Kevin

So I have to brag.

On Kevin.

After quitting his career at Bank of America, he started his insurance/financial business in June 2010.  His first full year (2011) he won all kinds of crazy trips - remember New Orleans, New Orleans again, Miami and Atlanta?  That was unbelievable for a brand new agent.  All kinds of people in corporate told him they couldn't believe he did that well.  I could!

On Tuesday of this week, he went to the Southeast regional kickoff meeting.  He didn't go last year because he doesn't believe in all the corporate uhhh "stuff" is a good way to call it.  But this year he decided to go.  He went uptown and there were a thousand agents there from North and South Carolina and all the corporate people too.  The Southeast region is the largest out of his companies 10 regions.  It makes up for 25% of their overall business too.

 

Anyway Kevin rolls into this meeting on Tuesday in a button down and khaki slacks.  The other 999 people there?  Suits.  They didn't tell him the dress code and Kevin isn't one to dress up just because the corporate people will be there.  HILARIOUS.

 

Then it got to award time.  Out of the entire region, Kevin was named 2012 AGENT OF THE YEAR y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

 

He went up on stage in front of all of these people in his business casual outfit and owned it!!!!!  He said all these spotlights were on him and loud music and confetti.  He didn't even know he was nominated for it. 

 

There are agents that have worked for this company for 20+ years that haven't gotten such a prestigious award.  Kevin got it in his SECOND year of business.  I am SOOOO proud of him, can yall tell?!!

 

In true Kevin fashion, he called on his way home and I asked him how the day went.  He was so low key about the award, I could hardly get it out of him.  I could just tell something really great happened.  Then of course I was all teary because I was so happy for him!  And I was cracking up about his outfit.

 

We had a big time FaceTiming with my parents to tell them the news.  Then his parents came over for dinner and Kevin told them the whole story.  Since his Dad was an agent for 30+ years, he was VERY impressed.  Now Kevin has gotten an award that his Dad didn't.  Kevin thinks that's fun and picked on him about it.

 

Kevin is so humble, he won't take the award to be displayed in his office.  He probably won't even tell his office people or friends about it.  That's just the way he is.  So I get to do it, ha!

 

And you know what this also goes to say: Doesn't matter how you look, it matters what you know! 

 

Congratulations to Kevin!!!!!!

Wedding Wednesday - Getting Organized

Thanks for everyone replying yesterday to the get to know YOU post!  I loved that and got to "meet" a lot of you!  :)

This past weekend I had some time to get our wedding room organized.  I want to make my life EASY in March so I do a little bit as I go.  I've wrapped all of the attendant gifts...will write the notes as it gets closer. I have 4 more gifts to wrap...that's pretty good considering I've done 25 gifts or so.  I need to find boxes or bags in our wedding colors which I plan to do this week.  

I got the ribbon and tissue paper from Nashville Wraps.  It was very reasonable and I got everything really quickly!  The wrapping paper which you can barely see in the top right of the first picture below is from Paper Source.  

I also organized what needs to go where and when.  I met with my wedding planning/weekend of ladies last week and they wrote down what needs to go where and when that week.  So when I got home, I put everything in labeled shopping bags.  As things get finished, they'll go the appropriate bag.  Week of the wedding, I'll take each bag where it goes and I'm done!

I had gotten these frames 40% off at Michael's last summer specifically for our parents 8x10 wedding pictures.  I don't know how to turn this iPhone picture (it doesn't work when I just save it horizontally).  

Anyway, Kevin's parents are on the left, mine are on the right.  I plan to have these on the cake table, if they will fit.  Otherwise on a side table in the cocktail hour area.  

My parents have been married for 40 years in June and Kevin's parents will have been married 42 years in September.  We feel fortunate for such good examples of marriage....how it should be!

That's all I have wedding related this week.  Next weekend kicks off more wedding events!

Hi Friends!

Obviously this is my blog so all I talk about is what is going on in my life.  

