I ♥ President’s Day

Let me just say that I have a new found love for President’s Day and appreciate every President and was more that happy to celebrate there birthday with a 3 DAY WEEKEND! Nick and I took advantage of our day off and spent some time together in Gatlingburg/Pigeon Forge. Initially I wanted to just do some shopping, but that was not fair to my dear sweet hubby who wanted to hike. So we ended up doing a hiking/shopping/eating day. Everyone was happy!  Win-Win!

We started our day with a short hike to Laurel Falls one of the most popular water falls in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The trail is 1.3 miles 1 way and is paved, making it an easy trek for almost anyone. It was a beautiful day for a hike the temperature was just right and there was a slight breeze, which actual turned into a fierce wind later while we were shopping.

Hiking for us also meant Picture Taking Time!!! I got to get my big fancy camera out for the first time in a long time. I am so hoping to get more photography practice is as the weather get warmer. Here are a few of our favorite shots from the day:

Sun in the trees

Deep Thoughts . . .

At Laurel Falls

Bottom of Laurel Falls (Nick took this)

Laurel Falls again (My pic)

A so-so self portrait

I love the reflections you can see in this pool of water.

After our great hike we hit up Calhoun’s for some yummy ribs. I had actually told Nick when we were driving in that we needed to eat somewhere new this time because we always eat at Calhoun’s. BUT I had a total change of heart when we passed the Calhoun’s sign that said “Best Ribs in America.” Man, there ribs really are FABULOUS and I had to have some.

Once we took in our wonderful lunch we hit 5 Oaks and ended the day with fantastic shopping. 40% off the entire store at Old Navy- Need I say more?!

It was a truly a blessing to have this day off together. We had so much fun! Thanks again to the President’s!

It’s a . . . .BABY SHOWER

As my wonderful sister in-law, Nicole, and I discussed the other day we have reached that season of life where babies are popping up everywhere! So EXCITING! For me that means I get to do cute baby shopping, go to showers, and the most fun of all throw showers! Last Sunday Nicole and I threw a shower for our sister in-law Megan, who is expecting a little girl in April. Can’t wait to see little Mela!

One of the things I enjoy the most in life is planning and putting on a party, and putting together this shower was so much fun. Here are a few of the little details Nicole and I came up with:

Onesie clothes line to give my living room a little décor.

Cute plates and confetti in the pink and green theme.

Party favor for all guests. We got the little bottles at the Party Corner, I printed the labels at home, and then we filled them with Jelly Beans.

Beautiful and yummy courtesy of Megan’s Mom. Thanks Pam!

“Name that Baby Food” game.

Loved this game that Nicole came up with . . .we filled a basket with “baby items’ and then everyone try to guess what all was in there. It was like a game and a gift in one!

Another thing I had fun putting together for this shower was the official Baby Shower Play list! Ohhh the hours I spent scouring the internet and I-tunes coming up with Baby Themed songs. Since I get some weird joy out of doing research and it is always fun to play with ITunes  I had a FABULOUS time finding all the songs. Just in case you are ever in need of a Baby Shower Playlist of your own here is what I came up with:

Megan’s Baby Shower Play List

• Be My Baby- The Ronettes
• I Got You Babe- Sonny & Cher
• We Are Family- Sister Sledge
• My Girl- The Temptations
• All Because 2 People- Brad Paisley
• ABC- Jackson 5
• Shinning Star- The Manhattans
• With Arms Wide Open- Creed
• Hey Baby- No Doubt
• Baby, Baby- Amy Grant
• Welcome to the Future- Brad Paisley
• Beautiful Life- Fisher
• Babe- Styx
• Doing It All for My Baby- Huey Lewis & The News
• Jesus Medley- Avalon
• Baby Love- Diana Ross & The Supremes
• Don’t Worry Baby- Beach Boys
• Walking On Sunshine- Katrina & The Waves
• Don’t Let Me Fall- Lenka
• Goodnight Sweetheart- The Spaniel

Not only was planning the Baby Shower a FABULOUS time, I also had a great time at the party. It was so great to be with friends and family and see Megan get so many great things for Mela.

Soon there will be a 3rd to love in this picture- Topher, Cannon and the coming Mela.

Momma to-be in her Baby Shower hat- Isn’t she cute?!

Megan, Nicole and Me- Thanks again to Nicole for being a FABULOUS Co-Host!

Next time, perhaps a home improvement post?! You will just have to check back and see!