2 cats & chloe.

Friday Dance Party: T.Swift vs The M.Train.

2014-09-26T15:15:00.000-04:00

Pour the Champs! It's Friday Y'all! Unfortunately I didn't make it through the week in one piece... I have strained the muscles in my right bicep, as well as the tendons surrounding my elbow. Basically my arm won't go beyond a 90 degree angle... So while typing is actually possible, it's not comfortable. I could sit here and ramble but I'm all hyped up on pain pills and muscle relaxers so, after the week I've had, Lord only knows what nonsense I would be publishing. Given my current situation, and since it is a beautiful Fall Friday - why don't we just have ourselves a little dance party instead of spending our spare minutes reading my blog? I'm currently crushing over these two favorite songs and for the life of me, I cannot pick which one is "more favorite!" Turn your speakers up, get your dancing pants on {unless you prefer to dance with no pants... in which case you are on your own!} and let's get to it!

It's T.Swift verse the M.Train... Which is your fave? Cast your vote below in the comment section and then please take a moment to visualize me hopping around my home office, jamming out with my non-coordinated "I'm-A-White-Girl-On-Muscle-Relaxers" moves, with my one gimpy T-Rex Arm... You're welcome.

{source} Oh, big news! Come Monday/Tuesday this bloggity blog will have a very new, fresh, WordPress-y look! I'm making the switch so stay tuned! Big things are coming! Have a great weekend y'all! Today I am linking up with some of my favorite gals at Friday Faves, Oh Hey Friday, High Five for Friday, and Friday Favorites!

Paleo Campfire Meals: Fire-Baked Almost-Peach-Cobbler

2014-09-24T19:19:00.000-04:00

Boy are you in for a treat today! No seriously, it is one of the best treats I have had in a reallllllly long time.
Last week I went camping in the South-Western part of Virginia with my husband, J, and her hubby. Being the food creative that I am, I knew that I wanted to experiment with at least one meal over the fire. Unfortunately but fortunately, I was hungry while grocery shopping prior to our trip. And we all know what happens when you visit a grocery store while your stomach is growling... Yup, I bought way too much with very little inspiration for my creative "over-the-fire" dish.
When I got home from the store I had to unpack my grocery bags and repack our camping bags. I realized I bought way too much fruit {is there such a thing?!} and that my creative meal had to involve my recently purchased bushel of berries.
With that, I bring you my Could-Be-Paleo Fire-Baked Almost-Peach-Cobler.

Ingredients:

Fresh Peaches

Assorted Berries {we used strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries}

Honey

Ghee {much cheaper in stores}

Marshmallows

Chocolate {Dark Chocolate would be best, but you're camping so use what you have!}

Cinnamon

You also need aluminum foil and a fire with a cooking grill or rack.

Directions:

First of all, wash all of your fruit and get your fire going.

Assuming you successfully built a fire or started up the grill, we are good to go!

This is going to be one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you will ever make. Let's forget s'mores... this will become your new must-have camping treat!

Slice the peaches in half, remove the pit. Place the peach on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle honey and add a spoonful of ghee over the peach. Then pick your favorite toppings and set them on top of or around the peach. The best part about this dessert, especially if you have kids, is that it is hands on and everyone can create the dessert they want!

Once you have all of your "peach toppings" with your peach, be sure to sprinkle some cinnamon on it and then ball up the foil nice and tight. Depending on the heat and height of your fire {or grill! you can make this at home too!} your peach will need to bake for about 10-15 minutes.

Wanna make sure this recipe stays paleo and healthy? You are good to go with the ghee and the honey... you just need to skip the 'mallow and the hershey's! Personally though, I say, you are on vacation and you are camping! For crying out loud, live it up with the marshmallows! When the chocolate, mallows, honey, ghee and cinnamon melt together you have one heck of a dessert gravy all over that peach!

Let me know what you think! I swear by this newly discovered, delectable dessert! And you better believe we will be using all of the leftover "toppings" this weekend to make these peaches over our grill at home!

This dessert can be created to be 100% paleo, 100% whole30 or 100% sugary! Whatever you prefer!

Getaway without Technology: Grayson Highlands State Park

2014-09-22T17:17:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. What in the world happened last week?! I have no excuse for my absence other than the fact that my blog decided to freak out on me {many thanks to Bless Her Heart Y'all and It's All In The Details for both contacting me and helping me through my blogger problems - definitely more to come on that in the near future!} Between the techy shutdown and the fact that I was out of town Wednesday until late last night... unfortunately blogging just didn't happen. Yes, I know. Rule number one in Blogland is that when you go on vacation, your blog cannot. Except, I went where few bloggers go... to the land of no cell reception. We left at the crack of dawn {read: it was 9AM before we pulled out of the driveway} on Thursday morning for the western part of Virginia. Grayson Highlands State Park to be exact. This was the perfect pick because it was "in the middle." Jess and her hubby drove 6 hours from ATL while Michael and I drove 6ish hours from HRVA. It's rare, but about once a year I get to see Jess in person... it's always a treat! I have plenty of things I want to share with you from our little trip {like must-do adventures, healthy camp recipes, a scary shot taken when I was snapping pictures while riding my mountain bike and crashed into my husband...} But today, I'm not going to bombard you. I am going to keep my words short {as I've been told twice in the past 24 hours that I am just way too wordy on my blog! Whoopsie!} and share a few of my favorite pictures. Details will come later this week! I promise!

After glancing through almost 200 pictures taken within four days of vacation, I really notice what my true loves are: friends, food, and great views. I think I took just as many pictures of our food as I did of the great views! Despite the fact that it was freezing for most of our trip {the temperature on the mountain is about 15 degrees cooler than what weather.com says it is!} we had such a great time. I really needed a few days to get away and literally unplug everything. Like I said, more to come later this week and into the next! I have two spectacular recipes to share with you that are meant for camping but can just as easily be made on the grill at home! You will love them! Stay tuned y'all!

The last of my summer fashion...

2014-09-16T18:07:00.000-04:00

Guys, it's the end of summer. Pumpkin spice everything is in the air. The evenings are getting cooler here in Virginia... and I'm a happy girl when I can sleep with my windows open. {I will be even happier when the open windows brings in an even colder, brisker air. I sleep so much better when I am cold and have a mountain of blankets on top of me!}

While I love summer, I seriously adore fall. I got dressed yesterday in my cute skinny jeans, a super light weight sweater, and my new fall ankle boots. I pranced around the house a bit. {Yup, I said prancing.} Then I realized that it is still officially summer. Fall {and then that dreaded season of snowmen and icicles} will be here soon enough. So why in the world am I rocking the jeans and boots when I still have warm days to sport some cute shorts, bright colors, and of course my signature hat.

Signs that it's the end of summer? There are a few leaves on the ground and my toe nails are only half way painted. I'm in dire need of a pedicure but I'm having a hard time justifying it when I will be wearing hiking boots this coming weekend.

So let's everyone raise our glasses of white wine or some fruity concoction, as we say our goodbyes to summer and our hellos to fall. If it is still warm enough in your part of the country, I say throw all rules out the window and spend the next few days wearing and loving your favorite summer outfits. Because before you know it... we will all be praying for Spring Break! Cheers y'all!

Friday Randoms: Hair help and a Hodge Podge...

2014-09-12T09:58:00.003-04:00

Oh friday, you really snuck up on me this week. Maybe because I was working out of my popup office in Florida for the bulk for the week. Either way, how are you dear Friday? Welcome to my week. My brain sometimes just goes in a million different directions. So today, we are gonna roll with it! Here are five random things are currently spinning around in my noggin.

My hair: Y'all are going to think I am completely nutzo... but I have seriously been considering getting a perm. *GASP!* Not that crazy, horrible 80s look. I have never, ever done anything to my hair before, other than cuts. But right now, my hair has gone all cray. I'm assuming it is some weird hormonal imbalance but the back, under layer of my hair is completely curly. The top and front, on the other hand, are completely straight as a board!

I cannot brush it because it just frizzes up and fluffs out. I can straighten it, but my hair is so freaking thick it takes me hours, and ain't nobody got time for that! I honestly don't mind the curls... I just want all of my hair to match. This half straight, half crazy nonsense is for the birds.

I am beginning to wonder about a body wave perm... but maybe just for the non-curly parts? Has anyone ever had a body wave? I don't want ringlets and I don't want 80s hair. I just want waves in the parts that are super flat. Suggestions? Advice? Help!

On the road again: After being home for approximately 30 hours, I am hitting the road again today, after a quick chiropractic neck snappin'! I'm working with a lovely client for a beach wedding in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They have rented the stunning oceanfront house for the week of partying and fun. Let's all do our anti-rain dance though for tomorrow as their ceremony is right on the beach! I will snap lots of pictures and share the beautiful deets with you on Wednesday!

You must watch: I am beyond obsessed with this video, and I'm not too proud to admit I have been watching it every single day for the past week-ish.

What?! Yesterday I told my husband that I wanted to turn our garage into a garage gym. You know, semi-crossfit style. With weights and manly things. Something very similar to this post from the Art of Manliness. To my surprise, he wasn't really overjoyed with this idea. I mean, his wife just told him that she wants to lift weights and that he can build and buy the things needed for this manly in-home workout room... and he basically said "eh..." Who are you and what have you done with my husband?!