But today, I really want to know about y'all!  Maybe you've been reading for awhile and never commented.  Maybe you leave me comments all of the time.  Today, could you all leave a comment telling me a few things?!  I'd love to get to know you better!

Name

Blog Address if you have one

Where do you live?

How old are you?

What is your occupation?

Here are my answers just for fun:

Annie

Classic Annie - http://anniesadventures16.blogspot.com

Charlotte, North Carolina

30

Commercial Development Project Engineer

Your turn!!!

Rehearsal Dinner Tasting

On Saturday afternoon, we went to Harvest Moon Grille for our rehearsal dinner tasting with Kevin's parents.  His Dad cracks me up in the picture below!

We got to sample a variety of foods and look at the rooms where the dinner will be.  It was fun!

We hung with Mills the rest of the weekend.  Yesterday Kevin HAD to build a fire so he messed around outside most of the afternoon.  I did some wedding stuff and cleaned the house.  

Back to the grind....

Hana Air Hair Dryer

I'm a terrible person.  I received this hair dryer around Thanksgiving and I've yet to do a review on it.  Mills, the holidays and crazy work....those are my excuses.

Anyway, I must say I wasn't crazy about this Hana Air Professional hair dryer.  But it's really because of my horse hair.

It has power ladies.  If you're looking for a hair dryer that has power...this is it.  It will blow you away.  

I require heat and unfortunately this one didn't have it.

It says it gets hot but it didn't get even close to hot enough for my thick, naturally curly hair.

But, as with all Misikko products and Hana Salon items, it came beautifully packaged and you can tell it is well-made.  It just isn't for my hair.  And that is okay.  But I will say this - if you are just looking to get your hair dry - this thing is quick!  Very quick!

Since it wasn't for me, it is currently passing through my group of girlfriends to see who likes it best and whoever that may be, will keep it.  Gotta pay it forward! :)

I was getting my hair done recently and my hair gal told me about a way to do my hair using Aveda Confixor and a diffuser.  She said I could make it wavy.  I really want to try that.  Anyone done this?

And I'd love to find a good curling iron.  Mine is from Target and it's fine for how often I use it but I do have to use very small sections for the curl to stay any amount of time.  Maybe the Confixor would help this too.  Who knows!  Hair...my constant battle!

Recipe - Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

This was definitely a Kevin meal but I'm working on finding healthier things that he will actually eat.  This will be one of them from now on.  He liked it.

I found the recipe on Pinterest and it linked to this blog.

I like that it is a really quick after work meal, makes enough for leftovers the next day and has low carbs.

told yall i'm no photographer!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. Thinly Sliced Roast Beef (I used Boars Head London Broil - more flava)

8 Slices Provolone Cheese

2 Large Green Bell Peppers

1 Medium Sweet Onion

6 oz. Baby Bella Mushrooms

2 Tbs. Butter (omitted)

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

1 Tbs. Garlic - Minced

Salt and Pepper - to taste

DIRECTIONS

Slice peppers in half lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds.

Slice onions and mushrooms. Saute over medium heat with butter, olive oil, minced garlic and a little salt and pepper. Saute until onions and mushroom are nice and caramelized. About 25-30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400*

Slice roast beef into thin strips and add to the onion/mushroom mixture. Allow to cook 5-10 minutes

Line the inside of each pepper with a slice of provolone cheese.

Fill each pepper with meat mixture until they are nearly overflowing.

Top each pepper with another slice of provolone cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy!

Makes 4 servings - 6 net carbs per serving 

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

These days, I feel like blogs (and social media in general) make us all feel not good enough.  And that bothers me.

I'll be up front -- this is the type of person/blogger I am, whether it looks like this on here every day or not:

 - I spend about 5 minutes on it daily, 5 days a week.  Most weeks I schedule my posts.  

 - I do it to journal our daily life.

