Men and Wedding Rings

WOW! I'm surprised I haven't blogged about this before. It's totally one topic I'm pretty passionate about.

Married men who DON'T wear a wedding ring.

WTF!?

It's a pet peeve of mine peeps. Totally. One word -- WHY??

I know that my single chicas will totally agree. This came to me last night when Brad and I went out and were talking with a guy who didn't have a ring on. First thing that came to my mind -- was he's cute and has his shit together -- maybe someone for one of my single friends here in town?
Uh.. that was until I found out he was MARRIED! Hello??

I have heard many men's theories on why they don't wear one:

* I'm allergic to gold. (Well, get a different metal!)
* It gets in the way of my work. It might get caught on something.
* It bothers me. Doesn't feel natural to have a ring on.

All I can say to the last two -- is get the f-- over it.

I know that before I met Brad that when out and about it's one of the first things I would look for. Hey -- you can't blame a girl can you?

BTW -- Brad totally wears his ring. Always will. The only place where we DON'T wear our rings? When working in the yard, at the ocean, lake and pool.

What are your feelings on this topic? Can't wait to hear what MCW has to say..

Lazy Weekend and Looking Forward

This weekend was probably one of the lowest key weekends we've had in a while. Literally, after getting home Friday night and taking my makeup off I didn't put a stitch of it back on until this morning for work.

Can I get a woohoo?!

I'm normally not like that but we've been on the go the past few weeks and Brad and I both enjoyed staying in, cooking, drinking wine and watching football.

Granted - we ventured to Lowe's, the Farmer's market, Sam's, Garden Ridge, Target and Pet Smart.
Brad helped a friend with his backyard living space and I planted some fall flowers and hit up the pool but overall very RELAXING!

Good thing we got some rest because we're about to be full-force ahead for the next month.

First thing -- Robyn has her surgery Wednesday so say prayers!! For all of you bloggies who so generously donated to our Race for the Cure team and want to keep up with her progress click here.

If you haven't donated and still want to -- click here.

Brad and I walk this coming Saturday in honor of Robyn and other survivors and those who lost their battle.

After Racing for a Cure we'll then be racing to get ready to head BACK to California. Brad is convinced it's the only place we vacation.
Those of you following the blog for the past year or so might agree?

Columbus Day weekend we pack and up head West to So Cal for Dawn and J's wedding. Dawn and I have been friends since 1998 when we worked together in Reno.

We're making the trek a sort of vacation as well because Brad has never been to the Los Angeles area. We're flying into Burbank -- touring through Hollywood and Beverly Hills then staying the night in Santa Monica.

Then, the next day we're driving through Malibu and on our way to Santa Barbara. Love this area...especially Montecito where Oprah's palace is. We'll spend the night there and then head over to Dawn's hometown for two nights.

Which is? Ojai!

Who watches Brother's and Sisters? You might be familiar if so.

Ojai is beautiful and serene. I used to go and visit all the time when I lived in VEGAS. Dawn and I would hike, and bike. Lovely indeed.

The wedding is 10.10.10

Very cool date if you ask me and the wedding should be a blast as the couple now resides in NOLA and they have a local NOLA band coming to play.

Oh.. one of the other things I look forward to doing on this trip(if I can convince Brad). Visit the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. I know... nerd. I'm a total nerd. It's suppose to be awesome though.

Well, that's all I have for today!! What's going on with you peeps?

Artwork - Opinions Needed

Thanks for all your comments yesterday. I am looking forward while remembering those lost. Better days ahead peeps!

So, on a higher note today -- let's talk about artwork. Remember my trip to Savannah where the artist gave me a free print?

Well, he did himself proud as I can't quit thinking about his work. I'm still searching for several pieces to put in different areas of our house and I think some of Stephen Kasun's work will go perfect in our bedroom.

Our walls are Benjamin Moore's Grey Whisp. Pretty popular -- that Restoration Hardware blue.

Soo.. here's what I'm thinking. Giving that we really can't afford original artwork at this point and time(we have weddings, trips, etc planned for the next few months). I emailed Stephen about ordering two matted prints and plan to hang two of them together vertically.

I know I want this print for sure! Gaston Street Inns -- a real sight in Savannah.

BUT..here's my dilemma.
Which one of these prints? I really like this one because of the story behind it. It's the Sixth Pence restaurant in Savannah. BUT..it's famous for that scene in Julia Robert's Something to Talk About? Remember -- she gets out of the car in her robe to retrieve her hubby from his date with another woman? Cool story and great conversation piece for the house.

OR.. this one. Lafayette Square in Savannah. I think it might look better in a pairing because they're both daylight pictures. It was in one of S-town's other squares, just like this, where Tom Hanks sat with his box of chocolates in Forrest Gump.

