My "Work-Spouse"

Many of you know that I consider Myrick Johnson my "work-spouse". He has been such an amazing friend to me, and over time, Darick, Myself, Suzy, and Myrick have all become extremely close. We are so happy to have them in our lives! And are so thrilled to be in each other's wedding parties!

Please check our Myrick's blog post today. It made me tear up! I love my friends!!

http://cookingforsuzy.blogspot.com

I cannot wait for their wedding in upcoming July! 2011 is going to be ONE EPIC YEAR!

XOXO

Happy Veteran's Day!

This one goes out to all of the brave men and women who have stood up and fought for our country. We are forever thankful for your service.

"Make it Work"

Ohh Tim Gunn, if only I had listened to you the first time...8 seasons ago...when you exclaimed those words... "Make it work!" on the show Project Runway.

I've thought about this expression in depth lately. Of course, Tim was referring to making the disgusting hem of a dress work with the couture theme for the week, or something of that nature... however- I'm taking it to a whole new level.

Have you ever woken up just knowing that there is no possible way to get everything that needs to get done completed that day? Yep... my life. In a nutshell... and until just recently, I thought I was the only one! I'm embarrassed to admit that I have thought to myself before..."when am I going to get my break...? When will it all work out for me?" The real question I should be asking myself is "Why on earth are you waiting around for it to happen by itself?! It is up to you ERIN!"
You know those sayings out there, the ones that are suppose to make you feel better about a situation?

For example: "Everything will work out for the better."

My response to that is... will it? It will just work out on its own? I don't have to do anything…? The answer is that nothing is going to work itself out until you give it your all, until you come to grip with reality, figure out what you CAN change, and what you CAN'T change. And doing what you can to stay sane in the process.

Another example: "When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window."

God had opened MANY windows in my life; however some people wait around for that window to open up… Why not just go and unlock it yourself? Take control of YOUR life!
What I mean by this is that you cannot wait around for something to appear out of mid-air. You can have whatever you want! We live in a country where we have sooooo many chances to achieve our dreams! (Cliché, I know…). Go out there and earn it! DO NOT let a fear or insecurity from the past keep you from enjoying RIGHT NOW. Absorb all of life’s prospects. Take it for what it is, and move on! We cannot control most things around us, that includes people- what we can control is how we react and handle what is thrown at us.

The moral you may ask?
I am taking control of my destiny, AND I am living by a new rule. If I cannot have something exactly the way I want it (pretty typical)… I’m going to try my best to “make it work”. Things too often do not go as planned, but hey, what can you do? …say it with me now…. MAKE IT WORK.

I love Paired Images

I was looking through our engagement pictures today- and I couldn't be happier with the way they turned out. Jessica & Jessica of Paired Images are amazing! Here are just a couple of our favorites! :)







Book Paired Images TODAY for your wedding, family portraits, child's birthday party, or anything in between! Jessica & Jessica are the most pleasent photographers I have EVER worked with, and they have such a great eye for it. Thanks ladies! You are our photogs for LIFE!!

www.pairedimages.com
www.pairedimages.com/blog

Happy Birthday to Madeleine!!

Happy Birthday to our dear Madeleine!!

Today is your birthday Madeleine! And this blog post is for you! Thank you for insipiring all of us to be more adventourous!



She can whip up anything in the kitchen...


This DIVA KNOWS how to dress!


And she makes any craft project look like a cinch!



Did I mention she is a PRO-blogger?! Check out her AWESOME page at http://whatabigtodo.blogspot.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CRAFTIEST, MOST STYLISH, MOST FEARLESS CHEF I KNOW!


photo credits:

www.fiskateers.com
www.brokenboxdesigns.com

Happy Anniversary....to me!

I made cupcakes to celebrate my FIVE year anniversary at Bonefish Grill! I cannot believe it has been that long, and although I will be VERY happy to move on, I am still very proud of the commitement I have shown the OSI corporation, and OSI has been very good to me! So heres to sticking with it, even when the going get's tough!! Happy anniversary! TO ME!! :)

One year from TODAY!!

