Simply Southern Girl

Erin Condren has done it again..

2012-02-25T01:38:00.000-05:00

Erin Condren.. has done it again.. She has some amazing items for St. Patricks day! C & I scooped up the folded notes cards below, and I could not be happier with how they turned out! Can't wait to put them in the mail to our friends and loved ones..

She is now offering 20% off your St. Patricks Day order, if you place it by March 1st!!

Such a great deal if you ask me!!!

And did you catch her on Good Morning America??

If not she was one of their GMA deal/steals of the week!!

& she is now offering everyone the 50% off GMA deal!! on both Lucite Tracys & acrylic blocks!

Words to live by..

2012-02-24T23:29:00.001-05:00

Lots of choices in my life right now.

Lots of chances to make the right or wrong decision.

If you know me, you know there are tons of pro/con lists being made

Just because a door opens, I am not a believer that one should run right thru..

I need to survey my options, & make the choice that is right for me!

I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends & family who will ensure I make the right decision!

Leprechaun Trap Cake..

2012-02-23T00:05:00.000-05:00

How cute is this leprechaun trap cake! Spotting a leprechaun on St. Patrick's day is the ultimate goal so many children. This cake would be quite a hit on St. Patrick's Day! I am going to have to file this away for the day that I have kids, as it is something I would totally do!!!

images/notmartha

Grooms getting involved

2012-02-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

interesting article from the Chicago Tribune I just have to share this article. B/c it is a true story in my wedding planning world. I am going to have to say though, that I love that C is involved in the process. In my opinion it is "our" wedding day, not "my" wedding day. And while yes, I have been dreaming of a weddings since I was a little girl, cutting out magazines, and saving ideas.... I want the day to be something special to both of us, and something that fully embodies both of our ideas...

I will add though, that C will not be coming wedding dress shopping with me. This will be something I do with Mom, and maybe dad..

Check back next week for Wedding Wednesday....

Experts say wedding planning is no longer a bride's game – more grooms are participating in the process.

Weddings have traditionally been all about the bride. But experts say male participation in all things "I do" is on the rise — which could be a good thing.

"Over the last year, I've definitely seen more grooms getting involved in the process," said Christopher Dillon, divisional manager of Macy's Bridal Salons. "Both grooms and fathers, actually. We had three fathers in yesterday. ... Things get more civil when a man comes to the bridal fittings."
Dillon said the groom involvement often helps speed up the decision making process

"Men shop differently," he said. "They don't want to shop four times. When they see a dress that they love they want to buy it. When we have 30 women come in, there's competition, and everyone has a different opinion. Nothing gets done. But some men get so into it you go, 'really?' "

The tradition of having the bride choose the wedding dress in secret is not as important as it used to be, Dillon said.

"A lot of girls take their cues from the show, 'Say Yes to the Dress', which has fathers and grooms coming to fittings more and more," he said. "It's the opposite of 'it's all about me' these days."

For those who still want to keep the wedding dress a secret, Dillon said there is a way to compromise.

"One bride brought her groom in, and she got his feedback on what he liked, and they narrowed it down to three dresses," he said. "She chose the one she liked the best so he didn't know which one she was going to wear. He got to have input but it was still her decision."

Nancy Lee, president of myregistry.com, said in the last 18 months there's been a switch in registry.

"Couples are choosing things from Lowe's and Home Depot or Best Buy," she said. "A tool set has become a regular registry item. I see lawn mowers now. I never saw this a couple years ago."

Kimberly Shlegel Whitman, editor of "Southern Living Wedding Planner & Keepsake: What To Do Before Saying, 'I Do'," said she's seeing more men participate in choosing where to have the wedding reception.

"Lots of couples are paying for weddings themselves these days and a wedding reception is really about entertaining their friends now," Whitman said. "It really is a celebration and the grooms are concerned how the money is spent. I find that brides make decisions based on what's beautiful and the men join in they want something more meaningful — such as — men are more interested in getting married where the parents got married — or a city where they met."

"I'm very happy to see a rise (in groom involvement.) I see this as a good thing. But that moment when the bride walks in and the groom sees here for the first time — it's so magical to me," Whitman said. "I feel a lot of that is diminished if the groom knows that a bride is wearing. That's the only part of the trend that I'm not in support of. But in the end, this is supposed to be a special day that defines the couple — not just the bride."

