There's patience... and then there's me.

Let me just begin by saying that I am absolutely freaking DONE frustrated with our internet. These issues have continued to interfere with my ever-so-relaxing hobby, in turn making it a chore to squeeeeeze in a draft post in preparation of not knowing what the next day will hold - internet? no internet? Although, with recent weather conditons, it has completely wiped out our internet for good - not even leaving me with a guessing game at this point! So unkind. Anyhoo, my dear husband is quite aware of the issue and has begun thinking of a solution... until that day however, I wait... impatiently. 

As an alternative, I am at my parents house. If you knew them, their technology issues have been about as successful as my own - but it works, and that's all that matters!!

So moving forward...

As it is Friday - #backthatazzup Friday, that is - I'll share my latest tune!! It's super old school, and still rocks my socks. ;)

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OH! And before I forget... A BIG BIG BIG shout out to my dear friend, Katie and her husband - who may be welcoming their newest addition here soon!!! She has passed reached her due date, and today should be the day! Talk about patience. ;) Check out all the leading-up-to coverage over on her BLOG. I'm so excited for them!! Love you guys!!  

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 4: THE BIG DAY!!!!!

It's hard to believe that we're already counting UP from the wedding of the year! Already reaching 10 days - and almost home from the honeymoon - I'm sure the newlyweds are still on cloud nine. ;) I'm excited to finally share this momentous day with everyone. So here, we go!

First and foremost, I must thank my fellow bridesmaid for quite a handful of photos I'll be sharing today!! - Katie B, thank you for letting me steal them!

Let's begin on last Thursday, the night before the big day! The rehearsal/ceremony was held at St. Mary's church, and dinner was at the delectable Porcini, Italian restaurant.

...oh, and the dessert? Omgee.

Moving forward to the morning of the big day!!!!!! 

The bridesmaids slept over at the mother-of-the-bride's home, and woke up with THIS.

Like I said before, there's always an overflow of food at this house. No complaints here!!

After stuffing our faces, it was time to get Beautimous...

And then our beautiful bride began to step into her dress. Let me just say, with a room full of women there was not a dry eye in that room at this moment. It was all coming together, and beginning to set in!!! She was just stunning!!

Moments later, the ladies gathered onto the bus and headed to the church!! Here are a few detail shots, and the bridesmaids before the ceremony began...

As there is this thing called wedding etiquette, prohibiting a bridesmaid to snap photos during the ceremony, I am unable to share the sweet moments of that time. However - thanks to Katie! Ha - I'm happy to share a post ceremony shot of the bridal party. ;)  

 Following the ceremony, we joined the NEWLYWEDS back on the bus and headed to the reception!

Really? Is that not the cutest? :)

Once arriving, you first set eyes on the beautiful cake - equally as delicious. After everyone got settled in their seats, and finished dinner, the following formalities took place... 

Possibly one of the best moments of the evening, was the first dance between the bride and groom - not only because of the significant moment in itself, but their song was performed live by the bride's brother-in-law. It was fantastic!!

Next were the dances of the bride/father, and groom/mother... while not having photos of either, I shall make up for it with a priceless video - "the Harlem crashes groom/mother dance". 

Yes, that was our beautiful mommy-to-be, Katie U beginning the harlem flash mob with her adorable baby bump!!! ;) Entertainment at its finest!

Unfortunately for myself the party ended quite early. I hated to miss out on any more of the exciting surprises to come in the night, but I had to put a sleepy girl to bed - already waaayyy past her bed time. The next photos are brought to you by Endless Summer Band. The entertainment of the night was kind enough to share some photos on their site.

Well folks, that's it - the end of this series. I can't believe it's already come and gone. I'm so happy for Jess & Blake, I can't say it enough. The best thing in life is to have a partner to share it with. I wish them a lifetime of happiness, and to cherish everyday together as husband and wife. 

Cheers to the newlyweds; to my best friend!!!!!!

#backthatazzup

No new content today...shocker. 
It seems my brain is on overload these days; appointments, play dates, dinner dates, movie dates, visiting family, cleaning house(s), birthday party - you name it, I'm doing it. In other news... while linking up with Ms. Yoga Pants today, I also got a brief update on some Kimye news - naming their child North. I'm speechless. I can't say that's clever; it's just... [any synonym equivalent to dumb]. Now onto: Although it's not new, I'm currently obsessed with Daft Punk's single, and well the album in general. This song makes me want to run out to LA and drive along Venice Beach. 

Tick Tock...

I promise I have not completely abandoned my blog. As we all know, this past weekend was a BIG EVENT - my best friend's wedding - and I seem to still be recovering. E-X-A-U-S-T-E-D. No excuse to stay absent, though. I'm still scouring for certain pictures to complete the finale to this special series. Regardless, my apologies; won't happen again. ;)

Moving forward...