What do you think? BTW -- very reasonable for these matted prints. Stephen told me $55 a piece!! I can buy frames for them to go in and BAM! Something cool for our bedroom.

Opinions??

Needing Some Good News.....

We've had a rough couple of weeks. Brad said last night that he's ready for Even Stephens to kick in and for us to get some positive news.
When I first met Brad he was telling me about his Even Stephens theory. He said -- "Things always work out because I'm Even Stephens."

Well, I guess I'm learning now that I'm a Stephens it's just not been the case here lately.

The latest bit of bad news is that we learned that our canine niece Jordan went to doggy heaven last night.
Sorry for the old picture of Reeders. I stole it from your FB page Robyn. It's the only one that would load and I wanted a picture of Jordie.

Jordie was a great pooch. She was 12 and they found out she was in a lot of pain with kidney failure.

So sad..I know the kids will miss hers.
Someone just left this poem for Robyn on FB. Kinda helps. Well, sort of. My favorite thing I will miss about Jordie? Her barking at the television and bullying Buddy over the kid's food scraps.
RIP Jordan Stephens.

That news came after what was absolutley devastating news we received Monday about my friend Kathleen's FIL.
Mr. Jerry passed away after a tragic car accident. What's even worse? It was Kathleen's birthday Monday.

I still can't believe it. I can't imagine what they are going through right now. The DePieros are so very tight and every single time I've ever been to visit them in Ohio we would spend at least one day with Jerry and Roberta.

The best is when they hosted us in their home on Lake Erie last Labor Day for a picnic on the lawn.

I've always been in awe of their family and how close the boys were with their Dad and how much fun they all had together.

RIP Jerry DePiero. You will be missed by many but the memories will never fade. That's a fact. Your legacy is there in every last child, grandchild and great grandchild.

Sorry for the negative nelly news. It feels better putting it out there as I try to think about more positive things.

Keep both of these families in your prayers.

Stephens First Annual Beach Trip and Jr. League Fun

We are back from what I thought might be our last trip to the beach this year but then I remembered that not only are we going to Santa Barbara, CA in a few weeks for a wedding but we're talking about spending Christmas in the Bahamas with my parents.

SOOO..here's one of our LAST beach weekends for 2010 AND the first annual Stephens beach trip.
Actually Stephens/Waller/Grubbs beach weekend.

The beach? Emerald Isle, NC near Camp Lejeune in Eastern North Carolina.
I copied off of Casey and Sara and wrote in the sand.

The house? AMAZING!! 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, pool, hot tub, pool table, ping pong, movie room and right on the beach!! We've already reserved it for the same week next year.

We were only there a few days unlike the rest of the family who spent the entire week there.

Nothing says the beach like cheese puffs on a beach blanket. Our niece and nephew are two cuties petuties.

SIL Robyn showing that she's ready to fight like a girl. I'll go ahead and share with everyone now that I've had a chance to talk to her.

Robyn, who is my age and the Mother of the two beautiful children above has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

It's Stage One but she will be undergoing a mastectomy and chemo in the next few weeks. Please consider donating to our Race for the Cure team in her honor if you haven't done so. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so FAR!

Lots of beach time. The boys taught Reed how to play bocci ball.

He has grown up so much. Not a baby but one of the boys now.

During the game of bocci ball we noticed a big group gathering near the water. What could it be? A fisherman caught a freaking shark!! Not just any shark.. but a BIG one!

HOLY SHARK!!!!!!!! I'm sorry but this is why people shouldn't fish on the beach.

Yep, they didn't kill it but put it back out to swim! I DID NOT go back into the water after that. At least not that day.

Instead we hit the pool at the house. Aunt Dee and Uncle Brad.

We had such a great time. We spent most of our time at the house and beach and no where else.

Uncle Dennis toasting my Dad -- he's a Vietnam Vet too.

Ages in our group were from 2 years old to 75-years old.

18 of us in all. I didn't get pictures of everyone but it was a fab time indeed. My MIL withe Bradster.

Robyn.

We were going to try and take a family photo but never got around to it.

Oh.. a highlight of the trip? I got Reed to eat salad for the first time in his life!! Mommy and Daddy were THRILLED!

Paige was styling all weekend.

Our last day we enjoyed a family cannonball contest. It was a blast!

Thanks to Aunt Becky, whom you see here, for paying for the house!! We LOVED it!!

Me with the little ones reading them Tickle Monster. CoCo suggested this book way back when. It was Paige's birthday present from us!

Ice cream while watching LSU!

All in all a GREAT trip and we can't wait until next year!!

After driving back in -- I unpacked and got ready for the Junior League of Charlotte's first annual LIGHTS, CAMERA, FASHION! event at Belk.