Mardi Gras recap..

2012-02-21T01:16:00.000-05:00

I blogged a few days ago, about how excited I was to attend the Stubbs Music Foundation Benefit! & this year was just as much fun as last if not more! We had a larger group, we all enjoyed the food, music, and silent auction! In fact I think everyone won something from the auction!!! We look forward to the 2013 benefit!

The whole gang- Marc, Jenn, Chris, Chris, Joy, Amy, Magie, Tara, and I

Tara and I with our masks!

putting on masks for a photo

Tara won two great gift baskets for spa/relaxation days. One came with this random ceramic bunny.. ha

me modeling JennySue new necklace, and

Amy & Chris with their winning basket, and deep sea fishing trip!

Wishing our new adopted puppy was a boy...

2012-02-20T22:57:00.000-05:00

Ok not really, I love her just the way that she is.. but how cute are these??

(Source: penguindelight, via fashioneestar)

Mardi Gras fun....

2012-02-17T00:44:00.001-05:00

Last year members of ETE, the Tallahassee Alumnae chapter of Alpha Chi Omega - attended the Stubbs Mardi Gras ball. Thus both supporting a local alumnae, and celebrating the arts (yay for McDowell month).. We had a great time, and C may or may not have got in a bidding war with our friend Amy (totally without knowing as we have random bid #'s)

It is that time of year again... if you are interested in attending let me know..

so far Amy Z, her hubs Chris, Jenny Sue, her hubs Marc, Britain and her finance Chris are all planning on attending.. we'd love to have you join us..

above are photos of C & I at the event l last year..

The Stubbs' Educational Foundation's is a non-profit created by Martha and Ron Stubbs to provide music scholarships for K-12th grade students in North Florida and South Georgia. To date, the foundation has awarded approximately 555 scholarships valued at $441,027.58 and has established 26 endowments. At least 70% of the scholarships go to financially need-based students and the remaining to merit recipients. The Variety Extravaganza Mardi Gras Ball is just one way the foundation raises money to fund music scholarships. The evening features dinner, live music, dancing, and silent auction. This year’s Mardi Gras Ball is on February 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. Current foundation president Chuck Stubbs welcomes all interested in the Mardi Gras Ball or the foundation to contact (850) 893-8782.

Etiquette tip...

2012-02-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

"Etiquette dictates that you never congratulate a bride on her wedding because it implies that she's the lucky one who got someone to propose marriage. The groom is the one to be congratulated for getting the lovely lady to accept his proposal. You give the bride your best wishes." Judith Martin

(via pearlsandbowsxo)

I want to do this on our wedding night. ha ha..

Valentines Day= Generosity Day

2012-02-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

Lily Love..

2012-02-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

Lily Pulitzer just launched some of their new spring items, and I have to say I am smitten.. I think I might "Need" some of the items below..

Southern Boutonnieres.. - cotton style!!

2012-02-10T18:44:00.002-05:00

So I am in love with the idea of cotton accents at the wedding.

Can you think of anything more southern??

Well C had the idea today to use cotton for the boutonnieres

I am sure that I could actually make these..
(and that is most likely what will be happening)
but there are a ton of cute ones on ETSY

Great Oak Circle Winner!!

2012-02-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

You may of seen the new look of my blog!! Well it is all thanks to Christine at Great Oak Circle!! The process was quick, simply & painless. Christine worked with me through every step in the design process!! From her the initial inspiration board, to the custom header, blog buttons, navigation bar, signature, etc- she worked to ensure that everything she created reflected by ideas, & stayed true to my vision. I could not be happier, and could rave out her for multiple posts..

She recently offered her services for a giveaway.. and I could not have been happier to share this with my readers..

WHAT YOU WILL WIN & RULES Pick your prize from Great Oak Circle and receive a custom, one-of-a-kind design for any of the following:
*Blogger or Wordpress basic 2-column layout including header, background, signature and 3 sidebar buttons with install.
*Invitation or announcement, 4x6 or 5x7 size.
*Print design for business card, postcard, letterhead or other promotional material.
*Etsy store banner.