Prayers needed: On a much more serious note, one of my clients, actually the first bride that ever trusted me and hired me as her wedding coordinator 6.5 years ago, passed away earlier this week. It is absolutely crushing and so surreal. Today is her funeral, so thoughts, love, and heaps of prayers to her husband, their two little girls, and their families.

I'm linking up with Amy and Amanda today.

Roadtrip to Florida!

2014-09-11T19:16:00.003-04:00

Remember that time, not so long ago, that as a blogger, you went out of town on a journey that seemed like a vacation but really wasn't? And while on that journey, one in which you were helping a friend of twenty-four years move 20 hours from our hometown, you behaved like an absolute rotten blogger and didn't snap a single picture with your nice camera {except for when you were overjoyed about visiting a completely gluten free restaurant} so you really only have iphone snap shots as proof of said-journey?
Oh right. That was me. Earlier this week. Pretty positive I will be winning a "Not-So-Shabby Shabby Blogger Award" for the fact that I went to the beautiful, sunny and warm state of Florida, while parts of the country are beginning to experience colder, fall temps, and A. Did not go to the beach, B. I scantily took a picture here or there, or C. I didn't have one tropical, vacation cocktail. I did however snap numerous selfies with palm trees, so double points for that. Since I have been plopped down in front of my computer for the past 8 hours - how about a super quick photo recap for ya?

Cait and I left Virginia on Saturday morning with her car packed to the rafters. The beagles were literally touching the ceiling of the car for most of the ride. They were great sports though, and perfect travel companions. Would I travel with these two beagles across the country again? Definitely! Would we share a hotel room again? Probably not. We made it through North and South Carolina, and just into Georgia on the first day.

Welcome to America, where we have things like Pedro's South of the Border. I'm pretty sure you catch diseases just getting off the interstate at this exit. I've driven past the South of the Border many, many times but have never been brave enough to risk a stop.

We played our fair share of road games {i.e. We discussed how to play the state game, but didn't play it. We tried to make truckers beep. We looked up the app for the alphabet game, but didn't download it. Did you know they have apps for that these days?!} We listened to podcasts of our high school fave, Love Line with Zack Morris as the guest host. We had some dance parties in our seats to NSync and BSB.

All of these car moments were great, but by far, my favorite moment of the roadtrip was when we saw a man toting his goats down I-95. TOTES MAGOTES! It doesn't take much to make me smile... but a man encompassing the phrase "totes magotes" gets me every single time.

When we finally made it to florida on day two of our trip, it was storming and terrifying. {I hate lightning. Pair it with the road work that is I-95S through Jacksonville? Enough said.} Luckily though, as we rolled into our final destination, Ft. Lauderdale, the sun decided to welcome her to her new home!

It was a joyous occasion when the dogs got to see their daddy for the first time in almost two months and Cait got to see her man! He knows us oh so well: Mark had the wine waiting for us! Unfortunately the Dollar Store wine opener will only open one bottle before self destructing. But we made do!

We spent Monday - Wednesday working on making their new house their new home. I truly have a passion for helping people get organized. Whether it is with their wedding or any other event, their diet, or even their homes. I love it! And I am so glad I was able to help them.

Instead of vacationing, we spent a crap ton of money in ikea. My husband needs to thank his lucky stars that our closest ikea is a 3 hour drive. There is a very slim chance of me walking out of a Target without over spending. All odds are off though when it comes to ikea!

We did do a lot of work, but there was a lot of laughs and fun. It's crazy to think that I left one of my oldest friends several states away, without knowing when we will get together for dinner and drinks again.

Since I don't have any pictures of me laying on a beach, catching some rays and drinking a fun cocktail... this airplane selfie will have to do.

On my last day there, we spent some time doing what we do best: watching Law and Order: SVU and drinking wine. I cannot believe I have been friends with this girl since first grade. Sure, we've had our ups and downs. What good friendship hasn't?

I wonder what our first grade teacher would've said if someone had told her "You see those two girls you sat together at that table over there? The tom boy and the chubby girly girl? Yeah... them. From this point on, they will become friends for life. They will both decide to play the viola together in 5th grade because they hear you can make more money with that instrument over a violin. They will share a nanny, horseback riding lessons, and fudge cookies after school. They will become arch enemies in a Sticky Buddy war. Caitlin will beat up Susan's sister in the driveway one day. Susan will try {keyword: try} to learn about football from Caitlin. They will share a secret notebook covered in NSync all throughout high school because they won't have any classes together. They will go their separate ways for college, but always catch up for Mister Jim's hot wings when Susan is back in town. After college they will eventually become roommates, help each other through tearful nights when boys hurt their feelings, be there to bail each other out of jail, and binge watch trash television. They will survive beach days, hurricanes and snowstorms together. They will be there to celebrate when each of them finally meet their very own Prince Charmings. They will even be there for each other when life throws a curve ball and one of them suddenly moves across the country. You, Mrs. Stillman are making a wonderful decision by putting Susan and Caitlin at the same first grade table...."

Thanks for a good time, Ft. Lauderdale. You take real good care of my friend. Keep her warm and tan year round. Teach her about what it's like to leave your hometown of lil ole Great Bridge and live in a real city. Show her what it is like to experience a Christmas with summer temps and palm trees, but still provide her with a legit tree lot so she can buy her annual live Christmas Tree. And when she misses home, remind her that she is there because she is young and in love... and that Virginia is only a flight away.

And for your a couple of chuckles... I bring you this gem:

PS. Wanna know the random odds and ends I have to pack {in a seemingly similar manner to a Mary-Poppins-Bag} when I head out of town as a blogger, wedding planner, and marketing consultant? Read this post.

A weekend away... what will you need?

2014-09-09T18:20:00.002-04:00

{This post is sponsored by U by Kotex.}When I pulled out of my driveway, Saturday morning at 7AM, I realized that for the next three weeks I will really only be home for 2.5 days. How crazy is that?! And, lucky for me, it is a for a great ratio of fun and work! {Gotta love when the fun balances out, or *gasp* outweighs the work!} As a wedding planner and marketing consultant {oh and let's not forget about the blogger hat too!} when I pack to get out of town, I need to pack a ton of random odds and ends. Who else do you know that has to pack everything from cake servers to a yoga mat to a full size pillow to emergency supplies?! This girl. {Please envision that cheesy pose with my thumbs up, pointing back at me.} My long-time friend Caitlin needed a co-pilot for her move to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After spending the last couple of days in their entirety, in an overstuffed car on I-95, with two beagles and all of her belongings, I feel like I am a semi-expert in how to pack and what to pack when leaving town for a couple of days. I wanted to give you a little glimpse into my popup office and my must have traveling supplies with you today! While my bag is always over stuffed and full of random odds and ends, these are my weekend away/popup office faves:A large tote and/or bag with wheels, preferably one with sequins and/or glitter. I am absolutely loving both my sequined canvas tote and my brand new zebra print rolly bag! Comfy, yet stylish clothes. I can't go anywhere without my hat, sunnies, and sandals.
A spill proof travel mug. If you haven't experienced the amazingness of Contigo Mugs yet... you need to get on that. They won't spill. Even if they are upside down in your bag. Basic office supplies. With all the jobs I have, unfortunately as weekends away aren't complete without my popup office. I typically keep scissors, tape, a notebook, post-its, pens and at least one planner with me at all times.

Toiletries. You know you need the essentials like hair products, makeup and a toothbrush. But let's not forget about the unmentionables that need to be mentioned. U by Kotex® offers a full line of feminine care products for periods including pads, liners and tampons. Outstanding protection that keeps you one step ahead. U by Kotex® has a bunch of new products that not only take care of the job, but they have brilliant and colorful packaging that you will love! Try the U by Ultra Kotex® Thin Pads with 3D Capture Core, a one-of-a-kind center that locks away wetness to help stop leaks. U by Kotex is also giving away FREE SAMPLES so you can prepare for your weekend away! Try them out for yourself by clicking here!

Food. I don't care who you are, but when you are traveling you need to be prepared with snacks. Especially if you are like me and you have a weird and specific diet. I am always prepared with lara bars, fruit and water. And I always know where the nearest Chipotle is!

Pack your yoga mat. Or running shoes. Whatever your outlet is, be prepared. I am currently on a PiYo kick. And even if it is the middle of a vacation, it is worth waking up and doing a few minutes of your favorite exercise to stay on track and keep up with your fitness routines.

Outwear gear. Whether you are going somewhere at the end of the summer or beginning of fall {I am in Ft. Lauderdale, FL this week and the Outer Banks of NC this weekend for work} be prepared with appropriate outer gear. The first half of my week I will be needing tank tops during the day. This weekend I will need a sweater as the temps are dropping on the Carolina beaches in the evenings.

So what do you think? What else do you pack when you head out of town for a weekend? Do you work from home or on the road? What do you have in your popup office?

Many thanks to U by Kotex for sponsoring this post! Now pack your bags, get out there and have a lovely few days away from home!

