Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day to my best friend of so many years!

I just started on a new commissioned painting that I want to share...pics to come! It will be for a Chicago library. I tried to get good photos last night but my camera was having issues!

I hope you all have a great day and remember that even if you aren't dating someone that there are still plenty of people around you who need some love!

Update! Update!

So I had every intention to post over the holidays but time just got away from me. We have been bizzzy to say the least!

How was your holiday? Did Santa bring you everything you ever wanted? One of my most favorite gifts was from my future brother-in-law, this beautiful clutch from k.slademade!

Can I just say thank Gawd it's a new year? 2011 was pretty good but I'm glad to see it go. We have so much fun changes coming in the new year like buying our first home and Josh finally becoming a working Pharmacist! 

Haunted Treats

via marthastewart.com

White chocolate covered peanut butter balls

Brain Cupcakes delish.com

Planning my Halloween party this year, I decided I wanted to indulge in some serious treats. What tried and true Halloween treats do you make? I couldn't help but giggle when I saw the eyeballs..classic!

Pumpkins!

All of my friends and family know what a harvest geek I am. I LOVE FALL. I love the pumpkins, the chill in the air, Halloween, oh, I just adore it!

With that being said, I want to go ALL OUT with pumpkins this year. I've already begin my collection this weekend, scooping up 4 little guys for my yard.

Josh always warns me of my harvest obsession because I start too soon ( I can't help myself!!). By October 31st last year I was throwing my half-rotten pumpkins out on Halloween day because I was so sick of looking at them! Oh well, sometimes you never learn :/

(via Martha Stewart.com)

It's my one year blogiversary!

Today is officially my one year blogiversary. I want to take a moment to thank all of you from the depths of my heart for all of the love and support you have given me over the past year...

It's no secret that it's been one of the best years of my life. I married the most amazing man ever and it was he who pushed me to stand proud and share more about myself with the world. Starting this blog taught me that it's okay to feel vulnerable and that you're not growing unless you're a little uncomfortable. I have managed to meet some of the most amazing people from all over the world that I know will be long-lasting relationships. Blogging has become part of my daily life and I feel like something is missing in my week when I don't do a post. Thank you all, especially the ones who have been there from the very beginning, as my little blog was a mere 3 posts with 2 followers. I appreciate all of you more than you will ever know and thank you so much for every comment, every email and every shout out that you never had to give.

-Rachel

I'm Back! {And I missed you!}

My dear friends! Oh, how I've missed you! I never knew how much blogging meant to me until I took this little two week break. With that being said, I wanted to kick off my first post filling you in with what I've been doing...

This weekend we went to our house on Lake Martin for some serious R&R. I managed to dig down to my deep southern roots and pretty much drank cold ones on the river banks all day (how classy do I look by the way?).

Josh, on the other hand, managed to conquer every cliff on the river.

And the pups? Well, they just oversaw the entire operation :)

Besides our river time we've been going to downtown Columbus, Georgia's Saturday market to sell Josh's wares. A sweet lady who owns a gallery in midtown Columbus asked if he'd be interested in having a few of his creations in her shop. So now we can say that he's officially in a gallery!

All in all, this break was very much needed. Sometimes I like to think I'm Superwoman and end up spreading myself too thin. I've really enjoyed this time working hard on our new website ( I can't WAIT for you to see it!) and should have it ready to reveal in the next two weeks.

What have you been doing since I've been away? I wanna know!

Happy Fasha's Day!

Do you remember how Goldmember would refer to Austin's father as Fasha in Austin Powers in Goldmember? Well ever since that movie (NINE years ago!), that's what I've called my dad. I'm sure he loves it. Here's to you my fasha...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Memorial Day

My brother, Air Defense Officer, 1st Lt. Tillery & Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen.Peter Pace

Thank you brave men and women whom are serving or whom have served to protect our great nation.

Our one year anni trip {Hello from the road!}

I am oh-so excited for this day! We're currently en route to Savannah for our one year wedding anniversary trip (WHERE has this year gone?!). Tonight and tomorrow we're staying in the Historic District and then heading over to Hilton Head Island for the remainder of our trip. I'll be sure to take a ton of pics to share/make you super duper jealous ;)

How are you celebrating my anniversary Memorial Day?

Our DIY Mother's Day gifts

Hopefully our mothers listened when we told them not to read today's post because I wanted to share with you the gifts we made them...

As I mentioned here,  Josh has recently been learning the art of concrete making, concentrating mainly on items like table tops, bowls and planters (which I also want to post about soon). One of the gifts Josh made both of them are concrete bowls made with recycled wine bottle glass (that he crushed himself!). They look so awesome and are perfect for patio, sunroom or kitchen (third pic). He made an additional one for his mom with a lighter mixture to go inside on her coffee table (last pic).