Currently, our NEWLYWEDS are residing at their honeymoon destination...

...HERE, in St. Lucia!!! A little jealous, I might add.

I know the clock is ticking!! I'm anxious to finally have all the pictures together to share with everyone! There's even a special video that's pretty priceless. It was quite the weekend. We're so happy for our newlyweds, and wish them many years of blissfulness together!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, JESSICA & BLAKE!!! 

Happy Father's Day

A very big, BIG shout out to the best father I've been blessed to know - and grow with. My daddy.

 This man has always taught me the rights/wrongs, dos/don'ts, good/bad side of the world; always broadening my knowledge and horizons. He's been by my side in through school, sports (coached a few of my teams), and just life in general. He's never let me down. 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! :) I love you, Daddy!!

Along with my father as an idol in my life, it's supposed to be that we marry a man that's parallel to that, right? Well, you could say I nailed that one on the head! Although Chris is Audriana's step-father, he certainly deserves recognition on this special day. When I said God sent me an angel, I meant it... he's been the world's best husband and father-figure to my daughter beyond all expectation. I could not thank him enough for stepping up, taking on responsibilities and endorsing such selfless work and love into this family. Some days it leaves me speechless. 

Happy Father's Day, Chris. You're an amazing man. :) I love you.

  

Drum roll PLEASE!

We are near the end of my series for my best friend's wedding. But first, I wanted to share a small collection of events that lead up to this special weekend. :)

A year ago, there was a proposal... 

Next, came engagement celebrations...

Bridal showers...

Then, the last whoo raahh in Nashville...

... drum roll please ...

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow marks the day our beautiful friend finally walks down the aisle!! Wow. I cannot believe it!! This day has been anticipated by us all, and I know it will be full of tears, cheers and LOTS of dancing - right, Erika? ;)

Today the bride's grandmother and friends are hosting a luncheon! Looking forward to it. Afterwards the bridesmaids are off for pedicures... THEN, the rehearsal!!!!! Dinner will be at Porcini and I cannot wait; delicious Italian, yeessssss! All will be documented, and shared - promise!

Prayers to the family, friends and out of town guests arriving tomorrow evening for the big day; may everyone have safe travels this weekend! :) Time to celebrate!!

Let the single digit countdown commence!! 1 DAY!!

Summer lovin'

Today I'm happy to share a special weekend moment! A dear friend of mine of about 15 years, got married  and I'm so grateful to have been a part of the celebration. Not to mention, the bridal party (groom's side) was basically a big reunion of guys I've known equally as long as the groom - the best man, I've known since Kindergarten! Needless to say, it was a great day seeing friends, and catching up with everyone. :)

NOW... on to the main event! :)

The location was outdoors, and fortunately the weather was very kind to us - not too hot, not too humid. Here are some of my favorite details; the crafts were too cute not to share.

During the ceremony of course we all ooooh & awwww at sight of the beautiful bride... yet, I still have to capture the moment the groom sees her as well! It's my absolute favorite part.

 

And then...

Isn't that just the best?! He's the sweetest. I love it! :)

I'm so happy for Kyle, and his new bride Natalie. I wish them unending happiness for the rest of their days together!!! Kyle, as did Chris (my husband), gained a daughter in this special unity. She adores Kyle, and you can see how happy they are as a little family. Again, I just can't express enough how happy I am for them.

 CONGRATULATIONS, Kyle, Natalie & Audrey. :)

Well with wedding news on the brain, what a great build up to this coming weekend... 

4 days until My Best Friend's Wedding, eeeeeekkkk!!!!!!!!!!

Houndmouth: From the Hills Below the City

Well, although I was beat to the punch - alongside my friend/blogging buddy, Katie and her last Thursday post, I too felt the need to brag about our little hometown celebrities.

Houndmouth

They've been locally known for a few years, but are now well on their way to universal stardom! It's incredible. I went to high school with two of the members, and at an earlier time in my life I enjoyed the tunes of their bass player, Zak Appleby, when he had a solo gig at a local hole-in-wall called, Jersey's. Myself, and a few others were always front and center - if I remember correctly, it was every Tuesday? All I do remember is Oasis "Wonderwall" was a weekly request, and I can't say we ever wore it out. Good times. Not to mention, I love knowing I was a witness to the beginning stages of someone's career. Pretty nifty. ;) 

 I believe this group will find their way further and further at the top. Their style is original, and each one of them holds their own talent. It's great to see a local band find such success. Just recently, they performed on Conan O'Brien. Seriously?! :) If you missed it, here's a clip of their performance.

