Anniversary Trip in Pictures

We're back! After what seems like a whirlwind of trips (Palm Beach, Atlanta, Panama City) in a two week span, I'm thrilled to be back home and sleeping in my own bed. We had an absolute blast in PCB. For starters, this was a great time of year to go. With everybody back in school (college and younger kids) it was so quiet and there were barely any people around. We enjoyed 0 minute waits at dinner and relaxing on the incredibly tranquil beach.

Our unit was found through VRBO.com and the owner was so accommodating. Because we had an early morning flight, they allowed us to check in at 10:00-- how awesome is that?!? We were also able to check out at 2pm instead of 10am, so we had 3 full days of beach time. There's lots of pros (flexibility and price) for renting through VRBO and we'll definitely be using it in the future.

Here's some photos of our trip:

We had a crazy deal on our rental car. Used Priceline and bid on our rental.
We'll definitely use this for all future car rentals.

Navigating our way to the resort

First day at the beach (in elevator en route)- wahoo!

First time trying oysters.
We played safe and did them baked, w/lots of cheese and jalapenos.

Handsome husband with pile of demolished oyster shells

Horseradish crusted grouper at Captain's Table = delicious

Yum-o

A ginormous storm came through on our way to Sandestin

Look who it is! We met up with the Smith's for a sushi dinner

This picture makes me happy

Thomas Donuts- necessary

Beach right across from the donut shop. I could totally live here

Self pic- loves

Wonderful work with the self timer

And again with the self timer- great success!

Our setup on the beach.
Renting chairs was awesome, since we couldn't bring any because we flew.

Anniversary Trip: Part II

Blogger confession-- I just realized about 5 minutes ago that I never did a post about our honeymoon. It's a shame because the resort was amazing and we had the time of our lives.

As I type this, we're packing up and getting ready for yet another trip. This time it's for both of us, and to celebrate (belated) our one year anniversary. In the spirit of our anniversary vacation, let's take a look at some honeymoon pictures. 

We're hoping to visit Excellence again next year for a week-long vacation, but this time it wasn't in the cards. So we're taking a quick flight down to Florida for three days of romantic beach side R&R. Did you recreate your honeymoon for your anniversary?

Palm Beach

Good morning, friends! By the time you read this I'll be on my way to sunny Palm Beach. I was lucky enough to bust out Q2 and win another all expense paid trip from work! Last time it was skiing in Park City, so I'm looking forward to a little bit of Sunny R&R. The best part is that I don't have to spend a dime!

We'll be staying at this hotel chain

With this view

Reading a little bit of this

And enjoying local seafood at this nice restaurant

Construction

Yipee! My blog design is complete, and Thais of House 09, will be installing over the next couple days. I can't wait for the big reveal!

First Anniversary Gift

First Anniversary: Paper

Hello friends! Mr. SE and I thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary yesterday, and he really outdid himself with my gifts. My morning started w/breakfast prepared by him: chocolate chip strawberry pancakes, bacon, and lots of fresh fruit. After breakfast, he told me we needed to leave by 1pm because we had an appointment for a couple's massage at the Relache Spa in Opryland. How awesome is that?!? I was so surprised! After working a 12 hr wedding day on Saturday, I didn't take much convincing to get me on the massage table.

Gaylord Opryland Resort

When you use the spa at Opryland, they give you full privileges of the resort -- so we lounged by their outdoor pool for a little while. On our way home we swung by Publix to pick up a mini version of our wedding cake. How thoughtful is this man? Later in the evening he cooked for me (again). This time he made filets, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and a salad with raspberries and goat cheese. Spoiled doesn't even come close!

For my gift to him, I went the traditional route and did something with "paper". I've written before about the significance of our marriage ceremony, and I wanted us to have the opportunity to remember and reflect on it daily. Amanda of Our Humble Abowed came through on this one! Here's the print below...(it's 11x14)

 What did you two do for your first anniversary? Did you go with the traditional gift of something paper, or did you think outside the box like Mr. SE?

One Year Ago Today...

I married the man of my dreams and never looked back...

Braided Lady

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to hair-- I've had the same long, blonde, hair since high school and I'm not turning back now. But lately I've hit a rut! Thanks to these fabulous vitamins I started taking, my already long hair is growing at lightning speeds. My hair stylist has encouraged me to skip washing for some time now, and I'm beginning to believe he's onto something.

Generally on day 2 I use Oscar Blandi dry shampoo: shake a little into my palms, then flip my head over and run it through my crown. The instructions say to brush through, but I usually skip that part. You might need to brush if you have darker hair, as the power is white.

 Today I tried something new, and I love it! The side braid! I always thought that my hair wasn't long enough. But my goodness, at this point if my hair isn't then whose is?!?! Here's my twitpic of today's braid-- what do you think?

And for your braided inspiration...here's some other ladies who are rocking it too! I love this look for summer brides, especially with outdoor weddings. It's so ethereal and laid back, but can also translate to a more formal situation.

Upgrade

Happy Thursday, friends. It's almost the weekend! Today I wanted to show you a little sneak peak of something I've been working on. Since early spring, Thais of House09 has been designing a fabulous new blog for me. I'm talking complete re-design. I've had this design for over a year and a half now and it was time for an upgrade. With my new venture at Simply Stunning, I wanted this blog to be both personal and professional.



Here's a sneak peak of what's to come:

Ps- Is anybody going to see the Glee movie? I think I might get Jessica and Mrs. Smith and head to the theater!