Tina Bark Designs: Custom Necklace

I have been a fan of Tina Bark Designs for the past two years. Her styles are unique, creative and can be seen in boutiques around the world including London, DC, and Phoenix. Over the past two years, Miss Tina and I have become friends and at the wedding she surprised me with a custom piece.

She said I was her inspiration for this piece. I was honored that she thought of me while designing it. On her Etsy website she wrote " I designed this necklace for a beautiful woman who is both strong and delicate. The circle reflects the idea that life is eternal, while the butterfly sits perched for a brief second- reminding us that we must grab every moment and live it to its fullest. "

SUCH KIND KIND WORDS! Thanks TINA! I love my necklace!

As Valentine's Day approaches, I encourage you all to check out Miss Tina's designs. You'll love it. I have many of her pieces and get compliments all the time.

Check out her Etsy page here or FB page here.

Her rings are GORGEOUS!!

NASCAR Weekend

Ryan, Nicole, Tom

My Saturday, was spent with my favorite people at Phoenix International Raceway. Ryan and Tom were scheduled for a NASCAR experience and it was quite an adventure. I think I was more nervous than anyone and that's probably because I think going 50 mph is fast enough. The whole experience was fun and went by quickly (literally). 5 laps around the tracked lasted all of 5 mins. It was a great time and always fun to see the family. Enjoy the pictures below.

Charlotte & Bridge - Wearing Carolina hats!

"Lil" Tarheel!

Shirley & Bill

Allison & Charlotte

Charlotte & Shirley

SEESTERS!

Tyrone Wells-2009

I don't want to get into too much detail but 2009 was the worst and best year of my life. 2009 was the year I met my now loving husband. 2009 was also the year my mom was diagnosed with cancer. To keep a very long story short, my mother is now healthy and doing well. Thanks to everyone for their prayers.

2009 was also the year I learned about Tyrone Wells.

He sang at my church as a special guest one morning and I was completely blown away. His songs moved me and reached my heart in a special way. Something I was really needing at that time.

That same evening he gave a concert, which myself, Ryan and some family attended.

Tyrone played a variety of songs with stories attached to each one. It was a comical evening and I enjoyed every bit of it.

I left that concert with two songs. Two songs that are still with me today.

SEA BREEZE- Reminds me of Ryan.

This song is very sweet and pure. Tyrone was also our first concert together.

ALL BROKEN HEARTS-Reminds me of my mother.

It reminds me to have faith in God! Even though life can be tough there is a reason behind everything. HALLELUJAH!

My favorite line of the song "We feel it in a mother's arms". Gives me chills every time.

Click HERE if the link doesn't work!

Dr. Marky Mark

In this lifetime, I've had many role-models and inspirations that have led me to my current path. My cousin, Mark is one of my best friends and we've always been close. Since, he is older he's always been someone I look up to or go to for guidance. I can still remember his going away party when he was leaving for medical school. It seemed like it was just yesterday. I also can remember his graduation from medical school and that seemed like it was just yesterday. Gosh time flies.

Now..... He's in Haiti.

As I like to call him--Dr. Marky Mark is currently in Haiti treating the ill and needy with his wisdom. What an amazing GIFT! Every day he has been posting on Facebook about his daily experiences and his postings are heart-wrenching. It makes you appreciate the life we have here and all the blessings we have been given.

Dr. Marky Mark is one of my role models and I love him dearly. He is such an inspiration! He's saving lives and that alone is amazing. I pray for safety while he is there and a safe trip back.

LOVE YOU MARKY MARK!

Curly Inspiration

As long as I can remember, I've been a Mariah Carey fan. She has an amazing voice and I'm constantly listening to her ballads. For years, I looked to MC as a curly hair model and would mimic her hair styles. I loved the fact that she had curly hair just like me. Even though she mostly wears her hair straight these days I do see her wear her hair curly here and there.

I wish my hair would hurry up and grow! Curly CURLY hair takes forever to grow.