A Life Changing Brussel Sprout Recipe

2014-09-04T11:04:00.003-04:00

Today is a big day for my little blog. Before I get to my one of my all time favorite {and easy} recipes that will make you question everything you've ever known in life, I need to tell you that somehow blog-things have collided and we have a bit of business to mention today! First of all, welcome to all the readers who are hopping over from The Farmer's Wife today! I am no Doogie Howser, MD when it comes to blogging - but I think I hold my own. Don't forget about the Sponsor Promo that is happening for the next 7 days! Use the code FARMERSWIFE to get 40% off any of my ad spots! With the rebranding in the works, the fact that I am sponsoring a good line up of blogs, and let's not forget that I'm a cheap date... you totes magoats want to hop on this deal while you can!

Secondly, if you are stopping by from @thebloggercloset, welcome to you too! I am so excited to be taking over The Blogger Closet on instagram for the next three days! I now have a reason to brush my hair and wear more than yoga pants all day! I cannot wait to share my sense of style with everyone! {If you haven't heard about this before, you need to follow @thebloggercloset on instagram. Every three days a new blogger takes the wheel! It's such a fun way to get to know other bloggers and see super cute outfits!} And if you want to keep up with me on my official blog instagram account, you can find me as @2catsandchloe. Now how about that recipe I promised that will rock your socks off? If I have ever met a food that has such a horrible stigma for being disgusting and dreadful, it would be the Brussel Sprout. I firmly believe that this started way back in caveman days. The Momma Cavewoman made Brussel Sprouts over the fire that tasted like crap, but she forced her Cavebaby to eat them anyway. This continued for years and years... our folks' folks made them eat poorly cooked, disdained Brussels, just because. I have done a little experimenting and have found the best way to prepare Brussel Sprouts. My family, who are all former leaders of the Anti-Brussel Campaign, have all had a change of mind. They have open heartedly accepted this scorned veggie at our dinner table. When I visit my parents for dinner, it's a given that I will be preparing this as our veggie. We even had company over for my dad's birthday. He skipped the Brussel Sprouts, telling us that he has hated them since he was a kid. My dad agreed, but told him to "taste these though..." and then amazing things happened! Are you ready to have your opinion of Brussel Sprouts changed forever? Let's do this. Balsamic Roasted Garlic Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:

Fresh Brussel Sprouts

Olive Oil

Balsamic

Minced Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Begin by washing your Brussel Sprouts and preheating the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the ends of the Brussel Sprouts off, and then slice them in half. Toss them into a large bowl or zip lock bag. {I use a gallon sized ziplock bag... only because it's the easiest!}

Once all of the Brussels have been cut and tossed into the bag, drizzle them with olive oil. Use enough olive oil to cover all of them, but not drench them. Toss in a heaping tablespoon of Minced Garlic. Season with a touch of Salt and Pepper as well. {all still inside the ziplock bag.}

Zip up that bag and shake it like a polaroid picture.

Shake it up and cover the Brussel Sprouts with all of the ingredients.

When thoroughly shaken and covered - lay the veggie out on a baking sheet. {I cover mine in foil to allow a super easy clean up!} Pop those suckers in the over for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Take them out, shuffle them around, and then put them back in there for 10 more minutes {or until they start to brown and crisp on the edges. The crispy leaves are the best!}

While still hot, drizzle Balsamic Vinegar on the Brussel Sprouts. Shuffle them around, making sure each and everyone has a touch of Balsamic on them.

Serve them immediately. They are best when they are fresh out of the oven. We use them as a side dish with all types of meats, but I especially like them paired with pork.

Questions? You know where to find me! Now go, make the most delicious Brussel Sprouts that will forever change your opinion of this stigmatized vegetable!

#whole30approved #paleo #glutenfree

Three Day Weekend: Sun, Wine, Puppies, Guns and Big Butts

2014-09-02T10:53:00.002-04:00

Take a deep breathe. It's September.
But before I can jump, full fledge into the month of pumpkin spice latte's, first day of school pictures and harvest wreaths... I need to recap Labor Day Weekend.
How was your weekend? Were you lucky enough to have a three or four day weekend like we did? I didn't realize how badly I needed a few days to not think about work. When you work from home, your work can begin to consume you. I wake up, walk into my guest room to fold some clothes and my "office" is staring me down already. Yes, it has it's perks {i.e. yoga pants all day long!} but paper work can be lurking around every single corner.
So for our holiday weekend, we decided to get out of town and head to Carolina for a few days of fun in the Almost-September Sun.
I laid in the sun. With another temporary wrist tattoo.

In the midst of six full grown, large dogs... got my puppy fix with this cutie pie.

I drank white wine out of a mason cup while playing corn hole.

I got really over heated and sucked at corn hole, so I decided drinking the wine and sitting under the umbrella was a better use of my time.

I got my PiYo done... not every day. But almost every day. My family joined in also!

We dug the long lost, "Official Benji Family Game" out and played. Two nights in a row! This can't just be a Benji game... do y'all know about Bonanza?

The next day: We went next door to shoot guns. Perks of country living. No range needed.

My husband looked like a hottie while teaching everyone gun safety.

My dad shot a gun for the first time.

I acted like a princess and stole the pink ear protection.

This pre-packaged, processed OJ crap is horrible for you. Drink fresh stuff. Kill all processed foods.

Later, things got silly. Jean and I got goofy. I went for a ride on a sit down walker.

My mom tried to teach me how to save money and cut my own bangs. We recorded it. Footage will air later this week.

My poor k9 struggled all weekend long with her anxiety and hot spots. Our only solution? ThunderJacket, Mom Shorts, and a Cone of Shame.

I had a lovely weekend. And despite the pictures and her ridiculous accessories, Chloe's wasn't half bad either. How did you spend this holiday weekend?

DIY Wedding Wish Tree + Giveaway!

2014-08-27T17:18:00.000-04:00

As I was planning my own wedding, I knew I did not want a traditional guest book. I went back and forth on what exactly I DID want... narrowing it down to something pretty, something unique, and something I could use again or use to decorate my house.
I ended up going with two things. 1. A DIY sign for my house, that all of our guests signed during Cocktail Hour and 2. A Wedding Wish Tree.
I spent hours googling to find perfect Wedding Wish Tree. Like I said, I really wanted it to be unique, and since Wish Trees have become more and more common at weddings - I definitely wanted something that fit the look of our celebration: Classy and Glam, with a touch of Fun. To save money I put my event design skills to work and I made my own Wedding Wish Tree.

So, as a professional wedding planner, why do I love Wedding Wish Trees?

1 // They are pretty! I'm all about event details and a Wish Tree give a nice touch to any celebration.

2 // It was a conversation starter! Wedding Wish Trees get people up and out of their seats! Put it near a dance floor {not on top of it, but near it} and encourage guests to mingle!

3 // Unfortunately we didn't get to talk to everyone at our wedding. Reading back through all of our tags was so much fun and a great excuse to call people up a month or two later! {We actually didn't read through our tags until 5 months after our wedding! Whoopsie!}

4 // Believe it or not, I am still using my tree! I decorate it seasonally and have white Christmas lights hanging on it now. It's a great reminder of our wedding... something I walk past daily.

I love how our friends and family put thought into their notes to us! Some of them were sentimental, some were terrific words of advice, and some were just down right hilarious. Here, have yourself a giggle:

So you want to make your own? Here's what you need:

Sticks.

I bought mine at Garden Ridge {They cost me less than $30 for all of them.} Make sure they are strong enough to hold your decorations. I also purchased white sticks, so it was less work. But you can easily spray paint them!

A vase or container to hold the sticks.

Make sure it is something tall and narrow, but with a wide enough mouth to hold the branches. Buy something that goes with your theme! If you have a rustic themed wedding, consider a large mason jar, a bucket, etc.

Beads.

Candle Holders.

Don't forget to buy the candles for these! I forgot and sent a friend out the morning of my wedding to buy them. I recommend fake tea candles.

Tags.

I went the DIY route with these also. I purchased the tags in a variety of sizes and colors. I decorated them with stamps and ink, glitter, and purple bakers twine.

Don't forget: You may want to make a sign, explaining the tree to guests. You should also include at least 5 pens!

Did you use a Wish Tree for your wedding? Did you get any funny advice from your friends and family?
Also!! I am teaming up with a bunch of lovely ladies to make it rain!! That's right, it's not too late to get yourself entered to win some serious MOOLAH! I mean really, who doesn't like money? And who doesn't like winning money? Yeah... that's what I thought! Here ya go!

a Rafflecopter giveaway<-- click!

Today I am linking up with:

10 Dorm Room Must Haves!

2014-08-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

I am still in shock that this is the last week of summer for everyone in my area. My boss has taken off to spend time with her kids. The teenagers across the street are spending every single free moment working on their tans and playing in the pool. My teacher friends all reported their dreaded return to school on Facebook yesterday. Where in the world did summer go? Seriously... hello September?! My brain is still stuck in spring, while my calendar is telling me we are entering fall and it's Back-to-School Glory. I don't care who you are... there is something exciting about "Back to School" time. Go ahead and call me a nerd, but personally, entering the stores and seeing the fresh notebooks, new pens, and colorful planners brings me joy. So when Kleenex and Walmart reached out to 2 cats & chloe, asking me to write a little piece on the Top 10 Dorm Must-Haves I was a little pumped. I mean, who doesn't want to pretend that they are packing up and heading back to college! This post brought back a lot of fun JMU college memories! Memories of Freshman year, on the 8th floor of the tallest building in Harrisonburg, with no AC. Memories of hiliarous times with my roomies, who became friends for life. Memories of riding the bus to the old Walmart in Harrisonburg... and then waiting for that same bus to come back hours later while we lugged all of our purchases {and a few betta fish} back to the dorm.

