The Charlotte Observer

Dear Santa.....

2011-11-12T03:53:00.000-05:00

I mean....what the HECK do you ask Santa for a 2 year old?? Of course, we're OBSESSED with Barbie and all things PINK....(I know all of my friends are laughing right now).....but Georgia gets 1 big item from us, and from each set of grandparent....and they end up "filling in" with a ton of goodies, but we hope to instill in her that she will need to ask and choose wisely - that she will not have an abundance of gifts...these are certainly luxuries!!

The first being a Leap Pad....if anyone has any advice on which one I should get, I am ALL ears...I can't figure out which one she should get

And we are OBSESSED with Barbie! She has all of my old Barbies so now Barbie might get a car for Christmas!!

This is another Leap Pad...anyone had any experience with this????

I want her to have a dollhouse SO bad....this one doesn't have TOO many parts and I think she can play with the part

And the BIG one! Here is the tricycle that we're gonna get her...it got great reviews and I think she will love it...

With a 2 year old it's so hard becuase they are becoming independent but still not there, yet....if you have ANY suggestions for a 2 1/2 year old, just let me know!!!

What the Poop?!?!?!?!?

2011-11-12T03:28:00.000-05:00

So this post title really has more than one meaning......for the past two months, I have not been able to blog...I would go to try and create a post, and if it even let me create one, it would not post...so a) what the poop is really just a nice way of me cussing out blogger....and b) it LITERALLY means What are you doing with YOUR poop?!?!? And by poop, I mean your dog droppings!!! My best friend Joe who lives in Chicago works for this amazing company called Poop Bags.com

After I stopped my complete hysterical laughing episode that this was the ACTUAL name of the company, I took a peek at the website...and I have to say, I am impressed. I think that I am even more appreciative of them because when I was pregnant someone gave me diaper bags to carry around that were scented and biodegradable to put Georgia's diapers in if I was in a public place. I thought it was nuts and "hey, what's wrong with a grocery bag?"...but let me tell you honey, those suckers have come in handy. How awkward is it to hand over a nasty diaper to put in someones trash can (even if it's their herby curby) and it stinks up the whole thing....but those little scented diaper bags totally disguise the diaper's atrocius smell....and my guests (I think) are all the more appreciative of the fact that I'm at least trying to disguise it for them....

So....for all of you out there that are considerate of your neighbors, and who don't want to step in it in their own yards...these Poop Bags are amazing...they are biodegradable so they are Earth friendly, and so convenient and actually and very surprisingly, very affordable. I quit getting plastic bags at the market last year and now all I use are my reusable totes...so these are perfect since I'm not a plastic bag hoarder (not that there's anything wrong with that!!)

You can buy them in all different quantities (AND sizes!!! For your "tote" dogs all the way up to your massive horse of a dog like my mama's lab!), and they even have a sample pack that you can buy if you're hesitant. However, I can guarantee you that after you have purchased that sample pack, you will have wished you had just taken the plunge and bought a bigger supply. My dog is a once a dayer (yes, I just blogged about my dog's "routine") so I can get away with one bag a day, as I think most people could.

....BUT what shockingly stole my heart on the website was the other items they had for sale....

Here are the poop bags!!! How cute!!!!!! And how awesome of you to pick up after your dog whether it's at the dog park, or walking down the sidewalk....let's go GREEN people!!!

You're Poop Bag holder!!! How precious!!!!

My 3rd favorite thing on the website! A light for your dog!! How ingenious!!!!!! Now that it's getting dark so early, this is PERFECT to make sure you can see your way, but more importantly, that oncoming traffic can see YOU!

Okay....here is where I became #obsessed....the collars and the leashes are made from recycled bicycle tubes....how COOL is that?!?!?!?!?!?!

And I know what a certain furbaby is getting from Santa this year!!! My #1 pick of the site (beside of the bags, duh) She doesn't like the really thick and fluffy dog beds you see everywhere so this one is PERFECT! Poor thing...right now, her bed is an old quilted down comforter that's really thin so we just fold it up and she loves it...this is definitely her style!!!! I can't wait for her to try it out!!! Don't think I can get it monogrammed, but for Earth friendly, sometimes you have to sacrifice style (hello Tom's....blog post to come later)

And for you feline lovers that are feeling left out, they have cat treats as well. Obviously, their site is geared towards the canine crazies, but they have some neat stuff for those searching for the puurrrfect treat (I'm sorry, I couldn't resist).

So if you're anything like me, then you will see why these products are so awesome!!! I am a sucker for anything that give back in any way...to the Earth...to the needy....if the company is service a bigger purpose, then I am all yours!!!

So go check out Poopbags.com today!!!!!

It's good to be back blog babies!!!!!

Insomnia has totally kicked in...maybe it's that I can finally blog again, maybe it's that I'm headed to cheer on my (CITADEL, the one and ONLY) Bulldogs tomorrow, or the amount of coffee I've consumed this week to get me through my 60 hours of work that's finally hitting me...but I've got some more blogs coming your way!!

Thank you to all who have reached out wondering where I am...I love you (mostly you Aunt Gail!!!) but hopefully this anti-techie has solved her problems after going back and forth with the google admins....

Toodles!!!

Stella & Dot

2011-09-28T16:11:00.002-04:00

Everyone aboard the fashion train! I am hosting a Stella & Dot party! You can go online anytime for the next three weeks and shop at my party....but buyer beware: their Fall line is ADORABLE!!!!

To shop simply go to MY PARTY and enter my name, Charlotte Hamilton, as hostess. I am SUPER excited about this line and so glad that so many people in Columbia are selling it....plus, need I another reason to get with my girls and drink some wine? I think not.....

Happy Shopping!

Three Years Ago TODAY I Became A Wife!

2011-09-20T10:38:00.011-04:00

Three years ago today, I had the opportunity to.....

SAY I DO in the church I grew up in....

Put on a pretty white dress....

Have my brother give me away....

Eat reeeeeealllly yummy cake....

Walk down the aisle to Highland Cathedral....

Be spoiled by constant drink replinshers....

Get lost in the moment.....

Eat (yes I actually ate!!!) my wedding food....

Be surrounded by family and friends....

Wear my Mama's veil....

Dance the night away....

Marry my best friend....

Celebrate family traditions....

Toast to our new future....

And walk away with my HAPPILY EVER AFTER....

Here's to many more...and if any of you out there in blogland are celebrating yours today as well...Here's to you!

Willow House Love

2011-09-19T13:14:00.002-04:00

Recently I hosted a Willow House party for my sweet friend Callie and it was a great success! I love their items and I was able to score some really really great things for myself....I could have kept going but thankfully (for my husband's sake!) we are in the process of redoing our kitchen (no, tweet peeps we are STILL NOT DONE) and so ordering things from my party rewards were mainly geared towards my kitchen...but I did not want to order too many things since I am still sitting on my central piece/focal point/main design jumping off....which, I may have found this weekend, but that's another story.

So here are my steals! And I say steals because with my hostess rewards they were LITERALLY steals!

Simone Old Fashioned

courtesy of

When we got married, I was just never in LOVE with our glasses....they were perfectly fine, but if I recall it was one of those things that Raymond just loved, and it was a battle I cared little over fighting. They are nice glasses, but these jumped right out at me...the scrolls on the glasses seem to flow nicely with my everyday china and when they came in, I knew I made the right decision....thank goodness Junior League Clean Sweep is around the corner and my old glasses helped check off a chunk of my quota!

Simone Highball

courtesy of

I had to get the highballs to complete the set of course! So this has replaced my original set of glasses....there was a little tear that I was giving something away that was from our registry, but these glasses dried those tears right up! In the 3 years we've been married, we've replaced other things, including adding/changing my everyday china from the ones we originally registered for, so this is one of the least sentimental things I've updated!

Lady Jane Bottleneck Vase

courtesy of

Right now I have this in my kitchen....and I am just trying to test it out to see if it works...there are a few other places in my house I can easily fit it into, and it was just too good too pass up...Callie said she puts her wine corks in it! Brill! Regardless of where this beauty ends up, I will treasure it...it's even more gorgeous in person.

French Wire Convertible Baskets

courtesy of

We have a SERIOUS mail problem in our house....I have finally broken my husband of throwing it on the dining room table....only for it now to land on my kitchen counter. With a new kitchen comes a new sheriff in town and I am going on Operation: Mail Crackdown. (SERIOUSLY, there is no need to keep all the junk circulars! Just throw them away before even making it inside!!) I am hoping that one of these will fit underneath my chalkboard to collect the mail...if all else fails, I may be getting more gourmet as the picture encourages and storing fresh produce in them....it just seems way too sophisticated for me...so we will see! I will surely post pictures.

Thank you Callie for all of your help! You were so sweet and I sincerely hope the show was a success for you. I HIGHLY recommend any of you throw one of these....especially now that the Holiday's are approaching!!!!

I know that I am off to a major D+ (on a good day) to getting back into blogging, but I do have a few posts lined up so I will make sure that I check back in more often....

Toodles!

Favorite Products Right Now

2011-09-01T21:26:00.006-04:00

This is THE magic potion!!! The Isotonix OPC3 Beauty Blend is an amazing supplement that you take each morning. It contains a multitude of potent free scavengers, a variety of vitamins including everything a woman needs for everything from osteoporosis to her hair, skin, face and nails!
I am a BIG believer in Probiotics and even have Georgia on one that she takes every day. This one is gentle on your stomach and I swear it is the reason I have not come down with any sicknesses or ailments in a looooooooooong time! I also recommend an infant/toddler probiotic, especially if you have a sickly child, or one prone to frequent illnesses. Even with Georgia going to daycare, she doesn't have the "day care sniffles" and has been so healthy and bounced back quickly from any potential oncoming colds! I will do another post about the one that I have her on....

LATISSE WHAT?!?!?! So Latisse is not covered under insurance and will run you about $100 for a month's supply. Since I was not blessed with healthy, lush lashes, This FIXX lash extend has become my best friend. For $24.95, you CANNOT beat it! I use it every night across my eyelid and I am seeing amazing results from it (and no, no darkening of my eyelid has resulted like they warn in the Latisse commercial)

This is currently the skin regime that I am using. It is AWESOME for people with sensitive skin or issues such as eczema (ahem, yours truly) or rosacea or any other allergies. It's soothing, calm, based on aromatherapy so it smells amazing and my skin feels the best and looks the best (also gotta give props to the OPC3 Beauty Blend up top for that one) that is has in years! And the price is SO reasonable. The entire kit is only 99.95 for all of this.....I've had mine for several weeks and have barely put a dent into it.

This ladies...is a face lift in a jar....and I can personally attest to you that it will give you that amazing, fresh from the derm's office look! I use this in combination with the Skintelligence as I ease into the whole AntiAging routine...I am fighting it. But it's here! So I am taking babysteps!

Cream Concealer....my best friend! I never leave the house without this or......

my Eye Base!! This will neutralize your palette and allow the vibrant colors to reveal themselves in your eyeshadow. On days I am feeling less than glam, I will wear just concealer, the eye base and my powder...swipe on some mascara and lip gloss and you're good to go!

This liquid mineral foundation is good for someone who likes a full coverage feeling. I have to feel like I am "covered up" but it won't leave you looking caked or New Jersey baked. Motives also has a different Ageless Renewal Foundation that is a little lighter and little more luminous if you rather that look and if so, email me and I will help you with that one. But this stuff is awesome!

Dual Perfection Powder Compact! The best thing I love about this...when I don't want to wear foundation...all I do is spritz a little water on my face and then apply my powder and it will give me a little bit heavier look! Great tip ladies!

Bronzer in Miami Glow....this will be my Winter STAPLE item Blush compact in So Peachy....gives me such a warm glow! I love it!

And to top it all off...the Lip Booster (think Angie's lips) in Riot....lush.

For all of these products and SO much more...go HERE!!!

love you girls!

It's good to be back bitches!!!

2011-09-01T20:26:00.004-04:00

Heavens to Betsy!!! It has been FOREVER...almost a YEAR to be exact since I blogged. To be honest, I was burned out. I was tired of logging everything that I was doing in my life instead of just trying to LIVE those moments and soak them in....but I am ready to jump back in and I have LOTS to share! Some things have stayed the same...I am still a full time working mama trying to juggle it all, I still have the best and most amazing husband in the world but one huge blessing is that we have made and tightened our bond with some incredible people over the past year! Our family is so lucky to have such amazing support...

The first being that Georgiabelle turned TWO in June! TWO!!!! Can you believe it? When I started this blog she was not even born....so much time has passed. She is so grown up and is so intelligent and has so much love for the world, and everyone around her. She constantly wants to give hugs and kisses and for that, I am so thankful....have we entered the terrible two's? Absolutely. Have I bought stock in Two Buck Chuck? You betcha. But this age is so much fun and I am just soaking in every moment we have with her. Pictures to come....

Nice transition to my second life altering moment over the past year...our computer crashed...and a few days later, our external hard drive crashed. That was 4 years of pictures...of our lives....GONE. Vomit. Then we went to Best Buy and they said that they could try and fix it but all in all it would come out about $1100 in the end, and that wouldn't guarantee any pictures being recovered. Vomit. This is AFTER we paid them to restore our laptop. I loathe Best Buy. The Geek Squad can take their mouses and USBs and power cords that fail on me at least once a month and shove it. Luckily, my mom employs (apparently, and as he is now referred to in our house) as the COMPUTER GOD. He was able to restore EVERYTHING! For free! Well of course we will compensate him, but he would not give us an amount...all we had to do was buy a new hard drive. Hear that Geek Squad? So once we get that back I will put up some pictures of our life over the past year....lawdy mercy!

Thirdly, after surviving the said Puppy Invasion (yes, they all went to good homes and FAST - HALLELUJAH!) we put hardwoods down throughout our home....phew. Then I had another weak moment and let my husband REDO our entire kitchen. New Cabinets, Counters, Floors, everything. We are waiting on the final shipment of flooring to come in so it will match the rest but it is alllllllllmost done. And I l.o.v.e. it. I love it enough to almost want to start cooking in it. Disclaimer: almost.

In baby news...no no no get that out of your heads, we had another addition to our family! Our nephew Patrick "Whit"lock Hamilton, Jr. was born in March and Georgia is loving having a cousin and we are loving watching our family expand...(on someone else's dime!) It's such a joy to watch them interact and so that has subsided our baby fever for a while at least (I think I just heard the grandmother's gasp) but seriously it's been great having more babies join the clan....

And the biggest news of all....I have some new business ventures!!
A few months ago, I launched Unveiled...we are a wedding/event coordination company, we do day of coordination, and we do on site make up application for proms, pageants and most importantly, weddings! I have had SO much fun and have been staying busy as a bee! Working on a button now for the blog...and perhaps even an Unveiled blog...or at least a tab on mine and will start advertising on other blogs. Word of mouth is an amazing thing and I am booking weddings through May of next year so things are looking bright folks!
Combining my love for makeup and well, staying busy, (I'll never be able to not have something outside the home) I am the proud promoter for Motives makeup by Loren Ridinger, along with many other amazing products! Come shop with me at www.marketamerica.com/charlottehamilton. You can shop directly from my website or if you are close, I am happy to come do a party- it's a perfect girls night out! I will be doing routine posts about what I am loving from Market America right now! Check it out! Log in to become a preferred customer and take the skin analysis and nutriphysical and we can help you become the BEST version of you between makeup, skincare and vitamins! I am SO pumped about these lines and they have changed my life! On top of finding the best products for you, being a preferred customer will earn you CASH back for your purchases! Not just with Market America products, but with ALL of our partner stores!!! Come shop in the mall without walls!