I will be happy once in long again.

Bride & Groom Outfits

I found this on Etsy a few weeks ago and fell in love with this dress & shirt. I wish I had found in when I was planning my wedding. Super cute & fun! Also, black & yellow. This gal has some great items that are worthy of checking out. Check out her Etsy page, click here.

Cupcake Experiment: 90 days

Can you believe this cupcake is still in good shape after 90 days!??! I honestly forget about it until I want to blog an update. Still no sign of mold. 100 days update will be here before you know it.

My favorite accessory

The Flower Hat

*Taken on Christmas Day*

BLACK HAT!

*Taken Friday night at dinner*

Fact: I LOVE HATS!

You rarely see people wearing hats these days besides baseball caps. I've been wearing hats for years and I always get the nicest compliments from people. Yesterday, I was window shopping and ran into a "hat sale". How can a girl resist??!! I got a new red & creme hat. See below. I think I'm going to wearing the red hat today since I'm headed to Sedona this morning. Red hat=Red rocks (perfect)!

Also, the best part about wearing hats....You really don't need to style your hair which is my favorite part!

R. I. P. Etta James

Etta James is one of my favorite singers and her voice was rich with soul. She will be missed and always remembered for her talented voice. Her song " At Last" was our first dance!

Another Favorite ...... SUNDAY KIND OF LOVE

Kimber's SAVE THE DATE

This week I recieved Kimber & Josh's SAVE THE DATE! I was so excited to open it because I knew it would be something unique! Which it was! As you see below, its a "scratch off" SAVE THE DATE! How cool is that?

I felt I like I was about to win something! Hmmm.....I guess I did win something....two tickets to an amazing wedding! I can't wait to get to the formal invitation!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Cuban!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite Cuban..... Miss Cristina! She's has been such a wonderful friend and truly thankful to have her in my life. The images below and above are old but still great to use for a BIRTHDAY POST!! Wish I could be in Miami to party with you!! Next year is the BIG 3-0!!! Can't wait to celebrate with you! Love you chica!

Engagement Gift for Kimber

Kimber got engaged in May and by December she finally received an engagement gift from me. Yes, it took me a few months but at least she finally got it! Kimber received a bag of goodies but the main gifts were her custom "Mrs. Biles" hanger to use on her wedding day and a black "bride" bag. I purposely picked a black bag because that's her favorite color and I added her name on the back (--which was kind of tricky..but I did it)! I'm so glad she liked everything and can't wait for this wedding to happen already!

Tomorrow ... I will be revealing her "SAVE THE DATE". Very creative and SUPER CUTE!

Uncharted

I'm a fan of Sara Bareilles and her music puts me in a great mood! Here's a fun song to start your day. I also love all the celebrities in the video. Happy Wednesday and have a lovely day.

Southern Wedding Magazine: Lemon Squeeze

We are featured again on Southern Wedding Magazine! How EXCITING! I feel so FAMOUS!

Click here to see the feature!

Classical Music

My husband has been playing classical music all evening long. Here's my favorite which is stuck in my head...... I'm going to sleep good tonight.

Justin Bieber

My cousin, Lissette is a huge Justin Bieber fan so of course she would post this on my Facebook wall. I have to admit... it made me laugh pretty hard. Enjoy this cute video!

Gifts from Jamie

My cousin-in-law, Jamie made these lovely wedding gifts for us! She made the collage below with our wedding photos, ribbon & pins from the bridesmaid bouquets, and fabric & twine from our party favors! Over all product turned out super cute!! She also cross stitched our names and wedding date in the frame below. She was actually working on this while she was in North Carolina and the day of our wedding. Very special! Thank you Jamie for your creativity and gifts. We love it!

Happy 30th Birthday Allison!

Birthday Woman!

Last weekend, we celebrated my sister-in-law Allison's 30th birthday. It was a fun evening filled with family, wine, presents and CAKE! Good times as always. HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY ALLISON! I hope it was a good one.