Ahhh!! It's October 7th! You know what that means?! Just 365 days until Darick & I tie the knot! I know it seems like a lifetime away, but I could just SQUEAL with excitment! Heheheeeh!! Planning is going very smooth so far, and I felt great about the progress...until last night... I ran into a couple that is getting married in 2 weeks, and she is a DISASTER. She is so stressed out and literally drank a bottle of wine to herself at the bar... I dont even think she used a glass now that I think about it... ;-)

Anyways, I know we "have plenty of time" to finish up all the details, but I'm freaking out about freaking out! How silly is that. I just need to relax and go with the flow I guess... we're going to be meeting with our cake lady in the next month or so and also going to the florist to see which flowers are prime this time of year :)

Have a very happy thursday!!

Save-the-date!

On Monday, Darick and I ordered our "save-the-dates"! It was very exciting, yet very scary... scary in the way that I kept going back to the 'edit' screen to proof-read them over, and over, and over again because I am THAT person who messes up the grammar and/or punctuation OR spelling for that matter on anything that is custom printed.

They should be here by next Wednesday and I am so excited to see them in person! Ahh!

We ordered them from WeddingPaperDivas.com. They have some of the MOST adorable stuff for baby showers, bridal showers, wedding parties, etc. Check them out!

Delish Apple Favors!

Are you kidding me? These are adorable! I'm obsessed! If I were to try to make these, it would be a disaster. I'm going to stick to ordering these bad boys.

Find them here @ www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Why Hello October

Is anyone else as ming-boggled as me that its OCTOBER?! The next thing you know, I'm going to turn on the radio and hear "jingle bells, jingle bells..." This year has flown by faster than any other that I can remember... well, like they say "time flys when you're having fun!"

October has defiantly made her entrance. What is up with all of this rain?! I am getting married in exactly 1 year & 3 days from now. I hope it is not this cold this time next year.... brrr... I'd need a parka to go over my dress.

Anyways, I'm so happy that it's a new month full of new opportunities! The first day of the month I had a great closing, which was a fabulous way to ring in October. The next day was Mason's 1st birthday party and we had a blast! The weather was absolutely perfect for a outdoor party, and I was so excited to get to spend some real QT with my Meagan, after which we went to Robert's for what seems to be the last bonfire in semi-warm weather. We made homemade sangria and carried it around in our Rubbermaid pitcher all night.. It was awesome! Sunday was full of football, good food, and of course grocery shopping. (my favorite!)

Here are some pics from this weekend, including Mason devouring his 1st birthday cake, the bonfire, and Darick & I being pretty typical in Target on Sunday afternoon...








This week I'm vowing to each healthy! Darick came home with gym memberships the other day...he is soo subtle! I will admit that I am ready for winter hibernation which includes all the comfort foods that I replace with sun in the warm months. My goal is to NOT gain 25 lbs. :-/

Stand tuned for my next blog- my mom and I are making homemade chocolate lollies! The first of many experiments for wedding favors.
Happy Monday to you!

Earthquake?!

Okay, so seriously... we had an earthquake in Germantown?!
I'm sooo confused, and a little upset I wasn't awoken by the rumble...must have been the wine the night before that kept me in a slumber.

What did it feel like?!! I've been in a hurricane before, but never an earthquake. I didn't even think they were possibly on the east coast. The only thing I remember from early this morning was waking up right around 5:30 to my cat who was all puffed up like a Halloween cat. I thought she was being delusional... which is normal for her.

Here are some pictures of the devestation caused by the earthquake...





Courtesy of JARED HAYES!! ;-)


Have a great day people!!

Flea Market Snag

This past holiday weekend there was a Flea Market in Germantown. Actually, the first Saturday of every month there is a huge Flea Market.... or better known as a huge Yard Sale. I choose Flea Market, it just sounds better. Anyways, my Mom is a freak over them, and loves to go. I agreed to go with her, even though it was ridiculously hot and I knew we would just be wandering around with no purpose.

Well, I decided that I wouldn't buy anything unless it spoke to me... I had jewelry on the brain...vintage jewelry to be precise. I love eclectic pieces, even though sometimes I don't have the nerve to wear them. Nonetheless, I still purchase items that I don't think I can pull off.

I spotted this necklace on a table at the Flea Market and I fell in love!



I didn't know what I'd wear with it, but I was going to wear it! I think it would look best with a crisp black collared shirt or a little black dress. Obvs my black collared shirt was at the cleaners, so I paired it with my gray one.



Can you believe I snagged this for $7.00?! I also purchased two pearl rings and a vintage resin cameo brooch. I’ll do pics of those later on…

It's defiantly outside of my zone, and I LOVE THAT. I'm experimenting with new pieces, and most importantly, I'm having FUN with my wardrobe and especially my accessories.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy July 4th!!!