I wish those were the ONLY four things that have gone on the past few months....but if you have followed me in the past you only know better! I will be following up with a post about some products I am loving right now, and if you have any questions about Unveiled or my Market America products, email me! I would love to talk to you!

Lastly, I am so happy to be back in blogland....I have stayed in touch with many of you via twitter but it's just not the same! I miss all of you and can't wait to catch up!!!

love to you all....

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!

2010-11-04T21:28:00.009-04:00

The puppies are HERE!!!!! They were born 2 weeks ago at 4:30 in the morning....yes....you read that right...the way everything went down is actually quite comical. So I was having a girls slumber party, the Bug was at Swoozie's, and Raymond was hunting all weekend.....all of the girls kept asking me when she was due, and I honestly had no idea....I thought in the next week or so. But quite the contrary my blovies....I had NO idea what was about to unfold later that night...Oh yes, my best friend woke me up (after several repeated attempts from my drunken coma) to my dog's water breaking and then shortly thereafter shooting out her puppies.....in my kitchen....HOLY COW...yes, it was even more disgusting than I am describing it in case you were wondering....here is a girl who doesn't "do" outdoors and I am birthing puppies in my nightgown on my kitchen floor....the girls were awesome...everyone of them on their bberries googling dog birthing....HILARIOUS...so a short time later 8 beautiful puppies were snuggled up next to my sweet sweet Tellie..... The Mama!
The Daddy!

The boys...there are 4

They're so precious!!

Look at those smooshed faces!!

The ladies!!!! There are 4

Oh my darling!!

They are so cute...but it was still the most disgusting thing I have ever experienced.

The puppies will be ready December 18th but we are willing to keep them until Christmas Eve. We are in the Columbia area so if you, or anyone you know is interested, email me!! The puppies are all light in color (no reds), AKC registered and have incredible, papered bloodlines and the mama weighs in (pre pregnancy) 50 pounds and the daddy approx 85 pounds.

Exciting times in the Hamilton household!!!!!!! Blessings abound!!!!!

GUESS WHO'S PREGNANT?!?!?!?!?

2010-10-13T13:32:00.002-04:00

.....I'll give my family that reads this a minute to let their hearts start beating again!!!.....

No loves! It's not me!!! It's our sweet sweet Tellie!!!!! My first born (furbaby, that is) is due in 2 weeks with her first litter!!! We have 7 or 8 puppies in there according to the vet and we could not be happier!! The list is piling up so my anxiety level has lowered some of having puppies left behind that if they stayed too long, I knew I would not be able to sell them.....

They are set to go home to their families December 22....what an amazing Christmas gift!!!!!

The proud Mama!!!!
She's getting so chubby!!!!

While this only partly explains me being MIA for almost a month, it has been absolutely INSANE around here....we have lots going on, not to mention that it's 4th quarter and in the insurance industry, that means HELL ON EARTH. 50 hour weeks, say what?!?!? Couple that with JL, gymmin it, Georgia turning 16 months old (WTF?!?!!), and Citadel football....and somewhere in there trying to find time to spend with my main squeeze....where there you have it my friends....the absolute chaos that is our normalcy.........

I promise to come back soon with more updates from my baby brother getting his RING from The Citadel (lots of tears, lots of emotion, lots of wine), updated pics of the Bug, tailgating tales, and baby/puppy news!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary to the greatest man I know!!!

2010-09-20T12:30:00.012-04:00

Two years ago we vowed to love, honor and obey..... The day’s come and gone, but the memories have stayed.....

Who would have thought an ole Citadel cadet......

Would be the one my heart could never forget.........

From those late night phone calls and your impending leave......

I fell in love with that heart you wear on your sleeve....

I never knew at 18, that you’d be “the one”......

But quickly I decided, no more looking, I’m done….

You swept me right up and promised me forever....

And to top it all, a surprise engagement? Oh aren’t you so clever.....

I'm so thankful I was able to marry the man of my dreams....

My love for you today is still bursting at the seams.....

You were the one I had waited and prayed for my whole life.....

I still melt every time I hear you call me your wife....

You put yourself aside, and never ask for anything in return.....

With this you’ll guide our children, and this from you they will learn....

Thank you for loving me, all the good with the bad..... Here's a toast to you, the most wonderful husband and dad.....

You're the center of our world......

Raymond, thank you so much for making these past years better than I could have ever asked for.....I know the best is yet to come.......

....first we had each other......
.....then we had her.......
.......now we have everything.......
Happy Anniversary to the one whom I'm lucky enough to call my better half...I love you

Thank goodness college football is here......

2010-09-08T12:25:00.003-04:00

FIRST....I have huge apologies to the number 2 man in my life....I completely forgot to wish my baby bro a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Monday this precious piece of pie turned 22!!!!! Oh my how you have grown up. Davis, you mean the world to me and I am so incredibly thankful that God gave you to me. I am so very proud to call you my brother and my protector. I cannot wait to see what your future holds. The world is your oyster big guy....I love you........

Now, onto why I am excited about football season: for those of you that know me in "real life" are probably baffled by this statement....when I say, thank goodness college football is here, I subliminally mean thank goodness college tailgating is here.....I am notorious for not going into the games.....it's hot, there are too many stairs, as soon as I get situated I have to go to the bathroom, I can go on with my reasoning, but I will save you my bitching. I just like to camp out at the spot and hold court there. Every year the hubs and I have this

H: "I can't believe you don't want to go in"

M: "Why? You won't even miss me! Just text me updates"

H: "Just come in for a quarter"

M: "How about I just sit here and wait for you?"

H: "Arrgghhh!!!"

And there you have it....a recreated scenario from every opening Citadel game....

But on a lighter note, football season means that football is on 24/7 in our house and when football is not on the big screen, then it means my husband is in the woods somewhere trying to shoot something....yes my friends, hunting season is upon us so I have kissed my husband goodbye until New Years Day.....before you start shedding any tears for TCO, let me let you in on how I plan on spending all this newly acquired singledom...reading and catching up on honey do tasks!!!! When the tube is on the pigskin, I get to catch up on all the reading that I didn't get done this Summer, and when the hubs is away, I get to catch up on projects around the house.....this excites me greatly as my list is growing by the minute!!!!!!

First book on the list........

I should be able to knock this one out pretty fast so I need some other ideas....send them my way dear blovies....

First up on the honey do list? The Bug's room....I've got some much much overdo projects for her nursery as we make the (VERY SLOW) transition to a big girl room (tear, tear, tear). I am a few steps ahead of myself here, but I am tackling some artwork that I want to hang, including some by the Bug herself, and I am painting a mini tea table for her since her newest fave activities are drawing and painting......next on the list is building some shelving for her (ever expanding) closet, and getting all of her clothes (NB-present) in Rubbermaids and organized by season and size.

I'm already exhausted reading my list.....but I am super excited about knocking out some projects around the house!

AND our anniversary is coming up in 12 days!!!!! I've already got Daddyo's gift ordered! I am on the ball this year!!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2010-09-08T11:52:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Brittany at Sweet, Sassy and oh so Classy for winning the giveaway!!!!!!!! Brittany, email me with your information!!

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!?!

2010-09-07T13:28:00.002-04:00

We kicked off the season with a great game for the Gamecocks last Thursday!!! The Bug was sportin' MY old cheerleader uniform....can you believe it?!?! I have to get some tips from my mama on how she salvaged all of our clothes for 25 years...it's pretty incredible! I am just praying that all of the Bug's stuff make it to our next girl (ahem Raymond, that's right, I said girl) Here she was last week eating our one of faves Zesto's (think rundown fried chicken burger shack- heaven, right???) We were indulging in some french fries and she was even dipping them (and her hands and feet) into the ketchup herself!!!!! I tell you, she is just developing day by day. It's absolutely amazing to watch your children watch you do something, and then turn around and mimic it. Right now she's walking around with my old cellphone saying "hi" into it. OH and we've discovered we can open doors. Bless.

This past weekend we headed to Chucktown to cheer on the Dawgs!!!! Noooo.....not the GAdawgs, but the one and only Citadel Bulldogs!!!!!!! This year is a BIG year for the Hamilton's and Citadel. My bro is a senior so it's T - 30 something days until he gets THE ring, it's the Hubs 5 year reunion, and my FIL's 35th year reunion....exciting year for us all! We kicked off he season with quite the impressive spread at our tailgate if I must say so myself. It was hot as hells bells, but the Bug was as cute as ever and was in good spirits despite it all.....I'll post more pictures soon these are just the ones that were on my phone....it takes me a little while longer to get the real ones to my computer...that involves manual labor.......

Here is the Bug greeting Boo and General.....poor pups! It was TOO hot out there for them!!!!!

And introducing the one and only.............DAWG COUPE!!!!!!!!!!!! My mama is just too dang creative for her own good....so now the Bug has her very own dawg wheels that she can play with at the tailgate!!! She was the hit of the day!!!!!! Each side of the coupe has someone who is near and dear to us and the company they were in and their graduating year. On the passenger side is WDG (baby bro) and Romeo Company 2011. On top is RCH (Daddyo) and Tango Company 2005, and on the driver side we're sporting BIG (my FIL and no, those are not his initials, that's his grandaddy name) Lima Company 1975 and RJD (my grandaddy) who was also Lima Company but 1943.....it's only natural that the Bug herself will end up with a cadet of her own one day ; )

Next post......the giveaway winner!!!!!!!! Stay tuned!!!!!!!

Prayers needed......

2010-08-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

Jessica over at Learning as We Go had her precious baby boy this weekend and so we in blogland wish them both a very very speedy recovery!!!!!! Go over and leave her some love and please send all of your thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Baby Drew!!!!! Hope you all had a great weekend! Thank you so much for all the sweet comments on my very pitiful and lame Friday post!!!! You all definitely brought me some sunshine!!

Things getting me through the week.....

2010-08-27T16:04:00.006-04:00

Ugh....this week has just been s*&%%y to SUM it up.....and on top of everything, I just wrapped everything up with a nice wreck to my brand new car.....the f*ing cherry on top.....please can this week be OVER?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Here are a few things that have gotten me through this terrible, no good, very bad week........

The Fall line from La Jenn's how precious.........
ahhh!!!!

the Bug's new Puddle Jumpers......

Tyler Candles in Mediterranean Fig and Tyler scents.....

Lindsay Phillips switchable flats....my MIL turned me onto these and these are just to die for....

And how can anyone stay mad when they come home to this every day??????

showing off her bracelet she wanted.....

showing off her new La Jenn's duds......

So I am off to drink this week away..........

Hook, Line and Sinker.....

2010-08-25T11:03:00.003-04:00

So a while back (as in back when I got 8 hours of sleep) I got the harebrained idea to try and start couponing....I had several friends who did and just swore up and down that this was "easy as pie" (which, pies are not always that easy to make-hello key lime-but that's another post for another day) and "honey if I can do it, YOU can do it!" So I took the leap and I tried it. I must say that I was completely overwhelmed and just did not feel that all of the work was really saving me any money....so it ended about as quickly as it started....fast forward say, 16 months......I thought I would give it another shot. SO I went onto Southern Savers and saw that they were offering a class in my area so on a whim I signed up and attended this past Monday night. Leaving there 3 hours later with my head (just slightly)

swimming, I did feel like this was something that I could tackle. Jenny, the creator, is absolutely hysterical and her dry sense of humor really lightens up this historically stereotyped lifestyle. Even if I am able to just cut our grocery tab down by 25% I feel like that's a win win situation. So this weekend will be my first attempt at gathering all of the information, and really trying to make this happen. She swears that it takes 30 minutes of prep (gathering the coupons) and 30 minutes in the store- that is all it should take you. I am allowing myself a little more leeway my first few trips but if that's all it needs to take, then that's really not asking too much out of me. She also picks one store that she attends each week. I always had it in my head that I would be running around to all of these different stores but she enforces the rule of sticking to one store per week. Her store of choice? Publix. Next up? Bi-Lo. Of course, those of you not Southernally (yes I made that up) located, might have to choose an alternative store but for us 'necks, these will suffice.

Luckily, when my ever engineered minded husband gets something in his head he goes full throttle, so the next class that rolls around he will be attending. Between the both of us, we have to be able to somewhat grasp the concept right??

So my question I pose to you all: What do you all think about couponing? I know there are varied degrees of this concept and some of you out there may be the type that won't leave the store owing more than 15% of your total bill...and then there are some of you that may be like me, and just do it to reduce a portion of your expenses.....regardless, what are some tips that have helped you stay on the bandwagon?? I do recommend for anyone that is interested in this, to try and attend a class on it. The websites are saturated with crazy coupon lingo (yes, there is such a thing) that seeing someone break it down in person helped me conceptualize how I was actually going to be able to take this and incorporate it into my life....

So there you have it....just another step in my journey to domestication.....

Back to School Giveaway!!!!

2010-08-20T16:29:00.005-04:00

I'm hosting a giveaway!!!!!!!! This giveaway has nothing to do with Back to School in the sense you're thinking....no school supplies here exactly...but I figured so many of you blogghettes are mamas who are winding down the Summer and sending your babies back to school, or some of you are teachers who are back to the grind....regardless of who you are, we all deserve a little surcie for surviving the Summer heat!!!!

I am giving away a pair of Original Pearl Branch earrings by the lovely and beautiful Margaret Dodge Farish herself!!! She has the most adorable Etsy store so RUN over there and look at all of her other goodies!!!! Margaret and I have known each other since we were weeee ones so I am so incredibly proud to see her cultivate such a wonderful and amazing talent!!! She has a rare gift!!

These are a really neat update to the typical pearls that we like to exchange out every now and then.....

To enter: You can get a total of 3 entries.....

Be(come) a follower
Leave me a comment telling me what you're going to miss most about Summer.....
Blog about this giveaway/post it on your sidebar (either one)

And that's IT!!! Good luck!! Entries will be accepted until September 3. In honor of my sweet baby brother, I will announce the winner on his birthday, SEPTEMBER 6!!!!

The Bug gets Sprinkled

2010-08-20T11:25:00.003-04:00

Where has the week gone??? I did not realize it had been so long since I had last posted! This week has FLOWN by!! We have had a busy few days at the Hamilton Depot....last weekend the Bug was Christened!!! In our ever twisted, windy, long winded road to find OUR church, the one thing that we deeply regret is that it took us so long to baptize Georgia. We did not want to baptize her somewhere unless we knew we would raise here there. No offense to anyone else, but I am opposed to a Drive-Thru Christening. And by that I just mean, christening them just to get it done, even if you do not plan on attending that church. I wanted Georgia to grow up saying this is where I was baptized, this is where I was raised. I know that circumstances might someday move us from this church, but you get what I mean.....

