::Weekend Bloggy Reading::

Happy almost weekend! Any big plans for Father's Day?

I have some great links to share with you today, but I hope you'll oblige me and let me know whether or not you'd like to me to continue with these Weekend Bloggy Reading posts. I have fun putting them together because I sometimes get to share blogs that might be new to many readers, and it also gives you an idea of what I love. I don't get many comments on these posts, but those of you who do stop by to "chat" with me seem to enjoy checking these links out. I'd love your input!

~Beth put together a Beach Snack Picnic Buffet and proved that you don't have to spend a ton of money to impress your kids.

~TV trays + Makeover = Fabulous

~Must. make. Cheryl's. Lemonade Pie.

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~Sarah shared some specific ways that you can receive some Comment Love for your blog. If you're a new blogger, this is a must-read!

~Paula showed her readers how to make a Ribbon Headband.

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~Ashley showed us her Homemaking Card System. Genius!

~Stumbled across this cute project as I was returning comments this week. Check out this sweet Photo Tile Project.

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Not much going on here this weekend. Have to come up with something delicious for Father's Day, probably some time at the pool, and need to work on a long-procrastinated crafty project. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

What We Wore: Charming Charlie Score!

I told you all about The Big Fat Texas Wedding on Monday, but Kathlyn was observant enough to notice that I didn't post a photo of myself. There are many reasons, one of them being that I just don't like having my picture taken lately. But I figure that one photo, carefully cropped (and unfortunately NOT Photoshopped because I don't have Photoshop) couldn't hurt.

Before I share that with you, I thought I'd tell you about what I ended up wearing for the wedding. I found everything except the jewelry and bag in my own closet!

I don't think you can ever go wrong with a little black dress, especially for a more formal wedding...and so I settled on the dress I wore in my brother-in-law's wedding in 2008. I was pleasantly surprised that I still fit in it without having to purchase any "scary knickers," as Bridget Jones would say. I also had a sheer black wrap from a cruise a few years ago, and some cute yet delicate looking Sam and Libby peep- toe slingback heels.

On to accessories, my favorite part....

My mom and I spent a very long two hours in our local Charming Charlie shop. I love shopping, and I love CC, but shopping with my mom can be somewhat of an ordeal. She can take ages to hem and haw over choosing an item and then ends up not buying it.

If you're not familiar with Charming Charlie (I am not in any way affiliated with them or being compensated for this review, I just like the store!), it's a really cool shop that carries fashion accessories that are all organized by color!

I am a fairly quick and decisive shopper. I knew within a few minutes that some lovely canary yellow pieces would be coming home with me.

With head to toe black and dark hair, I knew that some pops of yellow would be really pretty.

My mom, on the other hand, wandered around the store like a lost street urchin for the better part of an hour. After some advice, pleading, and bullying, I convinced her that she needed to step outside of her comfort zone and try something new and trendy. I wasn't expecting her to go to Texas looking like one of those older moms who tries (and fails) to pass for a twenty-something. I just wanted to expand her horizons a little bit.

I badgered her until she gave in and purchased an appropriately sparkly necklace, earrings, and bracelet to wear to the bridal luncheon I wrote about. Here she is, second from the left:

You can't see the bracelet because I cropped the picture (bleh), but also because she refused to wear it. I guess a leopard can't change her spots, huh?

At any rate, CC is a fabulously fun store to wander through if you have some free time. I tried once with the girls, and it was like taking a couple of raccoons in there. Raccoons who are drawn to irresistibly adorable and afforable jewelry. Big mistake. I visit CC by myself now!

As I said before, everything is laid out by color, and the pieces won't make your wallet cry!

(That's $12.97 for a necklace and earrings!)

A word to the wise, this stuff is priced low because it is just stuff. Certainly not a store to shop for heirloom jewelry, or even really jewelry you'd wear beyond a season or two. But if you're in a pinch for something fun, colorful, and affordable...and you can't wait for something to ship to you, Charming Charlie might just do the trick!

With The Frizz a very real threat, I opted for a low side ponytail, and tied it back with an elastic that had a black rose flower thingie on it. Not bad....and my new yellow clutch looked fab with all the "diamonds" on our table during the wedding reception:

It turned out that SuSu (my sister-in-law) also hit the CC. Don't you love her headband? Simple, but chic!

{Do you have a favorite spot to shop for accessories?}

The "Cement Pond"

Summer hasn't really arrived in The 'Burg until the "ce-ment pond" (as The Beverly Hillbillies would say) is open.