Congratulations, Houndmouth!!!

Hope there's unlimited success in yours all future!! I don't doubt there will be.

Purchase songs on iTunes.

If you really knew Mee

About a month ago I shared a personal post, just letting readers get an idea of who it is that sits behind this computer screen blabbing about the random things in life. So as a continuing effort to embarrass share bits and pieces of myself, here a few more hidden facts - if you really knew me.

I'm a little O.C.D. Correction... I'm quite O.C.D. I turn labels around to face forward on any bottle, condiment, can of vegetables, you name it - it's ridiculous! I have to brush my teeth before eating breakfast, otherwise everything tastes disgusting. Oh, and if I don't say "be safe/drive safe" to anyone leaving then something terrible will happen! ......just to name a few. 

I have tattoos. Six to be exact: foot, wrist, neck, thigh, inner arm, outer arm. I'm pretty sure none have been visible on my blog - not on purpose - they're just not all visibly seen unless I wear shorts, short sleeve shirts, or bathing suits.

I don't like to repeat myself. And given I have an almost 4 year old, this makes it quite challenging. It's like they secretly know this fun fact about yourself, and take full advantage of how long they can push your buttons. So unfair. It's not like you can explain to her, "sweetheart, I have an OCD with repeating myself more than once, so please just listen to mommy this one time, ok? Thank you." ....yuhright.

I watch Housewives shows. To be clear, I do not watch all of them. But the few I do, it's a guilty pleasure that's sometimes hard to admit. I currently have NJHW and BHHW set on record on the dvr. Poor Chris. Along with those and the endless recordings on Disney, he doesn't have much dvr space to himself. ;) good thing he doesn't watch a lot of tv - so we're golden.

Orange juice with breakfast is a MUST.  Leave it at that. If I don't have orange juice, it's incomplete.

I'm a closet singer. It's a modest confession. Don't expect this girl to sing karaoke without a few glasses of liquid courage, and certainly don't ask me to sing on the spot. Forget it. There's only a handful of people I've ever had the gall to sing in front of with or without alcoholic influence. It's a stage fright... can't help it.

---------------------------------------------------------

With that said, and because I don't have any more facts I can gather at this time, I'm going to share an ORIGINAL piece I recently recorded with an old friend. It was a really fun piece and a step out there for me. It's a little slow for #backthatazzup melodies, but I hope you enjoy!!  

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 3: Bachelorette Party

It's time to share the second most anticipated event; Part 3 of My Best Friend's Wedding, the bachelorette party!! Now being that there's a code to such a weekend, I will be rather reserved with sharing explicit details. Don't be discouraged. There's still pictures to share. ;)

This weekend's events took place in good ole' Nashville, TN. With six passengers in tow, we had two decorative cars ready to hit the road!

Cleverly enough, my friend captured the city alongside our snazzy decor! ;)

Details are necessary, given it seems like your typical "country-style" atmosphere, yet the restaurants were very eclectic. Our first stop was for lunch, at The Southern - recommended by a friend/local.

Live music, EVERYWHERE. I was in heaven. 

And the food... well, just take a look!

All, but two of us got their classic burger. It was deeeeeeeeeelish.

 Next we got unpacked, changed, and decorated (the best we could) for gifts and games! 

  How adorable was her sash?? Compliments to her sister/MOH. 

Good job, Megan!!

After a good laugh... really, it was priceless - sorry I can't share the details ... 

...we headed on down to the infamous strip of entertainment! I was blown away! I'd personally have to say Vegas has nothing on this type of atmosphere. The live music coming from all angles was like nothing I'd ever saw before!! It was pretty incredible. 

Bridesmaids (minus two)... Erika, Noelle, bride, myself, Hannah, Megan! 

Nashville is definitely a city I'll be revisiting in my near future. It's even been decided as another bachelorette party location for someone else - you know who you are! ;) As a recently converted country gal myself, I have to say that it was truly beyond my expectations. Next time, we'll have to experience the shopping! Gathered that tidbit from a little birdie - aka Ms. Katie, over at Bluedaisy in the Bluegrass.

Last but not least, I had to share this little detail. Although it isn't a good conclusion to the festivities, it was the perfect conclusion to the weekend as a whole. Erika and I stayed behind the next morning and had ourselves a nice Panera breakfast on the patio.

 Mmmmm. I could do mornings like this everyday!! 

Well my friends, this leaves us with just one more event to conclude this series...

THE WEDDING!!

Wow, I cannot believe it's the following weekend. I'm happy for my best friend, and hope these last months have been just as exciting for her as it's been for the rest of us! We've enjoyed sharing the moments leading up to her big day, and can't wait for it to finally arrive. :) Jess, we love you!!!

11 more days!!!