All in all, aside from the chaos of prepping my house all week, fighting off a FOUR DAY long migraine marathon, and then subsequently fighting off strep/tonsillitis, the day went out without a hitch!!! The service was beautiful, we were surrounded by our friends and family who love us and who more importantly, love Georgia. And let me tell you....this little girl was the Belle of the Ball. Getting ready to go up!!!!!
Checking out the scenery....hello everybody!!!

She loves men!! Watch out Big Daddy! You're going to have your hands full! She just loved Pastor Ken holding her!!!

He took her around the church to "meet" the congregation....she had been practicing her pageant wave. Bless.

The GRAND Godparents!!!

All of us.

By this time she was blowing raspberries. Annnnnd scene.

I wish I had more pictures of everyone that was there, but you know mass chaos trying to get everything done and keep her happy at the same time. I also didn't get her in her full Christening garb so I will have to dress her back up one day this week and retake the pictures.

Afterwards we had a brunch at our home and I have to say it turned out fabulous!!!!
Here was the menu:

Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar
Beef Tenderloin
Bleu Cheese Biscuits
Blanched Asparagus with Hollandaise sauce
Fresh Fruit Salad
Baby Spinach with Strawberries, Feta and Pecans with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Homemade Cheese Straws (what CAN'T my mama do?!?!?!?)
Key Lime Tarts
Vanilla Pound Cake with Fresh LOCAL Strawberries and Blueberries that the Bug picked herself!!!!

Everything was divine and the entire event was so very special to us!!! We are so incredibly blessed with our beautiful, healthy baby girl and every day I count my blessings. I know we have many other trials and tribulations but looking at her just puts everything into perspective. Nothing else matters when you have a beautiful, happy, healthy family! Raymond and I love you all!!! Thank you for making Georgia's day so very special!!!

Bye Bye Sweet Bumpkin........

2010-08-11T11:56:00.001-04:00

Yesterday marked the day of some terrible news in our dear blogland....Lisa over at Bumpkin on a Swing lost her battle with cervical cancer. What was most shocking about it all was that she never once posted about it. She fought it without ever using her blog as a portal to vent...can you imagine? I do not know that I could remain that positive and strong not to just scream at the world how mad I was at my situation. Every week she continued to post her amazing posts filled with tons and tons of pictures....oh Bumpkin, you will be so missed....I pray for your Captain's strength to get through this. And for all of your friends and family, including the furry ones who you loved so dearly.......you leave an outstanding legacy behind. To read more please go to Lisa's blog or her sweet friend Julie at Brown Eyed Belle

Forgotten God

2010-08-10T12:21:00.002-04:00

This Fall, our church is doing a congregation wide small group study. We did it last year and it was great so they are going to try this monumental event again this year. We have close to 2,000 members in the church and so far 1,200 have signed up to be a part of a small group. How awesome is that?!?!?! Raymond and I did a mini small group this Summer called Love and Respect (based on the teachings of Dr. Emerson Eggerich) and really really enjoyed our group. At the end of it, we were approached by the leaders to start up and host our own small group. What?!? Us?!?! We just joined!!!! We're not equipped with the resources to handle such a big task!! Raymond and I also were timid about the idea, in that, we are far from being perfect in our walk with God, in our marriage, in our parenting, in our friendships, in our families.....who are we to help lead a group? We did not want to subject ourselves to this pedestal that I am afraid we fall very very short of. After prayer (and prayer and prayer and prayer) and meditation, our hearts were filled with the calling that this is something we felt God was pulling us to do - for many different reasons. One being, I feel it holds you accountable- it keeps you involved in the church and active with fellowship. It keeps you real and grounded. It keeps you questioning your Faith and digging deeper into the mercies of our wonderful Savior. It helps you meet other people who have the same ideas, questions, fears, worries, anger, trials and tribulations. Raymond and I often sit down and talk about our goals with our marriage and one area (that often becomes a deeply sorted discussion) is our Spiritual life. One thing we are working so very hard on is allowing ourselves to be open to God's plan. Our plans for our life together, as partners and parents, is sadly not always going to play out like the movie we imagine it to be. We strive for our hearts and our ears to constantly be open to where God is drawing us. It is so incredibly difficult. Much more than I ever thought it would be. It requires a DAILY reaffirmation on my part-for every morning I pray that I will have a renewed strength, and that I will be open to God's will. We are so excited to be a part of something so much bigger than us. We truly love our church and are so thankful for all of the opportunities that it has placed before us. So, in just a few short weeks, we will kick off the study of.............. I am super thrilled about this book. It calls us, as Christians, to look at our own lives and see how we walk with Christ. Are we living a Christ centered life? Do our actions reflect our words? Do we talk too much about God, and do little living for God? Do we just sit in the pew on Sunday and open our hearts for just that hour- or do we go home and let the words of the scripture seep into our souls? Do we read the scripture from an unbiased point of view, and attempt to live our life according to the Word? Or do we live our life how we want to live it, and then when called, twist the scripture to fit our actions?
This book has so many levels and will be a very rude awakening for myself, as I am sure it will be for many people. Here we go! I will definitely keep you all posted on how it goes!!

Some other books that I wanted to pass along to you are these.....we used these as resources in our small group this Summer and this guy is on to something!!!!! I love Will Davis' style of writing and these are not exactly what I would consider "self help"....I don't really do self help and so I find that these books are merely a suggestion to you if you are looking for something bigger in your life. The first one is directed towards you, as a person. The second is geared towards marriage, and the third towards parenting. If you believe in the power of prayer, but need that boost, these books are tremendous.

courtesy of

Hope all of your weekends were wonderful!! Tuesday is here and over halfway done!!! The Summer is flyyyying by!!! I am ready for Fall and all those beautiful clothes I have been eyeing!!

NO H8 and a little bit of DC drama mamas.....

2010-08-06T12:35:00.005-04:00

So we are introduced to the Housewives of DC.......I have to say that I do think I am going to enjoy this season. I think they all have peaked my interest at this point. Michaele- still haven't figured out the correct pronunciation of her name but I do love her smoker's voice
Stacie- I like this chick...she's going places....despite her thinking that Cat is mildly racist because she doesn't care for Tyra (seriously, who does?!?!?!) or Obama's policies (so she's not allowed to have an opinion?...I'll save this for later.) Let's not confuse delivery with validity of content people.
Cat- I do like her...she's British. She speaks her mind. And I just love her accent.
Mary- oh Mary Mary Mary.....she's going to be entertaining....how many scenes in the first episode alone have we seen her teetering on tipsy?? But I gotta hand it to her, I think I would be a borderline functioning alcoholic if I had 5 kids. And her husband is precious.
Lynda- does anyone else think she has a striking resemblance to Susan Lucci?!?! I do like her boyfriend though! He's got spunk!!
I am going to save my opinions for the next show to see if my mind changes...I do think this season is going to be just what we've been waiting for!!

And on to more important things..........
'nuff said....

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!! We are laying low and taking the Bug to pick blueberries! I cannot wait! It's also time to renew our cell phone plans....bleh...I hate dealing with cell phone companies, they're all just a bunch of highway robbers. I plan on catching up on some much needed sleep and cuddling time with my favorite little girl!

Thank You Notes

2010-08-04T15:13:00.004-04:00

I am a stationery snob....I will admit. And I am addicted to all things paper related. I was in hog heaven picking out my wedding invitations, and my new correspondence wardrobe!! I couldn't wait to start writing my thank yous....while sometimes it may take me a while, I always send a note for something. Even the smallest thing, whether it's staying at someones home for the weekend, just a little circee they've brought me, kind words they've sent me, you name it, I thank 'em for it. I was raised in a house where you didn't get to use what you got until you wrote a note for it. And you best believe Georgia will be the same way. This year for Georgia's party, I decided to go the fun and playful route versus the fancy, monogrammed path...and since all of them are (finally!!) sent, I thought I would show you how they turned out....you might need to click on it to see the writing beneath the picture. I was happy with them! I thought they were exactly what I was looking for!!! Thank you Vista Print!! This is the first time I have used them for something like this, but I was pleased (and so was the hubs with the price for a change!!)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T11:55:00.003-04:00

I'm at a loss for words today....so the Bug is going to speak for me!!!! Here she is getting ready for costume day at school!!! She makes the most perfect little B.I.T (ballerina in training!!) Hope you all are having a Wonderful Wednesday!!!

In the car on the way to school!!!!! Walking in....about to make my big debut!!!!

I'm a big girl now.......

2010-08-02T09:10:00.003-04:00

So this weekend I put my big girl panties on and decided to take the plunge..............

I bought a new car!!!! This was very difficult for me in the sense that A) it involved striking a check for a very expensive item that is going to lose its value the moment you drive it off the lot (stomach churns, heart palpitations set in); B) I have been working very hard on not impulse buying....but ATTENTION: if you go to a dealership on the LAST day of the month, they will use everything in their salesman pocket to taunt you with the new car. This most definitely worked in our favor. The thought of going to a dealership, and then walking away with a car was a very foreign concept to me. I thought I would go, look around, test drive maybe, hear the people out, and then go home and sleep on it. Apparently, most people come in, see something and go home with it that day. That, or all of the places I went have incredibly smooth salesmen. We were watching people drive off the lot left and right!
I have to say that I have learned a thing or two in this experience. First, I was trying to channel my MIL, because she is the best negotiator you will see....I did drive a hard bargain and they thought they were pulling one over on me since I was a "first time buyer." Playing the innocent, "I don't know anything young Mama" definitely gave me some leverage. Especially when I wouldn't budge, put the pen down, got up to walk out and they came back and dropped it even more! I have to say I was pretty proud of the hubs and I.....Raymond's family has always said, he shoulda been a lawya.....yes he should your honor.....
So what did we end up with????

ta da!!!! The trusty ole Ford Explorer....I had my mind set on a Tahoe/Expedition size...but given my driving capabilities, this was a much better suit for me....afterall, I would like for my fellow driving citizens to feel trustworthy that I am not going to kill them on the road. I feel safe, sit up nice and high, but not too much, and I will definitely notice if I run over something.....those others were like driving a battleship for me.....maybe one day when we have more kids....for now, this little beauty is perfect!!! And the Bug just loves her new wheels!!!

It's a beauty!!! Plus, we got 50 free carwashes!!! The only downside? My family expects my car to look like this at all times.......hrmph......I blame it on the bug : )

So it's goodbye Audi (that was hard to say goodbye to her!!!! I most definitely teared up). You were so good to me! Just needed more room!!

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!!! Can't wait to read all of your posts about them!!!

Fabulous Friday

2010-07-30T10:34:00.002-04:00

I love getting flowers for no reason at the office!!!! Lillies are my favorite!!! My office smells so good now!!! Thanks Killa! You're the best hubby! Love you!!!

Betty and Bubbies

2010-07-29T10:21:00.004-04:00

Woo hoo!!! Mad Men is finally here!!! I have been waiting so long for this! I was definitely surprised by some of the events in the show....it is amazing to me how dark the show can get and then two seconds later be unexpectedly lightened by one of Roger's quips....Pete is definitely growing on me and I can see him trying to move in on Peggy at some point this season. I think her success and self imposed confidence is going to be a major turn on for him....AND I think she will deny him because she has all of that said self imposed confidence.....Don is still Don. Ruggedly smooth and mysteriously sexy....did it take anyone else a minute to realize that his lady friend at the end was a prostitute? (it was wasn't it??)...the hubs and I were confused about that one. He's never had a problem picking a girl up....but oh wait, can you see him trying to convince the teacher to smack him around?? I think not. And whatever happened to her anyways? Roger is still my beloved Roger. You can't help but love him. I think he and Joan are going to rekindle their love....at least, that's what I'm hoping....she would make such a good Mrs. Sterling!!! Dump Jane Roger!!! We're Team Joan!!! Jane is seriously lacking in the personality and the junk in the trunk department.... Moving on to Betty.....I just want to like her SO much!!! But she's making it very hard. Before that random guy she slept with in that bar in Season 2/3 (my memory is fading) and then Henry, I was so empathetic to her.....I do think that she should have left Don, probably sooner than she did....Don was the ass and she was the class act....but her spiteful, childish ways are really starting to tarnish her reputation. Seriously, living in the house that Don is paying for with your new husband? low. She is a woman scorned. We get it. Move on. She's no longer the innocent victim. Glass houses, Betty. Glass houses.

I am lovin' Peggy's new do!!! Such a perfect little coif for her!!!!

Speaking of class acts.....my besties from the turnpike are baaaaaack tonight!!!!! I have the Special Olympics gala tonight so my DVR is set and ready!! Which, I am disappointed though that Angelina is back. She seriously left after the first episode....WHY did they bring her back? She wasn't even part of the success!!! But, I did hear/read that she leaves again, let's home this time it's for good.

I am so sad that my other NJ loves are coming to an end....I tell you one thing, if I had

the money, you best believe I would be hoppin' on a plane on Aug 22 to witness the auction. I did find a list of the auction items and I do feel bad for her. For one reason being that how humiliating to have to sell all of your stuff? Another reason being that she has such tacky taste. I would still take some of her tacky stuff, though, just to say that it came from her!!! Ugh...and Danielle....seriously, you and your lesbian lover need to just go get your own show....that way you can still be a crazy, psychotic fame whore, but we won't have to watch your sunken in face each week. And to sit there and bequeath your engagement ring and flaunt it all around at the party? AS IF your husband's newer, less nastier wife really cares....she's probably trying to run for the hills so people don't realize that HER Tom used to be YOUR Tom....poor thing, she had no idea what she was signing up for when she married your ex....I think that that should definitely warrant her getting a huge circee for appearing during such an embarrassing display of behavior frin Danielle. And WHAT CHARITY did Christine raise ______ for? Was it money? Canned food for the food bank? They never showed the charitable part of the evening, and I was unable to find it anywhere on google....oh jeez, I am sure going to miss Tre and Caroline!! I am super excited about Dina coming back next week though!!!! Enough trash talkin' for today!!!

love you all~

Hello Kelly!!

2010-07-27T12:43:00.005-04:00

Kelly's Kids Fall 2010 collection is available!! RUN to the website and order!!! Our sweet blogger friend over at Pinot after Playdates is a Rep (114152 )!!!! She will also let you know when specials are going on, so email her and get you to add her to your mailing list! They really do have some sweet sweet clothes this season and I always find it hard to make the trunk shows around town so online it is!!

Here are some of the ditties that the Bug will be donning this Fall....just placed the order this weekend!!! I can't wait until these come in!!!

How precious will this be with her monogram and white Keds?!?!?

I couldn't resist the owl themed stuff...... I LOVE LOVE LOVE these pants....HOW fun!!

HOW cute will this be this fall for our pumpkin patch picture?!?!?!?

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Ours was great. Exhausting, but great. Uploading pictures from the weekend and I am also gonna do a recap of the new MadMen of course......has anyone else seen it??? What did y'all think??

