Heavens to Betsy

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Loafers

2012-01-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

Mama wants. Mama needs.

Source via Pinterest

Golden Globes Faves!

2012-01-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Forgive my inclusion of the token Kardashian. I love them. I can't help it. Moving on....overall, most red carpet walkers looked great...there were a few misses here and there, but no Bjorks in goose feathers or anything. Unlike a lot of people, I did not like Angelina's look...too severe and the girl needs color. I loved the gowns I listed here, I think Kelly MacDonald (Boardwalk Empire) in the short sleeve green sequin number is my fave!

What dresses were you lusting over?!

What I'm Loving...

2012-01-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

Self portrait featuring:
initial necklace from South Moon Under
Mrs. necklace from kate spade
long pendant necklace from H & M

SPOTTED: Valentine's Day Banner

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

How cute is this?! I think it would be perfectly sweet on a mantle, in a kid's room or just about anywhere you are looking to infuse a little valentine love. What do you think?!

Recipe: Caramelized Onion Stuffed Burgers

2012-01-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Heat oil in a medium size skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, reduce heat to medium low and cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is a deep golden brown, about 20 more minutes. (instead of the horseradish and cheese, I added mushrooms toward the end of the caramelization...SO great! I think this would be great with the horseradish but I didn't have any, and LAS is allergic to cheese)

Shape your ground beef into 8 small patties (about 4 " across), top 4 of the patties with a tablespoon of your onion mixture, top that with another patty and pinch the sides to seal the burger closed. Repeat and season stuffed burgers on both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare a grill or grill pan and cook burgers to desired doneness. About 5 minutes per side for medium.

Ridiculously good! LAS is doing the gluten free thing so he ate his alone, I ate mine open faced style on half an english muffin with ketchup, mustard and a pickle...tres delish!

Monogrammed Monday: Signet Rings

2012-01-09T15:16:00.000-05:00

Sarah Chloe via possessionista

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is treating you well and is off to a fabulous start, I know mine is. I'm extra thrilled to be back in a routine and back to blogging! Cheers sweet readers!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

I could not be more excited to celebrate our first Christmas as husband and wife! I'll be back after the holidays with a full re-cap on our celebrations with both families. Until then, I'll be indulging in hot cocoa with extra large marshmallows and stuffing LAS and Stella's stockings full of treats! Merry Christmas!

PS: Don't you just love my Ashley Brooke Designs photo card??

Monogrammed Monday: Christmas Packages

2011-12-19T10:41:00.001-05:00

marthastewart.com via Pinterest

Oh What Fun...Holiday Hostess Gifts!

2011-12-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

This post is part of today's link-up over at According to Nina!

It's December, which means, being as popular as you are, you are running to and fro from party to party! A gracious guest knows its best not to show up empty handed so I've compiled a few awesome hostess gifs that are easy, inexpensive and make for a great presentation--I just love making the day of a hostess who's worked so hard to create a fun atmosphere for me!

source 1
source 2
source 3

Monogrammed Monday: Block Letter Pillows

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love the bold simplicity of these pillows. Perfect for a bedroom trying to achieve the balance between feminine and masculine.

elements of style blog via Pinterest

FSU vs. UF Party Recap

2011-12-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

Last weekend LAS and I hosted a FSU UF gameday party! We had the best time (it helped that the noles won!) and I loved coming up with some fun decor for our guests--we even had a photo booth!

1. Tomahawk Thirst Quencher Cooler 2. FOOD: homemade pulled pork, mac and cheese and "'nole-slaw" 3. Photo Booth 4. Chief Osceola Cheese

Monogrammed Monday: Fornash Earrings

2011-11-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

via Fornash

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Trimming the Tree

2011-11-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

source, source, source, source

I've decided my favorite holiday is the day after Thanksgiving! Because it's decorating day! I'm so excited for LAS and I to decorate for our first married Christmas and we are heading over to my parents house today for tree decorating and I could not be more excited!! Let's deck the halls and let the trimming begin.

SPOTTED: Christmas Table Runner

2011-11-22T15:55:00.000-05:00

I may have gotten a wild (crafty) hair this weekend and spent some time whipping up this hand painted table runner (each end is different)....I can't wait to put it on my dining room table come Friday. The Mr. frowns on pre-Thanksgiving Christmas decorations (he's a big fan of Thanksgiving), otherwise it would already be on display.

