28 Is Purty Great!

I've always felt that 28 would be a great age for me. I have no clue why. Maybe it's because it seems like a great age to be. You are more established, know who you are, feel more comfortable in your skin. At 28, you are hopefully more mature and grounded, but still have that spark that says, yes, anything is still possible.

Anyway...in the spirit of my 28th year and in the hope that it will be my best year yet, I decided to do something outside the ordinary for me and throw my own birthday party. It wasn't lavish or over the top, just BBQ with family and friends, but it was absolutely wonderful.


We had delicious BBQ from Jeff's in the 'boro. Instead of birthday cake, which I'm not a fan of, we had doughnut cake! I even had candles on top. I think the doughnut cake was a hit with my party peoples. ;)

Even though it rained off and on all day beforehand, we weren't going to let that stop us. We moved everything from our yard to underneath the carport. We made s'mores in the firepit, and just chilled and enjoyed everyone's company. 

I was so pleased with how many people were able to come. It was great! At one point I think we had 25 people outside and inside our tiny little house! 

I made this Polaroid photo prop out of poster board to use through the evening. I wish I had taken more photos but I got so caught up in talking to everyone that I forgot! Here are just a few: 

I couldn't believe how many friends of mine brought me gifts. How generous! My friend, Autumn, brought me these adorable buttons she made. She actually is very close to launching her Etsy shop, B is for Buttons, where she will be selling these little beauties. Cute!

I can't thank everyone enough for their generosity and for coming out to celebrate what will hopefully be my best year yet!!

Shower Power!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the baby shower that my mom and sister threw for me this past weekend!! I was overjoyed by the number of people that were able to attend and overwhelmed by their love and generosity. I can't believe the haul I took home!! It was unbelievable!! My husband and I were like kids at Christmas when we could finally take a moment to survey all the wonderful things we received.

And the food was amazing!! The shower was held during brunch hours so there was a mix of breakfast and lunch items: warm chicken salad, ham and swiss croissants, breakfast casserole, fruit, poppyseed bread, chocolate chip muffins, chicken salad (with grapes!!) croissants, and apple walnut pastries. For drinks we had coffee, pink lemonade, and citrus grove punch (a mix of grapefruit, lime, and orange juices with ginger ale). DEE-LIGHTFUL!!!

The beautiful wreath that was hanging on my mom's front door for the shower.

My mom's lovely home. 

The food!

Our cake, from Julia's Bakery in Murfreesboro. People kept asking, "Where did you get that cake?"

Lovely little things!

We did it!! The watermelon baby!!

We played silly games, ate, and then my mom pulled out the Baby Blessings!! Each person in the room got a blessing with a scripture to read for the new baby. I highly recommend this if you have a baby shower you are throwing for someone, but be forewarned: you need to have lots of tissues on hand!!!! I was a blubbering mess, but really felt touched and uplifted by my sweet friends and family reading these beautiful blessings for little Luci!

I am so grateful to everyone that helped and all those who were there to make it so special for me!! 

Baby blessings!

The Sweet Bar!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

Taking Some Pictures

I have been going back and forth on whether or not I wanted to take maternity photos for some time now. I wanted to do them, but I wanted them to really capture my husband and I and stray away from cheesiness and overdone poses and such...you know what I mean. ;) Anyway....I am so glad we let Blue Dahlia Photography out of Nashville do our maternity photos!! They totally listened to what we wanted and really helped us get some great photos of our first home and our first little Luci!!

Here is just a sampling of the session....I am so happy with how they turned out.

Great News!

I am happy to announce that DipDaDip paper goods are now available at Sugaree's on the square in downtown Murfreesboro. If you haven't been to Sugaree's before, go check it out!!! They carry awesome brands at great prices as well as some vintage clothing. Currently, they have an awesome selection of summer dresses.

Sugaree's also stocks handmade goods and accessories from local Murfreesboro crafters/artisans. It's a very cool place and worth the trip. You'll definitely find something for yourself or a friend. Don't forget to pick up a little notepad from yours truly while you're there!!

Sugaree's On The Square - 122 S. Maple Street, Murfreesboro, TN

Our little display. 

You can see me in the mirror. Whoops! ;)

Another 'Boro Gem: Pa Bunk's Natural Market and Cafe

I've always thought Murfreesboro's square has so much charm. It is so nice when small businesses come to the square with fresh offerings and an enthusiasm for what they are doing. That enthusiasm is totally felt when you enter Pa Bunk's Natural Market and Cafe.

Currently the 'boro doesn't have a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods Market for vegan, organic, and gluten free product options. But now, Pa Bunk's is filling this need. And even better, its right downtown on our charming little square!!!

Pa Bunk's has all the basic groceries you would expect minus a meat department, although they do have a frozen meat section and have plans to install another cooler for fresh meats. They carry many local products including the popular Health Nut sandwiches, Just Love Coffee, and Wild Flours' grains, flours, and baked goods.  They also offer a juice and espresso bar. Personally, this makes me very happy as the square has needed a good coffee shop for a while!!!

And on top of it all the owner, Corey Williams, is a fellow MTSU alumni!

So stop by Pa Bunk's and pick up some quality groceries for dinner, have lunch in their cafe, or get an espresso to go!

Support local businesses and help keep our square charming. ;)

Pa Bunk's is located at 107 South Church Street, and is open Monday through Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 10 am-8pm, and closed on Sundays. www.pabunks.com

Just Love Coffee - A Real Gem in the Boro

If you live in the 'boro like I do, you know our coffee shop options are limited to a couple independents and one major chain. Well friends, that has changed. 

Just Love Coffee is not only a great environment to hang with friends, get some work done, or just waste the day away, but the coffee is actually pretty great. Roasted in house, they have several roasts to choose from and only do the pour over method after 10am - which results in a purer cup of coffee. For those who prefer a more fancy cup of joe - the espresso bar has all the syrups and sweet additions you would expect. 

I prefer my coffee iced and while it took me a couple of tries to find the right roast - the Peruvian is ahhhmazing iced - nutty, smooth and delicious! The baristas were super helpful with my quest, suggesting I try many options before I found the right one. 

The environment is laid back with vinyl records playing in the background....everything from Ray Charles to Patsy Cline. There are quarter arcade games from the 80's in the loft upstairs for the kiddos and kids at heart. Also, there are comfy chairs for loungers and large tables for group meetings. 

Overall, Just Love is for the coffee snob and the coffee novice - a great place for both to meet. And you can feel great every time you visit because with every purchase you make a charitable organization gets part of the proceeds. According to their website, in their first two years of business Just Love has given over $200,000 to adopting families, non-profits, and the arts. 

Just Love Coffee Roasters is located at 129 MTCS Drive and is open Monday through Saturday, 7am to 9pm. www.justlovecoffee.com