I absolutely LOVE the 4th of JULY! It's one of my favorite holidays!!
I'm looking forward to a lonng weekend of beautiful weather and spending time with some fabulous people! Life is GOOD!




HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

Photo by:
DECLAN MCCULLAGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Bar Etiquette

Ok people...
I've worked in a restaurant a long time. Have I outgrown it? Absolutely!
Do I find it extremely difficult not to speak rudely to obnoxiously rude people? YES!
I think it is sooo hysterical how many completely disrespectful people I run in to on a daily basis because of my evening work environment. I never knew there were so many unhappy/mean people out there. I don't know... maybe the economy has gotten them all flustered and angry... or perhaps its the freakishly humid weather we've been having... or maybe they were just never taught manners.

Regardless, it has taught me a lesson. I know that no matter what I'm going through, obviously someone has got it worse, because I can still muster the energy and enthusiasm to respond to a stranger at a bar or dinner table even if I've had the worst day ever. OR if I can't find the strength to be a decent human being… guess what? I go home.

I have to giggle at the people I walk up to and say
"Good evening, how are you two doing tonight?"
and I get the response...
"Iced tea & Miller Lite."

Really? I know you're thirsty, but come on. I usually just laugh and say to myself... "that good huh?"

I also enjoy the older ladies sitting at the bar who completely and deliberately ignore the first two attempts I make to refill the empty wine glasses they are clutching, yet they almost scream at me to fill it up 5 minutes later when they've taken a break from gossiping.

Or how about the guy who taps on his half full beer glass when he is 2 feet from me. What does that mean? You have half a beer...? Is there something wrong with it? Do you want me to get you a new glass? Millions of possible answers, but if he had just said "May I please have the check?" because he was TOTALLY in ear-shot… It would not have taken the 5 minute discussion on why I should have understood the tapping on the half empty beer glass.

People like to make up their own sign language in bars... How about the guy who does a swirl in the air with his finger signaling that that "swirl" represents the whole group. Well to me, a finger swirling in the air means another round... but to him it meant "wrap it up... close the check..?"
Bottom line, let's keep the signals, hand gestures and interpretive dance at home while you're playing charades.

Or, the obnoxious bar regular: Okay, so this regular comes in the bar at least 3-4 times per week. He’s generally a good guy, probably in his late 60’s, who keeps to himself, UNTIL he runs into women who sit next to him or pick up conversation with him. First of all, he orders all the drinks for the women, but does not want to pay for them. He tries to show that “people know him at the bar… because he’s such a good patron”. If you order a drink for someone from me… guess what… it’s going on YOUR tab. I do this because he goes out of his way to interrupt me taking an order from another bar patron just so he looks like a big-shot in front of a girl. The first few times, I said in front of him and the girls… “These going on your tab?” He would studder and eventually agrees because he was embarrassed, but he would always complain after the girls left and try to get out of paying for their drinks. SO ANNOYING! He also brings a coupon every time he comes in, (not that that is a bad thing, I love coupons)… but he always tries to change the coupons in for something else, or get something else for free… and that’s annoying. Not to mention… every.single.time I card someone at the bar, he asks “Erin, why didn’t you card me??” It takes a good amount of stregnth for me not to say "I didn't card you because you are old enough to be my grandpa..."

I am realizing that of all the posts I've ever put up, this is the only semi-negative one. But its kind of entertain though right? At least I hope!

It’s just what goes on in restaurants all over the place, and I think people should be more conscience that the bartenders and servers are human beings too just trying to make money to pay their bills just like every other person on the planet.

Happy Wednesday! I’ll be at Bonefish tonight if anyone wants to test my patience! HAHAHA




P.S. Please comment if you read... I'm starting to think no one is reading this stuff... :-(

Supersition

I'm a superstitious person... and I've decided that when we buy our first house... I'm going to get this and nail is right over the front door, so I can see it every morning on the way out... I love it!





You can find this at
www.happycreations.com.au/products.html

...along with many other adorable items! (Would someone please teach me how to add a hyperlink?! It never works when I try)

Lulu Snap & Me

You all know that we put Minnie down this past spring, and although it’s been tough getting used to her not being around... I've found comfort in an unlikely place.

