Archives for July 2015

So can we talk about how it’s the last week of July? I don’t understand. Well listen here and listen good -Summer is STILL happening my friends. If you don’t believe me, check out this big bowl of summer:

With a bag full o’ peaches (millions of peaches…peaches for me…) I picked up from a roadside stand, I created this Peach and Avocado Salsa for the fine ladies over at Bon Bon Rose Girls. So if you want to get some of this freshness, hop over to my post and enjoy this fab recipe that simply screams of summertime!

So grab some peaches and fight off this whole end of July thing with a summertime salsa…hope you’re having a productive and happy week!

Well heyyyy there. Is it hot as hell where you are? It’s been a stifling 98 degrees here in Charlotte for about 2 weeks and let’s just say our power bill is through the roof. Well, that’s what I hear, I’m not so good with paying attention to things as dull as heating and air (#ACprobs).

Honestly though, I can’t complain today because this week is my Mr. Fo’s one-week appendiversary. Yup, this time last week we were at the hospital discussing an unexpected appendix surgery after a day of stomach pains. Flash forward one week later and Mr. Fo is minus one appendix but doing just fine. It was really a whirlwind of a Wednesday which culminated in an uncomfortable nights stay in a hospital recliner chair for me (wife points) and lots of drugs for Mr. Fo. Hehe. Thank God he’s okay and they got that pesky appendix out in time.

Fun Appendix Fact #1: The appendix serves zero purpose and is teeny tiny; it’s like a worm.

Fun Appendix Fact #2: 8% of the population has their appendix removed at some point.

That’s all I know about this useless organ. The whole appendix issue (appendissue? too much?) directly followed a week long vacation to beautiful Bald Head Island. This was our second year going to Bald Head and it was lovely. It’s a good thing this whole appendissue didn’t come up while we were at Bald Head because it’s a remote island with no cars; you have to be ferried over.  Luckily Mr. Fo was kind enough to wait until we got back before ruining our vacation. You know what they say, nothing ruins a vacation like a burst appendix. (Gross.)

Here’s a few pics of our trip including some lovely images of my too cute nieces. You’ll note in the bottom right quadrant that older sister Brooke is most definitely throwing a handful of sand at an unsuspecting eting younger sister, Claire.
 Besides the beach and playing supportive wife nursemaid, I have been gearing up for the rest of my 2015 weddings and events, all starting in August and continuing steadily through mid-November. I’ve got weddings galore and a few small parties as well. Suffice it to say I have many meetings, layout designs and timeline creations in the near future.

In the writing world, I’m still writing articles for the lovely Homes.com including one that I did celebrating National Pecan Pie Day (yea it’s a thing). You can check out the full recipes for things like Pecan Pie Baked Brie (OMG) and more sinful deliciousness HERE.

Also, because I love you so much, I’m sharing these amazing Wine Cocktails from Delish.com. So basically what this is, is 12 cocktails using wine as a main ingredient.

Wine + Cocktail = Mind Blown.  It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

Finally, I came across this recently and absolutely love it. It’s completely true, too. I used it in a conversation with my friend Hillary yesterday and she was like, did you make that up? I really wanted to take credit for it, but alas, it came from the talented mind of Ms. Julia Child.

Source

So. In conclusion, it’s been a busy, fun and one point scary couple of weeks for me. I’m looking forward to getting re-motivated, out of vacation mode and getting sh*t done for my fab clients in the next few months.

Next up on the blog? A simply gorgeous wedding for a gorgeous couple. Happy Hump Day!

As a local event and wedding planner, I can say from experience that Charlotte has an abundance of cool wedding venues. From green parks with shady trees and upscale urban locales (ahem, Marriott Center City!), there’s an abundance of amazing local places to say “I Do!”

Here are a few of my favorite wedding locations I’ve worked in lately:

Charlotte Trolley Museum:

Located in the heart of South End, Charlotte Trolley just oozes urban chic. The Bland Street light rail stop is located directly behind the building, giving it easy access for guests and a fun big-city feel. Having your ceremony on the outdoor patio is a great option if you want a unique ceremony site; you may even get a few “woo-hoos” from passerby’s!

Image by BrandyWine Photography 

Inside the space you’ll find exposed brick walls, real trolley tracks on the floor, and of course, a yellow Trolley that’s perfect for having a cocktail during the reception!

Image by InContrast Images

Charlotte City Club: 

The Charlotte City Club is a beautiful venue with arguably the best view in Charlotte. With a prime location at the top of 121 West Trade, a bride and groom can’t beat panoramic views from the many windows at Charlotte City Club. With it’s stunning chandelier and high ceilings, the Queen Charlotte Ballroom is an ideal ceremony space.

Image by Capture Me Candid 

The sweeping staircase connecting both levels is a prime spot for beautiful pictures.

Image by Capture Me Candid 

Uptown Charlotte’s city streets provide the best backdrop for a grand exit!

Image by Capture Me Candid 

Byrons South End: 

Byrons is also located in South End Charlotte, and is a great combination of urban and upscale. A full service venue, Byrons houses Best Impressions Caterers in their kitchen and boasts several event locations. Whether you choose the atrium, ballroom or courtyard, an event at Byrons is bound to be a hit! My favorite part is the beautiful brick alleyway that’s ideal for post-wedding pictures.

Images by Liza Cox Photography 

So whether it’s urban, upscale or a little more casual, Charlotte’s got so much to offer to those newly engaged couples! Happy Wedding Season!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of #DesignCharlotte. The opinions and text are all mine.

Have you heard? It’s the 4th of July weekend! Okay, it’s ALMOST here, but I’m headed to the beach for a week so I am simply fast forwarding to the 4th of July. Besides the burgers, dogs and brewskies, I like to think that the 4th is a great time to break out the patriotic desserts, so I’ve collected a few red, white and blue desserts I’ve whipped up in the past.

Red, White and Blue American Pie Bar

You may remember that last year I did a 4th of July styled shoot for MomTrends that featured a pie bar. The best part? These pies were store bought but with a few easy embellishments it was perfect for any 4th of July party. And what’s more American than pie?? You can see more pictures from this fun shoot HERE.

Fourth of July Mason Jar Parfaits

Finally, a use for all those mason jars we have lying around! Easy to make red, white and blue parfaits in mason jars are a yummy addition to any July 4th celebration! See my recipe and full post HERE.

Star Spangled Rice Krispy Treats: For the Kiddos

Finally, if you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, I whipped up an easy treat that kids can help decorate. These rice krispy treat stars sure had my nieces entertained! See the full post with instructions over at BonBonRoseGirls!

Whether you’re beachin’ it or just kickin’ it at home, have a GREAT 4th of July and I’ll be back in a

week (ish). Cheers!