Anxiously awaiting the winner.. I tallied up entries... and used random.org

amy- follow blog
amy- follow blog
amy- facebook
amy facebook
amy- twitter
carolina- facebook
carolina- facebook
carolina- twitter
rachel- blog
rachel- blog
rachel- facebook
rachel facebook
rachel twitter
rachel- blog- goc
rachel blog go
rachel- tweet about
rachel- blog about
rachel- blog about
rachel - blog about
scarlett- facebook
scarlett- faceboo
scarlett- twitter.

I am not sure why when I copy and past the widget, it shows 1-100. I put in 1-22 for the search.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 8 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner is Carolina from Peas in a Blog. I can't wait to see what Christine creates for you!!

Chicken Pot Pie

2012-02-06T00:34:00.001-05:00

This is totally easy. I took noodles, 2.5 cups of water, bag of frozen vegis, and 2 cans of chicken and placed then in a pot. with 1/2 tsp. of black pepper 1, tsp. dried thyme leaves, and pinch of parsley

Brought the water to a boil & then let simmer on high for 7 minutes.

I added 4 oz of cream cheese to thicken it, and placed in a 8x8 pan.

I placed pilsbury rolls on top, you can also do croissants. and then baked at 400 for 14 minutes.

Will you be my bridesmaid?

2012-02-05T00:21:00.000-05:00

So I posted about how C is going to ask the groomsman, but have not yet posted about the bridesmaids..

Why? Well becuase many of my bridesmaids read the blog..

here is a sneak peak. Can't wait to show you the finished product soon!

I am currently hosting a give away with Great Oak Circle. and of the winners options is customer invitations or announcements! head over to my past post and check it out..

WHAT YOU WILL WIN & RULES Pick your prize from Great Oak Circle and receive a custom, one-of-a-kind design for any of the following:
*Blogger or Wordpress basic 2-column layout including header, background, signature and 3 sidebar buttons with install.
*Invitation or announcement, 4x6 or 5x7 size.
*Print design for business card, postcard, letterhead or other promotional material.
*Etsy store banner.

Easter Egg Mail

2012-02-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

I came across the Easter Egg Mail idea on Lovely Little things last Easter. She had seen the idea, and thought about trying it as well. Last year it was too late to plan and put it into action. But this year, I think it would be the best surprise!!I am posting about it early, so you can plan to do it too..

Wouldn't that be the best surprise to find in your mail box?

images/giverslog

I am currently hosting a give away with Great Oak Circle. and of the winners options is customer invitations or announcements! head over to my past post and check it out..

Will you be a Groomsman???

2012-01-29T23:30:00.005-05:00

As know C & I are engaged, and are venturing into the planning of our weddings..

This weekend, we worked to finalize a guest list, and narrow down those who we would like to be part of our weddings bridal party. This was no easy feat.. and of course, we want to ask everyone in a way that is unique and special to us!!

First up the Groomsman... (more on the bridesmaids later this week

C opt'd to go with a Simple Southern Theme.

My amazing Friend, Lexi will be baking (what I know will be precious, delicious, adorable) bow-tie cookies. The plan is to place these cookies in a simple box, with a card asking the boys to be a groomsman. We are using the cards here and here for inspiration to make our own! We are also going to include a "How to tie a Bow Tie" card and simple handwritten note from Chris in the box.

We then plan to wrap the box in kraft paper, and adorn with a simple twine or ribbon and bow tie sticker! Something along the lines of this, but with a Navy and Pink theme! We are not yet sure if the groomsman will wear ties, or bow ties- but love the southern charm & feel of it! (not to mention we have dubbed the theme of our wedding to be "Simple & Southern".

I am currently hosting a give away with Great Oak Circle. and of the winners options is customer invitations or announcements! head over to my past post and check it out..

Eat Local

2012-01-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

I must first by saying thanks to Amy Z for doing a great review of our local restaurant , Sweet Pea Cafe. I shamelessly borrowed the photos from her post for mine..

Chris and I are happy to have joined a group Twitter friend, who have vowed to become 'localtarians," or in other words a group of people who are dedicated to trying out local restaurants.. We all met up for dinner Thursday at a vegan restaurant that opened last year, Sweet Pea Cafe. The best part is that neither C or I did any research before hand, so we didn't realize it was vegan, until we were looking at the menu.

Amy notes, "It's a little place that sources many of its ingredients locally and specializes in sandwiches and brunch items. After you order at the counter, your food is delivered to your table. Extra points if you bring your own water glass or coffee mug (or take out container, if your order is to go)...There are a few tables inside and a large patio with covered seating outside."