My sister decided to put her house on the market a month or so ago, and she didn't want her cats running around under the feet of potential buyers, so we agreed to watch them for a few months. To be honest, I wasn't interested in getting another animal...at least not right away, and I had a little animosity for other cats... because they aren't "my girl".

Needless to say, we've been watching Peanut Butter and Lulu Snap for my sister, and although I resented them at first, (I dare you to judge me)... I've fallen head over heels for Lulu. She is nothing like Minnie, which is a good thing, but I thought it would be hard getting used to a new cat personality.

I know that those of you out there who have lost a pet understand what it's like coming home knowing that they aren't there anymore... and for a little while, I kind of avoided being home. But for the first time in a while I'm excited to come home to see Lulu! Sometimes I even miss her. Hahaha you don't have to tell me, I'm a freak... I know. But I've found such comfort in her psychotic personality. She purrs louder than any other cat I've known. So loud, it's sometimes annoying because I can't sleep when she’s near me. Haha.

She has been such a little angel is disguise!



I get distracted by the day-to-day hussle and bussle of work... but it's nice to sit back and think about what small things in my life bring me joy. It helps the attitude department for sure! Not a sermon...just a thought! :) :)


Happy Monday Bloggers!!

June 9th Birthdays!!

Happy Birthday to my favorites today!!

My sister turns 28 today!! Happpy Birthday Kimber!! I love you!
XoXo!



&&&


Happy Birthday to my little muffin AUSTIN JACOB! The handsome son of my girl Meagan! I am in shock that he is 3 years old today! Can't wait to see you at your birthday party this weekend little man!

Saving $$$

I'm learning how to save money! I plan on finding cute tidbit articles in the future and blogging about how to be savvier when shopping!

I'm learning how to save and acknowledge ever penny I spend. It adds up so fast!
I'm learning some fun tools and techniques to avoid overspending or making unnecessary purchases. From going to the grocery store, to learning DIY projects at home.

Prime example:
I really enjoy Target. It is like therapy, but if I am not prepared when I go in there, not only will I spend 1-2 hours of my time, but I will also spend $100-$200 dollars of my hard earned cash! RIDICULOUS! UNNECESSARY!

This past weekend, I needed to make a run for the essentials. Toothpaste, paper towel, shampoo/conditioner... the works...

My first lesson:

PREPARE!

Every time you think of something that you need, such as a household item- write it down. By writing things down as you need them, you won't make up items in your head that you need at the last minute. Because let's face it. It's fun to spend money, even if it is on cleaning products. Keep a notepad in your purse or on your fridge. ("Erin Baggerly TO-DO" lists available upon request) :)


I said to myself "self, how can we save time and money?" I saw an article on planning your route in the store and items to be purchased. I always make a list. But sometimes I can't help but have a wondering eye, and purchase things I just don't need.

My second lesson:

STICK TO YOUR LIST!


Don't stray from your list. Stores are set-up to attract the eye and bait you into making purchases that you didn't plan for. Every store is a business. Keep that in mind. If you see something that you want, do some research on it. There are many stores that offer a price match guarantee.

My third lesson:

COUUUUPONS!

I took my regular list, and did some research online. I went through all of Target's specials online and printed out at least $17 worth of coupons!!!

We arrived at Target. I knew where everything was that we were getting, how much it cost and what items were on sale.
I'm not kidding; we were done in 13 minutes. We were done so fast, and had accomplished everything on our list!
It took me a total of 9 minutes online to look up the coupons I wanted and print them out. That's a total of 22 minutes for preparations and shopping. The best part? I shaved 21% off the bottom line!! Just by using the coupons I printed out and knowing what was already on sale!
It felt even better than spending a ton of cash. Everything we need for under $60 and NOTHING that we didn't need. That is the lesson I'm learning now.
What DON'T you absolutely need? TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR CART!! It is defiantly a challenge, but you will see the dollars stay in the bank and it is so rewarding :)

I will be sharing more savvy money saving tips as I come across them!

Happy shopping! && SAVING!

Happy Memorial Day!!

I ran across this picture of my Minnie from last year, and thought it was pretty appropriate. :)



A sincere thank you to all of the active members of the United States military, and to all of the Veterans who have put their lives on the line to protect our sweet land. May God bless you and your families! I am so proud to be American!! Happy Memorial Day!!

Hi Hi Hi!

