Tri-ing something new....

So no big deal but I'm doing a triathlon. 

Okay, okay it's not a FULL triathalon...it's like a super sprint, but still. My friend Amy convinced me to sign up for the Ramblin' Rose Triathalon. At first I was terrified (and slightly angry at Amy), but now I'm pumped.  I was lucky enough to get hooked up with the fantastic local blogger Caitlyn from Healthy Tipping Point to become a Ramblin' Rose Blogger Ambassador and promote these great races.

What is Ramblin' Rose? It's a program that "celebrates the empowerment of women" - and you really can't argue with that. It's such a wonderful message and one that I truly believe in. I should clarify that I am generally pro-human, but specifically, I'm a big proponent of women kicking ass and taking names. Whether it's in business, school, fitness, motherhood or overcoming hardships, women should support each other and not bash each other because we all have our own struggles. 

 And enough of that soapbox...sorry, I just get passionate about my girl power.

But seriously, the point of Ramblin' Rose is to get women active and complete a triathlon. I find myself brushing this off as a "super sprint" triathlon because that's what it is, but whatever, it's still an event that involves swimming, biking and running and I will totes be proud of myself and my girls. Even if we do have to wear unflattering onesies (which what we are calling our one-piece bathing suits. Can't tri in a bikini, that's a no-go.) 

So, just how doable is this Ramblin Rose tri?

It's a 225 yard swim

8 mile bike

2  mile run

Not bad right? I mean, I haven't swam (like REALLLLY swam) since back in the days of Camp Thunderbird (represent Camp T!). But I'm just hopping in the pool in my sweet onesie and making a go of it. This is also fantastic motivation to get me out of a fitness slump, and the turning-30-metabolism slow down that I'm currently experiencing. (Seriously, why didn't anyone tell me about this evil turning 30 business? It's like you can't even have tons of wine and cheese without repercussions anymore. Rude.)

If you are interested in empowering yourself  (and who isn't!) check out the Ramblin' Rose events coming up! There's still time! 

                                          Say it with me ladies - "I am woman - hear me roar!"

Unique Bridal Shower Ideas

I've attended many a shower...whether it's bridal or baby, I've been to countless of these fun events. It's just that time in my life where my peeps are going through these milestones. But can we all say that when you go to this many showers, you really remember the ones that are extra special? Where the host put some serious effort into the decorations, food, or even theme?

With showers on the brain, I've been researching some unique ideas for shower themes and there are some SERIOUSLY creative ideas... let's peruse!

This wine tasting shower is right up my wino alley. What a great way to celebrate and learn a little about wine at the same time! 

If you know me personally, you know I'm not really into the whole housewife thing. I mean I love cooking Mr. Fo dinner, but for the most part, I'm like listen dude, if you have arms and legs then you can do your own laundry and clean your own bathroom. (Aren't I nice?!) All that said, this "housewife" themed shower is really freaking cute. As long as everyone knows it won't actually come true - right ladies? Women power and Lean In and all that ;) 

In the same vein, I do love cooking, so I do approve of this kitchen shower. How cute are these utensils on the table? 

If the couple loves to travel, a travel themed shower is appropriate and cute! 

Seriously check this out, this is one of the cutest showers I've ever seen! We've all heard of the little black dress (aka an LBD), so why not make it a shower theme and celebrate all things girly! I love love love this! The black and white stripes are my favorite part!

Tea time is another popular  bridal shower theme. My favorite party blog Celebrations at Home put together a fabulous tea party shower that you must look at for some serious eye candy.

I really like this Something Blue shower, which is of course a play on the "Something Borrowed, Old, New and Blue" that brides traditionally sport on their wedding day.                  

For more fun shower ideas (like a bowling shower?!), check out this Real Simple article! 

Trip to NJ...and have you ever heard of a Wishing Well?

When I go to NJ to visit fam, it's guaranteed to be a good time filled with tons of food and lots of laughing. This past weekend I hit up the Garden State for my cousin Theresa's bridal shower, and I can say it was once again a success in the food and fun department. There's just nothing like visiting family, especially when they are as hilarious and fun as mine. Not to brag or anything. 

Here's a trip down Jersey lane: 

I got to see my cousin's little babe, precious diva child Serina. Her clothes are always so fantastic, the girl dresses better than me. 

Ter's wedding shower was a fabulous occasion. There were 60 (yup, 60) people at the shower, unlimited vino, freaking delicious food and so many presents you could barely walk around the room. Yup, sounds like your typical Italian family wedding shower - I should know, I was fortunate to have one similar myself back in the olden days when I got married.

Let's talk about my favorite part of any event, the food. As Mr. Fo says, I have a secret fat kid inside of me. I should seriously weigh like 400 lbs. Who knows, maybe one day I will. If he's lucky. 

We started of with delicious bruschetta topped with fresh mozzarella. If you've ever been lucky enough to eat in NJ, you know their mozzarella cheese is worth every single delicious calorie. And as my mother says, "There's nothing like a Jersey tomato." This bruschetta was like what bruschetta dreams are made of - fresh, crisp and the perfect amount of garlic.