 - I am not some fancy cook that takes amazing pictures of the food as I make it.

 - I do not run 80 miles a week.

 - I do not know about any fancy makeup.

 - I do not put together amazing outfits daily.

 - Our house is not out of a magazine or Pinterest and never will be. 

 - My camera is an older Canon that has a cracked screen from being dropped on many bar floors.

 - Kevin and I are not perfect people with the perfect life and perfect relationship.  We have the same troubles other couples have.

 - Our wedding will be about us and what we like.  It won't look like a Pinterest show.

No offense to anyone who has any of these talents - bless you all!  I just don't.  And I'm okay with that.

At the end of the day.  I am who I am and I won't pretend to be this perfect lil blogger, friend, fiance, daughter, Aunt, cousin or sister.

Wedding Wednesday - New Monogram

Y'all know how obsessed with monograms I am.  I've talked about it a lot on here.  So of course it was essential to get some things done now to use on April 7th!

Each of our parents gave us a set of white king sheets for Christmas.  They know us!  Top pillowcase in the picture below is the set Kevin's parents gave us.  Second monogram is the set my parents gave us.  I think these both are classy and they'll go with any bedding set we choose (I still can't figure that out -- I'm SO indecisive on this which is odd for me).

 
My parents also gave us towels.  I love the blue and we just went with the stark white monogram.  It pops well.  Kevin sometimes has issues using his own towel after a shower....  Therefore, it was mandatory that he got his initials and I got mine.  When I brought them home he said, "I like those."  I couldn't believe that he admitted to liking something monogrammed.  His only request for when we're married - "can our whole house not be monogrammed please?"  

I'm working on toning it down.  I didn't get the flat sheet of bed sheets monogrammed....


 
April gave me this idea of getting a white bathing suit and monogramming the bottom back.  I picked this up yesterday and love it!  I did coral since it's part of our wedding colors.  I think it turned out wonderfully.  I still get very confused going into the monogramming shop and saying ELG instead of EAL.  I really have to think about it so I don't tell them wrong!


My friend Tara gave me a coral infinity scarf for my birthday with my new monogram in green.  It is soooo pretty and I will be wearing that on the plane to Hawaii!  I can't believe I didn't take a picture of this before I left the house this morning. 

Anyway, I hope to add a couple more things with my new monogram before the big day.  It's so fun!

Lilly Pulitzer Shelly Jelly Sandal - Hold Your Horses

I have a brand new pair of these in Size 8 that I wore on my back patio for 16 seconds and came back inside.  I have decided I really don't NEED them even though they're super cute and perfect for the pool or beach this Spring and Summer.

They retail for $38 but I paid $19 for them on the recent Lilly sale so I'm willing to sell them for the same plus $5 shipping.  $24 total!

I can only ship within the United States and accept Paypal.  

Let me know if you'd like them and I will get them shipped to you the next day!

Simplify Your Life

Over Christmas while I was in Maryland at my parents, Mom and I talked about how I need to simplify things and not be so crazy about everything being done perfectly all the time.  

Actually we didn't talk about it.  She told me I needed to do it.  Love Moms!

So since I've been back, I've been looking for ways to make my life more simple.

This box has made a difference.  And yes I know that's weird....it's a plastic bin for goodness sake.

But yall, I used to obsessively fold every single piece of my running clothes when they came out of the dryer every single day.  And guess what?  

Now I don't.  

And it has been amazing.  Something so small has made such a difference for me.  I know, it's ridiculous but it has!  Now I just throw them in there.  They don't wrinkle and who really cares if they do.

Something else that has made my life easier....moving Mills' dog bowls inside near the kitchen sink and closer to his food stash.  He gets to be inside and not on our porch all the time.  I can refill both a lot easier without letting him out of my sight.  Basic my friends, but so.much.easier for me.

#3 - I used to be obsessive about wet swiffering our floors every time I saw a speck of dirt.  Well not anymore.  I'm trying to let.it.go.  Easier said than done on this one but I'm working on it.  As Mama says - it is OKAY.