Hi all!
I have been a SUPER-slacker on the blog front... but there is a good excuse for it...
I am SUPER BUSY at work!! It is veryyyyy exciting and a little overwhelming, but I am doing my best, and I'm working on time management. It's tough having to leave the office to go to Bonefish. I just want to focus on my career, but with us trying to buy our first house, and now planning a wedddddding (YAY!), its only smart to keep the second job. I hate that, but I've always been so rational...damnit.


So....

We are going to look at wedding dresses on the 21sttt!! This will be my veryyy first time looking at dresses in person and I am super excited, and to be honest... a little terrified. I tend to be a little picky, and I'm nervous that I'm going to be critical of everything. I'm just trying to remind myself that THIS IS FUN!


My mom and I had a BLAST this weekend putting together some faux centerpieces to get fun ideas of what we want for colors and themes...
I know, some of you are like "You're not getting married for a 1 1/2 years, what are you doing with that stuff now?"
Well... its fun, first of all, and second... I could have done my wedding this October, but I want to enjoy this whole planning process, and that is why we decided to plan further out. PLUS we want to be in our first house before then :). I know that no matter what, I'm going to get stressed out over some things... but we are taking out time making decisions right now, and we don't want to feel rushed. Again, I have to remind myself...THIS IS FUN!!!

I'm super busy every.single.day... and I am so thankful for that!

Life is good.

:)

For Le Madeleine :)

Darick and I visited another venue option this weekend. It was GORG. The coordinator was soo helpful and he even gave me some bride magazines! LOVE!
I was flipping through the pages of one mag, and came across this picture and instantly thought of Madeleine!




If you haven't already been to her page...GO NOW- www.whatabigtodo.blogspot.com
She actually can make these Parisian macaroons herself and I am soo impressed by her efforts and success in creating the perfect macaroon! She has posting from her first failing attempt to her absolutely perfecting all steps to be successful in constructing these delectable little creations!
One of these days, I'll try to make them myself, but I'll wait until Mads has some free time to show me. Thought of you Mads! Happy Monday!!

Myrick, Suzy & Wii!

Our dear friends Myrick & Suzy invited us over for dinner to celebrate our engagement! They made the MOST delicious dinner! Penne rustica with a tomato, basil, and mozarella salad, and WINE of course! It was such a treat. As Myrick was making dinner, we all played Wii and as you can see in the following video, I get into it...LOL...I wasn't aware that I was being videotaped at the time! But it was soo funny to watch after wards!!




It was SUCH a good time! Thank you so much! We LOVE you!

A tree for Stephanie!

I love nature!
....the beauty of nature that is! I'm not the MOST outdoorsie kind of girl, although sometimes I like to pretend to be.
Regardless, I love the change in seasons, the different flowers that are blooming and I LLOOVVEE mature trees that almost tell a story of the years that it took for them to tower over us.

I ran across this picture, and I think its magnificent! It reminds me of Stephanie Walker...LOL... she appreciates the majesticness of trees and I thought of her when I stumbled upon this photo. So this one is for your Steph!! XOXO :)



stumbleupon.com/photoopcentral.netsipv

Only The Beginning!

This past weekend, my fantastic friends put together an engagement party for Darick & I. It was so precious. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped in the coordination and who drove from near and far to show your love and support! It means so much to us, you have NO idea!

We had such a blast and although we didn't get to talk to each and every person individually for as much time as I would have liked... I am so happy that you all came to celebrate with us!

We met at Joe’s Crab Shack almost 6 years ago, on the very same patio where we had our engagement celebration on! How cool is that? It was so wonderful to see how many people took time out of their busy weekend to come and hang out for a little, and the weather was PERFECT. I may have even gotten a few more freckles. :)Teehee


We met right here!!


Darick and are were sooo thrilled to see all of our amazing friends all together in one place and ALL getting along wonderfully!! It made us look forward to our wedding THAT much more. He wouldn’t stop talking about how excited he is! I thought that was just priceless!
For all of you who couldn’t make it, we missed you! And we hope to see you very soon! Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU all for celebrating with us!! We had a BLAST!

Oh Dear!

HOLY MOLY!
I'm getting married! What the hell?!
This past weekend, Darick and I went to the first of many venues we will be visiting in the next 10,000 weeks. LOL
I need some SERIOUS opinions, because I usaully have NO PROBLEM making decisions, but this one has been harder than I expected...