Lilly Pultizer Birthday Brunch Recap!

2011-11-21T08:47:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I delayed this an entire week! The Lilly birthday brunch was so lovely and the highlight was definitely getting to chat with Lilly Pulitzer herself! She was the most gracious, sweet and funny lady--and she loved mine and ABQ's outfits, specifically our show-stopping accessories! There was yummy food...a midday cocktail and a really fun and interesting exhibit featuring Lilly throughout the years (I swooned over vintage Lilly...if only I could get my hands a few of those pieces!). It was such a great experience that I will treasure for quite some time--is that me and Lilly below looking like besties?? Pinch me!

Monogrammed Monday: Calligraphy Stamp

2011-11-07T09:10:00.000-05:00

source

Dear Santa,

Now that the Mr. and I have moved, we really need to replace the return address stamp you gave us last Christmas. Don't you fancy this one?

hugs and kisses,

A New Look for HTB

2011-11-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I'm SO excited for you to see the new look here at Heavens to Betsy! I've been wanting to revamp things around here for awhile and I think the latest version of HTB suits me to a tee. I am so thankful for my desk illustration from Ashley Brooke (she's also responsible for other fun elements you'll see around here later on) and the header text and overall layout from Penny Lane Designs--thanks girls, you are the best! Be sure to click over and check it out!

{I've highlighted some of my favorite things in my new illustration below}

Wordless Wednesday: Pumpkin Picking!

2011-10-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

Swoon-Worthy Friday: ABD Fall Giveaway!

2011-10-21T09:45:00.001-04:00

Aren't these little gems divine? Well, guess what? You could win them ALL (I can't but you CAN)! Ashley Brooke Designs is hosting a fabulous fall giveaway filled to the brim with autumnal goodies...like a starbucks gift card, a swanky scarf, nail polish, lipstick, arm candy...the list goes on. So hurry scurry over to the ABD blog and enter!

Latest Drugstore Favorites

2011-10-19T13:29:00.001-04:00

These are a few of my favorite recent drugstore finds: herbal essence tousle me softly spray gel; not sticky, smells divine--like perfume for your hair! clear elastics; the hold and thickness of a traditional hair elastic but the clear look that doesn't distract from your latest 'do. loreal go 360 with scrublet; leaves my skin super clean and the scrublet is like a massage for my face. this formula is a little drying but does help clear blemishes.

image 1, image 2, image 3

Get Well Remedy: Hot Lemonade

2011-10-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

I've been sniffling and coughing now for the past 5 days or so and I'm over it. I'm doing my best to get well and I've been inhaling soup and hot tea and all those concoctions that are sure to put you on the mend. One of my favorite new get well remedies is hot lemonade...courtesy of my mother (don't mothers always have the best ideas?). If you aren't feeling quite up to snuff or just want a warm sip of something, try some hot lemonade. (Confession: I warm up Publix deli lemonade in the microwave, but if I wasn't sick and had more energy, I'd try this recipe below)

image source

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Plate DIY

2011-10-17T17:47:00.000-04:00

Visit 320*Sycamore to see how you can create your own monogrammed plates! Easy, inexpensive and perfect kitchen wall decor, don't you think?

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Pumpkin Party

2011-10-14T08:36:00.000-04:00

1. via Pinterest 2. countryliving.com via Pinterest 3. thepartydress.net via Pinterest 4. bhg.com via Pinterest 5. littleshamrocks.com via Pinterest

DIY: Gameday Wreath

2011-10-13T09:15:00.001-04:00

I whipped up this easy as pie DIY a few weeks ago to show a little spirit on my front door. Unfortunately it hasn't provided a lot of luck for the 'Noles but it does make me smile when I come through the door! I grabbed a wreath, some wooden letters and ribbon from Wal-Mart, painted the letters, made a bow using wire ribbon and used hot glue to attach everything to the wreath (I also used a little excess floral wire to secure the bow). I wish I could detail the bow making but I watched a bunch of YouTube videos on how to do it, got frustrated and just played with it until it looked right...not sure I could recreate it if I wanted to ;)

Recap: Winston Salem Visit

2011-10-12T19:27:00.002-04:00

Last weekend my sister and I traveled to NC to see some really sweet family friends and to see the 'Noles play. The latter didn't work out so well but the former was more fun than I can say. It was so wonderful catching up with the B family and spending time with their sweet girls--when my sister and I were their age, their mom and dad spent a lot of time with us which always meant a lot, so it was fun to spend some time with their little girls! We ate good food, caught up with one another, visited the winery next door (that's right...it was NEXT DOOR.), and these Florida girls got to see some leaves changing. It was a great trip! I may or may not have shed a tear over having to leave--we can't wait to visit again soon!