Kleenex Expressions Oval Facial Tissue Chevron Designs //

Headphones // Coffee Maker // Travel Mug // Colorful Mini Fridge // Vacuum // Fun Curtains // A Bathroom Caddy // Disk Chair // Chevron Towel Set

I had no clue how colorful the Back-to-School gear has gotten. Seriously! They have colorful mini refrigerators now?! Personally, I think everything on the list above is great - but I want to give a couple of shout outs... First of all, the disk chair. This may seem like a silly looking chair, but when you have a ton of friends stopping in to your tiny dorm room, this chair will be perfect. OR, let's say that you buy one, like I did, that has a slight squeak to it... it is exactly what you need to drive your roomie crazy! {Amanda - wink wink} Or maybe you will be blessed with a loud typing roommate. {It's a condition, I swear!} You are going to thoroughly thank me for recommending headphones. Some of us just cannot help our typing volume.

The Kleenex Expressions Oval Facial Tissues in Chevron Designs... You are going to get sick. It's college. It's germy. And you may be just like me and have a roommate who forces you to wash your hands all the time, who sprays the television remote with cleaner, and who teaches you the proper way to cough. She will make you use tissues, so you may as well buy these. The design and pattern of the box makes them cute enough to leave on your desk all the time. Heck, I am well beyond a dorm room but these Kleenex tissues are sitting on my desk!

What memories do you have of your college dorm? Do you have any tips for must-have items? What are your favorite roommate memories? Thank you Walmart and Kleenex for sponsoring today's post, and bring back some fun dorm room memories!

End-Of-Summer Paleo Coffee

2014-08-24T10:40:00.000-04:00

There is a certain point, usually mid August, when I am horrified that thought "I can't wait for scarf and boot season" crosses through my mind. It's an unfortunate but annual moment. A moment at which I begin to morn the end of summer while embracing every single last moment of sunshine and weekends on the river. I live in Virginia. Of course, I'm a bit biased, but I really feel like this is one of the greatest states simply because we experience all four seasons. We have snow {not a lot, but enough} in the winter. Spring can be wet, but sunny and full of blooming flowers. Summer... oh summer. We have beaches and mountains: the best of all worlds. You haven't lived until you have experienced Fall in VA. Virginia embraces one of the prettiest Autumns you will ever experience. If you don't have leaves that change to the brightest shades of golds, oranges and reds in your hometown - you need to plan a trip through the Shenandoah Valley this October. So when I mentally begin to transition from Summer to Fall, baby steps are required. Only fools jump straight into the pumpkin spice... As one who lives a paleo and whole30 life, one thing I really miss from time to time, is coffee creamer. And not just the plain jane, basically milk, stuff. I miss that horrible-for-you, sugary, so-good but so-bad, flavored creamer. Did you know that you can still flavor your coffee without that crap?! GASP! Who knew?! So today, I want to share with you my End-of-Summer Paleo Coffee Blend. It's still sweet, but has a hit of fall in it. Highlights? It's much better for you than that horrible creamer, it's all natural, and most of the ingredients are already in your spice cabinet.

Ingredients: Your favorite blend of coffee {Regular or Decaf} 2 heaping Tablespoons of Heavy Coconut Cream 5 Drops of Liquid Stevia 1/4 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 1/2 Teaspoon of 100% Cocoa

Directions:

Blend all of the ingredients in your coffee mug prior to adding the actual coffee.

Brew coffee, pour into mug.

Stir well, making sure everything melts and blends completely.

Sip and enjoy. Embrace the hint of fall while appreciating the last couple weeks of summer.

What are your favorite coffee blends? Are you the kind of person who anxiously awaits the arrival of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte? Stay tuned...

#Paleo #Gluten Free #Dairy Free

Five things You Missed This Week...

2014-08-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

Oh hey Friday! It's about time you got here! This has been one long as heck week. In addition to wedding planning, I work as an Independent Marketing Contractor during the week. One of my clients is going through a website rebranding and relaunch. I spent a couple days of this work week up in Northern Virginia at the corporate office... and the rest of my time clicking refresh as the new site was supposed to go live. {Fingers crossed, without any glitches.} But everyone in this online world knows - it's rare for there to ever be a non-glitched-up launch or to have it perfect without one tweak necessary... Sigh. But hey, it's Friday! Since the blog was a little bare in the middle {of the week} this week, let's just do a completely random 5 today to catch you up! Oh, and thank you all so much for the kind words of encouragement with last week's 5. Y'all rock. Thank you so much for your support.

PiYo! I was invited to join an {online} group of lovely ladies for 30 days of PiYo. You know, God seriously works in the most interesting and timely ways. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with social media. But when it comes to love - I whole-heartedly LOVE the people I have met {and some that I have only "met"} via social media. Through random #hashtag hopping, I somehow crossed paths with the lovely and amazing @sugaryjoy several months ago. She is one of the sweetest and down right gorgeous {inside and out!} people I think you could meet. Maybe she is catfishing us, but I highly doubt it. ;) Either way, I'm thankful for her. She is an encouraging and wonderful coach to have.

So I've jumped on board and have joined these women for 30 days of PiYo. If you have been following along for the past couple months {via my social media} you may have heard me ask about yoga recently. The timing of this Pilates and Yoga Combo exercise was perfect. Well, as perfect as exercising can be. {Why do I seriously hate it so much?!}

Today is day five and I am proud to say, that I even stuck with it and did my PiYo in the hotel this week! I have become "that girl" who travels with her hot pink yoga mat. And I'm okay with that. It's a really fun exercise that can be modified for people {like me} who have struggled with knee problems and/or really just dislike anything that makes me sweat. I will keep y'all posted on what I think {and my results} as the 30 days progress!

Rebrand! I had a little teaser on IG this week showing the sneak peak of the 2 cats & chloe rebranding in process! Yup, it's true. I've had this look for the past three years. It's cute and all, but every time I look at my blog, I hate it more and more. I need something fresh and new! {Considering I re-arrange my house almost quarterly, I'm shocked my blog design has been the same for so many years!} I'm hoping to have it live next week! Stay tuned!

Oh, and to answer a lot of your insta-questions from the teaser post - YES I do my own blog design. I'm no expert but it is a great, creative outlet for me. If you are interested in me looking at your design, and possibly helping you tweak yours - let me know!

Shopping Spree! Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone, but I took a couple hours to myself yesterday on my way home from working in Northern Virginia. It's been FOREVER since I have gone out shopping for no particular reason. Considering everyone is in back-to-school mode, I expected the Williamsburg Prime Outlets to be quite a bit more hectic. Thankfully, it there was plenty of parking and no real lines. Probably because it was the hottest day ever and only crazy people shop outdoors, in unruly humidity and extreme heat. So what did I buy?

A pair of ankle boots. Birthday presents for my dad. A fall garden fall. A candle that smells like birthday cake {just because I can't eat it doesn't mean I can't smell it right?!} And a new rustic "Home Sweet Home" box for us to put our shoes in. Oh, and I purchased my first Christmas present! It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas right??

The Ice Bucket Challenge!

Crap. I was really hoping I would make it through this awesome, yet extremely trendy, social media fundraising blitz warm and dry. Last night I was alerted via facebook that I was tagged in a post. My immediate feeling was dread. BUT - who am I to turn down a challenge. Stay tuned...

Weekend Plans? We have none. Other than work: Client work. Contractor work. Website work. House work. Yard work. Blog work. Why is being a grown up so un-fun sometimes? That's it from me for today. Have a lovely weekend my dears! If you are stopping by from the friday linkup, please leave a comment! I would love to say hello and get to know ya! Happy Weekend!

Guilty Pleasures - #GuiltyTotalSocial

2014-08-19T17:13:00.001-04:00

Oh guilty pleasures... As I am spending 2014 revamping my life and making healthy decisions {eating, exercising, and well, just trying to let those creative juices flow!} I still find myself sneaking in a couple guilty pleasures when I have a moment to breathe. It's extremely refreshing to know I'm not alone too! I'm linking up with Helene and Sarah for the #TotalSocial Linkup! This month's theme is Guilty Pleasures!

1 // Coastal & Home Magazines and Pinterest Boards. Have I told you that we are building a house next year? Yeah, it's big news that I have yet to share with many people. But maybe you could tell based on my currently overused pinterest board. In between drooling over and tweaking my new custom house plans - I just can't seem to get enough of these home design and decor magazines! Magazines that I used to think only old people, like my mom, were supposed to read. #imgettingold 2 // Teen Mom 2. Yeah... apparently I simply like watching train wrecks. Train wrecks that make me realize how good of a mom I will be... one day. 3 // All other forms of trash television, which is basically Bravo TV: Below Deck, Ladies of London, Million Dollar Listing, Real Housewives of any city... I've never actually seen an entire season of anything. It's amazing how 15 minutes of other peoples' problems just make me grin.