           

Then there was a salad that I didn't take a picture of, because it was a salad. 

My favorite course, and the entire reason I even go to NJ (kidding, sort of) was the perfectly al dente pasta. This was pasta with vodka sauce, and the picture doesn't accurately show how much pasta I housed. I also didn't take a picture of the BREAD BOWL it was served in. (I'm totally kicking myself for not taking a photo of this btw.) I mean, carbs served in carbs? Is this heaven?

            

Pasta was followed by a choice of meat entrees which all looked delicious as well. I had the veal, which I always make a point to get because I never make it at home. 

For dessert there was of course a beautiful cake, but one of Ter's aunts made homemade cookies for each table. I had way too many. Aren't they delicious looking?

         

I was also sitting next to some preggos so I was able to have their champagne. Score!

         

I loved the shower favors - a wedding cake cookie and heart shaped measuring spoons. How cute!

          

             

And for Ter, she had basically an entire department store of presents.  I must say, she opened them with great speed. I was impressed.

              

Ter also had a "Wishing Well." I'd never, ever heard of this and all my family was shocked. Apparently the Wishing Well is a tradition where your shower guests give you small gifts to "start stocking your kitchen." i.e. Spoons, small kitchen gadgets, even cans of soup back in my moms day. This particular wishing well had been in Ter's family for 50 years! 

                 

Here I am with my beautiful cousins including the bride in the middle!

               

It's always good to see my double cous, Lauren.

             

After the shower we looked a little different as Ter and I had a sudden urge to go in a friends pool...in our clothes. Ter's fiance got a sweet action shot of me jumping in.

      

The aftermath:

   

Hey, you only live once, right?! Why not jump in the pool with all your clothes on! 

So the big question remains...have you ever heard of a Wishing Well at a shower? Everyone thought I was crazy because I had never heard of this! Help a sister out! 

Have a GREAT week! 

Pink and Published....

I'm so excited to share this fun news with you...finally! In fact I'm so excited you might say I'm tickled pink! Remember Sarah and Kyle's "Pinkful Wedding?"   I gave you a sneak peek of some of my iPhone shots back in October but I wasn't able to share the rest because I was waiting for........

....it to be published in Charlotte Living Magazine! First featured in the online mag and then in the hard copy when that comes out. It's my first featured wedding and I am simply over the moon about it! See the full spread (as a PDF file HERE!) I'm quoted and everything...which is cray because who would want to hear what I have to say?! Eeeeek! Okay, I'm done freaking out. 

So, now that the cats out of the proverbial bag, let me show you the beautiful photos taken by Michael J. Flanagan Photography! They are gorgeous, pinkful pictures that captured an incredibly creative wedding day with a plethora of fun touches dreamt up by the bride herself!

Get ready for some PIIIIINK! 

Sarah looked beautiful wearing a dress embellished with her mothers lace and carrying hot pink garden roses! 

Take a closer look at these beauties...

                          

Kyle and the boys sported creative boutonnieres in the signature grey and pink colors!

                        

Guests were invited to have some pink popcorn and champagne on the front porch before the ceremony. Genius! 

Sarah's "besties" wore fabulous pink glitter hearts from Bando. If you don't know Bando, go there for accessories you basically can't live without.

                          

Sarah sported a Bando shoe clip to add a little pink to her bridal attire. 

                         

The wedding ceremony was held on the front porch of this beautiful Davidson home.

                      

Sarah's nephew held up this sign so the guests knew who was coming!

                          

Sarah and her Daddy came out the front door...

...and Sarah was so excited!

                         

When they tied the knot the guests threw pink confetti in the air! (Side note, this is maybe my favorite picture from the whole wedding.)

                         

Afterwards they took pictures. More glorious pictures.

                           

Here's the happy couple with their nieces and nephews. I adore the pink dresses, headbands and pretty much everything about this photo. Models. That is all. 

After the ceremony there was a fabulous cocktail hour in the even more fabulous backyard.

There were funny cocktail napkins and signature cocktails. (Napoleon is their dog, btw)

Some sittin' around a bonfire...

      

Mustache straws...

...and even some cute dogs dressed up in black tie for the event.

     

The reception was a fantastic display of pink, hearts and gray chevron stripes. 

The pink ombre cake by WowFactor was simply stunning, don't you think? 

        

                                 

                                 

Gray chevron table runners were complimented by pink napkins, candles and flowers.

                                 

                                              

                               

                                 

          Sarah and Kyle even toasted with pink champagne flutes...

                                  

..under a pinkly-lit tent.

                                  

There was a photo booth of course.

          

And a candy bar complete with glo sticks....not candy, but still "sweet."

   

The night was capped off with a glorious meal of McDonalds burgers and fries for a late night snack.

...and Sarah and Kyle lived happily ever after in the bask of a pink sunset. 

I hope you enjoyed my walk down pink memory lane with Sarah and Kyle. I did! 

Vendor List:

Caterer: Dean and Deluca

Cake: WowFactor

Photography: Michael J. Flanagan Photography

Rentals: Party Reflections

Florals: Friend of bride

Venue: Private home