2010-07-22T11:03:00.003-04:00

This morning we got the terrible news that our sweet Big Al had gone to be with Jesus.

Big Al, you will never know how truly missed you are going to be in this world. There is a huge hole in your absence and you mean so much to Raymond and me. I am so glad you got meet our sweet Georgia. Oh how you lit up when you held her!! Thank you for loving all of the Hamilton boys and their wives as though they were your own grands. We are all so lucky to have known you. You were larger than life and so respected. I will never forget the time that I was in the hospital, and so were you, only floors apart! You were so selfless to send your sweet Ann and Tina to come see me and visit with me even though you needed them much more than I did. You were always so thoughtful like that, and NO ONE will be able to bake your bread like you or make your spaghetti sauce. We still have some in our freezer : ) Please watch over us. Heaven is lucky to have such a wonderful new person walking through the pearly gates. We love you, always.

On a lighter note (I've shed enough tears this morning), I apologize for my lack of posting....our computer had to visit the laptop doc so the blogging has had to be put on hold while it was gone.....what in the world do people do without a computer at home?!?!?!? Every other word out of my mouth is, well let me just go look up _____, oh s*#@ the computer is gone.....but we are back in touch with reality again so I shall resume normal blogging hours next week. This weekend we are headed to Charleston! We are boating down the locks from the middle of nowhere to Charleston with about 18 other people!! I can't wait to spend hours on the boats, drink lots of adult spritzers, spend the night here, and have fun on the town.....I am so excited about a much needed break. I will have lots of pictures to post (from this weekend and the last few as well!)

And this little Bug is SUPER excited about spending the weekend with her Swoozie!!!!! She will want for nothing all weekend, and will also have a playdate with Aunt Callie at the pool! How lucky is this little girl?!?!?!?

And just because I needed a good laugh this morning....I had to post this. Has he gone off the deep end or what?!?!?!? Yes, my friends, that is part of the duo formerly known as Speidi.....

I hope you all have a great weekend! I have missed you! Thanks for all of the sweet comments about my new blog!! I am loving it!! Linds did a great job!!!

lots of love!!!

New Blog!!!!

2010-07-15T08:56:00.002-04:00

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Lindsey from Design by Linds for my new blog!! I love it!!!!!

I am slowly but surely getting all of my pictures put up on here so hang in there for a minute!!!

YAY! It's Thursday!!!!!!!

I've finally figured it out.......

2010-07-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

warning....extreme Frank bashing about to ensue...do not read if you are a major Frank Fanatic!!

Okay, so I FINALLY figured out what has been bothering me about Frank the Tank this whole time. He was definitely starting to grow on me, but there was just something plaguing me about him....aside from the millions of "what's next on The Bachelorette" clips that imply some horrible truth is about to reveal itself, something else has just been bothering me about him.....and I finally figured it out last night.....

he reminds me of Cody Kasch....from Desperate Housewives....remember this creepy, psychotic character?!?!?!?!?! Well, I apologize ahead of time ma'ams if you disagree, but I think Frank looks like him....or Cody looks like Frank since Frank was born first.....and now, I just cannot shake that annoying ass character from Wisteria Lane out of my head..........
So alas I focus all of my energy on this hunk o' Spanish speakin' lovin'........

........I think it has hit me that when I start comparing reality tv to past fictional characters, I officially watch too.much.tv.........

Hope you all had a good weekend! We had a ton of fun having friends over on Friday night and a cocktail party on Saturday night....pictures and a BLOG MAKEOVER to come!!!!

love,

Charlotte

Show Us Your Life- Favorite Bible Verses

2010-07-09T10:23:00.004-04:00

Today over at Kelly's Korner is Show Us Your Life Bible Verses....I love Kelly's blog. She is so inspirational and always has such fun things over there. This one struck me as so uncanny because just last night Raymond and I were talking about this. We have been doing a small group at our church called Love and Respect and it's a DVD and book driven small group by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Our leaders have been wonderful and this seminar has been so instrumental in us reaching a whole new level of understanding, love, respect and communication in our marriage. I HIGHLY suggest any dating, engaged, married couple-troubles or not- go through this. The majority of our small group are sweet sweet couples looking to enhance their marriage through the Word. And there are some that are trying to repair what's been damaged. The dynamic is wonderful and we have learned so much about each other. I get so energized when we leave there! What an awesome feeling!

So this week's Show Us Your Life touches home to me. My favorite Bible verse is one of the verses we used in our wedding:

"And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Ruth 1:16-17

I am a natural born leader and there are many aspects of our marriage where I do take the lead (ahem, household cleaning) and I don't mind. There are plenty of things that I gladly relinquish control of and totally hand over the reigns to Raymond because he is good at that. He's great at being my rock and making big decisions without haste and I have 100% trust in him that his decisions are always right for our family. The roles are put in place by natures instincts and I am fine with that most of the time. But I do think that many women crave for our husbands to be the Spiritual leader of our home and I know that it can be hard for some men. It may not come naturally to them, and especially in this instance, it means more than anything when your significant other steps out of their comfort zone and really reaches to be the provider (of whatever it is). In this case, Raymond stepping out and up and taking charge means so much to me. We as humans crave guidance and this is an area where many families need help. They want to be on the right track but how do they get there? For me, whether it's Raymond getting us all up and at 'em on Sundays when I don't feel like going, or taking the initiative and praying for us and for our marriage, watching him read Bible stories to Georgia, looking for resources that will ultimately enhance and not detract from our marriage...all of these things demonstrate to me his love and desire for our marriage to be a God centered union. So you can imagine when I heard this Sanctus Real song "Lead Me," the other day on the radio, tears flooded my eyes when I listened to the lyrics. They had the guys in the studio explaining the story behind the song and it exemplifies what so many spouses go through. Whether you are the leader in your house or not, I am sure you can relate to this somehow. So I included the video on here for you to view....ENJOY!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!! We have a busy busy weekend so I will have lots of fun pictures!!! Be safe!!

love,

Charlotte

**I am new to trying to put a video from YouTube on here, so bear with me...I am not sure if it will work**

Amazing Giveaways!!

2010-07-06T13:08:00.003-04:00

Jaime over Fried Pink Tomato is giving away a piece of handcrafted artisan jewelry over at her place. The necklace is from Hiphophippos and everything is under $30!!! Go visit Jaime and keep up with her bump journal!! She is due later this year!!

Same Sweet Girl is giving away this amazing necklace!!! Deadline if July 18th!!! And you WON'T be dissapointed with her precious blog either!!

And Annie and Ashley, I have NOT forgotten about your awards....I am in the process of posting them!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2010-07-05T20:10:00.004-04:00

Our weekend was amazing and I hope all of y'alls was as well!! I hope all of the travelers had safe travels!!! We spent the day Saturday with our extended family (my SIL's family) who always treat us like we are at home....they have a huge shin dig every year and they outdo theirselves every year!! Here is a recap........ Enjoying supper on Friday night!!

Besties

Brothers : )

our little family

maybe one day she'll actually pose correctly!!

thankfully the weather was so mild!! we didn't sweat at all!!

who needs a nice, smoked boston butt when you've got GRASS?!?!?!?

it was such an awesome time!!! so we headed home Saturday evening to have the rest of the weekend full of these............

TERRIBLE TWOS?!?!?!? You don't have NOTHIN' on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(and by the way, this picture was taken because we wouldn't let her play with the remote...how dare we!!!!)

8:30 cannot come FAST enough tomorrow ; ) Sorry Bug, Mama loves you but this workin' girl has got to back to the peace and quiet of the office!!!! Love you baby!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!!!!

love,

Sweet Baby Cohen

2010-07-01T08:40:00.002-04:00

Send Love to Cohen To Meghan, Brent, Cohen and your families,
Your entire blog family is with you today in spirit and you have millions of prayers being sent your way as you send your sweet baby to be with our Maker. God is good, even when times are hard.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"

Isaiah 41:10

'Nuff Said

2010-06-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

GO COCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so proud of you here in your hometown!!!!! Way to go boys and Coach Tanner!!!!!!

Blog Award Time!!

2010-06-30T09:10:00.004-04:00

Ashley and Annie have both been so sweet and deemed me with the Sugar Doll Award!!! Yay! I love blog awards!!! Thank the person who gave you the award, share ten things about yourself, pass this award onto ten bloggers who you recently discovered and think are fantastic and finally contact the bloggers to let them know you’ve picked them for an award.

Ten Things About Myself......

1. I started dating Raymond when I was 18...we married 5 years later!

2. I am very involved in the Junior League of Columbia. Volunteer work is one of the most important things to me. I think it is our obligation to give back to the community around us.

3. In high school, I lettered in....get this....VARSITY BOWLING. I was even Captain my senior year!! (It was not based on skill, that's for sure!!)

4. Spanish was my major when I went to college, initially. But then I realized that I did not want to teach, so I pushed it back to my minor.

5. The outdoors and I broke up a loooooooong time ago. I hate camping, I hate hiking, anything with bugs or woods you can forget it. I do make some rather painstaking exceptions though for the beach and the pool ; )

6. I do not enjoy talking on the phone. For those that know me, they call Raymond. No one ever calls my phone unless they want to leave a message! I'm a texting queen.....

7. I can bake some mean cupcakes. I do the fancy icing and everything. This is one of the few things I have perfected in the kitchen.

8. I am obsessed with smocked and monogrammed clothing for my child(ren). And yes, this will include my little boys if we are so blessed with them. And bows! (not for the boys!!) The bigger the better! I get grief about the prissy-ness of my little girl but until she can fight back, she will wear monogrammed bloomies, BIG (monogrammed, preferably) bows, and smocked dresses every day!

9. I am a hardcore Republican (sorry Aunt Callie!!!) but I love hardcore Democrats because they stand for something. Regardless of someone's views, I love it when they have convictions. Just stand for something people!! I can't stand blase Americans who don't vote and then complain about the state our our nation.

10. We joined our church this past weekend!! That was a very exciting move for us!! We could not be happier!!!

Now....to the ten bloggers I think are just dolls......

Life as a California Wife

A Dollop of My Life

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle
Sweet, Sassy and Oh So Classy

In a Yellow House

My Husband's Watching TV...

One Day at a Time

Pinot after Playdates

A Southern Accent

Newlyweds!

I know you all will enjoy their blogs as much as I do!!!!

Whip It...Whip It REAL good.....

2010-06-28T11:28:00.003-04:00

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!!! Ours was very low key which is always nice....since the Bug is getting so big, and notices when we are not around, it is that much harder to leave her. For the first year of her life we were ALWAYS gone and on the go- with her or without her! But lately she has switched from being the best traveling baby, to a complete nightmare in her car seat!! I haven't figured out if it's because she is used to being reclined all the way in her infant seat, and she is now more upright (even though she is still somewhat reclining, so I am not sure why she's so fussy) so lately, when we travel, it's close (no more than an hour or so because that's when the thunderstorm erupts) or we just keep it close to home. SO...this weekend we did a lot of this.....The Bug has officially transformed into a WATER BUG this Summer! We did venture over to the lake on Saturday for my bestie/Bug's Aunt Erin's birthday and she was a ham splashing around in the lake!! She loves the baby pool and even more so all the "grown up kids" that come around and play with her!! I am so relieved because I could not have a child that did not like to play out in the sun/water!!
(It's not the actual country club pool, but it's the best I could find that wasn't a tropical resort!!)

And on Sunday we got to watch Aunt Jenny in her first Roller Derby match!! It was awesome and Jenny aka Turner Loose was a smashing hit!!! Her team did so great and even Georgia loved all the loud music and watching the girls skate around!!! I'm rushing out to get Whip It today so I can actually understand what was going on and beef up my terminology for the next match!!

And of course....we cheered these guys on through the games this weekend on to the FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!! GOOOOO GAMECOCKS!!!!!!!!!! We are so proud to have had TWO teams from SC make it to the final round- you boys make us proud!!!!!!

So you know where the hubs and I will be parked tonight at 7:30!!!!

Happy Monday!!!

love,

Dear Bravo, my husband hates you.......

2010-06-25T08:54:00.003-04:00

Well, hate is a strong word. He adamantly blames you for enabling my reality tv addiction. BUT I, on the other hand, can BARELY contain myself that another series of the 'wives is coming out!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right, on August 5th we will have the doors opened to......... featuring all of these drama lovin', party crashin', diamond drippin', couture sportin', name droppin' bravolebrities!!!!!!!!!Mark your calendars!!!!!!!

hope you all have a fabulous Friday!!!

love,

Charlotte

**and yes, my reference to the party crashin' is to those lovely Salahi's that have been splashed all around the media for crashing the 2009 White House state dinner.....can't wait!!!**

Chickadee

2010-06-23T21:32:00.003-04:00

This little chickadee is ready for the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's already primped to get out by the pool!!!!

Hurry up weekend!!!!!!!

Love,

Come OOOONNN Ali!!!

2010-06-22T08:52:00.002-04:00

Keeping JUSTIN?!?!??!?!? What are you thinking?? Now granted, I know that Kasey was absolutely a complete nutjob who constantly sounded like he needed to hock a loogie, but at that point, I would have sent them both home. Mainly because Kasey was annoying and Justin is such a skeez. Notice how he kept saying how it was his turn to take home the Championship Belt and hold it in the air and that belt is Ali??? He is so obviously in this as a competition just to beat out other men and gain attention for his ridiculous Rated R wrastlin persona......give me a break....I'm starting to lose faith in her. I wonder how long she would have realistically kept him around if the news had not broken about him being such a two timing lying scumbag........

Meanwhile....this little slice of heaven is still my #1...........and I Chris as well....but part of me thinks that he says things sometimes because he thinks Ali wants to hear it...like him moving to San Fran and being a garbage collector?? I hope he's being genuine because I do really like him.....
FRANK THE TANK!!!!!!! He is surprisingly becoming a front runner for me!!! I liked how he quit the pity party for himself and stepped up his game towards the end!! I can't wait to see if it lasts!!

Well regardless of WHO she ends up with, I hope they have an easier name to say that Fedotowsky!!!! If I were here I'd go with the man with the last name with the fewest letters! Thank you ABC for allowing me to tune out all of my real life insanity and have a mental break every Monday evening.

Happy Belated Fathers Day!!!

2010-06-21T20:06:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Daddy in the whole world!!!!!!! And to the man I am lucky enough to call my Father in Law!!!!

To all of the other wonderful Daddies....I hope all of your Queens, Princes and Princesses spoiled you rotten!!!!!!

An Angel Among Us

2010-06-21T11:37:00.003-04:00

Chelsea Amber Tumbleston

01.10.86 - 06.20.07

3 years. 1095 days. 26280 hours. 1576800 minutes. I cannot believe how long you have been gone. It seems like just yesterday when I last saw you. But it seems like forever ago when we buried you. So much has happened, and yet, though we fear you have missed it all, I know you have been there the entire time. You know me, and know that I am never spooked by anything. I want you to know that the other day Georgia was playing with my phone, she dialed a number. A number that has not been dialed in quite some time. I looked down to quickly end the call. She dialed you. She dialed my long lost friend. I have never taken it out of my phone. And from time to time I used to dial it just to hear your voicemail. Of all the numbers in my phone, for her to dial that one is just too coincidental. You are not the first one in my contact list- you weren't even the last person I called. I know it was you. You don't have to remind me ever to think of you. I do it often. Thank you for being my guardian angel. You are so loved and so missed.