4 // Almond Butter with Raisins. I would be losing a heck of a lot more weight, so much easier, if I could just give up my almond butter. I don't crave chocolate, reeces, wine or anything anymore... as long as I can have a couple spoonfuls of almond butter and a handful of raisins {almost daily?! eek!} I'm good to go! 5 // Purses. I have done a really good job at cutting back and giving away the ones I don't carry. Only to pine over a few other bags I'd love to own. Like this one, this one or ooooo especially this one.

6 // Obsessively hopping from one hashtag to the next, killing time on Instagram. Due to life choices, I'm currently hooked on any hashtag related to the whole30, paleo, kittens or goats. Speaking of goats... 7 // Not exercising. I've said it once, and I will say it a million times: I hate exercising. I will easily give up all sweets, popcorn, wine, chocolate, bread, pasta, pancakes and cuppies... if I'd never have to exercise again. ARG! Why do I hate it so much? Luckily, I have a hilarious 70 year old trainer who is okay with my sarcasm and banter. {Yup, he's 70. But you'd never, ever guess it. #YouAreWhatYouEat!} But sitting, and partaking in numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 lead to guilty pleasure number 7. I've decided I need to try to kick this guilty pleasure /slash/ bad habit in the butt! I've signed up for a 30 day PiYo challenge. #SugaryJoyPiYo. I'm on day 2. Y'all will be reminding me next week why I want to get healthy... 8 // Taking too many pictures of my dog. Taking too many pictures of my food. 9 // This picture of my mom. {Just incase The Big Bang Theory is looking for Howard's Mom...}

10 // Girl Meets World. Is it possible that I am the only 30-something who is beyond pumped to have Cory and Topanga back on television? I will confess... I am DVR-ing it every single friday night. I feel so much better getting these guilty pleasures off my chest! Woo! What are some of your guilty pleasures? Can you relate to any of mine above? Does your mom look like a tv celebrity? Are you secretly spending quality time with Cory and Topanga? Thanks for hosting this great linkup gals! #GuiltyTotalSocial

Recipe: Whole30 Approved Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

2014-08-18T13:51:00.000-04:00

I have a new side dish obsession. I've made this twice in the past seven days, and it's on the agenda again for tonight. It's Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. And it is by far one of the easiest appetizers you can create, while absolutely wow-ing your guests. {Personally, I made these as a side dish... and then reheated my leftover spears to go along with my breakfast! Eggs with a side of prosciutto and asparagus? Now that is a well rounded brekkie!} Ingredients:
Asparagus Prosciutto Olive Oil Garlic Powder Dried Basil

Directions:

Wash your asparagus. Cut and discard the white, dry ends off of each spear.

Lay out aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Place asparagus on foil. Drizzle olive oil on the asparagus. I used my {clean} hands to move the spears around and cover them in olive oil. Then sprinkle them with your garlic powder and dried basil.

My prosciutto came in wider pieces, so I torn them into skinnier strips. Wrap the prosciutto around each spear of asparagus, laying them back out on the same aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Lightly drizzle the wrapped asparagus with just the tiniest bit of olive oil.

Broil on high for 10 minutes. Half way through, take them out and flip them over. The asparagus will soften and bake up with the flavor of garlic and basil, while the prosciutto will being to get a bit crispy.

And that's it! This could be a huge hit as a party appetizer. Your friends would be so impressed and have no clue how incredibly easy this dish is! Best part about it? Prosciutto is SO MUCH EASIER to find than Whole30 Approved Bacon {meaning it doesn't have sugar and crap added to it!} So not only is this easy but it's whole30 compliant! Yahtzee!

This dish is: #Whole30 #Paleo #Gluten-Free Please let me know what you think? Do you have a favorite side or party app? I am having fun working and adapting recipes to be whole30 compliant! Give me your suggestions of what to try next! I'm linking up with Monday Morning Gossip, Made By You Monday and #letitshine.

More than Friday... It's DAY 31: My Whole30 Results

2014-08-15T11:42:00.006-04:00

Today is so much more than just a normal Friday. Today marks DAY 31! Yup, that's right guys and gals - this girl just wrapped up her Whole30! I spent the past 30 days not partaking in Dairy, Grains, Beans and Legumes and Soy, Processed or Added Sugars {not even honey!} and of course Wine and Booze. While it may sound beyond dreadful to a lot of you... but this has been, yet again, another life changing 30 days. You would think, since this is not my first rodeo, another Whole30 wouldn't make that much of a dent in my life. It should be easy peasy at this point, right? Yes, this Whole30 {my third successful one} was much easier than any of them in the past. But it was probably the one that packed the biggest punch. So today, for my Five on Friday, I want to share my top five thoughts about my last 30 days.

My results: #noscalevictory is my take on it! I did lose 8 pounds pounds over the past 30 days - but more importantly I am feeling great, my bloating is diminishing and my clothes are fitting better. Can see the drastic difference in the my before and after pics above?

Like I've said - I've done a whole30 before. I actually spent the first three months of this year doing two whole30's and one month as a whole30 + wine. My goal behind the first three months of 2014 was to simply lose weight. Which I did. I lost 20 pounds, quite easily, without changing my exercising habits one bit. And then I decided I wanted to try to add certain foods back into my diet... then I started to get sick again, and unfortunately, gained a lot of weight back.

After numerous doctor appointments, too many vials of blood taken, wishy-washy answers as to what's wrong with me, and the possibility of celiacs disease looming over my head now... I am finally beginning to accept the fact that my body has several food intolerances. As much as I love ice cream and fresh bread and soy sauce, it is time for me to realize that my body just cannot handle it! My past whole30's were excellent, but this was the first time I have honestly realized and full-heartedly accepted that it is time for me to LISTEN TO MY BODY and not my cravings.

I wasn't convinced of this until mid-way through this whole30. I was still on board with more testing and all that. But now! Now, after 30 days of strict clean eating, I feel 1000% better. I know that this is exactly how I am supposed to be living my life.

This was a group challenge. I sent out weekly meal plans to the 45 people who committed to the #2catswhole30. Of the 45 - I think about 4 people made it the entire 30 days. Am I disappointed? Maybe a little. I was really hoping more folks would stick with it, beyond the initial withdraws and sucky times. But I need to dwell on the fact that my efforts positively affected a handful of people. One lady told me she hasn't felt this good since BEFORE SHE BEAT CANCER. Another person was thrilled she lost 10 pounds and plans on continuing, and will be making her husband join also. My mom, who has been an extreme trooper {and has done two whole30's with me!} she has become okay to life without cheese and bread. {Which, trust me, is huge!}

Would I have liked more people to stick with it? Of course. But several of those who "dropped out" have emailed me by saying they no longer drink soda {when they had been drinking 4-5 a day!} Another couple has told me that they have decided to make healthier choices for their lives and their marriage. So in the end, I'm happy that 45 people trusted me and my experiences, and were open minded enough to give clean eating a shot.

This whole30 has not only taught me to continue my journey and investment in my health, but it has inspired me to continue creating recipes. Despite the fact that so many people are tired of hearing me rant and rave about my paleo nonsense and whole30 ways, dare I say it has become a passion for me? My clean eating tips will probably become more prominent on this blog. Is that okay? Do y'all mind if I share them on here? Or should I venture out a bit with something separate? I need to find an even balance.

Where do I go from here? Like I said, I HAVE to continue eating this way. My body won't have it any other way. My skin is clear! My mood is terrific! {The other day, Michael even said to me "I don't mean for this to sound bad, but you've been in a much better mood lately..." HE IS SO RIGHT! And it's glorious!} I feel more creative and more passionate about life. I now, firmly believe in the saying "You are what you eat."

I plan on sipping a little wine this weekend, and eating a praline or two from my trip to Charleston last week {yes, I bought them 1.5 weeks out... because who goes to SC and doesn't eat a praline?!} Other than that, and possibly buying stock in Chipotle, not much will change for me.

Thanks for partaking and encouraging me on my journey. Your support has meant the world to me. Cheers to good life choices, clean eating and a healthy future!

Do you want to learn more about the Whole30 and clean eating? You can read more about my Whole30 experiences here. You can read more about the official Whole30 program here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to talk to you about my experiences and how clean eating can change your life.

I'm linking up with these lovely gals today:

A Charleston Must: Morris Island!

2014-08-14T19:02:00.001-04:00

Remember that time, last week, when my mom and sister randomly decided they were going to road trip down to Charleston and they called, begging me to join them? Willingly opting to spend 7ish hours in the car with your mom and sister can be a tough decision... so after a little pondering I agreed to join them, but on these three conditions:

1. Chloe could come along.

2. While glamping, there would be AC in the camper. {read about that hotness here.}

3. We had to go to Morris Island with Captain Howie of Adventure Harbor Tours.

Honestly, I was going to go one way or another. I just needed a few items to leverage. Who in their right mind would turn down a trip to Charleston, South Carolina anyway?

I immediately booked our morning on Morris Island with Adventure Harbor Tours. In doing more research, I also realized that this was the only beach in the Charleston area that allows dogs to run around, foot loose and fancy free. SOLD!