Featured: EKS and LAS in Matchbook Mag

2011-10-04T09:15:00.001-04:00

Look-y loo at what popped up yesterday on the interwebs! A little newlywed announcement in the oh-so lovely Matchbook Magazine--thanks a million to the sweet Katie Armour for including us! And be sure to brew a cup of tea and sit down to peruse the rest of Matchbook, this may be their best issue yet.

Monogrammed Monday: Encyclopedia of Monograms

2011-10-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

source: Barnes and Noble

Kate + Mary

2011-09-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

Don't you want to skip around in this supercalifragilistic necklace?

via kate spade

Monogrammed Monday: Leaves Wreath

2011-09-26T08:42:00.000-04:00

source

Swoon-Worthy Friday: College Football is Back!

2011-09-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

Hooray for College Football! I love this time of year, the fall feeling of promise, pumpkins everywhere, the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas and of course football Saturday!! I'm super excited to be flying up to TN this weekend with my in-laws and LAS to watch my BIL play football. I've never been to Knoxville so I'm excited to visit another famous football stadium and see JMS do his thing. I've got my orange outfit picked out (thanks to help from Meredith) and I'm ready to tailgate.

(Of course my heart will still be in Tallahassee at 3:30 when the 'Noles kick off!)

So Go Noles, Go Vols and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Accent Vlog

2011-09-01T17:34:00.001-04:00

I first started hearing about the Accent Vlog on Twitter and this morning I watched Meredith's vlog, where I first saw the words, questions, etc. I know Erin has done one too. I just love hearing the voices of all my favorite blogger girls..it's fun to put a voice with a face.
Now for my vlog...excuse the weird noise I make between each question. Watching a video of yourself has to be the most mortifying thing, no?

If you'd like to play along:

The instructions are to say these words:
Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:
What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you use to change the TV channel?

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Valance

2011-08-29T17:34:00.000-04:00

House of Turquoise via Pinterest

DIY: Family Sign

2011-08-25T10:23:00.000-04:00

I've given family signs as shower gifts and engagement gifts but never purchased one for myself, so I decided to whip one up DIY style. It was very inexpensive and easy--just grab a canvas, favorite paint colors and a paint pen and you're all set!

iphone photos....no I do not have neon stripes in my house.

Oxfords: Then & Now

2011-08-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

You can't pick up a September issue without seeing this fall's hottest shoe: the oxford! It's tailored, practical and oh so retro. I love seeing the practicality of their first incarnation in the '40s against today's glittered, glam-ed up versions. I'll take today's update any day! Particularly those gold little numbers.

From left, clockwise: source, group of girls, silver oxfords, glitter oxfords, well heeled oxfords, girl with LV

Moving Announcement

2011-08-23T08:34:00.000-04:00

If there is one perk in moving twice in 5 months its twice the Ashley Brooke Designs moving announcements!! Here's our new one--very clever if you are aware of my recent painting adventure.

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Hooks

2011-08-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

Ballard Designs

6 Months!

2011-08-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

Happy 6 month anniversary to my sweet husband!! The first 6 months of our marriage have been insane--filled with lots of changes and adventures, but I've loved every second of it.

I realized I've never shown you a lot of my favorite wedding photos so I thought today might be a great day to do just that! And in case you didn't know, our wedding was shot by the lovely Robinsons of Studio 222 Photography!

ABD wedding suite

I carried my maternal grandparents wedding rings in my pocket!

monogrammed veil!

Bustling

my flower girls are stocking up at the popcorn bar!

all the tables had framed southern sayings

me and ABD breaking it down!

Fashion Envy: Kelly Ripa in Gryphon

2011-08-10T09:15:00.000-04:00

forgive me blogger for I have sinned...it has been 15 days since my last post. readers, I have no excuses. only a stunning bit of sartorial delight to make amends.