I Did Not Die

Mary E. Faye
Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Rest in Peace. Love you always.

Show Us Your Life: Proposal Story

2010-06-18T09:20:00.003-04:00

Today over at Kelly's Korner is Show Us Your Life: Proposal Stories.....I wish I had more pictures of the night. My mom has us walking in the door right after it happened on video and it is PRICELESS. Our wedding slide show that was featured at our Rehearsal Dinner ended with that video clip, and if there had been one dry eye in the crowd at that moment, it would have been all over for them at that point.....
To preface the story, I had a feeling an engagement was eminent. We had been dating for 4 1/2 years and everyone (and by everyone I mean myself) was ready for it!!! Raymond did a superb job of making me think that it was no where in the future. I was 22, so I thought that he was just waiting until I had been out and working a little bit longer. We go to ALL of the Citadel football games in the fall (the hubs is obsessed with sports- I am obsessed with tailgating) so there was nothing out of the ordinary for us to pack up and head to Charleston for the weekend. Raymond had already asked my mom for permission and had already gone to visit his parents and let them in on the news. He went down early to pick up my brother, who was a knob (first year Cadet at The Citadel), so he did not have to wait around for my mom and I to roll into town. Little did I know, that this was all part of the mastermind plan that Raymond had created. I thought he was doing me a favor at the time by picking Davis us, but truly, this was orchestrated between he and my mom so he could ask for Davis'permission as well. My brother is truly one of my best friends and he felt it was important to have the most important man in my life (at that time) give him his blessing.
Upon arrival in Charleston that evening, we convened at his Aunt's house and told me we had to go to the family's beach house on Sullivan's Island to check on some things for his Dad. I was so mad. I was hungry, tired, and wanted to go to bed and did NOT want to traipse out to the beach house to check on fishing nets. NOT my idea of a fun Friday night. We got to the house and poor Raymond...I wouldn't get out of the car. I kept saying, just go hurry and do it and I'll just wait here. The mosquitoes were TERRIBLE that night! No way was I breaking a sweat for that! But alas, he knew his drama queen wife would propose as a problem in the grand scheme of things. He conned me into thinking he could not lift the nets by himself. I met him down on the deck and he was "bending over in the shrubs trying to get the net out of the bin" but really attempting to get on one knee and BAM he pulled out the box. The box that I had been waiting for my entire life. The box I had been counting down the minutes for from the moment I met him. It was so dark that I didn't actually see my ring until we went up on the porch and turned on the light. I cried at how beautiful it was. He created it all on his own (with the help of our amazing jeweler). I felt like the luckiest girl in the world at that moment. He designed something just for me. To wear forever.
He had champagne in the bushes (put there gratis of Mimzy and Big!!!) so the night was complete. We just sat and rocked and drank champagne with the sound of the ocean as our soundtrack. It could not have been more perfect. I was crying, he was crying, and we COULD NOT WAIT to get back to tell our parents (I didn't know that anyone knew at this point). The moment we walked into his grandparent's kitchen, they were all gathered around and Raymond announced there would be a new member of the Hamilton clan.....tears, champagne, and wine were flowing....it was, without a doubt, a memory that is forever ingrained in my mind. Station 9 and Sullivan's Island will always be magical to me. Thank you Raymond for being the perfect companion for me!

Off to paradise this weekend!! See ya'll next week!!

Love,
C

I'm such a jerk.....

2010-06-17T14:39:00.002-04:00

Meghan, Brent & Cohen's Story
So no sooner had I hit publish post had Meghan's post for the day come up on my reader....if you are not familiar with Cohen's story, you really need to grab some tissues and sit down and read what this precious family is going through. Meghan so faithfully documented her pregnancy for all of her readers and her positive outlook and excitement for her pregnancy and becoming a mama never wavered once throughout her 9 months....They knew before Cohen was born that there were going to be some difficulties. How in the world do you conceptualize something like that? Cohen is now just over a week old and is in a battle that no little angel should ever have to go through-
and here I am bitching about my week.
MY WEEK has been nothing short of a cake walk compared to what this family is going through.
We spent 11 long days in the NICU. 11. That's it. And I was a nervous and miserable wreck the entire time. The mamas that are able to channel all of their frustrations and hopelessness somewhere else and remain looking up simply amaze me. Meghan has remained upbeat and so selfless in her postings of Cohen's status. He is truly a waking miracle and already has proven to be strong and determined.
Suddenly my crappy work week fails to compare the uphill challenge this family is facing. I have my health, my family is healthy, and we are fine. I get to come home and snuggle with my healthy and happy baby girl. I cannot imagine the pain that these two parents are going through. I admire them so much and feel like such a jerk for complaining about my week. This little boy needs all the prayers he can get.

ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-17T13:56:00.002-04:00

This week has just been one of those weeks......you know the kind of day you have when you feel like all you have done is chase your tail???? Multiply that by 4 this week...and we still have one more to go! I leave the office with my head just trying to stay above water....and it's not even 4th quarter!!!!!!!!! This is exactly what I look like every day at work............ Alas, I have determined not to be discouraged, as in 24 short hours, I will check out and be delighted with the company of these two favorites..........

And this chick.............
+ this...........

this week is looking up already : )

Off to Charleston lovies!!! Hope you all have a fabulous week! Will be back next week once my camera, sanity and full nights of sleep return..........

love,

Charlotte

Show Us Your Life

2010-06-11T16:31:00.009-04:00

Courtesy of Kelly, Today is Show Us Your Life: CHINA PATTERNS!!!!! I rarely jump in on this trend, but today I could not pass it up. Other than paper, there are few other things that I love to collect other than china!!! The best part of getting married was getting new stationary and then picking out my patterns. I picked the same pattern of silver that my mom had and I love the look of mixing that with my grandmothers so since I did not have to rely on receiving a lot of that for my wedding, I went balls to the wall when registering for china. I WAS that obnoxious girl that had 3 patterns...luckily for me my mama has been collecting Spode Christmas for like 40 years so I'll never have to buy a piece of that no matter how many plates I break!! I love a pretty table and my mama and my mother in law both spoil me to the bone when it comes to dining at their houses because they always outdo themselves each meal with their elaborate settings. That's a treat in itself to me!
For our fine china, I somewhat took Raymond into consideration and didn't get something too frufru.....I picked out the Simply Anna by Anna Weatherly and it's classic and not trendy so I had hoped when registering I would never get sick of it....so far so good!!!! I wanted to have some alternatives to the basics so I registered for the polka dots as well as the white and I received a nice variety of pieces, and it has made for beautiful decorations.

{courtesy}

I picked out two every day patterns, the first being Nantucket Basket Weave by Wedgwood. This is just a basic, plain white with a twist. I love the pattern around the edges.

But my FAVORITE part of the set is the sugar bowl!! I have my creamer and bowl sitting on my counter since Raymond and I are big coffee drinkers, and it makes fixing my coffee in the morning a little bit better....this beats Starbucks!!

{courtesy}

Since Raymond was such a good sport in the entire process of registering, I did pick out the Spode Woodland in honor of him. We registered for a variety of plates that have ducks, quail, pheasants, turkeys, and even some Boykins on them! They are slightly rustic but still have a bit of glam to them. I pair them with olive green monogrammed napkins and tablecloths and it's the perfect set!

{courtesy}

As if I did not have enough.........last year I was in one of my all time favorite stores, Non(e) Such, ltd. and saw these beauties.....I had so much credit left after our wedding that I treated us to a setting of 6 of these....I'm hoping to get the other 6 this year!!!

{courtesy}

so there you have it....my obnoxious display of china.....I can't wait to keep reading and see what you other lovies picked out for yours!!!!

Off to have my eardrums busted!!!!! Can't wait to report back how awful, I mean awesome, the concert was!!!

Happy Weekend!!

love,

Charlotte

You know I love this man when.........

2010-06-10T10:48:00.004-04:00

Almost 2 years ago I married the man of my dreams and I could not be happier. He loves and gives so unselfishly that I decided this year for Father's Day I was going to go above and beyond for him......... After searching high and low and racking my brain, I did some googling and to my ASTONISHMENT, his favorite band of all time is playing within 200 miles of us - someone upstairs has got to have played a part in this! The band has just recently begun touring again after a hiatus so it's just bizarre that I stumbled upon this when I did.
So tomorrow night I am taking him to see these kids...............

Raymond is an avid indie punk fan....I'm guessing that's what you would call it.....of all the bands that he rocks out to, these are one of my favorites. The look on his face when I told him we were going is going to be worth ALL of the crowd surfing, screaming, head banging, freak show watching that will commence tomorrow night........oh.boy.

Have I earned the Best Wife Award yet????????

I still have a few other surprises up my sleeve for next weekend but we will be in Charleston so I am SUPER excited to spoil my husband rotten this weekend since it will be just the 3 of us.....I see some golf for him at the Club, the Bug and I camped out by the pool while we wait on him, and some yummy steaks in our Future for the weekend!!!!

Happy early Father's Day Killa!!!!!!!!!!

Sketti Night!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-09T19:56:00.003-04:00

Few words could have prepped my abs for how hard I laughed during this experience.....I can definitely say I got a better workout laughing than I could have if I did 1000 crunches. Especially when Mean Mama tried to take the plate away and a hissy fit ensued.......oh gotta love those hissy fits.......... I was slightly optimistic that we would remain sort of clean....she didn't want to get too messy on her birthday with the cake so I had my fingers crossed she felt the same about red sauce!!!

starting to get the hang of it.......
look mama!!! I ate most of it!!!!

gotta get eeeeeeeeeeevery last bit............

of course we gotta share some with Tellie!!!

attempt #1 at taking the plate from her......my bad G!!!!!

so of course I let her have her way.........poor Raymond, I am creating a M-O-N-S-T-E-R

so much for staying clean!!!!

Sending lots of Sketti kisses your way!!!!!

Love,

One Messy Mama

Guess who's a PE?!?!?!?!?!?!?

2010-06-09T11:27:00.002-04:00

So I have to take a minute and brag about my husband...Raymond Hamilton, PE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A few months ago you will remember this post here about Raymond's big test that he had to take to become a PE.....hence, the staycation!! After 3 months of excruciating agony, the results are IN and Raymond can now officially call himself a Professional Engineer. He doesn't boast or brag on himself nearly enough, so I am using the blogworld to do a little boasting in his honor. For ALL of those people that have reached this level, I am truly humbled by your intelligence! I mock the Engineer brain at times because it is so vastly different from how mine works, but anyone who is capable of even attempting the PE is a winner in my book......so whip out the bubbly because Mama has a lot to celebrate!!!!! As the cherry on top two of Raymond's friends Uncle Z and Uncle T also passed and Uncle C passed the E.I.T!!!! GREAT day for SC Engineers!!! I feel much better already about the roads I am driving on!!
Congrats boys!! Your womenfolk are proud of you!!! Love you all!

Love,
Charlotte

A Comeback and it includes CAKE!!

2010-06-09T09:12:00.008-04:00

So a year has passed and we have MADE IT!!!!!! I cannnot believe that this time last year I was visiting my baby bug in the NICU and barely keeping it together. My how we have come a looooong way!!! We celebrated this past weekend with friends and family and this little one loved every second of the attention. I tried to do a crown but the hat just stayed better with the elastic on it!!! And OF COURSE there's a big pink bow under there!! It didn't last long either.......

The day was a "smashing" success and we are so grateful to true friends and family who love us dearly. The love for Georgia in the room that day was overwhelming. We would not have made it this first year without all of you!!!!

love,

Charlotte

Charleston bound!!

2010-04-23T15:29:00.002-04:00

This sassy Bug has her shades on, her gator smocked dress ironed, bows in hair and is ready to party!!!! She's SUPER excited about seeing her amazing GREAT grandparents......

But even more so, we're ecstatic about catching this view...........

Sullivan's Island here we come!!!

I am so excited that this weekend we are headed down to Charleston and the highlights of our trip will be:

Seeing my best friend and #1 sister Keys!! And my wonderful brother in law Milton, too, of course!! Keys and I don't get nearly enough time together, and daily phone calls just aren't cuttin' it these days....I need my drinkin darlin!!!!
Raymond's GREAT Aunt Mickey is turning 90 years old so we're having a party!!!
We get to see my favorite Nana and Paupau and I am so excited for Georgia to have some one on one with them......
We get to go to Station 9 (the beach house on SI)....the salt air cures all evil

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!!

Love,

Charlotte

Drumroll please...........

2010-04-23T14:27:00.003-04:00

Winner of the Fontaine Maury giveaway is...........

Amber

at Survival Guide for the Young and Fabulous Newlywed!!!

Congrats!!! Email me your address so I can ship you your sassy candle!!

My computer has been pms'ing this week so I've been MIA....plus I've been busy coming off of Cloud 9 from my staycation....the hubs truly outdid himself!!!

Staycation here we come!

2010-04-16T14:23:00.004-04:00

So...the Hubs is taking the biggest test of his life today. He is an engineer and today he is taking his Professional Engineer. He has waited 4 1/2 since graduating from college. There are several markers that you have to do before you can take this one and luckily, this will be the LAST 8 hour exam he has to take!! I don't know how he does it! Also, we have had many things going on personally in our lives (that I've been debating on sharing, once we have more news) that we decided several weeks ago to just have a weekend of unwinding and relaxation! My brother and sister in laws are the ones who have turned us on to staycations....I had never heard of them until last year when they did one in Downtown Charleston (jealous!!) and so since then we do these every few months....back in the day when we were in college we would just stroll and bar hop and have the best time together. We often went out in groups, but I knew he was the one when we could just spend the entire night together in a crowded bar and never feel the need involve anyone else....SO....here's to our weekend, and yours!!
I'll most definitely be indulging in some of this........................... We'll be dining here tomorrow night............

Love this place, we went here the Thursday before getting married with our families so this place has some really special memories for us.......

We'll be staying here.................

Cocktail hour here.......

And finishing the night up here on the rooftop bar!!!!

Look at these views!!! The hotel is on Main Street....I love our downtown. They are really doing some major improvements to bring it "back"

Hope you all have a wonderful, cocktail filled weekend!!!!!!!!!!

L, C

**p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway!!! originally I was going to cut if off today, but I'll be preoccupied so I'll give you until Sunday!!**

Movin' on Up.....