My mom was quite enamored with the awesome pontoon boat we rode out to the island. She said numerous times that she had boat envy and that the pontoon ride was her favorite part of our entire mini-vacay. {My family has a slight obsession with boats and campers... It's the closest we will ever get to being pirates. And I'm okay with that.}

We spent about 2ish hours on Morris Island. Personally, I could've stayed all day and been a happy girl. Chloe {the border collie} on the other hand, who is used to swimming in our freshwater river, she learned REAL QUICK that she couldn't drink sea water. Somewhere on that island is a buried treasure {or two} that no one really wants to find.

Speaking of treasures - if you like seashells {heck, even if you don't} you will like what you find on Morris Island. I found two Sand Dollars, a Whelk, several sharks teeth, and a trillion other shells. The last time I went {three years prior} we found a giant shark's tooth and even some starfish {that were alive so we didn't keep them!}

Below is the pictures we took 3 years ago after I "we" found this huge shark's tooth on Morris Island. We still fight over who actually found the tooth and who is it's rightful owner. I guess, since we are married now... what's mine is yours?! Ha!

We got to enjoy a cool view of the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and the Charleston Bridge. Being on a boat just does my soul good. It really was a wonderful morning! I'm not sure where I went wrong in life but I'm pretty positive I should've found a career that allowed me to spend my days on the water!

By no means was this a sponsored post. I just want each and every one of you to know that the next time you are in Charleston, in addition to oooh-ing and ahhh-ing over the gorgeous homes and southern flair, you need to visit Morris Island with Captain Howie of Adventure Harbor Tours. I promise you will have such a great time. And if you happen to be traveling with your k9 companion - you will both thoroughly enjoy running and playing on a practically deserted beach.

Before we could wrap up our adventure, Chloe had to snag a picture with Captain Howie. Considering this was her first vacation ever, this dog did it right! Thanks again to Adventure Harbor Tours for yet another memorable trip to Morris Island! {Oh, and when you book your tour with them, be sure to tell him Chloe sent you!}

PS. Please don't forget! You don't have to be jealous of my vacation - you can win your own! It's not too late for you to enter to win an AWESOME #SummerofGo Vacation from my past post sponsor Tommy Bahama! I would really love to win this myself... But if I don't win, I would love for a 2 cats & chloe reader to win it! What are you waiting for?? Go get your pretty little pirate booty entered y'all!

Wedding Wednesday: Our Intro and First Dance!

2014-08-13T18:10:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time, there was the best party ever. It was the best mix of glitter, elegance, craziness and glam one could ever achieve. There was a lot of prep, jesus, details, and photo booth cheesing. Let us not forget about the outstanding intro into the reception with the worlds largest wedding party, and a not-practiced-enough first dance! {Before we continue with a photo dump I need you to crank up your speakers so you can fully appreciate our grand introduction.}

Now personally, I feel like the way you start your reception is crucial if you want to ensure a successful evening. If you want a FUN atmosphere, you have to make it fun! {Same goes if you want a laid back, relaxed reception... the first ten minutes of your reception sets the mood for the rest of the evening.} We wanted fun. So we told all of our parents and wedding party members to go in, dance it out, and have a good time. Most of them looked at me like I was crazy... Then I told them they had to wear feather boas or gold top hat, at which point I thought about half of them {the guys} were going to refuse - but in the end they were all great sports! Great sports who spent the evening covered in excessive glitter, might I add. My in-laws:

My folks:

One of our "Ring Security Guards!" {The other was with the babysitter at this point.}

Our two ushers from Switzerland {my cousins} and our "Happy Helper" {a dear friend from high school}:

My two sisters-in-law and one of my bro's-in-law:

Two of my college roomies and my other bro-in-law!

Another college roomie, Mike's friend since grade school, and my closest friend since first grade!

Let me preface this next one by saying I was really proud of everyone's intros... BUT when I told people to get crazy and have fun, I knew these three would bring their A-Games. Meet our two Honorable Matrons {both are two of my BFFs} and a Bestman {who has been one of Michael's best friends for years.} Way to go guys. I think y'all even showed up our entrance!

Fun right?? Once we were all out on the dance floor, the dj cued our first dance. We picked one that not many people had even heard of. It was one that I had randomly found years ago while surfing YouTube. I absolutely love this song, not just for it's soul, but the lyrics are great. {Cue music change in the youtube box below...}

Michael decided {a month before our wedding!!} that he wanted to take dance lessons. Since this seemed important to him, and I was terribly afraid he wouldn't dance with me otherwise (!!) so we went ahead and squeezed in 6 private dance lessons. I highly recommend this to anyone who is getting married. Even if you want to spend your first dance relaxing and not counting "1, 2, 3..." in your head - this was almost like marriage counseling for us! It was a wonderful way to spend time together, learning something new. I would just encourage you to start 6 months out, not 6 weeks out.

{If you are local I highly recommend Amy's! She was a great teacher who put up with our quirky traits and lack of skills. We learned a lot! But to be honest, we were both too afraid to call her up after our wedding to tell her how we did... Our dip was a little iffy to say the least!}

Without further ado, here are a few snap shots of our first dance:

We started out slow, doing the middle school shuffle... we didn't tell anybody about our dance lessons, so we were hoping to surprise them a bit! This first picture is one of my favorites because, to me, it captured that one moment of "we have a secret that nobody knows..." and "holy crap, here we go!"

Our first twirly spin {can't you tell I learned a lot about the technical dancing terms??} when our guests realized we were actually dancing. {Or trying to...!}

To be fair, Amy, if you are reading this - our dip looked a heck of a lot better in our video... I swear!

Even though our facial expressions are rediculous and you can tell we were so worried about getting the right steps, I wouldn't have changed anything! {Other than possibly practicing with a giant dress on... that would've helped!} Happy Wedding Wednesday friends! As always, thanks for joining me while I take a little stroll down memory lane. I can't believe this celebration was just a mere 9 months ago! Time flies! Catch ya next week for another glimpse into the party!

As always, I'm linking up with these lovely gals:

A Serious Post.

2014-08-12T18:15:00.000-04:00

I don't want to bring ya down, but I feel like I need to express my thoughts about the sadness and great loss that has hit the news.
With our extreme connection via facebook, twitter, instagram, television and the streaming of everything, you have to be living under a rock to have not heard the news of Robin Williams dying yesterday. My college roommate texted me last night while I was prepping dinner saying "My BF Robin Williams died!" {We had this long standing joke that she was the leader of the Unofficial JMU Chapter of the Robin Williams Fan Club and of course that he was her boyfriend...} I texted back with "Ha - you're kidding." I mean, I had just watched the NBC Nightly News and they didn't mention a single thing and didn't I just hear talks about a Mrs. Doubtfire 2? {Apparently the tragic news broke shortly after the Nightly News aired.}
I have become numb to the media constantly spouting out names of celebrities who have died {whether it's via drugs, booze, or accidentally on purpose...} but to hear Robin Williams' name added to this list has seriously stopped me in my tracks. He was such a brilliant talent. No, of course I didn't know him, but he was an actor that I feel practically EVERYONE could connect with. {Forget Aladdin, I remember watching Mork and Mindy reruns as a kid and thinking he was the cutest guy ever!}
This is a tragic loss. One that if it was a handful of other celebrities, it wouldn't hit home nearly as much. Why? Robin Williams was relatable. So many of his films are on worn out VHS tapes in drawers at my parents' house. Cait and I watched Mrs. Doubtfire religiously, every day after school for a good couple of years. {"It was a run by fruiting!"} He could act in all types of flicks and was unbelievable across the board. I haven't seen too many actors that can switch from slap stick comedy to drama to kid movies the way he did.
What really makes me sit back in awe is all the love and kind words you see about Robin Williams floating around the internet/media now. Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely wonderful. The man definitely made an impact on the world. But did he need to hear these words before? As such a happy-go-lucky, brilliant, talent - who had the world in the palm of his hand, but was secretly struggling with depression and demons... was there something that someone, anyone, could've done?
Everyone has a tipping point. Everyone has struggles. And almost everyone I know fights some sort of demon. Suicide is not the answer though. It's a quick and easy "way out" that hurts everyone. Depression is a horrible illness that so many of us suffer from. But this gifted talent decided to take his life. He lived a life, making those around him laugh. He lived a life full of charity and comedy. He lived a life that many would love to experience. And then he fell to his demons and selfishly ended his own life. I cannot even begin to image the raw emotions his family must feel.
No, of course I didn't know Robin Williams. But it's still crushing. It's crushing because we can all relate, whether it is through a loved one who left us too soon or the struggles we may be bearing. Hopefully something good can come out of this though. Like maybe, someone, anyone, will feel moved about sharing their struggles, because they are not alone.
Which is why I am here, writing the longest post ever. To tell you this:
I don't care who you are. Depression hits all of us. It doesn't discriminate against color, weight, industry, business, or family. You are loved. You are beautiful. You are amazing.
Maybe I know you from my past. Maybe we have lost touch in the years. Maybe you are a new friend, a blog friend, a family member, or one of my closest confidants. Or maybe we have never met. Let me stress: You are loved. You are amazing. Famous or not, you are important, you have value and you are worth fighting for.
If you are struggling, talk. Talk to the people around you. Ask for help. Don't fight one single internal battle by yourself. Turn to friends, family, and Jesus. I urge everyone to please keep in mind, a lot of times we don't really know the man behind the curtain. Greet every person {friend or stranger} without assumptions, but instead with care, sincere concern, and love. Some of us have become really good at using our PR face to hide the multitude of things that are dwelling in our deepest, darkest places.