And she's right.  Again.

Simplify your life.

Night out in our new area!

Friday night we went to 521 BBQ in Indian Land, SC with Kevin's fam.  Best bbq, chicken and ribs!  

Saturday morning, we had an early morning family walk around the neighborhood.  Mid morning I had a hair appointment uptown then Tara and I hung out -- went to brunch and I showed her City Club where our reception is.

Saturday afternoon we hung out with Mills and I fell asleep for a quick nap.  Kevin really wanted to go out to check a couple spots out in our new neighborhood.  So we did...

Oh my this picture is so funny...his face is cracking me up!  We started at Cosmos for dinner.  That place was hopping!

Then we went next door to Hawthornes pizza and checked it out.

Called it a night around 11 and our new friend Tony came and got us to take us home.

It was a fun night out and something different!  Yesterday I walked Mills around the neighborhood, did some errands and hung at the house watching football and NC State basketball.  Much needed!

Mills' First Snow and Dinner Party

Last night we hosted another dinner party.  This time for our work crowd that gets together about once every other month!  Same menu as last Saturday...because I'm creative like that.  Or because I'm just glad there was food on the table?

 

It had rained all day long and our backyard was like a lake!  I had to breakout the boots I got with a gift card from bossman.  I was unsure about keeping them at first but now I'm obsessed.  I paired them with running pants and an old navy dress.  Low key and probably hideous but at least I was weather prepared for taking Mills out and comfortable.

 

Sweet Hadley came over.  Mills loved her!

 

Once Connor, Mariel, Susan, Knox, Christy and John left, it started snowing big flakes!

 

Mills would hardly walk down our back steps because he didn't understand snow.

 

But then it got really fun to catch the snowflakes as they fell!  See his snowflake collar that his Nannie and Poppa gave him?  We put it on him about an hour before it started snowing last night.  Clearly that's what did it!

 

We stayed outside for the whole 15 minutes that it snowed!  Mills had so much fun hopping around.

 

Watching with Daddy!

 

Since it was also the first snow in our home, yall know I had to take pictures.

 

This one is this morning. 

 

The neighborhood was really pretty!  Looks like a scene out of a magazine.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Any big plans?

 

Chicago

I don't get to go to too many cool places for work but for about 24 hours this week, I was in Chicago.  My work was about 1 hour west of the city but of course I had to go downtown and check it out.  I can't believe it was my first time there.

 

I went for a quick run to check it out.  I always think that's the best way to see any city.  They've got this great path along the lake that a lot of people exercise on.  It kinda freaked me out being out there by myself so I ran along Michigan Avenue instead which meant I got to see all of the fun shops!

 

I went back to the hotel and showered and went to get some sushi at Ra.  It was about a 5 block walk from the hotel.

 

I've never asked someone to take a picture of just me, but I did in Chicago.  What can I say?!  I'm branching out!

 

The bellman insisted on this picture.  It was a nice place to stay and very convenient.  Cracks me up that my valet parking was half of the room rate!

 

Kev, check out those chandeliers......they'd be nice one day.  Or even just one half the size!

 

The next morning I was able to visit with my Mom's cousin, his wife and son Alex.  I guess that makes them my cousins too but I call them Aunt and Uncle.  We went to Walker Brothers Original Pancake House and then visited my Uncle in an assisted living place.  He just went in there the last week of November.  Very sad but best for everyone.  We laugh that he is smarter than every person in there COMBINED!  He seriously is.  He worked up until a couple of years ago as one of the top docs in Chicago!

 

 

Afterwards, they took me to see Allstate, Kevin's corporate world!  They have a huge campus in Northbrook! 

 

I have Allstate to thank for many fun trips, right ladies?!