Cute, right? Photo from the restaurant's blog

Below is photo of the entire group!! So much fun!

John's photo he tweeted to Paula from dinner (she was in Orlando for work)
clockwise from bottom left - Jenn, Marc, Chris, Britain, Barbara, Jon, Bill, me, Chris, Abe (and Sara)

For dinner, Amy had a salad and the soup of the day which was Potato Bisque.

my soup and salad

Chris Shad the Buffalo Fried Tofu (Panko fried tofu tossed in buffalo sauce with lettuce and tomato on multigrain oat bread) with poutine on the side (fries with chz and gravy).

buffalo fried tofu

Chris R had the quesadillas (Cheddar chz in a whole wheat, white, or gluten-free tortilla, w/ salsa & sour crm) with poutine on the side:

One of the highlights of the evening (besides the great company) was the amazing carrot cake. Jenny Sue tweeted me a photo of the cake from their page earlier in the day and truly I didn't have lunch, so I could indulge in carrot cake

yummmm. photo from the restaurant's facebook page.

Sweet Pea Cafe

832 West Tharpe Street

Tallahasseee, FL 32303

http://sweetpeacafetallahassee.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/spctally

National Handwriting Day

2012-01-23T18:54:00.002-05:00

Today is National Handwriting Day!!! So I've decided to celebrate my writing more cards!!

Do you need more personalized stationery? Some of my favorite sites for that are:

Ashley Brooke Designs - stationary
Celebrations at Home
Hip Hip Horray
Ideal Favors
Invitation Consultants
Party Perfect
Pepper Design
Preppy Paper Girl
Setting the Mood

and my new favorite

Great Oak Circle.

I am currently hosting a give away with Great Oak Circle. and of the winners options is customer invitations or announcements! head over to my past post and check it out..

Now back to National Handwriting day. Head on over to Real Simple to find out what your handwriting says about you.It is crazy, but how your write- print or cursive, how you dot your I's, etc.. all can say something about you..

It is also National Pie Day (head over to Real Simple for ideas on how to celebrate)

GIVEAWAY: Great Oak Circle -Custom Design Giveaway!

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

I could not be happier with my new custom blog design! Christine, is an old friend (back from when we used to both be majorettes, and then attending Florida State. She now lives in Alabama, and owns Great Oak Circle. I have been working with her the past week to give SimplySouthernGirl a "facelift" of sorts! The process was quick, simply & painless. Christine worked with me through every step in the design process!! From her the initial inspiration board, to the custom header, blog buttons, navigation bar, signature, etc- she worked to ensure that everything she created reflected by ideas, & stayed true to my vision. I could not be happier, and could rave out her for multiple posts..

Now for the AMAZING PART!!!!

Christine has offered her services for a GIVEAWAY!!!!

WHAT YOU WILL WIN & RULES

Pick your prize from Great Oak Circle and receive a custom, one-of-a-kind design for any of the following:
*Blogger or Wordpress basic 2-column layout including header, background, signature and 3 sidebar buttons with install.
*Invitation or announcement, 4x6 or 5x7 size.
*Print design for business card, postcard, letterhead or other promotional material.
*Etsy store banner.

Please visit Great Oak Circle to learn more about the design process. Each of the above designs comes with an initial preview and 3 edits. Additional edits will be charged an hourly rate.

MANDATORY TO ENTRY

2 points Follow blog SimplySouthernGirl & leave a comment on this post
2 points follow or subscribe to Great Oak Circle, leave a comment on this post letting me know

RECOMMENDED EXTRA ENTRIES GIVE YOU MORE CHANCES TO WIN:

(Leave a comment for EACH & include your email if you don't have an active blog)

2 Point if you like SimplySouthernGirl on Facebook. (Leave a comment letting me know you have done so)
1 Point if you follow Simply Southern Girl @Bmds99 on Twitter(Leave a comment letting me know you have done so)
2 Points if you like Great Oak Cirlceon Facebook, " and post SimplySouthernGirl sent me!"
1 Point for tweets Tweet about the giveaway and include this post URL http://www.simplysoutherngirl.com/2012/01/giveaway-great-oak-circle-custom-design.html (be sure to include @Bmds99 in your tweet)
1 point Facebook about the giveaway and include this post URL http://www.simplysoutherngirl.com/2012/01/giveaway-great-oak-circle-custom-design.html (be sure to tag SimplySouthernGirl in your facebook post)

3 Points Blog about the giveaway and include this post http://www.simplysoutherngirl.com/2012/01/giveaway-great-oak-circle-custom-design.html (Leave a comment with the link to your post.