I'm dying over Kelly Ripa's Gryphon dress from yesterday's episode of Live with Regis and Kelly. I like everything a bit over the top so a pattern and copious amounts of sparkle? ummm....yes, please!

Click on the link below to view the dress on Kelly's Fashion Finder:

Click here

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Clutches

2011-07-25T08:54:00.000-04:00

Martha Stewart via Pinterest

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Beach Getaway and Sombrilla

2011-07-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, I'm scooting out of town for a few days at the beach! After our whirlwind Atlanta trip, I'm more than ready for a few days of R & R. If there was one purchase I could make for this weekend, it would be the Sombrilla from Hollie and Harrie.

How great is this? Such a chic alternative to the beach umbrella with more options for coverage! If LAS and I ever move back to the beach, I may have to invest one of these!

happy weekend!

ABD is off to Atlanta!

2011-07-13T07:31:00.000-04:00

After months of planning and preparation, Ashley Brooke Designs is Atlanta bound! We are displaying the first ever ABD wholesale collection and are SO excited. We'll be tweeting, blogging and facebook-ing our adventures so follow along for all the fun.

You can follow the ABD team at abdesigns and abdesigns_betsy on twitter!

Wish us luck!

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Fireworks

2011-07-01T08:38:00.001-04:00

clockwise from L: source via Pinterest, Style Me Pretty via Pinterest, Source via Pinterest

I plan on spending this holiday weekend with sand between my toes, sipping lemonade, soaking up the sun and taking in spectacular fireworks displays! Happy Fourth to you and yours and God Bless America.

DIY: Stripes

2011-06-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

Finally! Here's the reveal of our dining room stripes. Leveling and taping the stripes was very time consuming and a little challenging, but once we mastered that the painting was a breeze. I used a measurement formula and some tips from a post on Young House Love, all of which were very helpful!

The color is Behr's Japanese Fern (Home Depot)

Monogrammed Monday: Gold Button Earrings

2011-06-27T08:15:00.001-04:00

Doyle and Doyle via Pinterest

Stripes!

2011-06-21T09:26:00.001-04:00

Today I'll be adding some DIY stripes to our new dining room area! I am so excited to add some visual interest and a pop of color to this space. I'll be sure and document all the steps so you don't have to miss a thing! Wish me luck--fortunately I have helpers in the way of Mom and Sis coming over to help get the job done! Do you have any home improvements on your calendar?

source

Monogrammed Monday and E-mealz Winner

2011-06-13T09:06:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I wanted to share my new monogrammed wristlet with you that I won from Nautical By Nature's Marley Lilly giveaway. It's red with a navy monogram, tres adorable, no? (Have to admit, I love seeing that new monogram!) (PS, Marley Lilly is incredible! I got this wristlet immediately! And my sister ordered me one of their famous floppy hats for my birthday and it's been on backorder and they could not have been nicer and more prompt about letting her know!)

Thanks to everyone who entered our E-mealz giveaway! I used random.org to select a winner and the winner is...

Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)

Congratulations Amy! Email me your email address and plan preference to betsy (at) heavenstobetsyblog (dot) com and we'll get you all set up!

My birthday is my favorite

2011-06-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

http://rachelswandesign.tumblr.com/ via pinterest

It's my birthday! Today is my very favorite day of the year (am I allowed to admit that? sure, it's my blog.) and I can't wait to celebrate with my family and my Mr. On the agenda for today: pedicures, presents, lunch, picking up the keys to our new apartment (talk about a birthday present) and dinner with my sweet husband. I fully intend on wearing a massive bow and something sparkly all day long.

Tomorrow we're moving in to our new place and I'm so excited to have all our stuff out of boxes and back where it belongs! Stay tuned for a look at the new place next week and our E-mealz giveaway winner!

A Special Happy Birthday!

2011-06-09T08:17:00.001-04:00

photo by Studio 222 Photography

Happy Birthday Ashley Brooke! Not only is Ashley an amazing employer who I am blessed to work with everyday but she is the best friend a girl could ask for. She is so, so thoughtful, tons of fun and is always there when I need her. I'm forever thankful to my husband for introducing me to his lifelong friend (I'm also quite sure he had no idea what he was starting when he made that introduction--haha!).