 

I cruised back to Charlotte.  It was COLD in Chicago.  Not sure how anyone deals with it!  But it was a fun trip even though I was by myself.  Next time, Kevin and I are going....and not in January!

 

Check out the ever-so-sweet Laura and her agenda/planner giveaway!

Wedding Wednesday - Updated To Do List

1.  Finish hotel bags.  I need to buy some more of the stuff we are putting in them.  I plan to have these completed (stuffed, tagged and ribbon tied) by the end of February. 

2.  Make sure the groomsmen get measured and order their tuxes by the end of February.

3.  Figure out engravings in our rings.  Any advice?

4.  Get my Dad and Kevin to each pick out the songs we will dance to at the beginning of the evening!

5.  The invitations are getting calligraphered as we speak so these must get mailed out by the first week of February.  This is Mama's detail!

6.  Finish up pre-marital counseling.  It has been ridiculous finding a time convenient for Kevin, the minister and I both.  We have two sessions left but I hope he'll combine these into one just for time sake.

7.  Order koozies.  I'm waiting on a gal at Paper Twist to send me the font file that is going to be used on all of our wedding paper products!

8.  My Aunt is planning the bridal luncheon for the Friday before the wedding.  We need to get chat about details.

9.  Find a pen for the guest book.  Any ideas?

10.  I've wrapped most gifts but I still need to do the groomsmen and a couple miscellaneous gifts.  Also need to write notes.

11.  Tastings for the rehearsal dinner (Kevin's Mom is working on scheduling) and reception (scheduled for February 7).

Last Two Questions Answered - Diet and Exercise

I promise I didn't forget to response to the last two questions from my questions post awhile back! 

Here is the first one from Miss Southern Prep - "I know you run, but what's your workout routine like?"

I go in phases of running.  I'll do it 3-4 days a week for 6 months then get sick of it and just walk a couple of days a week for 2 months then go back to running all the time.  That's how I've always been with it.  I cannot and will not run 6 days a week.  One, I don't have time for that (although time is never an excuse not to exercise, I believe you can always find time) but realistically it just doesn't happen with work travel and life.  Two, the impact is terrible on your body.  Three, I'll get burnt out on running in general and not go back to it for even longer!   

I don't do much else other than run and walk.  I know, I'm boring.  I have some free Flywheel classes on my account that I'd like to use.  Workout classes don't do much for me.  I'd rather just go run 5 miles. 

And like anyone else, if I have a race or a goal, I'm much better at exercising.  Right now, I just walk Mills almost every day and run every now and then.  It's been weird/hard trying to get in a rhythm since being in the house versus uptown Charlotte where I had a couple running buddies. 


And the second question is from Steel Magnolia - "What is your pre- and post-run fuel of choice?"

When I was doing long runs every Saturday morning, I had one egg prior to going out the door.  It just worked for me.  When I came back I'd drink a lot of water and eat pretty healthy...smoothies etc.  I always eat better when I am exercising.  Come to think about it, I love smoothies and should make them more often.  They fill you up and I use a little Splenda in them so they almost feel like a dessert too!   

Dinner Party

On Saturday night we hosted a dinner party at our house for a few couples!  There were 8 of us total.

 

I did a cheese tray and some nuts for appetizers during cocktail hour.  Then we had a caesar salad, chili and jalapeno cornbread.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars were an easy dessert.  Whenever I have people over for dinner, I like to do meals that are low maintenance for when the guests are there.  I like to do all the prep beforehand so I can enjoy our time with friends.

 

Had to use the NC State trays with their big win over Duke on Saturday!

 

Matt and Mills

 

After dinner we all wandered to our backyard which is basically where we live.  We can wait to redo it with stone (rip out that concrete pad) and a big stone fireplace and built in gas grill and mini fridge.  One day...hopefully in the next year!

 

Fran and Matt with Mills.  They need another puppy!