2010-04-16T08:50:00.004-04:00

When I was expecting, I never knew how resourceful blog world would be for me when looking for the latest and greatest items for my baby.....blue eye bride quite often gives reviews of items and she is amazing in and out of blog world! she is so honest and I love her views on motherhood and she really is as sweet as she seems in real life as she does on her blog!....I was (and still am) so thankful for all of the honest mamas our there who just tell it like it is and give great (and sometimes not so great) reviews for items. Especially as a new mom everything is so overwhelming and you just feel like you're treading water sometimes trying to sift through all of the "stuff" you need! As we are (QUICKLY) approaching the Bug's first birthday, I just breathe a heavy sigh that we made it through our first year! With one bout of RSV, one cold, and despite our two top teeth coming in, we have been sleeping through the night since 2 1/2 months, I think that this year has been insanely calm....I praise God every day for our beautiful and healthy baby girl! After 12 days in the NICU when she was born, I just begged for mercy every day to get me through those hours. We only had 12 days of misery and I do not know how some of the mamas out there have done it for months on end. My heart just cries for them. But, we are so thankful that we have had no ill effects and our precious angel is just thriving and growing by the minute!
Here are some of the items that are getting us through the days right now......

the old trusty Nuk pacifier This sucker (no pun intended) has been around for years and it was our go to paci for the Bug. She was really not a big fan for a while, which was okay with us, I just thought that I wasn't going to have a paci-obsessed baby. But around 7 months she just picked that paci up, popped it in and it hasn't left our side yet. The paci clip is the greatest invention hands down, and we do not go anywhere without it! For the teething, I learned in INCREDIBLE tip from a blog mama to dip them in water and then freeze them....I wish I could remember who's blog it was that I saw that on because I could kiss you. It has saved our lives. We always have a few in the freezer to pop in when she's in pain....the orajel only goes so far!

the sassy seat/johnny jump up

We decided to go with the Sassy Seat as opposed to a stationary jumperoo because I was so tired of stumping my toe on all of the baby items....Georgia loves her seat and it buys some really good time, especially in the mornings. We can put her in the bathroom with us while we are trying to get ready and she is happy as a clam.

Fisher Price musical table

Raymond's coworker suggested this item to us and it is the absolute best thing in the world! We were quickly running out of items that Georgia was interested in and this is wonderful because the legs easily pop off so you can lay the top of the table flat on the ground for babies who are not yet standing, you can prop it up on two legs for sitting babies to play with or you can have it on all fours for children who are standing/walking. I think that we have a climber on our hands so at times I have caught her trying to climb on top of her table....Lord help us all.....it's a wonderful toy and the music is just precious that it plays.

(AMEN for) Gerber Puffs

I will stick the Bug in her high chair in front of the tv with some puffs when I am trying to clean up after her meals and this buys me 5 minutes of silence and I can trust that she is safely eating. These have also tremendously helped her develop the skills to pick items up and put them in her mouth. Her coordination has really come along these past few months and these are especially my go to item when in public and she's getting antsy....guaranteed to buy you a few moments of silence.....

Nuk sippy cups

I have spent I don't know how much money on different sippy cups. I was that mom trying to provide "variety" I guess. Now I have heard several different schools of thought on the sippy cup in introducing it too early, not putting anything but juice in there, and so on....BUT you do have to find what works for your child and I am a firm believer in that. I guess I am just old school in that we all grew up fine, our parents all grew up fine and I am just now OCD about alot of the information out there. I do believe there is such a thing as too much internet education. However, I started introducing the cup around 7 months. It started with me holding it for her and she would slightly drink out of it. I tried several different cups and this is the one she responded best to. I am not sure why, but I just kept working with this one. Every day we would give it to her and I never really allowed her to "play" with it- I had heard some moms saying their kids just thought it was a toy. If it was out, she was drinking out of it. I think this helped her establish what it's intention was. Slowly but surely, she started grabbing for it herself and before long, she was holding like a 1st place trophy. She is so proud of her sippy cup and loves that thing more than life itself. As a mama, this makes me so happy. She, to this day, will not hold her own bottle, so the selfish, need 5 minutes to go to the bathroom part in me came out and thought of putting her formula in the cup. BAM!!!!! Free at last thank goodness I am free at last!! Georgia now takes all but one of her bottles in a sippy cup and takes her juice in the cup as well. I am ecstatic because as the big 0-1 birthday approaches, I was having anxiety about weaning her off the bottle....well my friends, we are almost home free.....

Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat

There are many parts to Georgia growing up that excite me but there are parts that are sad to me as well. As happy as I am she's taking a sippy cup, I will most definitely cry the day that I pack up all of her bottles. It's just that closing of one stage of her life and moving to the next that is so emotional for me. The same with her car seat. We have been looking for some time now and when we were looking for her infant car seat, we toyed with the Convertibles vs the Infant Carriers. I decided to go with the Bertini for her infant car seat and stroller system. We have LOVED LOVED LOVED that system!! I get so many compliments on it and our sweet friends Megahn and Blake are expecting their sweet baby Anna Heath in a few weeks and they also went with that one. Now we've had the joy of picking out her next ride and we have decided to go with the Britax marathon....I am SO excited for her to sport around town in this. It's an incredible car seat and Britax is a great brand. I think we've found a winner!!!

There are so many emotions as I remember back to being pregnant and scouring for hours at babies r us, online, through magazines, talking to friends and fretting about finding the PERFECT items for our baby girl. That all seems so long ago and I still pinch myself every day at the thought of a whole year passing by as a mom. I am so looking forward to my first Mother's Day!!! We did celebrate last year since I was pregnant but I am super excited to have the Bug here now to join in on the festivities.....maybe that KS agenda will appear?? I have a few other items that I am hoping for so keep your fingers crossed that Georgia has told Daddy all of Mama's wish list items.....

A to Z

2010-04-13T12:43:00.002-04:00

Yay!!! Same Sweet Girl tagged me with this....I love these!!
A. area code: 803
B. bed size: Queen. We will most definitely HAVE to be upgrading at the rate we're going...4 bodies in a bed is a tight tight queen.....
C. chore you hate: the nitty gritty deep cleaning....i adore my cleaning lady...she's awesome...
D. dog's name: Tellie aka Letellier Gibson Hamilton...such a bold name for such a dainty golden...
E. essential "start of the day" item: does my radio count??? I can't wake up to a buzzer....
F. favorite color: right now? apple green or golden yellow
G. gold or silver: I've always hoarded silver, but lately I'm spreading my wings and collecting gold pieces
H. height: 5'6".....and stout
I. instruments you play: Violin for several years growing up....I wish I would have stuck with something
J. job: I am a (newly appointed!!!) Account Manager for a Brokerage/TPA Firm....LOVE IT
K. kids: One!! But the drama queen is enough for now!!
L. living arrangements: Cozy Three Bedroom on cul-de-sac....
M. mom's name: Swoozie is what she's referred to now...God given name, Susan : )
N. nickname: Bug (my mom), Charsy (my lifelong girls, anyone else I'd kill them), Killa (the hubs-don't ask) or WOMAN (my one and only BFF)
O. overnight hospital stay: Too many....5
P. pet peeve: Poor spelling/grammar, the word AINT, someone feeling their superior/entitled, not writing a Thank You Note (come on....), a weak handshake, people who are judgmental
Q. quote from movie: Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable...-The Wizard of Oz
R. righty or lefty: Righty
S. siblings: One little brother whom I adore
T. time you wake up: Weekdays 6:00, weekends...whenever Georgia tells us to!
U. underwear: whatever will not be detected under my clothes that day.....
V. vegetables you dislike: leeks.
W. ways or reasons you are late: Georgia- you will never know what it is like until you try to get out of the house with a baby....this is my excuse now...before I just misjudged my time....
X. x-rays: well I just recently had an ultrasound done...closest thing lately....but I've had cat scans and mri's...I could die peacefully never having one of those again...
Y. yummy food you make: any baking of sorts....and waffles!!
Z. zoo animals you like: the giraffes! they're so elegant!!

Now I tag these lovely ladies.......Tale of a Grits, Katie's Journey,and Life in a Small Town

Happy Tuesday!!!

Giveaways Giveaways

2010-04-13T12:09:00.002-04:00

Amber over at The Survival Guide for the Young, Fabulous and Newlywed is giving away this adorable apron from Kirklands!!! Scoot on over to her precious blog to check out her sweet gift!!!

Also, only a few more days to enter the Fontaine Maury giveaway!!!! Entries are due by Friday the 16th....

I guess everyone has Spring Fever right now!! I love all of the freebies that are popping up everywhere!!

Who needs an Oscar when you have blog awards?!?!?

2010-04-12T19:49:00.003-04:00

Bella over at Southern Somedays passed on the I Love Your Blog award....I love her blog and her family is so beautiful!!! She's got a great place and I hope you run and follow her!!!

Things that make me happy......

1. The way my sweet Georgia smells and her laugh...it's infectious

2. The smile on my husband's face when he walks through the door every night- no matter how hard his day has been, he never lets on

3. My job...I have the most wonderful career and I love every minute of it. I could not be more thankful for all that they have done for me.

4. My fabulous friends!!! You all are so wonderful!!

5. Blogging...I am so happy to have an outlet to vent to and for such inspirational people I meet out here in blogland....I have come across some pretty incredible people

6. My Mama....I don't know where I would be without her

7. Summer...I think all the cold weather down here has made me crazy....the sun is soothing

8. AHA Moments...we don't have enough of them

9. A Friday night with absolutely nothing to do

10. My relationship with my Saviour...Raymond and I put God first and everything second. When I am doubtful, or unsure of myself, He brings me back to my core, and quickly reminds me of what's important.....

Now, to the 5 bloggers that I love......

I know you will love all of these ladies as much as I do!!

The Rules:
1. Link and thank the blogger who awarded you.
2. List "What makes you happy"
3. Pass the award on to the 5 blogs you love.
4. Notify the new recipients of their awards.

Time to get organized

2010-04-11T16:37:00.003-04:00

So I noticed this week that the new mom Agendas are out....and I've been using the mom Agenda now for 3 years....well the MOM one for a year and the my Agenda for the years prior. I love all the different colors they've come out with. And every year I find that my pages fall out by years end....does this happen to anyone else? I LOVE the layout of the agenda and despite the size, I always manage to have a purse big enough for it......so I'm curious if any of you run into the same problems..... and then I came across KS's agenda....and while definitely a tad more pricey, you just buy the refills every year which I like so I can keep all of my notes section and what not......and really if you know of any other types of agendas that have interchangeable inserts, those are welcome too! I think this is the year to switch up and try something new.....

What agendas do you all use???? I could use any suggestions!!!

So long Vera, Hello Bettie!!!

2010-04-11T16:14:00.002-04:00

Fulfilling my faithful duties as a Southern sorority sister (Hello Zeta!!) I dashed off to college with my complete set of Vera Bradley...everything from my garment hang up bag all the way down to my wallet. Over the years I have tamed my Vera display and really just use about 3 or 4 of the items when I travel now and have never had a reason to justify trading in and lets be honest, ole' Vera has been good to me over the years. But a few weeks ago my zipper snagged on my over sized duffel, and then last week my strap popped. So, I took this as a sign that it was time to invest in some new overnight gear.....in comes my new best friend, Buckhead Bettie!!! In one of my routine trips to Just the Thing I noticed this overnight bag, but alas, I resisted....and then it was fate- I was in the market for a new one, and they still had one left! I also picked up the matching square tote for my toiletries!!! Check out Buckead Betties for their complete line.....

My wonderful and amazing hubby is treating me to a romantic staycation this weekend so this will be a perfect accessory for our "trip"!!!

Hope you all a wonderful weekend! I am slowly but surely getting better! I think I am going to head back to work tomorrow (even though I don't have my post op until late Tuesday) this working girl is getting antsy!!!

tata for now!

The Countdown is on!!!

2010-04-09T11:49:00.006-04:00

That's right my loves....only 24 days until the Biyatches of the Turnpike return in all their dramalicious glory to fulfill my Monday evenings!!!! I can't wait!!! I am sure the drama will be as delish and tensions will be as high as ever!!!!! I already have my DVR warming up...... Until the return of the ORIGINAL bubbies, I'll settle by getting my Jersay fix from these sassy mafiasas (and mafiaso, sorry Anthony!!) Seriously, Gigi's boyfriend Frankie literally looks like he stepped off of the set of The Sopranos....but what's even more entertaining than the actual show? The Fanpage on Facebook!! The catfights that those people get into over this show are absolutely hilarious....need a good laugh? Check it out....
And of course, right now, I am currently getting my reality show fix from these six socialites.

Am I the only one who thinks that Ramona is seriously and certifiably crazy??? I think that Bethenny is so into herself and portraying herself as a victim and this is getting old, fast. I try and keep an open and fresh perspective on her, but I think her "wit" (if that's what you want to call it) is just so tiresome. I think that Jill has taught me what kind of friend I do NOT want to be- she keeps tabs on everything! That's not friendship to constantly throw stuff back in someones face. If you truly forgive and love someone and want to move on with the friendship, that's what you do....not harbour that resentment to throw back in their face at a later time. Luann has me puzzled this year, I have always been an avid promoter of Luann but I can't quite determine how I feel about her this year. Kelly is...well....Kelly. And the front runner for my favorite this year is Alex. She's attempting to stay out of the drama but also keep her friendships in a healthy manner with everyone....she has pleasantly surprised me!!

Raymond and I absolutely LOVE Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution!!! I cry every time we watch it. Jamie is so passionate about turning our school food's system around and my heart breaks for him at the challenges he encounters. He is just so sweet and caring and I think what he is trying to do is truly remarkable.

And as always, my favorite TV Family has returned and have not disappointed!!! I got a kick out of Tori and Dean's attempt at an RV Cross Country family road trip....Good luck ever getting Raymond to get me to commit to that!!! I just love this little family and all of their dysfunctions.....

I think I am at my limit right now for trashy reality TV!!!! Being home all week has definitely promoted me to #1 Couch Potato! I cannot wait to get out of the house this weekend! It's absolutely gorgeous here!!!

Sullivan's Island here I come.....

2010-04-09T11:02:00.003-04:00

I am SO ready for our Beach Week!!!!! I have stocked up on some stuff for the summer and now that the heat has set in, I can't wait to break some of my goodies out!!!!!

Has anyone read Emily Giffin's latest book Heart of the Matter?? I loved loved loved all of her other books, so I figure this one has to be just as good, right??
Just The Thing is a FABULOUS boutique in Columbia (they also have locations in Atlanta and High Point, NC.) and I picked up the Gold and Black in these Sunny Feet....they have a strikingly familiar resemblance to TB's sandals, don't they??? They are so cute and very flattering on my w-i-d-e feet!!

I love bathing suits and I just wished that they reciprocated the relationship!! Ha! Land's End has come out with these new scrunch skirts....I think they're really cute and hope they are just as cute on!!

(I'll also take some mile long legs like these too, please!!)

Just The Thing (I told you, I'm obsessed with this store!!) has started carrying this line of clothes by Judith March and all of her items are $100 or less....that's so hard to come by these days! Tracy at JTT has incredible taste and she has such a great variety of items and price ranges...there truly is something for everyone!!

I just picked up these two new pairs from my boyfriend, Jack......

This Platinum color is really versatile and can go with literally anything......