Like me, she believes in celebrating her birthday to the hilt, which is great since we were born just one day apart! I love getting to celebrate our birthdays together every year and I have no doubt there will be lots of glitter, champagne and cake in our future today and tomorrow! Hooray for birthdays!

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Rainboots

2011-06-06T10:05:00.001-04:00

source

***Don't forget to enter my E-mealz giveaway to help with your meal planning***

E-Mealz Giveaway!

2011-06-02T09:07:00.003-04:00

Hello!

Meal planning can be so helpful for your week and your budget, but sometimes its a struggle to come up with the meals and make your lists and pull it all together!

E-mealz is a great service that for just $1.25 a week will provide you with a meal plan for 4-6 people or if your a newlywed like me, just 2 people.

E-Mealz relies on a team of experienced meal planners, writers and editors to create new dinner menus every week that are designed around grocery store sales (Publix!), seasonal specials and diet preferences. Subscribers download a recipe plan for the week with a matching aisle-by-aisle grocery list (score!). The easy-to-follow recipes usually contain fewer than seven ingredients to allow for prep times of less than 30 minutes.

Menus are created around a budget of $75 per week for families and $35 per week for couples.

The best news is, we are giving away a 3 month membership for any plan that works for you! You can preview the plans here. To enter the giveaway "like" E-mealz on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and leave a comment telling me which you've done. A winner will be chosen next Wednesday, June 8th.

For recipes and tips from E-mealz you can also check out their blog!

Engagement Anniversary & Style Me Pretty Feature

2011-05-31T09:15:00.000-04:00

Good morning...

It's a big day around here! It is moving day, our engagement anniversary and our wedding is featured on Style Me Pretty! Whew--so much excitement for a Tuesday.

For moving updates you can follow me on twitter and be sure and check out our wedding feature here!

from last May 31, the day we got engaged!

Kyla & Bobby's Wedding

2011-05-30T09:30:00.001-04:00

Pop on over to Ky's blog today! I've done a little wedding recap for her readers :)

xoxo,
B

Daydreams and Road Trips...

2011-05-25T06:39:00.001-04:00

...the title of this post sounds like a country song, no?

source

But it's where I'm at in this moment. Let me summarize:

Daydreams
Lately my daydreams consist of an ever-growing list of "things I will do when we are in the new apartment" or TIWDWWAITNA. We are currently in a state of flux, destined to last only another 2 weeks or so, as we move out of our current bungalow, into my in-laws house for a few days (bless them) and finally into our new place. Some of the things I am waiting to do include, print and hang wedding photos, return to morning workouts, try out recipes from my new Gourmet cookbook, and you know, stop annoying my husband with all of my moving anxiety ;)

Road Trips
As you read this, LAS and I are en route to Ky and Bobby's wedding. I'm so excited for them I could burst! I've known Ky since she was 14 and every time I think about our friendship through the years and the fact that I'm about to watch her marry her best friend, I can't help but tear up. I know their day will be perfect and we are so stinkin' excited to spend it celebrating with them!

The Dish

2011-05-17T10:12:00.000-04:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably seen a few tweets alluding to mine and the Mr.'s immanent move. And you may be thinking...."Didn't you guys JUST get married and move somewhere by the beach?" Yes, yes we did.

Exactly 6 weeks to the day after we got married, the Mr. got laid off from his job. Talk about a mood killer. I won't get it to the details, but suffice it to say it was unfair and un-fun.

Good news is Mr. has been hired by a great company (because he's so darn cute, who wouldn't want to snatch him right up!) just under 1.5 hours south of where we currently live. Thanks to our gracious landlord/real estate group we are able to get out of our lease but now we have to find a new place to live. In 13 days. During which we will be out of town for 3.5 of those 13 days (which we are SUPER stoked about because it's for a VERY important celebration).

So we're off today to look at some more apartments/condos/homes, etc. I just thought you'd like to be in the loop. Wish us luck!

Oh, and one more thing--

Yesterday was Endeavor's last lift off from Kennedy Space Center and growing up in part on the Space Coast, it was such a bittersweet sight. If you've never seen a shuttle lift off, you are missing out--it is an awe inspring event and I'm so sad that the very last launch is just around the corner. Here's a shot I got yesterday, watching the launch from the beach.

Monogrammed Monday: Mother's Day Gifts

2011-05-16T13:06:00.001-04:00

I LOVED the gifts we gave our respective mommas for Mother's Day this year!