A fashion show and shopping event that raises funds for non-profits here in Charlotte.

Belk is based here in the Queen City so it's a good thing for them and us.

Here's me and my co-chair, Caroline. We are the JLC's Historians.

Other league friends...

The event was sold out and included drinks, food, music and more.

Some people brought their hubbys but I can't imagine Brad enjoying something like this too much especially being held on Sunday night during football season.

Great time overall!! Great weekend overall!! How was your weekend bloggies?? MUAH!!

More Questions

Hey bloggies!! Fall is in the air here in Charlotte! I LOVE IT!! Tomorrow is my last day of work for the week as me and The Bradster are headed BACK to the beach again this weekend. What a life eh?
This time - it's a family beach trip with the Stephens clan.

Before I leave though - I thought I would answer questions sent to me by Little Match Girl. Yes, she tagged me.

Here we go.

1. What is the one place in the world you have never been but have always wanted to go?

answer: Tuscany. As most of you know - I'm a wino and just love wine country! I've hit the all wine regions in California so now it's time to do the real thing! Italy!

2. Where did you meet your best friend?

answer: Me and my bestie met in the 2nd grade in Baton Rouge. We remained friends even after I moved to Arkansas in the 10th grade. We went on to live together the first 2 years of college. Then IRONICALLY when I moved to VEGAS at 25 she moved there too with her hubby. I can go without seeing her for years but she ALWAYS calls me on her way to take the kids to school. LOVES ME SOME BEK!

3. What movie do you watch over and over that always makes you laugh/cry?

answer: Under the Tuscan Sun hands down. I have it on DVD and have probably watched it 50-times. Especially when I lived by myself. Puts me in a good mood.

4. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?

answer: I used to be a Starbucks girl but as I've gotten older I prefer Dunkin Donuts. It helps that we have one around the corner from our house.

5. Have you ever had a celebrity run in? If so...share!

answer: YES! Several! Wait for it!

Jay Mohr -- freaking cool is all I can say. Funny too. Met him when he was on my TV show in VEGAS.

Shaq -- ran into him in the valet line at the Venetian in VEGAS. One word for him? BIG

AND...of course when I moved back South I had Miss Paula Deen on my show. Super nice and down to earth. Just like on teevee.

6. Are you a cook, baker, or none of the above?

answer: Cook even though I liked to bake during the holiday time. One of the best recipes I've made? A veggie lasagna!

7. What is your favorite part of everyday?

answer: Wine Time!! LOL!! I'm actually more of a morning person.

8. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?

answer: No debate about it. The Fall! I can't get enough of it which is why I'm so glad I don't live in the desert anymore. Sorry Cindy!!

The trees, the crisp in the air, football, etc.

Feel free to take the questions and answer them too!! Happy Humpday!

Things I Learned This Weekend

I had a nice relaxing weekend with the Budster while hubs was at the beach with friends. It was nice to have some alone time to be honest and I learned several things. Here we go.

#1. First and foremost - I learned that friends especially blogging ones are the best. Many of you know what I'm talking about even though I haven't shared it here. THANKS FOR YOUR DONATIONS!!
I will share more when the time comes.

#2. The annual Fashion Night Out at Neiman Marcus has become one of my favorite events. Thanks for going with me Kelli! There weren't as many people there this year since it was on a Friday night during football season.

#3. How small Charlotte is. I saw my friend Stephanie and others at FNO. Remember Stephanie from Lilly's Pink and Green Birfday party?

#4. That I can never have enough of these babies. Yep.. if you haven't tried a pair of Hanky Pankys do it now!

#5. That I want a Mercedes just like this. Hint..Hint.. Brad!

#6. That I'm not a sex-pot. Look at me trying to be cute and sexy in the photo booth at FNO. Kelli was cracking up.

#7. Volunteering on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks really made me feel good. I truly enjoy giving my time to such a great and honorable organization. You would be amazed how much our soldiers and their families appreciate what we do.

#8. The Virginia Tech Hokies need to make some MAJOR changes to their football program. (Actually, the entire ACC in general). Hubby and friends were on suicide watch Saturday watching their team lose to James Madison.

#9. The SEC still rocks the casbah when it comes to football. My Tigers beat Vandy this weekend but LSU still needs to step it up this season to beat the likes of Bama and Florida.

#10. Scrapbooking does the soul good. I finally got all my engagement and wedding cards in a scrapbook. Yes, 7-months after the wedding but at least it's done.

#11. Finally, last but not least. NEVER.. NEVER.. buy a light brie. If you're going to eat cheese go for the real thing. A total waste of money because it tasted like rubber.

What did you learn this weekend?