Facebook is great. Blogs are wonderful. Texts are convenient. But take time to call or meet with your loved ones. Hug your family a little tighter. Make plans to spend quality time with your friends. Be sure to tell the ones you love, that you love them. One of my facebook friends said it best: "Pick up the phone & call someone. Maybe you speak to someone who just might REALLY need your call. Maybe you're the one who needs a real conversation. We all know someone who might need to actually hear the words "Hey, how have you been.... no, really. How have you been?" So, how have you been?
"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan and everything in between. But he was one of a kind."

Thoughts, prayers and love go out to Robin Williams' family. May we all remember him for his little spark of madness.

Mini Vacation: Road Trip to Charleston, SC

2014-08-11T21:53:00.001-04:00

Y'all! You are going to be so absolutely disappointed in me. I survived my glamping trip in Charleston... but apparently when I travel, and consistently have a dog leash in my hand, I don't take many pictures. I was just going through my camera and realized I have almost zero awesome pictures to share with you. Why? Honestly, I spent the entire couple of days saying "Chloe, stay! Chloe, come! Chloe, behave! Chloe, do you need water? Chloe, come here! Chloe, I'm so sorry I didn't realize your feet were burning on the sidewalk!!" Seriously, I don't know how mom bloggers do it all! One week away on vacation with my border collie and the entire blog basically implodes! With that being said, how about I summarize our trip and show you a few of the few pictures from our not-so-glamourous-glamping trip to Charleston, SC.

We left, spur of the moment, on Tuesday. The drive to Charleston should have only taken 7ish hours. I believe it took us 10ish? We arrived in the dark and had to wake up the park ranger to find our campsite. Then we set up camp at 11:30PM. And then the camper started smoking, the power went out and the promised air conditioning vanished. We were left in the tin can camper, practically suffocating all night long. Only fools go camping in Charleston, mid-August. It was HOT. Chloe took it like a champ.

Wednesday was an early start. It was the day I was really looking forward to. Michael and I have done Charleston a few years prior, so I knew that we needed to take Chloe out to Morris Island. {It's no big deal, but I'm so obsessed with Morris Island that I will be sharing more on this adventure later this week in it's own blog post!} I've decided that spending Wednesday mornings on a practically deserted beach is the way I want to spend the rest of my life. Even if I have to bring my laptop and paperwork with me. Quiet Wednesdays on the beach = the best mornings ever.

We spent the rest of our Wednesday trying to revive our power supply in the camper. Because again, let me stress, that only fools camp {without AC} in Charleston, in August. My mom became McGyver, jerry-rigged a few cords, plugs and a rubber band or two - and voila! We had AC! {No lights, but AC.} And that was enough for me. So I busted out my zoodler {I'm still rocking this whole30!} and made zoodle-spaghetti. {Because when you're hot, nothing cools ya down like making a hot dinner....... Basically we suck at camping in the heat.}

We spent Thursday walking around downtown Charleston. I spent the entire day oooh-ing and ahhh-ing over the glorious southern porches, intricate iron gates, crafting, food and culture. Oh, and taming the wild beast that Chloe turned into. Honestly, the dog did better than most would've done. She walked around town on a 98 degree day. She shopped {most shops were great about inviting her in!} She dealt with us when we stopped for lunch and dinner. She was serenaded. She got kicked out of the market. She didn't freak over meeting the first horse of her life. She even went on a ghost walk with us! We got downtown around 10:30AM and stuck it out, on and off, until 10:30PM. Chloe was a trooper.

*Above - my mom hit it off with the Cats of Charleston girl. So much so that I basically found her selling art for the gal! Also, this is one of the coolest projects ever. She asked if Chloe was local because she wanted her to model in Charleston for her Dogs of Charleston project this winter! We may have to relocate to Charleston... Go give her some love and tell her Chloe sent ya!

So this is where I would be inserting pictures of the stunning homes that I want to recreate here in Virginia. Except, I didn't take a single one. {So if you want to see one or two pictures from a past trip down to Low Country, you can see them here. Please excuse the horrible blog post formatting... what the heck was I thinking back in 2011?!}

Friday morning we packed up camp and began trucking back home. Again, it should've taken 7ish hours. Somehow we stretched our road trip out to 12 freakin hours.

But we all survived.

Thank God.

Thursday I will be sharing my morning on Morris Island with you. It is a must-do when you visit Charleston, so please stay tuned for all those deets.
Have you been to Charleston? Have you vacationed with your dog? Have you survived an enormous amount of time on the road with all the women of your family? I wanna hear about it! PS. Don't forget it's not too late to win your own vacation! Tommy Bahama is giving away a dream vacay! Read more about it here!

#WhatSuzieWears: to an outdoor {summer} event

2014-08-10T16:22:00.000-04:00

As I am wrapping up another whole30 - I am struggling to find clothes that fit me "just right" in my closet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining... but I am. I'm pumped to be getting healthy, but no one likes having clothes that just don't fit right? Am I right? August seems like a great time of year to begin clearing out the things I didn't wear all summer long and start finding items that fit me perfectly. Even if I am continuing to lose weight. {And boy, I am losing it in weird places. Does anyone else struggle with losing weight in their wrists before they lose it anywhere else?! Pretty sure each wrist is down 3 pounds!} While I need to alter half my clothes, why not just find a company who will make them to fit my weird measurements?! Which is exactly what eShakti.com will do. Have you heard of them before? This company sells adorable {and affordable} clothes that they customize and sew just for you! {And not just to your size, but custom lengths, necklines, sleeves, everything!} How cool is that?!
I am always on the hunt for dresses that are cute and fun, but also something I could wear when I'm working a wedding. A dress that allows me to pair it with a belt, flats or wedges, AND has pockets is exactly what a wedding planner looks for. I found this green gingham dress on eShakti.com and thought it would be perfect for a more-casual but still dressy outdoor wedding.

Unfortunately I gave eShakti.com my dimensions prior to this whole30 {I'm down 8 pounds in the last 26 days!} so this lovely dress is just a tad bit too big for me now. But this is all my fault. This dress is comfortable and light weight. Again, perfect for a summer outdoor event! I love the fact that it has pockets too... do you know how much stuff a wedding planner totes around with her?! A lot.
Once my weight lose journey stabilizes a bit more, I will definitely be ordering a couple more custom dresses from eShakti, because let's be real, I don't know the first thing about sewing and altering my current wardrobe.
Dress: gifted by eShakti.com, Belt: Target {old, but similar}, Earrings: gifted, Necklace: gifted, Wedges: Target {old, but similar}

While I'm Busy In Charleston

2014-08-06T22:48:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all! I'm J and I blog over at Bless Her Heart Y'all. Susan is roughing it in a camper without air conditioning and internet in Charleston, SC and asked me to step in and guest post for her for the day. I was so excited to help out. With 2 Cats And Chloe being one of my favorite blogs, I have some big shoes to fill, but don't fret....Susan will be back very soon dolls!

I went to Beaufort, South Carolina (picture a mini Charleston) this past weekend to see family, go to the beach, and have a photo session with one of my favorite photographers. It was a nice, quick getaway.

Palm trees and sunshine in South Carolina. Maybe Susan is seeing the same kind of view as we speak!

I also slipped in some shopping in downtown Beaufort, SC. This coastal town has a lot of history, mansions, spanish moss, and southern boutiques! Sign me up! Let me share my shopping outfit with y'all! I am so excited to share because I felt like such a southern belle in it! Ekkkkk!

I had a bunch of fellow shoppers asking about this Loopsway top and skirt while shopping. So let me just tell you! The top is an adorable color of yellow, a very light comfortable fabric, and a cute low back design with an adorable bow. Swoon. Feeling like a southern belle.

How adorable is the back of this top y'all?!?

The white Loopsway skirt is so much fun! I have to start talking about this skirt by saying that after a 4 hour road trip, I found this skirt accidentally crumpled up in the bottom of my bag. I thought I would have to get it steamed before I could even consider wearing it. I tried it on, and the wrinkles were gone. What a great piece to travel with! This skirt is also made of a very comfortable fabric, very stretchy and form fitting, but still incredibly breathable, especially important in the South Carolina heat and humidity y'all.

It's not Charleston, but it'll do!

I paired my Loopsway pieces with a big white floppy hat (that sun can get sooooo hot by the coast!), some gold bangles, a white flower statement necklace, and a pair of cute, light wedges (oh so comfortable! I need to wear these more often!) that I first wore while being a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding (check out her blog here!)

