as soon as I thought it would, but hey, I'll check that off the list this week- only 11 months late!  :)

But I guess better late than never. . . given now, I especially gotta work on my bridal bod!  I think I drug my feet the most because I was hoping to avoid the cost of a gym membership, but sometimes I feel like I don't push myself as hard when I'm doing an exercise video, etc.  But with the wedding fastly approaching, no more slack workouts accepted.

Anyways, I'm really enthusiastic about my decision! I got up a little early this morning so I could swing by and sign up and then I went back this afternoon to work out after I knocked off.  I found a parking space right away, did not have to wait for a treadmill, ran 3.5 miles, and got home before 6:30.  I'd say it was a success!

Plus, I will get an unbelievable discount when Lash and I get married. He is coming over shortly for dinner so I'm going to propose eloping to get this discount ASAP.

Kidding, Mom!!!

Anyways, here's to good health before the holiday binge eating begins!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Skinny Jeans


I recently tried to put on skinny jeans right after putting on lotion, and I immediately thought of the Friends episode when Ross was wearing the leather pants. LOL!




I have tried to embed the clip above. If it does not work, click this link for a good laugh.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Date Night Pasta

So, last week kicked my fanny.  This past Friday night all I wanted was some TLC and a relaxing date night with Lash.  Once we decided to cook-in, I knew I just had to make this recipe. It is one of our favorites.

The inspiration for this dish came from a recipe I saw in Real Simple magazine, but I've certainly adapted it from their original. Their's called for sage and did not include bacon or shallots.  I don't particularly care for sage so I leave it out.  Also, since I'm trying to please my south gentleman, I do like to add the bacon and a shallot to give the dish some heartiness and complexity.  It is such a hit around our table, I hope your house will enjoy it as much as we do.

Date Night Pasta with Asparagus, Bacon, and Peas

Begin by cooking three slices of bacon.


While the bacon is sizzling away, take advantage of the time and prep everything else you need!  Chop a pound of thick asparagus into 1" pieces, dice a shallot (or onion if you prefer), and cook your pasta according to package directions.  I use fettucini noodles, but any will do!


Assemble the additional cast of characters required.  See, nothing too funky or crazy!  This is a great meal that you may be able to just throw together out of your pantry {and is not very expensive to make}!


Once your bacon is finished, set aside to cool and let it drain on a lovely bed of paper towels.  Crumble it into little pieces to throw on top of your plate for presentation.  


In the left-over bacon grease {note: remove some of the grease if there is a lot in the pan, you need probably a tablespoon or two}, saute the asparagus, shallot, and garlic for three minutes over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally.  Don't worry about cooking the asparagus all the way because you will do so in the proceeding step.


Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the pan and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  {You are essentially blanching the asparagus now}


Add 1 cup of frozen peas {I forgot to take a picture of the peas. Poor peas.} and 1/4 cup heavy cream to the skillet.  I substitute half and half, because it's what I had in the fridge.  And I'm making a more conscious health decision. . . right? . . .


Boil until the sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.


Stir in the fettucini to heat through.  Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 cup grated parmigiana-reggiano cheese, and seasonings to taste.


I also sauteed some chicken to please the carnivore in our relationship. This dish would also be great with sauteed shrimp or even better, scallops!

Viola!  Supper is served!   And look how beautiful it looks in the pan.  Are you drooling?


Indeed, this delicious supper and relaxing Friday night totally made up for my absolutely killer week last week.  I love a night in!  

Before my handsome date arrived, I had the best time dancing around the house, cleaning up, setting the table, snapping pictures, and getting ready.  


After we ate, we sat around the table until almost 10:00, catching up on our days and enjoying being together.

We tasted the wine that is going to be served at our rehearsal dinner. 


. . . and then watched three episodes of Modern Family in sweat pants.

Ahh. 

Bliss.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veteran's Day!

I have weddings on the brain, but in honor of Veteran's day, check out this adorable proposal!!

To all those who have courageously fought and will fight for our great nation, thank you.  Our freedom does not come free.  May God bless you and bring you home safely! 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday Bluesday

HOW is it only Tuesday??

My dad told me today that I am dramatic, but y'all, this is already feeling like the longest week ever. .  . This has been the busiest fall of my life, and looking ahead at my 2011 planner, I am eagerly anticipating even busier months ahead.

I think I have too much going on.

Yet, I'm so glad to be busy.

  • I do not distract my dr2b from la biblioteca.
  • The weeks are flying by until the big day.
  • It's almost time for Christmas!!!
  • I've spent a lot of time lately with my dear, dear girlfriends.
  • I have a tremendous sense of purpose and fulfillment with my involvement at work, church, and in the community.
  • I crash sleep at night.