Because my MIL is a grandma we got her this zip up hoodie with YaYa on it, as this is what our niece and nephew call her. (I did the monogramming too!)

And for my mom I got her a necklace with tiny discs stamped with the initials of me, my sister, my husband and my dad! (necklace can be found here.)

Monogrammed Monday: Applique PIllow

2011-05-09T09:50:00.000-04:00

source

Swoon-Worthy Friday: William & Catherine

2011-04-29T05:01:00.000-04:00

image source: pinterest

Recipe for a Royal Breakfast

2011-04-28T08:37:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to get up extra early and take in the Royal Wedding with some of my girlfriends tomorrow, so I thought I'd share some key ingredients for a Royal Watch breakfast, with a little bit of a southern twist of course ( I mean what breakfast is complete without monogrammed napkins and biscuits? I think even Kate would approve.)

Clockwise from top left: luxury monograms, pinterest, style hive, second lunch, food network

Inspired Style: Beach Cruiser Chic

2011-04-27T08:34:00.000-04:00

In a nod to #WeddingWednesday, I thought I'd share with you my fabulous wedding gift from my very clever husband (well, my very clever husband who is also very good at taking hints). Being that after our nuptials, we'd be relocating beachside, I couldn't imagine making the move without a beach cruiser at my disposal. After the wedding and the honeymoon, I arrived home to find this is my garage:

As you can see, most of my rides are more than casual, but in my more glamorous life, this is how I'd cruise the sandy shores:

urban outfitters, pinterest, pinterest

Bringing Spring into Your Kitchen

2011-04-26T08:55:00.004-04:00

Here are few items to warm up your kitchen and welcome Spring and Summer!

photo credits top to bottom: House Beautiful; Sur La Table; Crate and Barrel

Monogrammed Monday: Monogrammed Necklace

2011-04-25T08:46:00.000-04:00

With 46 days until my birthday, I'll take one of these please. Pretty please.

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Easter Table

2011-04-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

marthastewart.com

Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Gifts

2011-04-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

Brides, if you're looking for inspiration, here's what I gifted my bridesmaids:

Monogrammed Two Loops Tote

Monogrammed 16 oz. Tervis Tumbler

Paperwink journal

Ivory pashmina

Southern Sightseeing: Honey Lake Plantation

2011-04-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, while visiting my sister for her 21st birthday, we stumbled upon the Honey Lake Plantation on our way to Gran and Granddaddy's. Set in my dad's hometown around a lake where he and his friends used to swim, is this gorgeous property where the plantation's main house and chapel are still under construction. You can learn more here, but for now here are some of my photos, straight from the ole iPhone.

Two Months

2011-04-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

Happy two month anniversary to my wonderful husband! These first two months have been a little crazy but I wouldn't trade them for all the world.

one of my favorite wedding shots from Studio 222 Photography

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Organization Station {Plus Giveaway Winner}

2011-04-15T09:54:00.000-04:00

How adorable is this family communication station?? We will definitely be having one of these one day!

family-crafts.org

And in other news, the winner of our Thirty-One gifts giveaway is.......

MC--send me an email at betsy {at} heavenstobetsyblog {dot} com and we'll get you your lunch tote!

{Monogrammed Monday} Joss & Main: La Plates

2011-04-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

Today's Monogrammed Monday is dedicated to the La Plates sale on Joss & Main! Joss & Main is a members only website selling things for your home at often times up to 70% off! To access the La Plates sale (which is fabulous---I LOVE their stuff) and all the other sales coming up including the Lilly Pulitzer Accessories and Home Event next Monday, April 18, click here for an invitation!

La Plates makes adorable monogrammed plates, trays, coasters, etc. Perfect for outdoor dining, favors for showers or parties, or gifts! I love the bright colors and preppy patterns and motifs!

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Mason Jars

2011-04-08T09:00:00.008-04:00

I LOVE Mason Jars! They were a huge part of our wedding reception decor and I love that I now have tons of vintage ones to use around my house, post-wedding. I love seeing the jars re-purposed for lighting and I'm currently using about 3 different kinds as vases in my house as we speak.

Take a look at photo 4, straight from our wedding reception--thanks Studio 222, it's one of my favorite shots!