Yellow Bow Back Blouse: c/o Loopsway, White Scrunchy Skirt: c/o Loopsway, White Floppy Hat: $7.98 at Walmart, White Flower Statement Necklace: $14.99 at Target (last year), Gold Coin Bangle: gift from Suz at 2 Cats and Chloe, Circular Cross Bangle: $4.99 at Versona, Bauble Bar Equestrian Bit Cuff: gift, Gomax Nude Wedges: $56.99

I'm sure that many of you are wondering what the answer is to Susan's last post, Two Truths and a Lie. Which was she fibbing about sweetie pies? If you guessed #2, you'd be right!
AND....If you are in need of some relaxation (who isn't?!?), then you may interested to know that August 15th is National Relaxation Day! Whoop whoop! What makes this even cooler is that Tommy Bahama is giving away a vacation during their "Summer of Go" sweepstakes! Want to enter? Enter the Tommy Bahama giveaway here dolls!

A big thanks to Susan for letting me blab on her slice of the blogosphere! If you'd like a little more of me, you can visit my blog Bless Her Heart Y'all, my Instagram, and my Bloglovin accounts, or shoot me an email (blessherheartyall@gmail.com), I'd love to hear from ya!

Bless Her Heart Y'all! She felt like a southern belle!

Photographer for this post: Jode Kirk

Full Disclosure: Pieces of this outfit were either gifted to me in exchange for this post or I was compensated by said company for my time. But trust me y'all, everything that I post about is all my own, including my thoughts, comments, quirks, and reviews.

Two Truths and a Lie.

2014-08-05T15:54:00.001-04:00

Susan here, clocking in for the third hour of this seven-ish hour road trip to Charleston. In case you missed the news, I am heading to South Carolina for a spontaneous glamping trip! I'm currently fighting car-sickness in the back seat of my mom's SUV, feet on the hump. Chloe has her dog bed taking up 2/3 of the seat while I'm squished against half of our bags and gear, with my laptop, paperwork and blanket piled on top of me.

Since nothing screams road trip like car games... Let's play Two Truths and a Lie. Not familiar with this game? Basically I will share three things with you about myself - two of them will be honest to god truths. The third will be a bunch of bologna. {In the comment section below, you tell me which one you think is the lie. I will have the answer in tomorrow's blog post!}
// Number One // I bought my first piece of kid equipment yesterday. {there was actually a hint about this in yesterday's post. I wanted to see if anyone actually read to the bottom of that post...!} No, I'm not pregnant. I'm just an insane dog-mom. Actually my mom has gone insane over her grandpuppy. She found a bike buggie for $35 on craigslist! Now, for our glamping trip, Chloe can bike along with us!

// Number Two // I finally caved and got my wrist tattoo! I've seriously been coveting so many tiny, but pretty tattoos on pinterest for quite some time. I figured, I'm 30. Who really cares what my folks think?! I've made it this far in my life, following all of their rules. It's time to live it up! Surprisingly it didn't hurt quite as badly as I thought it would... and my dad hasn't even noticed it yet!
I have spent the last couple years trying to find just the right word for my wrist. I decided to go with "breathe." It's a calming word when things get crazy, but it's also a reminder to breathe in the great moments and the gusts of adventure that are constantly breezing past me. And I absolutely love the watercolor touch! I just hope the color doesn't fade too much. // Number Three // Guys! This was a first for me! I hired a cleaning lady! Well - I didn't actually hire her... it was a LivingSocial deal. I thought the house could really use a good clean up, ya know? Between my full head of wild crazy hair, and Rockie and Chloe Fur, there's a constant flock of tumble weeds bustling through the downstairs of our house. When I saw the LivingSocial deal {two cleanings for $80} I timidly purchased it. I feel like this is such an adult thing to do! But I can't seem to keep up with my husband wearing his shoes through the house, the drips and drops in the microwave, and again, the fur. So the lady came this morning before we left. It was weird. I felt like Sheldon Cooper as I awkwardly greeted her and offered her a cup of hot tea. Which she quickly denied before she got right to work, while I stood there semi-befuddled. Do I watch her? Do I help her? Do I give her a tour of the house? Do I hide my purse? Seriously - someone please tell me what I was supposed to do! In the end, she didn't do a very good job. Maybe because it was a LivingSocial deal? Or maybe because our house was too dirty? I wasn't very impressed. And I probably will never hire a cleaner again. I mean, I thought she would've at least taken the rugs out and shaken them.... // // Don't I sound like such an adult? Buying kid gear, getting a tattoo, and hiring a cleaning lady? I can barely recognize myself! Here's to being 30 I suppose! Now it's your turn - tell me, of my three "stories" above, which one is the lie? Leave your answer in the comment section. Come back tomorrow for the answer {and to make sure I survive this long as heck car ride with the ladies of my family.}

Spur of the Moment Trip to Charleston and a Vacation for YOU!

2014-08-04T15:03:00.000-04:00

Oh hey, Monday... You really snuck up on my out of no where this go round. I wish I had a weekend recap for you. Sadly, my weekend only consisted of work and rain. As a writer, who dabbles in event coordinating, marketing and real estate, I am consistently trying to convince myself that I live a wicked, awesome life. Only, I've yet to find the balance between work, life, and relaxation. Saturday night after I wrapped up an appointment with a bride, followed by dinner with the hubs, I decided I needed to do something fun before I wrap up summer. I mean, summer is supposed to be all about relaxation, right? Sunday morning, bright and early, I got a text from my mother. And then, within five minutes, I got another text, but this time from my sister. These two crazies have decided to throw together an extremely last minute glamping vacation getaway. They were both texting me their best sales pitches, trying to convince me to drop everything THIS WEEK and head to Charleston, SC with them. Seriously, who does this?! With 48 hours notice, the proposed plan was for the three of us to leave Tuesday morning. {As in tomorrow!} I explained to both of them that it's a huge week for me at work, at which my mom reminded me that I work from home. My pop-up office can pop up anywhere! Even at a campsite in Charleston!

Still being on the fence about this, but in dire need for a couple of days filled with chillaxing, my mom decided to invite Chloe. At which point I pondered it a bit more... and said yes. {Let's be real - Charleston is one of my all time favorite cities to visit anyway! Why wouldn't I want to go back?!}

So tomorrow, myself, my dog and my pop-up office will be heading to South Carolina with my mom and my sister. Thank goodness for iPhone hotspots and campgrounds with wifi - making this trip a possibility! Who is ready for some family bonding and relaxation!? Pray for us. No, but seriously. I have decided that I need to start embracing all the perks of working from home. Especially in the summer when the definition of summer is basically sunshine and relaxation. And clocking in from a remote, but fresh and new location may be exactly the relaxation I need. Since I can't take you with me on this spur of the moment vacation to Charleston, how about you go on your own vacay? No, Seriously! Tommy Bahama is here to help all of us relax. Not only are they giving away some awesome prizes but they are ready to help us celebrate National Relaxation Day on August 15. Who knew such a day even existed?! And why haven't we all been celebrating this every single year?!

Did you say something about winning a vacation? Yup, I and I don't kid around about winning vacations! Tommy Bahama is giving away quite the vacation with the “Summer of Go” Sweepstakes! There will be weekly giveaways between now and August 18th, as well as a Grand Prize Giveaway on National Relaxation Day weekend August 15th-18th. Weekly Prizing: 1) Air Transportation for 2 anywhere Alaska Airlines flies 2) 3 night stay at select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts locations 3) $500 Tommy Bahama Gift Card 4) “Summer of Go” Travel Pack 5) $50 Uber Credit Grand Prize: 1) Air Transportation for 4 anywhere Alaska Airlines flies 2) 7 night stay for 4 at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii 3) $1000 Tommy Bahama Gift Card 4) Dinner at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant on Mauna Lani 5) $200 Uber Credit 6) Summer of Go Travel Pack

Like I said, unfortunately I cannot take you with me tomorrow for our 7 hour road trip and glamping adventure! While I'm on the road you should start planning your Summer of Go vacation! Tell me, if you could plan a #summerofgo trip to wrap up this summer, where would YOU go?
Ponder it and tell me below in the comment section. {Because I may just have to try squeezing in another trip before fall!} In the mean time I need to get packing... Sigh. Being spontaneous just takes so much planning! Oh, and I have to pick up my first baby purchase later this afternoon before we leave!
Many thanks to Tommy Bahama for the crazy timing and the sponsorship of this post! I honestly had no clue about my spur-of-the-moment vacation OR this post sponsorship! Timing is everything!

Rainy Weekend Fun

2014-08-03T11:18:00.001-04:00

Good Sunday Morning to ya! We are starting our third day of rain here in Virginia and {North} Carolina. I drove down to our family cottage on Thursday night, with the high hopes of doing a little work Friday morning and then catching some rays on a boat for the remainder of the day and most of Saturday.
Ha. Apparently Mother Nature had other plans - which forced me to stay inside, hunker down and work all day Friday. Perks of "working from home?" I don't actually have to work from home! It turned out to be a very productive day... until my k9 decided to go outside and roll in something. {Something other than roses and pine needles.}
My dog, the one that acts like an anti-dog, must've known that I needed a break. I mean, why else would she roll in something less than pleasant? She forced me from my pop-up office. She forced me outside with my dad's over-sized golf umbrella. She forced me to cut loose, take a brain break, and play. In the rain. Gotta love furbabies right?

How's your weekend going? Doing anything fun? The current weather report is showing rain on and off until next weekend. Playing ball in the rain was great, but here's hoping there's no more poop rolls in our near future. Happy Sunday y'all.