5 on Friday {This & That}

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week---here's to an even better weekend!
Here's my 5 on Friday list to kick off the weekend with.
Check out the rest and link up here!

1. Lunch Break Blogging If you are anything like me (i.e. work full time, have a home to keep up, are married, etc. etc.) blogging is tough business during the week. I am thankful for lunch breaks that allow me to post this blog!

2.Weekend Plans I get to go to Louisville this weekend and see some of my favorite people. My bestie Jess and her husband, and my aunt Mary! I can't wait to be back in my Old KY Home (it's been way too long!) and to see what's new around my ol' stompin' grounds!

3. FREE Stuff...especially clothing Ryan's mom's friend has a daughter-in-law who was cleaning her closet out and donating clothes to goodwill. The nice lady that she is, she thought of me and decided to grab it all so I could try the clothes on. Turns out they all fit. Every single piece. I am now the proud new owner of 9 coats/jackets that are like new--including 2 wool coats (one from J. Crew), 2 new trench coats (black AND tan!), some work jackets, and some active wear style jackets. I felt like I was in a dream when I received them...lucky me!!

4. Fourth of July We have a friend that hosts an annual July 4th lake party that I've never been able to make it to---we are usually out of town or busy for the fourth, but not this year! I am beyond excited for a day full of water, sun, food, and the best company. Not to mention my lemon cool whip cookies {the red velvet version is over here}!

 

5. Summer Plans We have already taken a little road-trip this summer and have done a few other fun things around town. This time of year is so much fun for us! Between traveling to see family, traveling to see (or WITH) friends, and the fun things that are always happening around Nashville, we really have a blast! I thrive on having plans/something to look forward to, so I'm especially happy once the summer and sunshine come out for good.

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What are your plans for the weekend? What are you looking forward to in July?

Photo Junkie

Did anyone else have a WILD Monday? Just me? Well here's to a fantastic Tuesday!
{Which has been flying by....so glad it's already lunchtime!}
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Moving right along...this past weekend didn't go quite as planned. But that didn't keep us from having a good time!

Saturday was supposed to be filled with canoes, brews, and friends. The day started out well, with breakfast with the in-laws, but then the boys changed their minds about going canoeing. We decided to move our Sunday plans up a bit since the weather was supposed to turn ugly after Saturday. 

I snapped a few pictures of this pretty hibiscus plant before we left the in-laws.

We spent the rest of Saturday traveling around all of the some backwoods in middle TN. It was so much fun! I love seeing parts of TN that I've never had the chance to visit before--especially this time of year when everything is just SO pretty! 

Here are some pictures from our day...

What mini road-trip would be complete without good country tunes?

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

I had a blast behind the camera! I'm obviously not a professional, I just really enjoy capturing the pretty things around us. P.s. Does anyone know why some of the pictures are grainy after touch-up??

Saturday night was just as fun! We had our friends over for a firepit fire campfire and s'mores. It was fun catching up with everyone--we've all been so busy lately, it was great to just have some chill time. 

 Sunday is always the "finish the weekend to-do list" day, so that's exactly what we did. I also worked on making over a thrifted chair...can't wait to show you the finished product!

 

A sneak peek at the fabric I used. Also, it's TOUGH to
decide on corner designs when redoing seat cushions!

 What did you do this past weekend? Anything fun?

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Linking up with Sami!

5 on Friday {keeping it simple}

Happy Friday lovelies! I am SO happy it's Friday...I about lost my mind this week
waiting for today to get here.

I'm excited to link up with fellow Nashvillian, Natasha, for 5 on Friday!

Here are five things I'm the most excited for this weekend!

Keeping Things Simple

 That's pretty much the goal for this weekend. We do have plans, but they are simple and we're trying to keep them that way. We both operate so much better if we keep things simple and fun. Not overloading our schedule automatically makes us both happier, and that's what life is all about, right?

Being Outdoors

Hello! Who wouldn't enjoy being outdoors when it's BEAUTIFUL outside? We're taking the trusty ol' canoe out for a day trip with friends on Saturday and then a fun little trip through some backwoods on Sunday (picnic included!).

Spending Time With My Husband

 All of my plans for this weekend are with the husband, and I couldn't be happier. He really is my best friend and we always have such a good time together. Can't wait to make more memories with him this weekend!  P.s. Will I ever get used to calling him that?

Using My Big Girl Camera

 I should be using this bad boy way more often, but with the ease of an iPhone it's just so much more convenient to snap away on my phone. I know, I know--bad  blogger! I will work on that this Sunday...

Not Wearing Work Clothes(!!!)

Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up--what girl doesn't--but by the time the weekend rolls around I am more than ready for a break! Especially now that it's getting warm outside..no one likes to wear blazers when it's hot!

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What are you looking forward to this weekend?

No Clouds Allowed

What a weekend! It's our first weekend at home since the wedding....and the first non-crazy one in about a month. We have reeeeally enjoyed the down time and can't wait to have a few more in the coming weeks!

Although it was a short week, it felt like I worked a few extra days. Catching up after being out of the office for 8 day is INSANE! To make it a little easier on us, we went out for dinner Thursday for a little relaxation time. We went to one of our favorite places not far from home and ate on the patio. And the best part? They had some live music that we really liked. It was perfect! 

One of  my favorite outfits right now.
Shorts // Shirt

 Friday morning started with a trip to the DMV to have my drivers license changed. I was happy enough about changing my name that I wasn't too bothered by having to stand in the long line. Good thing I didn't get too worked up about it--I lucked out and got the 2nd number of the day and I was out of there in about 20 minutes! #Jackpot

2001 vs 2013

Friday night we met up at a friend's house before going out to a super fun concert at Mercy Lounge followed by an impromptu (and super fun) night downtown. The band we went to see was The Black Cadillacs--their sound is very similar to The Black Keys.

The Black Cadillacs // The gang at Paradise Park // MODOC // The Black Cadillacs

Isn't he cute? I'm still getting used to (and LOVING) calling him my husband!

 We originally planned to go on a canoeing/camping trip Saturday, but the weather had other ideas! We had rain ALL weekend! We are thankful it wasn't extreme like it has been in other parts of the US, plus it gave us the perfect excuse to stay inside and relax. So, Saturday was full of errands, housework, and lots of catching up on rest. We took a chance on a movie we weren't too sure about....Sinister. We totally lucked out! It kept us on the edge of our seats the whole time and the ending was great.

Family nap with the boys.

Today was pretty much another perfect day. Breakfast, lots of Thank You cards (all of them actually!), more errands, and family dinner.

A stranger helping a turtle cross the road!

Another successful round of garlic + lemon roasted brussels sprouts!
recipe here

Hope your weekend was just as relaxing!

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Linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!

I'm the kinda girl who...

I'm the kind of girl who.... ...blogs on her lunch break. ...cooks chicken and dumplins when someone is sick (instead of chicken soup). ...picks clothes out the night before. ... over thinks everything. ...is very much 100% or nothing at all. ...loves to find a good deal. ...is very sensitive. ...lives to LAUGH! ...worries too much. ...loves life despite the worries ;) ...plans plans plans! ...loves to wear my hair curly/wavy. ...but feels like it's too dang long sometimes! ...can't go out without a little of my fav perfume. ...can't sleep without cuddles. ...is very protective. ...loves to keep up with the news. ...collects recipes but rarely uses them. ...but uses family recipes over and over again. ...is scared to have kids. ...but very excited to have them with the future Mr.  ...can't stop eating candy. Oops. ...doesn't enjoy a lot of makeup. ...drives her fiance crazy with instagram+twitter. ...wants to be a better person all the time. ...usually drinks wine or bourbon in the evening. ...is very superstitious.  ...is a complete Louisville Cardinals sports fanatic! ...links up with Running in Stilettos for this blog post :)
------- Happy Tuesday!

Friday's Letters

Dear Ryan, You are officially a Homebrewer! Your first batch was delicious and even better than you expected---go you!! 

Dear Adulthood, You. Are. Awesome. Sometimes you just need to eat like a kid to cheer yourself up. Or after a long day at work. OR when you don't feel good. Or ALL THE TIME. :)

Best dinner ever.

Dear Weekend, I am SO beyond excited to have a few days to slow down and relax. This week at work was a complete whirlwind!! 
Dear Bachelorette Party, You are going to be amazing!! I can't wait to spend the weekend in Chicago with lots of my favorite people!!

Dear Tennessee, You are beautiful. I love Nashville so much! That is all.

Dear Ryan, I hope you're ready for all of the almost-husband comments that are bound to be made over the next 99 days!
(Can you believe it's getting so close!?!)

Dear Almost Husband, See I told you! You're my favorite :)

Dear Pup, You're too stinkin' cute for your own good.
Also, please stop farting when we have company. 

Dear Future Sister In Law, You make bomb dot com cookies! Thank you for sending a sweet treat our way for Valentine's Day :)

Dear GIFs, You can make any day better. Case in point.

------- Happy Friday! Check out the rest of the Friday's Letters {here}.