OKay, so here's the deal...
I've always imagined and planned to have my wedding in surburban maryland in the fall at a rustic manison or historic manor. But guess what? Those rustic mansions and historic manors are SMALL. I have a guest list that is nearing 220+. I know, I know, I could cut down the guest list, but that wouldn't be any fun! We visited the Ceresville Mansion this past Saturday in Frederick, and it was beautiful, but their capacity is 200...and 200 people in their ballroom(and most mansion ballrooms) is pushing it!

The bottom line is that I'm waivering on changing my vision in order to be closer to an airport for the MANY traveling from out of state guests, and ALSO close to a NICE hotel for them, so they wouldn't have to worry about driving far that night.I don't want to sound like a snob, but the closest hotel was the comfort inn, and I cannot imagine putting that on my wedding invitation as the accomidations...

We have been looking into hotels that will have the service standard, but also can create a little wonderland in their ballrooms, and not some bare, impersonal space. I want guests to walk into our reception and forget that they are at a hotel, or where ever it may be. I know that my standards are high, and I know that I'm going to have to give up some things, but the most important thing for me is having a fabulous party with my family and friends...to have a once-in-a-lifetime memory of our wedding day. Isn't that every bride's dream?

I guess what I'm asking is....
Should I give up the suburban country feel for convenience? I'm sure I can turn a ballroom into a little purple wonderland...I'm just not sure if I want to. BUT I also want all my bridesmaids to stay with me the night before in a fabulous suit. Wouldn't it be convenient if my freakin wedding was in the same hotel? And wouldn't it be easier for everyone to get ready in the suite, instead of meeting there?
I also don't want my family to have to all rent cars to drive somewhere far from BWI or Regan. Since we are keeping our options open to hotels now... we're looking in D.C. and Arlington. Which is uber close to airports....and did I mention GORGEOUS HOTELS!

I'm just pondering all of the options. Let me know what you think! This will be the first of many times I consult my fellow bloggers!! THANK you!! xoxo


Modern & Chic......




OR

Rustic & Romantic....

A little Inspiration...

I've been in the process of creating a "inspiration" notebook with different clip outs from magazines and color swatches... These are some colors I am playing around with...
I LLOOVVEE the dark purples....I see them, and I die. GORG.







I am really sorry that I don't have the exact wedsites that I got each pic from, but here are a couple...
(Laura Novak Photography, Estillo Weddings, Cover Girl.)(cosmobride.com)(makemyday.net)

We're Engaged!!

I am THRILLED to announce to the world that Darick & I got ENGAGED this past weekend!!! Even as I write this, it sounds so weird...LOL... I'm engaged...engaged to be MARRIED! So bizarre, yet, so euphoric.

Darick and I met about 5 1/2 years ago. He was bartending at Joe's Crab Shack, and I was a cocktail waitress. I remember the first encounter I had with him, and thinking he was so bizarre.. LOL in a good way. I had never met anyone like him. He was witty, and out spoken, and funny! I remember thinking he was really old. Haha he was 25 when we met, and I was just 19... WEIRD!! We worked together for a while, and I started to think he was cute. We hung out many times in group settings as friends and then he asked me on a date. If you call washing our cars together a date. HAHA so cute! I thought it was sooooo cool that I was hanging out with this "older" guy. I thought we were just having a good time together. I didn't think I would fall in love. BUT life has ALWAYS had its way of surprising me, and about a month into our courtship, he asked me to be his girlfriend :)
We have the BEST time together. We would take long walks, go on mini holidays to DC, eat at fabulous restaurants, climb mountains, go to the beach, baseball games, the zoo, the aquarium...anything that was either delish or adventerous! We LOVE to eat good food and do things we haven't done before. It has always been so much fun begin Darick's girlfriend. He's so entertaining. I could just listen to him all day and laugh, but he's a mover and a shaker. Never satisfied to sit still, he would always have us on the move doing new things. It has been such a blast!

Well... VERY LOONNNGGG STORY short, here we are, 5 years and 4 months later and the setting is Bonefish Grill...

I worked Friday night and was SO looking forward to getting out of there for the weekend. It didn't click with me then, but Darick had asked me what I time I was going to get off work, and to call if I was going to be any later than normal...little did I know he was being a sneaky devil.

Most of you think that Darick proposed to me in NY, but actually he proposed to me Friday night.... or should I say EARLY saturday morning.