1. source, 2. source, 3. source

PS: Happy Happy 21st Birthday to my baby sister!! xoxo

Thirty-one GIveaway!

2011-04-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

Today I have a great giveaway for HTB readers! Woo Hoo! Shalane from Thirty-one, is giving away a thermal lunch tote! If you haven't heard of Thirty-one, check out Shalane's site--they make all shapes, sizes and types of totes that help keep you organized and hold all your essentials for every occasion.

The small thermal (lunch) tote is great--perfect for lunch, drinks, or even keeping the kids medicine cool on a trip. One lucky winner will receive the tote in their choice of pattern AND you get a free monogram!! So, visit the catalog here, and leave a comment telling which small thermal tote you would choose if you won and you're entered. Simple as that!

I'll choose a winner next Thursday, April 14th!

PS: A special Happy Birthday to my SIL, La! Hope you have a great day!! xoxo

Newlywed Nest Tour

2011-04-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

Here's my very first vlog!! It's a super quick look at our living room in our newlywed nest. It's still a work in progress, but I thought you might like to see a sneak peek.

Monogrammed Monday: Marley Lilly Derby Hat

2011-04-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

This little gem is definitely atop my birthday wish list (yes, I know....two months to go. But you can never be too prepared!).

marley lilly

Our Moving Announcement

2011-03-31T08:43:00.000-04:00

Another fun aspect of newlywed-dom: moving announcements! Being the lucky girl I am, Ashley Brooke of Ashley Brooke Designs whipped me and LAS up something super adorable! They should be arriving in the mailboxes of family and friends and I can't wait to hear from them--they love getting ABD paper in the mail as much as I do! PS, how cute is Stella, taking in all the moving activity?

{And before you pop a letter in the mail...no, that is not our address ;)}

Monogrammed Monday: High Cotton Ties

2011-03-28T18:01:00.000-04:00

Monogrammed cummerbunds from High Cotton Ties. How cute are these? I love how the monogram is hidden when your jacket is buttoned--like you're own little secret. Click here to see all the monogramming options

I'm Currently...

2011-03-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

Reading...

source

Listening to....

source

Watching....

source

Snacking on...

iphone photo credit: betsy

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Portraits

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have been dying to share my bridal portraits with you for quite some time and today's the day! If you know me, you know there is nothing I love more than having my picture taken. This day was no exception and it was so fun to dress up in my wedding gown just before the wedding.

The incredible Gregory Daniel of Gregory Daniel Portrait Artist (and father to Ashley Brooke and Ky) is the genius behind these images. A huge thank you to Greg for making me look and feel like a princess ;)

Monogrammed Monday: The Initial Baby Discount Code

2011-03-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

Good Evening! I hope you all had a great Monday. It's no secret it's my favorite day of the week, just like Clemsongirl, but this one took it out of me...I'm already looking forward to crawling into nice clean sheets and getting a good night's sleep.

Meredith from The Initial Baby was sweet enough to send over a discount code for Heavens to Betsy readers and since they specialize in monogrammed merchandise, I wanted to be sure and share it with you on Monogrammed Monday! Use the code FACEBOOK and receive 15% off your order! The bows and these cute little outfits are some of my favorite finds.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Green is my absolute favorite color so you can imagine I'm always happy to don some emerald, kelly or sage to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Here's to a great day for you and yours.

Newlywed Meals

2011-03-16T08:28:00.000-04:00

I've been documenting a lot of our cooking adventures since we've been married and I'm pretty proud of some of the meals I've pulled together. Admittedly nothing has been particularly complicated but I like to think I make the most of the presentation! I've linked to some of the recipes below--enjoy!

Left side, top to bottom: BBQ Pork Sandwiches w/ coleslaw and Sweet Potato Fries;
Tablescape from a dinner we hosted for LAS's grandparents; Pasta with Ham & Peas (adapted from here) Right side, top to bottom: Chicken Georgia w/ Uncle Ben's 90 second rice; Baked Chocolate Pudding; Steak and Onion Sandwiches w/ Salad; Grilled Pork Chops w/ yellow corn and mushroom rice

Starboard Clothing Co.

2011-03-15T08:45:00.001-04:00

Good Tuesday morning! If you are looking for something perfectly preppy for your beau, your pops or your brother, allow me to introduce Starboard Clothing Co. They manufacture adorable handmade bow ties in Annapolis, MD. The owner Ben Meredith contacted me personally and he founded Starboard late last year after making bow ties for himself to wear when he became an attorney.

