Winter Wonderland Dinner Party!

So Much Fun!!!!!

I had a BLAST celebrating my big Three-O, with some of my best girlfriends.  I didn't know how I wanted to celebrate my birthday this year....I just knew that I wanted to do something. 

At one point, Justin had talked about having a huge party...but as the date grew closer I realized that I was just craving some good ole fashioned "girl time"....with my loved ones.  In the past when we have our "big" parties I always felt a little sad when it's over because..... when you're the host you don't really have the chance to fully absorb any conversations because your busy jumping from group to group making sure everyone is taken care of....so we kept it small, sweet and of course...fabulous:)

One of my best friends Melissa offered to throw me a party ~bless her sweet little heart.  I'm such an indecisive person when it comes to hosting and event for me (I'm much more comfortable when the event is for someone else)....Melissa was so patient with me when my ideas kept switching back and forth every time we would talk.  Finally it was decided that we would have a dinner party at my tiny little home and theme it
"Winter Wonderland". 

So many of my favorite girlfriends came to celebrate:

 Jacquie, Bri, Becky, Addie, Me, Melissa, Andrea, Kim, and Jessica

Melissa planned a lavish dinner spread...complete with all kinds of my favorites:

Greek dip with pita bread, Platters of Cheese and Crackers, Zesty Shrimp Cocktails, Brie Cheese wrapped in a Puff Pastry, Waldorf Salad, and Mozzarella, Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Skewers. 
And to top it off.....Snowflake Covered Cupcakes, Puppy Chow Mix (my fav!), Wine, and Sparkling Champagne.   

Addie arrived early to help me do some last minute decorating...

We had some fabulous girl talk over dinner....it's amazing the types of conversations a room full of sexy, smart and hilarious women can have~I'm sure Justin was super happy he was out of the house on this particular night.  

Speaking of my sexy husband... prior to the girls arriving he had preset a photo booth up in the office~complete with holiday props...so us girls could play "glamour party"...(because that's always fun!)  Here are some of my favorite shots from this night....

Kim ~my kimmy...always "crackin" a joke!!!

Addie ~My Adds...oh the conversations we can have!

Jacquie~wacky Jacky, preggo with Tuttle # 3!

Andrea~Little Andrea...you might be wondering why her chin is bandaged up, she's kind of a badass

Jessica~New Hot Momma out on the town!!

"Smile Ladies"

 

Brianne~wowza...who would have thought someone could look this sexy, two weeks shy of delivery

This photo was so damn funny of Kim, I just had to post it!

Becky~my Beks in a Box....I love this little tamale!

Addie Jo "I'm not flirting" Young

Melissa~My fabulous and sexy hostess with the mostess

"Just Love Me"....I'm not that much trouble...

And apparently folks.... this is what "30" looks like... I thought I'd grow out of

my round face and  dimples...I guess their here to stay!!!

The night didn't end until 4am....... a few of us girls ended up walking across the lake to one of my favorite watering holes..and ended up singing..."Last Christmas, I Gave you my Heart"...Karaoke Style..fun times I tell ya, fun times.

My very last memory of the night was when I was out sitting by the pool with Addie talking about everything in the world, loudly, I'm sure...when all of a sudden two random guys came running around the corner..and jumped in the pool with all their clothes on!  I asked them..."Umm... what are you guys doing??" One guy responded at the top of his lungs..."I JUST TURNED FORTY" !!!

Ahh.... thank you random weird guy for making me feel so young! 

P.S. Thank You Melissa for making my 30th so special..... and thank you to my

sweet girlfriends who celebrated with me!! xoxox

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Welcome to the World Baby Elise!

Santa brought quite a gift this year to my cousin Bri and her family! Elise Sophia Provost was born on Christmas Eve!  She was scheduled to arrive on January 4th, but decided she needed to be here for Christmas! Bri, Donnie, and now big sis Gracie are doing wonderful!  In fact, they came by my work the other day for a visit and I got to hold baby Ellie!!!  I was in shock by how wonderful my cousin was doing...I was thinking she'd be in bed for weeks..but she's already rockin this "mommy of two" like a true pro! 

Congrats to Bri, Donnie, Gracie, Pam, Chip, and Andy...cheers to a Christmas you'll never forget!! 

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Today....

Today I woke up feeling very very tired....but I'm determined....

Today I will....

~Make it to work on time

~Will work a 10 hour day

~Rock my two Sales Meetings with my Brides & Grooms

~Get caught up on all work emails

~Get caught up on Wedding Wire Reviews

~Complete and Post the 2011 Marketing Plan for Still Life Studios

~Finalize details on the big Grand Opening

~Pick Up a Birthday Gift for my Dad

~Take down our Christmas Tree

~Finish folding laundry

Okay, ready......go!  I hope everyone has a productive day.....Happy Wednesday all!!

 

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It's a Brand New Year!

Well World...it's a brand New Year, thank goodness!  Here's hoping this brand new year is filled with happy times...because last year about did us in.  However, I know.... our Angel, (the one wearing the fabulous shoes :) would want us to focus on all the wonderful things in our lives and continue to work hard to achieve our dreams ~and that's exactly what we're going to do!

I can't believe it's been 2 years now since I've been writing this blog.  It's been such a fun creative release for me, and it's been wonderful being able to connect with people on a daily/weekly basis.  (I just wish MORE of my friends would blog, as I would LOVE to keep up with their lives better).  I'm always so surprised and happy...when I hear people say..."oh I read about that on your blog".  It feeds my ego and secretly makes me feel "famous"...while at the same time encourages me to keep up with my blog.

