Andy Andrews

I recently stumbled across my new favorite author- Andy Andrews.

You may remember I mentioned his book, The Noticer, a few weeks ago. It was fantastic! I followed it up with one of his earlier books, Island of Saints, which is amazing! This book was recently republished under then name The Heart Mender. I'm currently finishing up The Traveler's Gift, which to no surprise is another wonderful book.

I love that Andy is from Orange Beach, and sets many of his stories there. Maybe I'll have a chance run in with him while at the beach this summer. {Oh how I wish}.

All of his books are considered 'self-help' but they are not the typical SH books. The characters and story lines are unique- the type that you miss when it's over. They are relatively quick reads, which, for this busy momma, is a plus.

Island of Saints {or The Heart Mender} is all about forgiveness, which let's face it, we all need more of in our lives. It also gives crazy facts about Nazi soldiers in Orange Beach during WW2. Who knew?

The Noticer touches on many different topics from marriage, dating, family, and business. It will definitely give you some perspective.

The Traveler's Gift is a must read for anyone. You will receive seven tips to a happy, successful life from some of history's greatest figures.

Happy Reading!

Life Lately

Hey Ya'll! Please forgive my recent 'blogcation'.

Any who... I've had several people mention my blogging absence, so I thought I'd do a 'Life Lately' post to catch you up.

1. Fresh Face
I'm working on a new makeover for the blog and cannot wait for the reveal! The goal is to make the site easier to navigate and easier to follow me via other social networking sites. Plus, a color change is always a breath of fresh air. Stay tuned!

2. School Days
I have been really busy at work as of late. With state testing starting a week from tomorrow, I've really been pushing my kiddos! Add to that the spring fever/end of the year aches that seem to have hit, and it makes for one tired teacher! This week promises to be no different- final week before testing plus two days of workshops. Whew, I'm tired already.

3. Monogramming Momma
About a month ago I purchased a monogramming machine. Henceforth, my normal nightly blogging time has been put on hold in place of sewing. For my fellow facebook and instagram friends, I apologize for blowing up your newsfeed with sewing projects :) I'm currently working on getting my online sewing boutique, Stitches, back up- but with a new face and name {Sew Southern}. Stay tuned for the grand reveal!

4. Happiness Project
Although I haven't blogged about this yet, I have been doing my own Happiness Project and plan to update you soon. For April, my happiness project focused on doing more of the things I enjoy- mainly reading. My goal was to read 2 books, which I have surpassed. For those of you interested, check back tomorrow for my recent reads.

5. Baby Boom
There seems to be a baby boom going on amongst my friends. Just this week a sweet friend of mine welcomed her first bundle of joy! I loved visiting her and, of course, cuddling with her sweet little man! There are still four more bundles due to make their arrival within the next two months!

6. News
I have some very exciting news to share soon! {Don't you hate me for telling, but not telling} I'm not quite ready to spill the beans, but hopefully I can let you in on this new adventure soon. No, I'm not expecting!

Happy Sunday!

Mother's Day Wish List

This is one of those times when I wish my husband would get the itch to read the old blog for once. With Mother's Day on its way, I thought I'd be a sweet wife and give my man a little help. I'm not asking for much, just a small token would be nice. Here are my top three picks....

1. Swing - What a great way to spend those gorgeous summer evenings- in a swing, sipping sweet tea, watching sweet pea play.
2. Daisy perfume by Marc Jacobs - one of my all time favorites!
3. Ray Ban Wayfarers - classic and stylishly chic...love these puppies and would love to own a "nice" pair of sunglasses that didn't come off the rack at Le Target--let's be honest, I don't have the best reputation for taking care of nice glasses... so we'll see.

Mary Grace's 1st Birthday

Can I be honest here....I am so happy and relieved that the big day/shindig/party is over. Now before you judge me too much, let me just say that I had such fun planning out her first party, and I loved every minute of our time visiting with friends and family- all to celebrate our sweet girl. All the planning, decorating, preparing wiped me out!

We could not have asked for a more wonderful day. It was a beautiful day celebrating a beautiful girl's first year of life. The weather was warm so we were able to open our french doors and mingle on the porch while watching the men fish. 

Let's start with the decor- I went a little over board and I know it. I started planning out her 'theme' while she was still in the womb (all women do that, right?). I officially starting planning, ordering, creating in early February. 

 Her cake knife set turned out beautiful. Her name and birth date are engraved on one side. We will use it to cut all her birthday cakes, then one day she will use it to cut her wedding cake, and we will engrave that date on the top. This thought always makes me tear up.

 

Our sweet Mary Grace had a wonderful time! At first she was a bit overwhelmed by everyone, but she started warming up to the idea. Her birthday outfit, along with her hat, is from Mudpie- she looked so cute! We had so many family and friends stop by to show their love for sweet Mary Grace! She is truly one blessed little girl.

{Mary Grace's great-grandmother, Marlene}

{Sweet friends}

 

{Sweet girls helping with gifts}

{The stuffed kitten was a hit}

{Mary Grace with all of her grandmothers and great-grandmothers - minus Bob's grandmother, Nannie, who stopped by later}

{Time for the scratch off cards|

{Sweet Aunt Betty love}

{Fishing buddies}

{Checking out her new picnic table from Granny}

{Mary Grace and her Great-Grandmother, Mary}

{The cake was not only gorgeous, but delicious! Kelli did a fantastic job}

I've already started getting ideas for next year! We had such an amazing day celebrating our little lovebug with family and friends! Thanks to all who helped make her first birthday such a memorable time!

Party Supplies
Cake: Specialty Cakes by Kelli
Cake Knife Set: Things Remembered in Birmingham (also available online)
Initial 'M' Suckers, Water Bottle Labels: Oriental Trading
Gumballs & Rock Candy: Party City
Striped Straws: FancyThatLoved via Etsy
Pom Pom Decor: The Pom Pom Show via Etsy
Invitations: Easy Made Invitations via Etsy
Scratch Off Cards: Inklings Paperie via Etsy
Mary Grace's Outfit & Hat: Mudpie