The girls wasted no time turning the calm, pristine waters of the baby pool

into a swirling whirlpool of chaotic joy.

The shrieks of happiness and splashing distracted from Michaela Byrd's bathing suit malfunction.

Even Barbie relaxed and enjoyed herself.

I'd rather be cooling myself off in the big pool or reading a magazine in a lounge chair, but it is pretty amusing to watch those two frolic.

{What do you look forward to in the summer months?}

*Special thanks to today's sponsor, RJ Charms.

Girlie Gardening

I'll be honest and say that I don't spend hours each week in my flower beds. I sneak in most of my garden work sometime during the two afternoon hours that Michaela Byrd naps and Natalie has "Quiet Time" in her room. (Although I don't know if singing boisterously and playing Barbie and Ken wedding counts as Quiet Time)

When blessed naptime does eventually roll around, I am usually too worn out from a morning of breaking up fist fights over Polly Pockets, cleaning up Littlest Pet Shop animals, and trying to match tiny toddler socks from the laundry to worry about looking completely adorable when I go out to work with my flowers.

Except for one thing:

I received a super cute pair of pink gardening gloves and a pink garden spade as a gift a couple of months ago, and I totally think they help with my garden's mojo. I can tell my wave petunias have more plentiful blossoms because I planted them while wearing my girlie gloves.

Really.

I don't know that they go particularly well with my worn I {Heart} New York shirt, ratty blue shorts, and red Croc knock-off garden clogs. But anyone who drives by must say, "My, that girl has such nice pink gardening gloves."

I did a little shopping online and saw this adorable pink garden tool set from Target.

How much fun are these wellies from the Liberty of London line?

{Do you have any garden-wear that you love to sport when you work outside?}


*In other news, the winner of the Scentsy Giveaway is Robin from I'm a Control Freak. Robin, shoot me an email so I can put you in touch with the Scentsy people!*

The Big Fat Texas Wedding

I promised you all that I'd share pictures and details from my cousin's Big Fat Texas Wedding, even if I had to deal with The Frizz. I hope you like long posts with lots of pictures.

It turns out that The Frizz wasn't too bad because SuSu (my sister-in-law) had a magical hair potion that worked some wonders so I didn't show up at the glamorous Houston wedding looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket. It was unfortunate that I left my favorite hot rollers at my aunt's house, but again...that's what you get for Messin' with Texas.

Our wedding weekend trip was very much like something out of the TV show Dallas, except I bet J.R. Ewing never had to sit in the Cincinatti airport for a 3 hour delay with no internet.

Everything was very she-she frou- frou glamorous, and it was like Lauren tailored her entire wedding for my sensibilities, but that would be silly.

Our time in Houston kicked off with a fabulously girlie Friday bridal luncheon at Ousie's Table in Houston.

Beauty is in the details!

The rehearsal dinner was a muy delicioso Mexican fiesta at a local hotspot, hosted by my aunt and uncle. It was laid-back, relaxed, and casual. Margaritas aplenty!

The groomsmen and bridesmaids all wore boots, which I just loved. They know how to have some good, old-fashioned Texas fun.

The wedding ceremony was at the Methodist church on ritzy Memorial Drive. Ooh la la. Just. lovely.

Isn't Lauren's dress to die for? (I think this photo shows it off)

I thought it was funny that she mentioned she thought I'd like it. I am attracted to glittery pretty things like a raccoon. 

The reception was at a country club that made the Burg's club look like the stockroom at K-Mart.

The was a candy bar, a photo booth, an ice sculpture, and a really neat portrait display that included my grandmother/aunt's wedding gown.

The cake will go down as the stuff of legends. It was made by a woman who's been on one of those cake TV shows that I don't watch because they make me hungry.

It was tasty.

There was lots of dancing and lots of drinking (it is Texas, after all), but I didn't participate in either because:

1. I couldn't drink because I had a flight home the next morning and I didn't feel that a hangover would be particularly pleasant to deal with and

B. I don't like to dance at weddings unless I have had a drink or two because I am much more fun that way.

After the happy couple hurried away in their limo, I headed back to my aunt's house to pack. I clearly didn't do a great job because I kept wondering why my bag was lighter (no hot rollers, genius!). 