I love the link bracelet and necklace......and since I'm so....ahem....big boned....Tracy so kindly scoured for an 8 inch bracelet for me!! She's wonderful!!! If you're ever in any of the areas where they have a shop, definitely pop your head in!!!

www.shopjustthething.com

Everyone needs a cute beach bag!! How cute would this be with either a powder blue or hot pink monogram?!?!?!?

I can't wait to get my feet in the sand!!!!

The Bug's First Birthday Party....

2010-04-08T16:08:00.004-04:00

Okay....so I only have about a month and a half before the Bug turns ONE!!! I cannot believe how fast this year has flown!! I am going with a Zebra, Hot Pink and Lime Green theme but have been running into some road blocks....these are some images that I have found that are providing me with some inspiration...... courtesy of google

I am definitely going to do a candy bar....any suggestions from anyone who has done one of types of candies that are big hits?? I have found several websites that are awesome and you can order candy by the color! How nice is that?!?! I will let you know which website I end up using. I've also created custom stickers through Fontaine Maury that will go on the cello bags for the candy....this will be the guests surcie!!!
I'm still tossing around the idea of an animal print cake....I will definitely do one for the Bug to plow into but a Fabulous baker has offered to do some cupcakes for me as opposed to a large cake for the crowd.....what are your thoughts on this????

How to Shown at WCD
I LOVE this topiary!!!! My mom and I are going to do some for the party...I've found a DIY website on google (just type in ribbon topiary). They seem really easy to do! I've also thought about these Chinese lanterns as well hanging in the yard above all the tables.....

I have several glass dispensers (with the spout) that I thought putting pink lemonade in with limes would really go with the decor....the other dispenser will have margaritas for the adults!! I had to have another lime accessory!!

If any of you have pulled off a pink and green party and have ideas, throw them my way!!! I've thought about tossing the zebra out and throwing more "Lilly-esque" items in there....I guess I will go with whichever one I find more of!!

Raymond has no idea what he's getting into............

p.s.- i love that my google spell check highlighted "surcie" i guess mr. spell check isn't southern

Here comes Peter Cottontail.....

2010-04-08T11:50:00.011-04:00

This year was so much fun....I did not do a tremendous amount of stuff this year for Christmas since Georgia didn't really realize what was going on! BUT the Easter Bunny definitely made his stop at our house this year!!! We had a blast getting everything....she got several new bathing suits, some dresses, a musical table, a talking puppy dog, her own little pink cell phone, beach toys, books, bubbles, and candy!!! She had a big year!!! Daddy's basket is to the left, and he stocked up on golf balls, some Guy Harvey TShirts, and lots of candy! Mama got a cute little new outfit and a bracelet from Handpicked! Overall, it was a wonderful Easter!

The Bug just had to try out her new bunny ears!!

Georgia had an all white smocked dress on and her bow had a bunny on it! I also put her in her white Bobux...normally she doesn't keep her shoes on but she managed to cooperate for church!

ugh.....the humidity has set in.......

Georgia was pretty much over taking pictures at this point

Big and Mimzy came by to see us! Later that evening we went to see Uncle D and Swoozie but I forgot my camera of course!

Georgia and her Big!

Hope the Bunny was good to all of you as well! Hard to believe that Easter has come and gone! Summer and the heat have set in!!

The B-I-G 100!!!!!

2010-04-08T10:14:00.005-04:00

C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E good times, come on!!!!! Well I've made it 100 faithful observers!!!!! I am so flattered that there are 100 of you out there that continuously come back to hear my nags and rants!! I know I fade in and out of Blogland but you lovies are always there!!!! Soooo.....on honor of reaching 100, I am hosting a giveaway!!!!!! One of you will be the lucky recipient of this adorable Fontaine Maury personalized candle! It's Tangerine Vanilla scented and you can choose the color of your monogram from chocolate, navy, green or hot pink. You can also decide to just do one initial if you'd rather, or do a diamond shape monogram or an enclosed circular monogram......don't worry, I will email you with all of these details layed out again if you're the lucky winner!!!

To enter the giveaway:

Become a follower - 1 entry
Leave me a sweet comment if you are already a faithful follower - 1 entry
Blog about my giveaway on your blog - 1 entry
Post a link on your blog - 1 entry
Refer someone to my blog and tell them you sent them, you'll get another entry! - 1 entry

The giveaway will be open until next Friday, April 16th. That gives you 1 week!!! I have some other tricks up my sleeve for some good giveaways in the near future as well so this is just the first of many to come this summer!!!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!!

2010-04-07T14:10:00.003-04:00

In Columbia, we have hands down one of the best zoo's!! It's awesome!! Raymond and I were so excited to take the Bug for her first visit. We went this past Friday around lunchtime...the weather was perfect, and Georgia could not have had a better time!! She was also excited to show off her new Lilly romper.....courtesy of Ebay for $9.95, thank you very much! Out front! Ready to go explore!!

Georgia's first 3D movie!!
Mommy and Daddy enjoying the movie!

Relaxing and enjoying the ride........

Looking at the koalas!!

So much to look at!!

In the barn with all of the farm animals!

Enjoying a cocktail along the ride

Daddy and his #1 Girl!!

We also had our first taste of ice cream which was a HUGE hit!! She loved the Dippin' Dots!! She also loved the gorilla and the monkeys! They put on a fantastic show for us all! The entire day was a smashing hit!! We purchased a membership for the year so we are already preparing for our next trip back!

Postcards from the Edge.....

2010-04-07T09:17:00.005-04:00

Here's what the Bug has been up to lately........

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

On Good Friday we took the Bug for her first trip to the Zoo!!! Those are coming next!!!!

(White) Hot Tamale!

2010-04-07T08:48:00.012-04:00

Do you all remember when catalogs were the craze? I can remember waiting every week in middle and high school for my Delia's, Alloy, Victoria's Secret and we can't forget how impatiently we waited for our Seventeen magazine!!! Well somehow I have landed back on the circulation for Alloy....when I first thought back to my high school days, I remember Alloy being more "skater chick/punk rock/surfer chick" type clothing....and maybe I am not remembering correctly....but regardless, they have some CUTE CUTE CUTE stuff! And their items are so reasonable! And of course, if I am talking about it, then you know they have plus size stuff! Most all of their pants (including jeans) go up to size 25....and yes, those are junior sizes, but that should still go up to at least a size 20 depending on your shape. Look at some of these adorable items from the latest issue..... Stretch poplin trouser....I LOVE these extreme wide leg....with a cute blouse tucked in, these wold be perfect for a night out.....$37.90

I fell in love with both of these white dresses.....both from Alloy and available in up to 3X!!!
Both $44.90

I have been searching for the perfect white jeans for this summer...I had to toss my maternity ones! My bestie Liz turned me onto these from Lands End.....

And all of these lovely little treasures below hail from my latest and greatest secret stash....that's right, all of these tops are from KMart!!!! I am all about a good deal these days!!!

I love wearing white in the Summer! 1) Your tan always looks that much better with white on! and 2) with a baby around, all you have to do is bleach it!!!! I am so not looking forward to putting on a bathing suit just yet, but these cute items have me all hyped about El Verano!!!

Thank you all for all the well wishes! Yesterday was definitely worse than Monday, and the soreness has set in today. Luckily I have my wonderful Mama and awesome MIL here helping us out along the way! And of course, I have to give some major shout outs to all of our friends who are LOADING us up with food! You all are so amazing! Raymond and I could not do this without you!!!! Love to you all!!!

Summer Lovin'

2010-04-06T15:37:00.011-04:00

I am OBSESSED with tunics right now.....I have given in to the skinny jean craze and love the look with sandals and a tunic...look at some of these cute ones I've recently found.....Raymond is gonna hate me having to be laid up all day!! It's not looking good for my closet right about now!!! these are so light and airy for the summer!!! over white jeans....how cute!!!!!!

**all of these tunics shows courtesy of......KMART!!!! After a few emails, I caved and shared my secret stash!!**
i love this black and white one for a little dressier look!

and of course, I could not leave the Bug out of the tunic trend.....look at this precious dress for her!!!

**Lilly Pullitzer**

look at these precious pin cord pants!!! with a crisp white cotton tee....perfect for a summer evening!!!

just for you Brittany....these are from Lands End!!

up next...........I have found some adorable White Hot Deals!!!!!

bed rest brings me back to you..........

2010-04-06T08:48:00.002-04:00

Hello bloggies!!! It has been a long 2 1/2 month furlough, but alas, I am drawn back to the blogging world.....why now you say??? WELL, here's what's been going on in the ever insane Hamilton household.....
Well my last month I was pregnant with Georgia I experienced some horrific chest pain that caused me to throw up and have chills and fever (sorry if that was TMI). I brushed it off as the last few weeks of my pregnancy were off enough in of itself. Then the "attacks" if you will, started happening in more frequent intervals. FINALLY after much prompting from my husband, I saw the doctor in November. He thought it was several different possible things, but nevertheless we settled on horrible acid reflux and he wanted to treat me for that for a few months and then readdress the issue....literally one week later my hiney was in the ER- i.e. KIDNEY STONES!!! So my doc and I both just scratched our heads and said I'll be damned....maybe the kidney stones were just having a weird effect on my body....so we ran with that. THEN last Thursday I woke up at midnight with the worst chest pain I had experienced to date and was in excruciating pain until that Saturday....last Monday I had an ultrasound because they wanted to look at my gallbladder....and SURE ENOUGH it was stockpiled with gallstones- so, the kidney stones seemed to be a freak thing that threw us off track for that one week but the rest of the time, it was my gallbladder....who'd a thunk it?!?!? That one person would have kidney stones AND gallstones in one lifetime!?!?!? Oh it's possible my friends....so I was rushed over to the surgeon's office this past weekend and yesterday I had that sucker taken out! I already feel so much better, aside from the pain of the gas they blow you up with (it has settled all in my chest and shoulders and back and it feels like I have worked out for a week nonstop!) and my incisions itch like a mother. I have to be out of work until next week (boo) so Ill be facebook stalking...and blogging....what better activities to fill your time with?!?!? I can already tell a major difference when I eat so I am so relieved to be out of pain. It is awful and I feel for anyone out there that puts up with this any longer than I had to...I couldn't even make it a year....
For those of you that have emailed me and checking on me I really appreciate it!! I will blog later with all of the wonderful things that have been going on with us!!!!

Love,
Charlotte

Dear RSV, I hate you.......

2010-01-21T08:13:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry I have been MIA this week....and completely SLACK in posting the winner for my giveaway!!!!!
Last week the Georgia belle had been fighting what we thought was a bad cold....and we thought we were on the mend until it went to her chest. For all you mamas out there, you know the heartbreaking sound of your child not being able to breathe. So we took her in, and sure enough, it was RSV. I immediately broke down because as a mom all of the what if's entered my head....should I have brought her in sooner? Would that have made a difference? I feel like I did the best I knew how to do at that moment in that it started out as just a cold. And Raymond and I have determined NOT to be the parent that runs to the doctor every time. I just can't live my life holding my breath every time she sneezes. We have been so fortunate that she has only had one cold and she's almost 8 months, so it was bound for something like this, I guess!
So we've been doing the breathing treatments- which by the way- are PURE torture for a child. Thank you Dr. Delaney, my baby hates me now! I have had to go online and refresh my memory on every lullaby and nursery rhyme known to man and while Raymond retrains her and gives her the breathing treatment, I sing and dance and kiss her forehead and wipe away the tears. We have finally got her back sleeping through the night, so Step 1 in the right direction! Except, with much warning from the doctors, Raymond and I have come down with some of the same symptoms....ahhhhh!!!! We need a coffee break from life right now.
So- that's my sob story of the day. Wish us much healing and strength as we get Georgia back to 100%!!!

We're off to Rock Hill this weekend for Raymond's brother's wedding so we will have many pictures and I will post my winner of my giveaway this weekend!!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!
Love,
Charlotte

What is she thinking?!?!?!

2010-01-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

So as much as I can't STAND Heidi and Spencer....I have always thought Heidi was attractive- she has a great body and I love her style (most of the time) but look at her now!!!!!!!!!! She had 10 procedures done in one day including getting her breasts even LARGER than her recent augmentation, a mini brow lift, chin reduction, liposuction, her ears pinned....what is she thinking??? I just feel so bad for her that she has gone to such extreme lengths....I think that she has a void in her life that she is trying to fill....and it's probably because she has a loser for a husband.

On a brighter side, I can't wait to get my people and read all the other trash in there.....man I live for these things!

Love,
Charlotte

Woodland Debauchery

2010-01-13T12:46:00.009-05:00

Sorry I am so late to post....it has been a whirlwind. We have so many things going on that I don't know which end is up half the time! The Bug has been so sick the past few days so it has been pretty miserable around our house. On the upside, we had the absolute most amazing time for our Lodge Weekend. Despite the FRICKING FREEZING weather we had, all in all it was a successful trip. I wouldn't have changed one thing. We have been doing it for years and this by far was the best year yet. So many good memories were sealed and it just makes me that much more excited to back next year!

Here are just a few of my favorites...if I have time I will get some more up.......... My amazing husband and yours truly
The ladies

Out by the fire....my hair still smells

Jenny!!!

Those are some purdy women!

We did more than just take pictures the whole weekend, I promise.

The gang's all here!

We were missing a few of our lovies this weekend, so next year we will absolutely make sure everyone is present and accounted for!

Hope you all were warmer than we were this weekend!

Only a few more days left of my giveaway!!!!!! Tell all your pearl-loving friends!!!!!

Love,

Charlotte

2010 Annual Lodge Weekend

2010-01-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Well....they have been calling for snow all week and SURPRISE SURPRISE!!!! NOOO SNOOOOWW!!!! No shocker, really, it's cold, for sure, but not cold enough for snow to say the least. So this weekend we are headed to Chesta (that's the local drawl I'm inputting), SC for our Annual Lodge Weekend. The hub's family has a couple hundred acres of hunting land that has been in the family for years and years and years....I would verge on the term generations.....they built a lodge on it and for about 5 years we have been going with a group of friends for a weekend full of woodland debauchery....I can't wait! Baby free, four wheelers, big fire, skeet shooting, fresh country air, great friends and lots of good memories to be made....I will most DEFINITELY have some pictures for you!! (the g-rated ones at least)

Hope you all have a wonderfully warm weekend!!!

Love,
Charlotte

Award Time!!!!!

2010-01-08T08:28:00.006-05:00

Thank you so much to Dreaming in Pink and Green for giving me this award! I love her blog and she is such a faithful follower of mine! So the rules of this award are:
1) List 10 things that make you happy
2) Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day
3) If you are one of the 10 bloggers awarded, link back to my blog and continue brightening people's day!