Best wishes to all who participate! I will use the Random Number Generator two choose two winners on 2-5-12 after the superbowl
ie: the am of 2.6.12

Some of her other designs are shown below....

I will use randomnumber.org to determine my winner! & will announce winner on in 2 weeks on February 5th!

Southern Sayings...

2012-01-21T18:52:00.000-05:00

Source: via Lori on Pinterest

Source: werejustlikeyouonlyprettier.blogspot.com via Lori on Pinterest

Something to think about...

2012-01-20T19:18:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is another day

2012-01-19T00:02:00.001-05:00

Scarlett O'Hara was right, "after all..tomorrow is another day."

Today was an abnormally long day... Yes I had a long day at work, full of challenges, and new learning curves... but that is to be expecting while in an acting assignment for the position above mine. With that being said, after taking time to reflect upon today, I am mighty thankful I have an amazing leadership team, and sales team that are supportive of the new challenges we are taking on, and goals we are reaching for! Blessed I tell you, beyond believe. Blessed... and "Tomorrow is another day"

I often take it for-granted that I work for a truly amazing company that supports by work/life balance, one that supports my volunteer interests, & one that gives back to the community each and every day and encourages its employes to do the same.. this helps keep my priorities in check..

With that being said this past weekend, I was able, along with other advisors- facilitate a leadership retreat for 28 amazing collegiate women!! This was the 4th annual retreat.. You can view last years retreat here. The executive boards of the Alpha Chi Omega chapter from Florida State University and University of Florida traveled to St. George Island (SGI) for 3 days full of friendship, leadership, learning and service. We provide them with meals, team building, and break out sessions.. amongst other things..

But we had a little time to take a break for photos on the beach.. Below are photos of FSU gals on the beach..

It is weekends like this past one that keep me grounded, and help me remember on days like today that "Tomorrow is another day"...

Eggcellent Idea for Valentines surprises

2012-01-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

Valentines day is just under a month away.. and while C & I are not big "Valentines day" celebrators... and have vowed not to do gifts this year in lieu of things for the house, and wedding plans.. I thought the heart shaped eggs were a great idea to pack in your significant others lunch box, or serve as deviled eggs at a Valentines day party..

I will be making these. and will be sure to update with photos of how they turn out..

Who doesn't love heart shaped food, right?

Here's simple how-to make a heart-shaped hard boiled egg via Anna The Red.

This would be such a cute addition to a home packed lunch this Valentines..

images/annathered

Blog REVAMP 2012

2012-01-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

One of my 2012 Goals, is to put revamp my blog, & take it to "the next level"... In sitting down and thinking what that would entail. I came up with the below:

1. Blog design

2. Blog giveaways

3. Aim to acquire more followers

I am happy to announce that Christine, from The Great Oak Circle, has graciously offered to do a blog design. She has been a dream to work with, thus far, & I can't wait to show you the final blog design shortly. Christine will also be working with me to offer a give away to my readers! Below is a sneak peak of some of the ideas/inspiration that have gone into the redesign..

In fact, the week of the "relaunch" I will be doing a week of giveaways! In addition to the blog design giveaway.. I have already lined up 2 books, and a stationary giveaway.. I am so excited to share the news with you.. If you know anyone who would be interested in being part of the week of giveaways, please have them contact me!

pink and navy pillow great combo of fonts

caitlinwilsontextiles.com mysweetandsaucy.com

pink and navy wedding, like the scallop monogram

Uploaded by user monogrammed-gifts.com

Valentines is almost a month away

2012-01-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

The 2012 Ashley Brooke Designs Valentine Collection is Here + it is 15% off. Last year a good friend designed Valentines day cards for Chris & I, but the year prior I ordered from Ashley. I must say I am super impressed with Ashley Brooke Designs, she is easy to work with, and she ships quickly and in the most adorable packaging! If you are looking to send Holiday cards, check her out...

This is not a paid post, just a post b/c I love note cards, and loved the cards I have bought from Ashley