I left work with my friends Myrick and Suzy...we were walking out to our cars and I opened up my door to LOTS AND LOTS of roses all over the inside of my car. I was like "WHATS GOING ON????" Neither Myrick or Suzy had an answer for me, they just thought it was so sweet, which of course, it was! Darick had been in Florida for the previous few days "visiting family". <--- I will address this later.
I thought he just missed me and he was being a sweetheart and treating me to some beautiful flowers. I got in the car and started to read the first note on my drivers seat. It described how we met and how much fun we've had together through all the years of our relationship. I started to read the next card about some of the struggles that we have had as a couple, and how we worked through them and how they have made us so much stronger as a team. They were so heart-felt and sweet.
I tried to call him, and he didn't answer. To be honest, I thought he had fallen asleep (not unsual)...
I pulled into my parking spot, and gathered my things...and the many roses that were in my car... I took a few steps towards the house when I noticed a rose on the ground...and then another one right after that... and another after that one. I looked down the sidewalk to see that there were roses lining my path all the way to the front step of our house. (Mind you, we live in a town house, and my spot in up the hill a little bit.) I picked up each rose until I got to another punch of roses on the front step with another note. By this time, I AM TREMBLING. SO NERVOUS. I read the note, and my eyes start to tear up because inevitably, I think I know what's going on at this point. I opened the front door and low and behold...MORE ROSES. I make my way to our room which is pitch dark except for a dozen or so candles. There are MORE flowers all of the bed, and floor, and there stands Darick...all dressed up at 1:00am with one more rose in his hand. I was like "What are you doing crazzzy boy?? How much money did you spend on roses??" LOL. He explained that if I took all the roses in the room and added them up, they would equal 64, representing the 64 months that we have been boyfriend and girlfriend. It was important to remember that each month of our relationship we have learned something new about eachother and it makes it easier to know where you are going and where you want to be, if you already know where you have been. He grabbed me and held me very close, just saying how much he missed me and how much I meant to him. To be honest, I don't really remember what he said exactly but it was along the lines of "I know that I've always told you that we would spend the rest of our lives together, but I could say that all day long, and now I want to show you..." He pulled a ring out of his pocket and placed it before me as he got down on one knee... and he asked me to be his wife for forever. :) :)
AhhhH!! First thing that came out of my mouth??........ "SHUUUTT UP!!" (I'm classy, I know...) immediatly following that I said "Duh! OF COURSE!" and we hugged and kisses for like 10 mins straight. IT WAS SO PRECIOUS! He then pulled at his collar exclaiming "Where the heck is your wine key?! I've been trying to open up this bottle of wine for hours!" We shared a bottle of wine and talked about our love and relationship and when we both knew that were were the one for each other. I am over the freakin' moon! <3

Remember how I said he was "visiting family" in Florida? Well, turns out when he went down to "visit family", he didn't just visit his family, he drove about 150 miles from where his family was to pay a visit to my Father....who has been at his Florida house since he retired last year. He went to ask my Father for his blessing and permission. OMG are you kidding? SOOOO traditional. LOVE IT. He is really one of the most respectful people I have ever come in contact with. I love that about him.

We talked about how he initially wanted to propose in NYC in the middle of Times Square and that he thought about it for a long time, but he wanted it to be just between the two of us. We are such personal people, and I can so appreciate that he wanted it to be an intimate, memorable moment that just the two of us shared together, at our home, instead of making a big ol' scene. It was just PERFECT. He is such a romantic!

I am soooo thrilled to be marrying Darick. He is the sweetest, most thoughtful and hysterical guy a girl could ask for, and I am so lucky! I am going to marry my best friend. We are so excited to plan our big day!







For anyone who hasn't already seen it, please make your way to the FABULOUS blog of Madeleine for her amazing take on different themes for the wedding! I freakin LOVE HER for putting this together, so creative and so thoughtful!!! XOXO Mads!!
Since I don't know how to put in a fancy hyperlink.....
copy & paste this--------> www.whatabigtodo.blogspot.com


Believe it or not, I will be posting much more now that I have the most exciting topic of all!! YAY!

I only had the one picture of my ring from my camera phone,I have not been able to locate my memory card adapter to upload the new ones... so sorry for not having any new pics, but I will make it up to you when I find the adapter!! Thanks for reading and all of the well wishes! We are SO happy! XOXOXO