Love for Etsy

How about a pretty summer clutch to hold your chapstick and suncreen?

{Deluxe Clutch by Abba Dabba Bags, Vintage Clutch by My Vintage Cocktail, Straw and Leather Clutch by Marie's Vintage, The Kelsey by Gracey Bags, Nautical Clutch by Cathy's Totes, Red Clutch by Smith & Darling}

Oh how I wish I had...

the "Take Me to the Beach" bag by Nancy Jo Studio for our trip to Panama City. (We leave tonight!!)

Food Library

Speaking of cookbooks, these two are my fave. Both were gifts, one from my parents and the other from Eric (smart guy!). I've discovered a lot of go-to recipes in these books and really appreciate their time saving tips. An added bonus? Each recipe has a picture and the stylish books look great on our countertop!
I'm also loving the food blogs: Macaroni and Cheesecake, Lombard Family Recipes, Liesl's Confection Dissection, Annie's Eats, Picky Palate and Bake or Break.

So tell me. What are your go-to cookbooks and food blogs? I'm looking to expand my actual and virtual food library.

Books by Color

A little Flickr fun. By Chotda and I heart Norwegian Wood, respectively. Enjoy!
Don't you just smile when you see that room above? Well, hello dog on the pretty cream couch. I'm really digging the practicality and simplicity of the cookbooks. Definitely a version of "books by color" I think I could pull off.

Alex's Wedding

As promised, here are pictures from my sister, Alex's wedding. The photographer, Emily Hooten, was wonderful. It was, without a doubt, the most fun wedding I've ever been to. Enjoy!

Alex getting ready. Isn't she beautiful? Alex and Ben sharing a few minutes alone before the wedding. The look on Ben's face is evident of his love. Also, her hairpiece and the trees are amazing!

Alex and I striking a sweet and silly pose.

Don't you just love the dresses, shoes and single stem flowers? Oh, and the bride's smile? Lovely.

Speaking of shoes, these puppies hurt my dogs, but they look stunning. Alex's shoes were her "something blue". Of course, the guys had to join in the fun. Why is that I find skinny legs and tall socks so cute? (My husband is second from the left).

The guestbook allowed friends and family to leave a sweet note. What a treasure!

My dad about to walk Alex down the aisle.

Ben hugging Alex during the ceremony. He couldn't resist!

The outdoor chapel, surrounded by trees with the sunlight peeking through, was breathtaking.

My talented sister, DeAnna, singing "Let's Stay Together" while the bridal party danced our way out of the ceremony. That's me and my hubbs groovin' on the right.

Alex's cake was topped with bright pink and green flowers and swirly sticks. And it was delicious! Ben's cake was surrounded by lollipops and I just thought this picture was too cute not to share.

Ben made it his mission to dance with every person in the room. As you can see, he did a darn good job!

Not to be outdone, the rest of us join in. So. Much. Fun.

Alex and Ben waiving goodbye on the boat. How romantic?

Sigh. I love weddings. And I love marriage.

Ikea Inspiration

I'm not one to be easily overwhelmed. The first time we went to Ikea, however, I had trouble catching my breath. We drove up to a shopping mall sized parking deck, rode in on the esclators, past the day care and food court, up another set of escalators where we stumbled into a plethra of sleekly styled living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. I was officially overwhelmed.I absolutely adore Ikea. And while it is well worth the 2-hour drive to Atlanta (and difficulty breathing), I am thrilled to see their new ideas and inspiration website. You have to check it out!

The Light of Day

...sometimes has trouble making it into our apartment due to lack of windows. Eric's sister, Kerri, told me about a beautiful floor lamp from Anthropologie. So, of course, I went online, fell in love with that lamp and about three others (and a lampshade). Enjoy!

a2 in Review

Church was wonderful yesterday. Chris spoke on the person, power and promise of the Holy Spirit. Please see his blog for message notes or listen to the sermon here. When life "puts the squeeze on you" you can count on the Holy Spirit to be and do the following:

1. He is our constant companion (John 14:16)
2. He is our reliable teacher (John 14:26)
3. He convinces the world of it's sin, God's righteousness and of coming judgement (John 16:8)
4. He leads, guides and instructs us in the truth (John 16:13)
5. He "grooves" on glorifying and magnifying Jesus Christ (John 16:14)
6. He discloses to us the mysteries of Christ (John 16:14b)
7. He empowers believers for life and service (Acts 1:8)
8. He liberates believers from the power of sin and death (Romans 8:1)
9. He brings the resurrection of Christ to my day in and day out life (Romans 8:11)
10. He leads us to wholeness and holiness (Galations 5: 16-25)
11. He seals our salvation and redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14)
12. He confirms and reminds us that we are children of God (Romans 8:16)

He's not just all about hype. He's about giving me understanding and guidance. He's about changing me. That's what I want.