The flight home was as enjoyable as one can experience when crammed onto a Delta aircraft like a bunch of cattle. T was waiting for me in Reagan's baggage claim with two very happy little girls who had tales of ice cream treats, "moving stairs" (escalators), and what was clearly the ride of their lives on an airport shuttle bus.

It's been good to be home. Except for the fights over the Barbies and the temper tantrum in Wal-Mart last week. But otherwise very good.

I even got new hotrollers. I bet even J.R. Ewing never had hotrollers as nice as my new ones....

::Weekend Bloggy Reading::

Happy Friday, lovelies!

Have you entered the fabulous Scentsy Giveaway yet? Stop by before Sunday evening to win a beautiful warmer and scent.

Without further adieu, here's what caught my eye this week.

~Lindsay discovered chalkboard fabric (it does exist!) and she made some fab baby tags.

~Absolutely precious distressed Painted Apple Baskets.

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~Kate had an unexpected surprise during her Bistro Set Makeover.

~My sister broke my heart.

~Kim shared how she got started on Cooking some Freezer Meals.

~Pottery Barn Knock-Off alert! Check out Cre8tive designs' Patriotic Outdoor Pillow. Love!

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~Melissa shared about The Simple Pleasures of Summer. And guess what? That doesn't include Disney World. That made me feel so much better about not being able to afford a trip to "The Happiest Place on Earth."

~Ashley shared some Photo Taking Tips for those of us who suffer from "Big Fancy Camera Envy."

Busy weekend here! My sister flies in from Texas tonight for a visit. Our plans for the weekend include some pool time, story time at Borders, and a baby shower on Sunday afternoon. Excitement!

{What are your plans for the weekend?}

Special thanks to today's Sponsor, Mississippi Mud.

A Real Plum of a Giveaway from Scentsy!

I have kind of an embarrassing confession to make.

I have no sense of smell.

Ever.

I can't smell dirty diapers, smelly socks, or garbage. I bet you're thinking, "that's fantastic!"

But I also can't smell Christmas cookies, coffee, or the ocean. Yeah, kind of a bummer, right?

My family teased me for years, thinking I was making a story up for attention. They didn't believe me until T finally convinced them that my nasal disability is the real deal.

So imagine my surprise when Scentsy contacted me to do a product review. Not only was the company okay with my lack of olfaction, but they offered to allow me to share my good fortune with one of my readers!

I was given my choice of a Scentsy warmer and two scents to try out in our home. I went with the "Groovy" White Plug-in and asked the company to recommend two delicious summer scents for me to sample. With over 80 fragrances to choose from, I couldn't make my mind up! The company representative sent me two Scentsy Bars: Plum Delicious and Green Tea Smoothie.

In order to keep my review honest (you can't really expect me to fabricate a review on smells after my disclosure here, can you?), I allowed T and my mom to do the sniff test. I reviewed the product itself and ease of use.

I was very pleased to see that the plug-in came with a lightbulb, so I didn't need to make an extra trip to Wal-Mart with a whiny preschooler and toddler after naptime. The unit was a breeze to put together and fit right into the socket on the kitchen backsplash without being all "Hey! I'm new here! Look at me!"

The scent brick took a bit of work to get apart without tearing, but one block fit perfectly in the top of the warmer. I flipped the little switch on and the area under my kitchen cabinets was instantly bathed in a soft glow.

I love the style of this warmer. Pretty curves and a little quirkiness. Very fun. I'm not kidding when I say that this little plug-in really transformed a rather blah spot in my kitchen!

My mom said she noticed the soft, fruity scent of the Green Tea Smoothie fragrance when she entered our kitchen. T was pleased with what he expressed was a nice, fresh scent. Natalie and Michaela Byrd just liked the "bootiful new nightlight."

To celebrate the summer season that will soon be upon us, Scentsy is offering one of my readers a chance to win the "Groovy" White Plug-in and the Plum Delicious bar.

Here's how you can win!
1. Visit this Scentsy catalog page and leave me a comment here telling me which Plug-in is your favorite. (No cheating and saying "Groovy White" just because I did...haha)
2. Link up (with a valid link!) to my Dishing It! party and get an automatic second entry. The party closes Thursday at 10 pm ET.

This Giveaway will remain open until 5 pm ET on Sunday, June 13th.
Good luck!

{Here's to fantastic summer scents for you and pretty soft lights for me!}

*Disclosure: I received a warmer and two scents for my review. All opinions expressed are my own and that of my family. I was not compensated financially for this review.*