With the start of this year, my mind is on overload thinking of all the things I want to accomplish and wondering how I'm going to make it all happen.  I'm excited!  I have some fun blog posts to get caught up on, that many of my blog readers have been asking about....(Winter Wonderland Girlie Party, New York Trip, etc).  I will get these up soon, thank you for your patience.....

In the mean time, thank you for reading my blog and caring about me and my loved ones.  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Cheers to a Happy New Year!!!!

 

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I'm Spoiled, Yes I Know....

  Turning 30 was pretty awesome!  Awhile back, I remember thinking...oh wow, THIRTY, seems so old!  But as my birthday grew closer...I felt excited, empowered, and refreshed to start a new journey in my life as a "thirty-something".  I have so many wonderful loved ones who make my life feel very full.....making me realize I have so much to feel grateful for. 

I know I brag about my sweet husband too much (and I'm sorry)...but I really can't help it, he's really that awesome.....

After I spent a few days down in CG for Thanksgiving I headed back home to spend two whole days with Justin.  (we very rarely have two days off together in a row~so this was a big deal).  

I came home to some wonderful surprises.........

Christmas music playing, the yule log on the fire, gifts, 30 pink balloons scattered all over our living room, roses, and best part....an itinerary of all the fun things we were going to do that weekend. 

The Christmas Season had officially begun and we had lots of fun stuff to do.....including holding a photo shoot for our Christmas card and designing it.  I think it turned out cute this year.....

(Front)

(Back)

Watching Christmas movies, drinking Egg Nog & Brandy, and decorating our home for the

 holiday season!

This year Sammy and Olive had the big responsibility of putting the topper on the tree.

And at last....Christmas is here!

Monday was my "actual' birthday and of course Justin had to work...so I spent the day doing a little pampering.....Including a facial, lunch with my girlfriend Naseem, a color and cut with my favorite stylist, manicures with Addie and to top of the amazing weekend with dinner at the Salt Cellar with my favorite date of all!

So far, being "Thirty" has been pretty fabulous!

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Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving came and went quickly this year....and now I can hardly believe the Christmas is on Saturday!!!  Wow, life has certainly been so different this year, and the holidays almost feel a little bit foreign ~but we're making it through...one tear, one smile, one hug at a time. 

 I was able to spend a few days down in Casa Grande this year....although I didn't prepare all of the Thanksgiving, I helped with the majority of the meal...with a lot of help from my mom....therefore I feel I can mark off  #9 from my 101s in 1001 List ~Make an entire Thanksgiving meal with my mom.

Mom goes above and beyond decking out her beautiful home and making everything feel very warm.  

Granny and my Uncle Gene also joined us for the big feast.

And the day after Thanksgiving we spent the day shopping, lounging...and celebrating my birthday. 

Mom bought Sammy and Olive these little "Santa like" sleeping bags...and the girls just LOVE it, the crawl right up in them and doze off ~too cute!

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Sunday Morning Sprinkle....

Shortly after the Halloween Party, came my cousin Bri's Baby "Sprinkle".  In case you don't keep up with my blog on a regular basis, please allow me to remind you that a "Baby Sprinkle" is when you have a 2nd baby of the same sex, rather than a "Shower".  The idea is that you still take time to stop and recognize this precious time in a mother/families' life, and "sprinkle" them with a few needed necessities. 

So, I've never thrown a "Shower" or a "Sprinkle" before, believe it or not...so I was super excited.  I asked my favorite talented florist to partner with me, my mom. 

We wanted to provide a look that was fresh, simple, natural...because this was taking place on a Sunday morning.  So we brain stormed and came up with the perfect look and feel.

The feasting table turned out just darling.

Donnie, Bri and Gracie had a nice intimate time celebrating with their familes. 

Bri and Donnie provided yummy food and I picked up a few of my favorite desserts from Chompies (Black & White Cookies and the Elephant Ears are amazing)

Everyone enjoyed celebrating and are looking forward to the arrivial of baby "Alyse".

But the star of the day of course was the adorable Miss Gracie...she's going to be a wonderful big sister!

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How could anything in life be more sweet.... (Shoot by Social Grace Studios)

Then a precious newborn baby girl?  Ahh, my heart melted on this shoot.  Whenever Justin does newborn or maternity he insists that I attend the shoot too, which is pure joy for me.  Just recently we did this shoot for one of Justin's past Clinical Instructors.  And I have to admit my favorite part of this shoot was watching Justin handle and pose this tiny little lady.  She was such a perfect little model!  Here's just a few teasers of my favorites. 

 

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Recent Holiday Photo Shoot by Social Grace Studios

Justin is so talented, at not only shooting..... but also editing.  We've been sooo busy this year that we didn't even promote Holiday Shoots, but yet we still had repeat clients call ~so Justin found a way to make it work...and did an amazing job, as usual.  We love and appreciate he families that book us each year! Next fall, we're super excited to start pushing our company Social Grace Studios much more (as Justin will be done with school)!

These are just a few of my favorites from this shoot...

  We know the Dudash Family from working at Seville.  Michelle needed a new professional head shot (above).  She is a Registered Dietitian and Chef, feel free to check her out at /http://www.dudashnutrition.com/

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