The other two pics are of my mom's completed tealight holder that has a little bit of a story behind it. My parents had a small section of a very old olive tree that had been chopped up and discarded at a vineyard in Napa Valley. They wanted to make something of the beautiful wood as a bit of a keepsake of their trip but never found the time. My mom eventually brought the piece of wood to us and said that we could make something for ourselves since she knew Josh loves woodworking. I could sense that she was a little disheartened though as she handed over the dirty little log, so Josh and I came up with a plan to make something she would enjoy and got to work on it's transformation.

As Josh stripped and buffed away the bark were shocked at how amazingly beautiful the wood was underneath. We got our carpenter friend Nate Chesnutt ( bf of designer Jennifer Berndt) to cut craft the piece of wood into a modern tea light holder for my mom. It turned out way better than we could have ever envisioned and I can't hardly wait to see her face when she realizes where it came from.

Happy Mother's Day to all hardworking moms of the world. We appreciate you so much!

Say it in llama

 Why? Because llama's are awesome. Write out your llama message here. 

P.S. Thank you Julia for bringing this amazing font to my attention. Please forgive me if all my future emails are in llama.

P.S.S. Happy Cinco De Mayo Everyone...for the late person ;)

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Fashion

Serena Dress, Nasty Gal   |  One Night Stand Bag  Net-A-Porter

Spirit Lake Hooded Poncho Revolve Clothing

House of Harlow 1960 14K Gold Plated Aztec Bangle, Singer22.com

Cinco de Mayo is one day away (woop woop) will you be celebrating this year? I'm always amazed at the fun attire I see on the day, so in honor of the festive celebration I've rounded up a few of my favorites, including my House of Harlow Aztec bangle from hubs (that I literally wear 5 out of 7 days of the week!). So go grab yourself a margarita, throw on your best fiesta attire, and have a fun night out on the town!

Callaway Gardens for Easter

Yesterday, we continued the Wright's family tradition of going to Callaway Garden's Easter sunrise service and then spending the entire day riding bikes and playing around the beautiful 14,000 acre preserve (This is also where our engagement photos were taken).

My favorite exhibit to visit is the Sibley Horticulture Center, a garden/greenhouse that encompasses five acres of native and exotic plants– it even has a 22 ft. waterfall! Hubs and I just love walking around it and get inspiration for our own little garden...

Do you celebrate Easter? What is your family tradition if so?

Mardi Gras! Happy Fat Tuesday!

What are your Mardi Gras plans today? Are you wearing beads? Having king cake for dessert? Ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? I wanna hear about it!

Tonight, hubby and I plan on cooking a Mardi Gras meal and celebrating with a few drinks. Here's to me find the king cake baby!

Happy Valentine's Eve

How is your Sunday going? Giveaway Director Blue and I are preparing for his special Valentine's giveaway announcement tomorrow..stay tuned!

If you haven't entered my Valentine's Givaway yet be sure to by 8 am tomorrow!

Happy V-Day Eve everyone!

Valentine's Day Inspiration

 Tilly | Maison

I know it's a little early, but I can't stop thinking about Valentines Day. Call me old fashioned but I just love-love-L-O-V-E the holiday.  How about THIS chic chevron jewelry tray for all of your baubles for a V-day gift? Gasp-How divine!

Happy New Year!

Happy Friday/New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve friends.  It has been such a great year and I want to personally thank each of you for the daily visits and encouraging words. My blogging journey has been such a great adventure and I couldn't do it without you.

Now let's go grab some champagne and welcome a new year!

DIY: Simple New Year's Party Lanterns!

If you're having trouble coming up with a festive centerpiece or overall NYE party decorations you might want to try this extremely simple lantern tutorial.

All you need is...

• Tape or needle and thread
• Scissors
• Pack of foil doilies ( around $2 a pack, the larger ones work best)

Simply cut out the already made pattern and remove whatever parts you want light shining through. Tape together each 'leaf' or side with a small piece of tape or you can sew the ends if you wish. Add a metal bottom tea light candle and you're done!

I warned you it was simple, now go enjoy your handmade ambiance!


Photos and Tutorial Via http://www.makegrowgather.com/

Have a Wonderful Holiday!

Have a wonderful holiday!! Josh and I will be making our yearly trek to the parent's and grandparent's houses for the rest of the week. I look forward to catching up with you on Monday. In the meantime, enjoy these festive posts from around the web. Cheers!


Pick up a few of these West Elm ornaments ( On Sale!)

A little history about the custom of hanging stockings here.

Check out this awesome felt ball wreath.

This is someone's actual Christmas decor. Dear Lord!