Today, I got up, exercised, did two loads of laundry, and paid the bills before work at 8:30 am.  I am burning the candle at both ends.

I need our Thanksgiving "vacation."

Or use my remaining vacation days for a "stay-cation" and tell everyone I am going away.

My mom is coming to visit tomorrow night.

Mom makes everything better.

We are going to go for a walk, cook-in, plan plan plan, drink a glass of wine, eat some wedding cake, and relax.  I need it.

Life is good.

This is the day that the Lord has made- Let us REJOICE and be glad in HIM.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Pauli's Girls

I just had the most amazing weekend in Raleigh honoring Concetta and her family.  

In short, Pauli's Girls dominated! Our team won first place overall for fundraising, raising over $14,000!  Concetta was the top individual fundraiser with over $7,000 donated, and the entire event raised almost $90,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network!  It truly is humbling and inspiring to see what success a dedicated group of individuals can do!

Be sure to check out Anna's blog for a recap and great photos.  {Check out our cute t-shirts designed by Hanna and out night out} It truly was so much fun.

I'm also thrilled to report that I ran the entire thing and I am super encouraged to keep up my running.  I think I'm hooked! :)

Unfortunately, this post is short and sweet, because my week this week is consumed with Junior League commitments and I'm off to a meeting.  Thank you all for the incredible love and support you showed us as Pauli's Girls.  We are already counting down until next year!!


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Wedding Update

Wedding planning is absolutely full steam ahead.

As I mentioned yesterday, I went home to my parents' house for the weekend with hopes to get a bunch of planning done.  All my girlfriends were at Wofford Homecoming, and I just could not swing it to make it to Spartanburg for the weekend +  Lash has his second medical school test Thursday and spent the weekend library so it was a good weekend for me to disappear.

Our main objective was to get the list {as we have affectionately come to call it} done and save the dates addressed before the holiday mail traffic picks up.  Speaking of the list, I think my future mother in law said it best- it is truly a labor of love!

Nevertheless, we got everything done we wanted to and more. . . my mom is a wedding planning machine!


Save The Dates

My dear friend Hanna Nation was so kind to design our save the dates!  I've blogged about Hanna here, and have just always loved her work with Gadabout and POST.  {Shameless yet very sincere plug- her stationary would be great Christmas gifts}

I am so thrilled with how these turned out- they are beautiful, elegant, and everything I could have wished they would be!


Don't you just love them??  That is my favorite shade of blue.  The photo doesn't really do it justice.  The bridesmaid dresses are an evening/navy blue, and I truly believe this color will be a great accent to their dresses!  Also, the gate below mimics the gate at my family's plantation where our reception will be held. I just adore the personal touch!

This is what my parents' breakfast room table looked like Saturday morning as we began sorting through the list and addressing envelopes.

{Cheez- Its- breakfast of champions.}

China

I have picked our china!  This is a such big sigh of relief for me as far as getting our registry started.  Let me tell you, though, this was a little bit of an eye-opening experience. I had never really looked at china before {why would I?} and struggled a little bit with how to pick out one that I would still love in 30 years.  I am very thankful for a mother with the same tastes as me who was able to offer great guidance!  I'm thrilled with the ones I selected!

Our formal china will be Herend's Princess Victoria.


For our everyday, I've decided to go with Wedgewood's Nantucket Basketweave.
Cake

We've sampled a lot of cakes from several bakers around Charleston, but finally found our favorite right in Beaufort at SuZara's kitchen!  We got three samples Saturday morning, and lined them up with forks in hand.

Cake 1: almond with amaretto buttercream. Cake 2: vanilla with vanilla buttercream. Cake 3: lemon with raspberry buttercream.


How adorable are those portions!


Yum!


The line up.  Washed down with an incredible glass of chardonnay :)

I'm visioning a round, four-tiered cake with a lacey, delicate design and some greenery and flowers around the base.  Like this. 


Or like this.


I am obsessed with this cupcake cake, and hoping to do something like this for the after-rehearsal dinner party of desserts and dancing.


Shoes

Rant: There is no where in Charleston to find traditional wedding shoes.  Though I think it is so cute in pictures and for other brides, the funky colorful shoes trend is not my style.  My dress is very traditional and makes a statement all in its own so I also didn't really want blue shoes.

I finally found a pair from My Glass Slipper.  For any brides to be out there, they have a good selection! I got Something Bleu's Charisma.  I debated putting this picture up, because it does not really do the shoes justice. They look great in person!


Whew- I'm tired recapping all of this.  I'll do the bridesmaids dresses later. That's a whole new post in itself.  Only 207 days to go!