10 things that make me happy.......
1) The look on my beautiful daughter's face when I wake her up in the morning
2) Looking at my wedding pictures and realizing my fairytale life has come true
3) Being surrounded by all my wonderful girlfriends....it's times like those that empower me as a daughter, mom, and friend and give me such strength
4) Journaling....I read back on all of my entries and I realize later, what I have learned from my journey
5) A quiet night at home with my family, a glass of wine, a fire, and watching tv
6) Station 9 on Sullivan's Island....something about the salt air.....it's cleansing for the soul.....and it's where Raymond proposed and of course it's where I took my bridal portrait...that beautiful view hangs in my bedroom and I look at it daily
7) Shopping....for all things in general
8) Doing a project from start to finish....I love that feeling when I can say I have completed a project and I oversaw every step- it's refreshing!
9) Throwing a party....dinner, or grand party, doesn't matter...I love having my hands in all aspects of planning a fiesta
10) Worshiping. Our church has an amazing Contemporary Service and it brings Raymond and I so close together- it is so important for us to attend Church as a family and for God to be the center of our marriage.

Now....to my 10 bloggettes that make me happy......
1) Kathryn at Est 3.31.07
2) Pinot After Playdates
3) Margaret at Some Like It Southern
4) Lyndsau at All Things Fluffy, Fabulous & Famous!
5) GMC at The Cobia Family
6) Beth at Just Ask Beth
7) Jessica at The Dents Deal
8) Jessica at Love from Texas
9) Kelsey at The Seattle Smiths
10) Wandering Thoughts of a Scientific Housewife

I love all of your blogs and I enjoy reading them so much! Thanks for inspiring me in some way!

Now....to my other award (it's like Christmas!) from GMC over at The Cobia Family She absolutely has the cutest blog and I love all of her monograms! She has found places to monogram that I never even thought of! Her house is too cute!

So I am passing this onto 10 Chic Blogs whom I love and adore.....

Weathering the Storms

The Drama Mama

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Love, C

Blog Survey for 2009

2010-01-06T16:24:00.004-05:00

So I saw so many people do these surveys to sum up their year...and I kept trying to work on mine...so now that the CRAZINESS of ringing in 2010, I was able to wrap up my 2009
This survey came from Love from Texas....her blog is just so adorable....

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before?

Well I will start this off and this will be my one and only baby comment...but I had a baby, and THAT was a first!

2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I'm trying! I vowed to #1 Wife and Mama for the year

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, I know a few people! It was nice to share that experience with them!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank goodness

5. What places have you visited?

Asheville, NC...St. Augustine, FL...and then of course, Sullivans Island, SC

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

The wisdom to know who my true friends are

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why?

June 1,2009 when my Georgiabelle was born! No other date really will top that

8. What was your biggest achievement this year?

Going back to work- (you thought I was going to mention the baby again)- it was harder in some ways than I thought and yet it was easier in some ways than I thought. I have an amazing job and such supportive co-workers

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

YES! I had several kidney stones!!

10. What was the best thing you bought?

hmm... it would have to be the Golf Caddy for my husband- I have never seen his face light up so much as to when he opened that gift up

11. Where did most of your money go?

I have a daughter...need I say anymore?!?!?

12. What song will always remind you of 2009?

It Won't Be Like This For Long~Darius Rucker

13. What do you wish you would have done more of?

Spent more time with my friends

14. What do you wish you would have done less of?

Worry

15. What was your favorite TV program?

KUWTK, The Office, Brothers and Sisters, Tori and Dean, Mad Men, I can keep going...Modern Family takes the cake for Newcomer of the Year

16. What was the best book you read this year?

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin

17. What was your favorite film of the year?

The Proposal...I have to say I didn't see too many NEW movies...but that one was great

18. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

25!!!! Ahh!!! And I celebrated with a big group of some of the most amazing friends....we went out and caused lots of trouble ; )

19. What political issue stirred you the most?

Health Care "Reform"

enough said

20. Who was the best new person you met?

My DJJ Girl Scouts...they have taught me so much- more than I could ever teach them- I am so grateful that they came into my life at just the right time- they are amazing!

I have a romance with Seda France

2010-01-06T14:10:00.006-05:00

So my new favorite website OneKingsLane.com has Seda France candles on sale!!! They're only $16 for the normally $32 candles. I love Seda France candles and I got turned on to them when this store in Columbia (posh) used to carry them...they've since gone out of business (sad) so I've resorted to ordering them online- I have tried several scents through trial and error but none have disappointed. I have learned that with expensive candles, you only need one or two and it will fill up your entire home.....which my husband is thankful for These are the boxed candles that are on sale over at OKL
My new favorite Raspberry Pomegranate (I also love the Crimson Amaryllis)

But when I stumbled across THESE in Non(e) Such here in town....I was IN LOVE........

elizabethW makes some of the most fantastic smelling goodies including sweet tea, magnolia, lavender, and citrus vervain...

My last favorite candle is the Tyler candle in Mediterranean Fig....OMG this is the best candle!

My favorite stationary store here also carries the Paddywax candles as well and we got the Freesia scent for an engagement gift and we saved it and took it on our honeymoon and used it to bring a little bit of the South to Jamaica.....

What's your favorite Candle/Scent?????

xoxo, C

Hello?!?!?! When did Winter get here???

2010-01-04T11:12:00.004-05:00

It's FREEEEEEEEEEZIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG here!!!!!!!! And by freezing, I mean it's a bitter 30something outside. Its feels like it looks like this outside................
Alas.....I may be exaggerating a tad.....but it really is fricking freezing outside.....I have a heater at my desk to keep my tootsies toasty.....

So to protect the Bug's precious little ears I ordered this from The Children's Place...............

I think it will look UberCute on my little one's chubby little face.................

And yes, I know it's really not that bad......and I love the cold weather I do- but it was literally almost 60 degrees on Christmas...they're calling for snow on Friday so we're all hoping for a glorified SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, a Southern Girl can hope can't she?!?!?

Love,

Charlotte

Happy New Year and Happy 7 Months Birthday Georgia!!!

2010-01-01T21:31:00.005-05:00

I just cannot believe that 7 months has flown by....in the midst of all the craziness of the past few days I was doing good to get these pictures of the Bug today on her "birthday".....it is so hard for me to believe that my baby girl is now over halfway through her first year. It's been such an amazing journey so far and she has developed the most precious little personality.....
Here are some other things that Georgia is up to these days............

As you can tell by all of her pictures, she is a DROOLING machine....hence, we are teething, but at her 6 month checkup it didn't look like her teethies were about to breakthrough so I think we have a ways to go
We are sitting up for extended periods of time- she will occasionally fall backwards but is so good at keeping herself upright

She is sleeping about 11 hours a night- which is so nice for us- it allows us to really get a good nights sleep!

We are eating 6 oz about 5 times a day and eating 3 meals a day....our favorites are squash, sweet potatoes, and pears...as you can see, she really doesn't turn much away! She is such a good eater and is such a doll with her spoon!

We are grabbing anything and EVERYTHING in sight! And immediately put it in our mouth!!!

We are wearing 9-12 month clothing in most brands but in our favorite brand Kissy Kissy we are wearing 12-18 months.....yikes!!!!!

We are a busy busy bee! She is just moving around like crazy and loves watching her Baby Einstein movies and dancing to music- she loves kicking her legs and making all kinds of crazy noises!!!!

As you can see, we are having so much fun with our Georgiabelle- she is such a joy to our life and I just cannot get enough of this chunk of lovin'

Hope you all had a safe and Happy Happy New Year's Eve and I wish you all the very very best in 2010!!!!

Love, C

Custom Dog Collars

2009-12-31T08:39:00.006-05:00

So my best friend Liz turned me onto this website www.elizab.com where you can custom create your own dog collars!!! I know so many of you talk about your own furbabies on your blogs so I know that many of you will go gaga over these $20.00 goodies!!!! You pick which style you want, then you pick what color nylon collar you want for your background.....
Then you pick something to go on top of that.....they have all kinds of different types of ribbon that go on there! These are just a few...........

I just ordered Tellie a special circee (sp??) since she's been having a hard time adjusting to Bug lately......I can't wait to put it on her!!!!

Love,

Charlotte

Merry Christmas from the Hamiltons

2009-12-30T20:06:00.011-05:00

Here are just a few pictures from Georgia's First Christmas....there was NO shortage of gifts....Santa found us at three different locations!!! Santa came!!!!!
A hand painted chair from Swoozie that's "Santa's Chair" where he sits beside the tree to unload all of his gifts!

Christmas Eve with Daddy before church

Christmas Morning!

The awful shack where we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas every year : )

I can't take credit for this...it's my mom's best friend's house where we've been going every year for as long as I can remember and we always spend the holidays with lots of family and old friends for the holidays - it's such a special thing that we do every year and I just cherish it

Her house rivals any department store

The children's table...yes, I am 25 and still eating here.....my generation will be the babies for a long time....there's only a few real babies....and they've got a while!

We tell her she needs to charge admission....

Too much Turkey and too much Santa!! This party girl was tuckered out

With Mommy before church

love,

Charlotte

Wishful Wednesday

2009-12-30T10:48:00.003-05:00

It's the Wishful Wednesday....What Santa Forgot....

I have to say rather enthusiastically that I didn't have anything MAJOR left off my list...for the first time, my family asked me what I wanted, and ACTUALLY got it! Usually they ask and then go out and get something completely different (ahem....GPS last year for my birthday that most definitely not on my list)...but alas, I did not get my trip to my tropical place of choice.....maybe I can swindle the hubs into taking me for our second anniversary this fall.........

love,

Charlotte

Did Santa miss something????

2009-12-29T13:55:00.003-05:00

Have no fear....just enter my giveaway to win a Freshwater pearl bracelet!!!!! This bracelet is sure to cure any blues you may have over not getting EVERYTHING on your list!!! After all, pearls are the Southern Girl's best friend : )

Here are the rules......you'll get 1 entry for each........
1) Become a follower
2) If you're already a follower I'll go ahead and give you an entry...it's the holidays!
3) Leave a comment telling me the one thing you DIDN'T get, but you wish you did
4) Post about my giveaway on your blog
4) Refer a friend and if they become a follower, you get an entry too! Just tell them to leave a comment letting me know you referred them!!

I'll pick the winner at random on January 16.....so hurry up!!!!

xoxo,
Charlotte

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-22T17:08:00.002-05:00

So this year being Georgia's first Christmas, we have decided to make Christmas Eve all about our family. It will be strange not being with extended family but I always said once we had children, no more traveling. Selfishly, I want Christmas morning to be all about my children and their "Santa time." This year we are going to church and then going to look at lights. We'll come back and have dinner and snuggle up and watch a Christmas movie (or ten!). I want my children to grow up with fond memories of our Christmases together. We will travel to see all of the extended families Christmas day but I like the fact knowing Christmas Eve will be all about us.

My FAVORITE movies of all time are Home Alone and National Lampoon Christmas Vacation....and Love Actually is a close runner up...I've been overdosing on Christmas music and today especially it has really pumped me up for Christmas!

Tonight I am going to finish my wrapping..this year's theme is black and white polka dots with lime green and red ribbons....I'll make sure to take lots of pictures!

Stay tuned for my next giveaway! If Santa falls short, this will definitely make up for it!!!

love,
Charlotte

Merry Christmas from the Bug

2009-12-22T17:00:00.001-05:00

The Bug would like to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Winter Reading List

2009-12-22T08:17:00.004-05:00

Just finished this.....FINALLY......

Now I've started this....... I highly reccomend both : )

love,

Charlotte

I hit the Motherload

2009-12-21T15:10:00.002-05:00

Dear Ikea,
WHERE have you been all my life?!?!?!? My mom and went this weekend and I have to say I could spend days and days in this place. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I got lots of goodies for next to nothing. I am not even a bargain shopper but Ikea makes it easy!!! And the best part? It's literally an hour and a half a way.... I think I just heard my husband cutting up my Visa : )

xoxo,
Charlotte

Fontaine Maury

2009-12-18T20:50:00.007-05:00

I am SOOOOOOO excited to announce that I will now be selling Fontaine Maury. A good friend of mine is closing the doors to her precious stationary and fine gifts store (tear) BUT a silver lining is that I have purchased the rights to retail this exceptional life of personalized goodies!!! Online, you will only be able to view a sampling of their orders available, but they also carry stationary, Christmas cards, stamps, luggage tags, placemats, paperweights, you name it! If you're in the area, I will be doing home shows and parties but will also take orders online as well. Just get in touch with me! This is the plate that I just ordered for Georgia...it's so adorable!
These little plates are a perfect way to make your little one feel special at mealtime!!

Ladies, how cute are these while you're working out?!?!?!

A perfect way to personalize your darling's bag!

Are you a socialite hostess with the mostest?? Here's a perfect way to display your talents!!

www.fontainemaury.com

happy shopping!

Charlotte

Sappy Commercials

2009-12-18T20:37:00.004-05:00

I absolutely LOVE the Overstock.com commercials...and NO, not the "O O O, the big big O" one...but the ones with Rory and Joey...I thought it was just a vignette for the website, but in fact they are a real duet....I just adore her voice and they are so cute together...so luckily for me, I can listen to their songs that make me cry anytime I want and not have to wait until the commerical come on..... their rendition of "Free Bird"+a great glass of pinot+a crackling fire= a great night

http://www.joeyandrory.com/

love,
Charlotte

rain rain go away....

2009-12-18T20:32:00.003-05:00

this is what I looked like after braving the monsoons today....freezing, blowing rain...I guess my errands were worth it....

ugh,

Charlotte

One Kings Lane

2009-12-18T16:00:00.002-05:00

So a store here in town named Tullulah used to carry this delicious line of fragrances and we have looked at carrying them for Formosa....their stuff smells so yummy and I am all about their perfume. I get so many compliments when I wear it- and it's so reasonable...they expanded their heavenly scented haven to include wonderful bedding. So, to my point- I learned about One Kings Lane from Erin at Blue Eyed Bride and it's this amazing website where they send you deals every day....right now they have Lollia stuff at the One Kings Lane price...they don't have any perfume but they do have some of the bedding.... RUN and go sign up for a membership with them and you will not be disappointed...you have my word!
www.onekingslane.com

toodles,
Charlotte

SANTA'S COMING?!?!?!?!?!

2009-12-16T16:57:00.001-05:00

I better start behaving!!!!!!!!!!!

Homage to the Bug

2009-12-15T12:52:00.006-05:00

So I thought I would indulge all of you with a few pictures of Georgia....these are from 5 months on..... We are officially sitting up now without support! I am so excited! After about 10 minutes, she will usually get tired, but she is making some serious progress!

No teeth yet, but we are well on our way! She has managed to retain her happy disposition despite the shifting of her toothies...

We are eating 3 meals a day...she LOVES sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, peas, pears, peaches, rutabagas, bananas, applesauce...you name it, she'll eat it....

At our 6 month check up we weighed 17.5 pounds and were 26.5 inches long!! Whew! She is wearing 6-9 month clothing in her jammies, 12 month in our favorite Kissy Kissy stuff, and 12 months in all of our smocked clothing....here's to precious baby rolls!!!

She is quite enamored with Tellie (our golden) and her face lights up every time Tellie comes in the room. It is so precious. She also loves all the lights and ornaments on the tree- it's her own little club disco ball. We're all ready for Santa!!!!

xoxo,

Charlotte