 

 

Fran, me, Jess, Kim

 

Then Kevin evidently thought it'd be wonderful to wear these terrible shirts out to a hole in the wall bar called Yellow Rose....his old stomping ground years ago.  It's been so warm that Kevin did wear shorts.  The bedroom slippers - well, I'm not sure why he wore those!

 

Mills was supervising of course!

 

We had a wonderful night with great friends!  Come back soon you guys!

The Month of January

The month of January.

 

Isn't it supposed to be more low key?  Right after the holidays, kinda chill time?

 

The time where you catch up with friends who you never seem to see?

 

The time where you eat healthier and exercise more?

 

Oh, that's right.  Like living your life instead of living in a worldwind?  

 

 

 

So far I haven't done that in 2013.  I basically have these next 3 weeks to get my act together and feel good about where I am before the wedding craziness begins. 

 

In order to make this happen, I will learn to say no and not feel bad about it (this is SO hard for me).  I will run to maintain my sanity.  I will lay on the couch with Mills.  I will eat dinner with Kevin and not look at my phone during it.  Maybe I can even cook dinner instead of him doing it every night (wishful thinking!).  I need to not commit to a single extra thing. 

 

Oh my gracious I'm overwhelmed.  Can y'all tell?!  HA!

 

Happy Weekend!

E. McKay Sale and Need Clothes for Events

Last week the Lilly sale got me, this week the Elizabeth McKay sale did.  But both times, the items were steals and very justifiable.

 

I basically haven't shopped in 1.5 years since we got engaged.  I was overdue to get a couple things for our wedding events coming up.

 

Y'all will be seeing me in this soon!  Elizabeth McKay is 50% off sitewide and free shipping now until January 13th with the code CHEER at checkout.

 

Until then, I'll be on the hunt for something to wear to these events over the next three months:

 

Three bridal showers (two of mine), a dessert/champagne party for us, three nights in Charleston for a trip Kevin won (fancy outfits), my bridesmaids luncheon (Lilly! - I've been saving Belk gift cards for this for a year!), the morning after our wedding to say bye to everyone and honeymoon clothes (will mostly shop my closet). 

 

But the hardest part for me - the month of February.  I am not good at winter dressy events.  I just never know what to wear.  March/April - I'm good - Lilly!  But any ideas on winter things?  I think the dress above may be good for the dessert/champagne party.  We'll see.  Help!

Wedding Wednesday - Gift Organization

Mom has always told me that traditionally you can display some/most of your wedding gifts (usually on your mom and dad's or family's dining room table).  Well for us, that's not really practical since my parents are in Maryland and the wedding is in North Carolina. 

 

And with all of the extra space in our home, we bought a plastic table at walmart, added a paper tablecloth which looks hideous and I got to work on displaying our gifts!

 

Don't worry, as I mentioned yesterday, Mama is sending me a tablecloth to use so this red thang will be discarded shortly.

 

 

But, at least I got all the boxes out of a spare room and did something with them.  We aren't using any gifts until after the wedding.  Just our choice.

 

Also for Christmas, his parents gave us King white sheets and so did my parents.  They think alike!   Mom also gave us two towel sets which were highly necessary. 

 

Well y'all know I wasted no time in going over to L&M to get all of it monogrammed.  They turned it around in less than 24 hours!  And I had told them no rush!  I can't wait to see it all. 

 

I'll have to take pictures of the finished products.  I'm excited to break out the sheets and towels on April 7th.  Until then, we'll do with what we've got! 

 

And if you're wondering...that was more than likely not my last trip to L&M before our wedding.  I've got to be prepared for a new monogram, ladies!

 

Best part of the gazillion monogrammed items I have?!  My sister in law has my same initials as they are today!  So she gets all of my leftover stationery, towels, hand towels, geez, I feel like everything I own is monogrammed.  She gets it all...except my Matouk bedding set in the guest room.  I think she'll understand! ;)   But isn't that funny we currently have the same monogram?!  She and my brother were meant to be for many reasons, evidently!