Goodness Gracious!

Gracious Style features some absolutely lovely monogramed dinnerware.   Also the pattern called Si Kiang is simply beautiful.  Who wouldn't just love this monogramed stemware?  Now, their prices aren't TJMaxx or Homegoods, but the sale prices aren't that bad.  We can be inspired though, can't we?

More Anticipation!

O.K. folks, the countdown is on!  I'll be at Blackberry Farm before you know it.  

Don't you just relax simply by looking at this photograph?  Now what do I want to do while I'm there?  Eat, that's a given.  Spa, that's a given.  What about sporting clays and fly fishing?  Humm...do I want to get that hot and dirty or do I just want to relax?  

Here is a picture of the dining room in the main house.  From my understanding, you may dine here--family style for breakfast and lunch, or at The Barn-more like a restaurant (usually dinner).  I'm being told to fast for days before I go--HA!   The food is supposed to be EXCELLENT.  I believe that they organically grow most of the produce consumed there as well. 

I'm almost as excited by the interior design as I am about the food.  Did you know a design firm was created to cater to the resort?  You guessed it, Blackberry Design!  

The Latest Mad Men Episode

Any thoughts on the most recent episode?  

I've got an opinion and want to hear yours...

The Wedding

The weekend wedding was just lovely. I was surprised at how much I liked the intimacy of it all.  I wish I could describe to you just how sweet it really was.  The fact that it was so small allowed people the freedom to give numerous heart-felt toast at the luncheon reception.  I think there may have been a total of 65 people in attendance.  

My recommendation for all of you singles out there:  Go small for the wedding AND reception.  A few weeks later you can have a BIG PARTY.  

I think it just a shame that people focus so much on the WEDDING and not the MARRIAGE.  If people only thought about the marriage half as much as they do the color of the bridesmaids dresses and the punch--there might be happier couples all around!  (Don't get me wrong, I love all the fluff--the china, the silver, the flowers--but marriage is something you just don't mess around with.)

Cheers to all of you celebrating marital bliss.  Our friend Europafox just had an anniversary as did The Rauths.  Love is patient.  Love is kind...

A Wedding Weekend

This weekend we have a wonderful family wedding to attend.  I hope their marriage will be all the happy couple wishes!  It will be small and delightfully Southern!  (Photograph from the www.swsmag.net)

I know that some of you are rather interested in weddings--and Southern one's in particular.  If you'd like, here's a link to a website highlighting absolutely beautiful weddings www.swsmag.net

The photography and creativity is amazing! Enjoy!

Taking Care of Yourself

Since I will be eating to my stomach's content on my trip to Blackberry Farm, I started thinking of my overall health.  This trip will be quite active--the horses, the tennis, the bike rides, etc.  At the same time, we will be sedentary as well--talking, talking, talking, sun rises, sun sets, star gazing, bond fires.  All this to say, we need to be aware of our health.  God only gave us one body, and we need to take care of it.  

For about a year now, I have tried to minimize my intake of high fructose corn syrup--which is in about everything you can imagine!  In addition to the "hfcs", I am trying to avoid any enriched flour.  I can't say I've given up sugar.  You know you need that for our Southern sweet tea and my coffee!

You may have heard of the book YOU:  THE OWNER'S MANUAL.  Well, the two main doctors are the authors of the book as well as primary contributors to the website www.realage.com.  It's a fun, informative website if you haven't ever visited, check it out.  

A Wonderful Adventure Ahead

A "staycation", give me a break.

I'll have the real thing!

I will be having a little rest and relaxation at Blackberry Farm in the near future.  I am really looking forward to it.  Several of my dear girlfriends and I will be riding, fly fishing, the spa, and then seriously dining!  We are all so excited.  I'll take all of you "blog buddies" in spirit. Hopefully I can get some good photographs to share upon my return.  For the time being, you can all help me anticipate the big fun! 

Everything I have heard is that most everything is perfect at this resort.  Have any of you been and if so, what do you think?  Let me know your pros and cons.  Leave me a comment or email.