Visit Starboard's website and check out Bowties & Boatshoes, a separate blog all about prepster style, co-authored by Starboard owner, Ben Meredith.

Monogrammed Monday: My New Monogram

2011-03-14T09:25:00.000-04:00

After successfully navigating the name-changing waters, I can officially introduce you to my new monogram! (Thanks to momma for the new bag and the first with my new initials!)

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Stella on Elizabeth Anne Designs

2011-03-11T12:33:00.000-05:00

Today Stella is the featured furbaby on Elizabeth Anne Designs Furbaby Friday! She is so thrilled to be making her debut on the greater interwebs and with her new found fame has become even more high maintenence in just the past few hours if that's possible (just kidding).

Click here to see Stella's post!

Wedding Re-cap: Our Menu

2011-03-10T08:47:00.002-05:00

Our wedding menu was one of my favorite things to plan for and enjoy on our special day. It was southern comfort food at its best and I was lucky enough to find a caterer who was willing to think a little outside the box. We had hors d'œuvres during cocktail hour and three stations throughout the venue for dinner. An Arnold Palmer w/ sweet tea vodka in a mason jar was a our signature drink.

The appetizers included fried macaroni and cheese balls, vidalia onion dip, hamburger sliders and a popcorn bar with toppings!

The stations were bbq pork sliders with cole slaw and sweet potatoes, shrimp and grits with hush puppies, bourbon chicken with collard greens and fried green tomatoes

I don't have our wedding photos back yet but here's an assortment from google images of what some of our fare looked like.

Wedding Recap: Honeymoon

2011-03-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

After the wedding, LAS and I skipped on down to the FL Keys for a little R&R. We stayed at a great resort, went snorkeling and went sightseeing in Key West. Here are some of our favorite photos from our trip:

1. The view from our room

2. LAS and I after a classic Key West sunset

3. The KW sunset

4. Key West Ale

5. The Conch House in Key West

6. Me on the snorkel boat

7. Snorkeling at Grecian Rocks

8. Our favorite breakfast stop, the Midway Cafe in Islamorada

Bachelorette Slumber Party

2011-03-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

Two nights before the wedding, we had an amazing old fashioned slumber party to celebrate my bachelorette-ness! We indulged in mexican food, ate cupcakes, decorated cookies, watched movies and spent hours in the photo booth. It was such a perfect way to spend one of my last single girl nights with my BFFs.

I'm back!

2011-03-07T08:52:00.001-05:00

Hello sweet readers! Boy am I happy to be back on the grid! Of course if you follow me on twitter you know I haven't been totally MIA, but it's been far too long since a new post graced these pages.

I am a married lady and I LOVE it! Despite the hectic nature of moving and name changing and life changing and work being insane, being married is wonderful and my husband is divine.

The wedding was AMAZEBALLS (is that an appropriate way to describe one's wedding?)! It was so much fun and everything we hoped it would be and more. Here's a preview from our fabulous photographers, Studio 222 Photography. I can't wait to share more pictures with you when they're ready!

I have so many other great photos to share: the bachelorette party, the honeymoon and our little beach bungalow.

I won't inundate you with all the fun in one post. I'll take a couple of days to re-cap and I hope you're looking forward to it as much as I am!

Until tomorrow friends...

Four Days!

2011-02-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

Only 4 more days until I'm a Mrs. I can't believe wedding week is officially here! I'm finishing up a few DIY projects and getting all our ducks in a row so that the couple of days before the wedding I can relax and enjoy all the fun festivities!

Sissy arrives tomorrow and BFF S flies in Wednesday morning! ABQ, Ky and Sis have been working hard on my bachelorette party and I CANNOT wait to celebrate Wednesday night! And I'm super excited to sport my ban.do that night too ;)

On tomorrow's agenda: breakfast with my sweet friend H, nail appointment (shellac of course!), a JoAnn's run because apparently I live there now, and preparing for S's arrival Wed. morning!

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments and well wishes over the past few weeks and our entire engagement--I am so thankful and can't wait to share some the special wedding details with you soon!

Wedding Wednesday: Single Digit Countdown

2011-02-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Wedding Wednesday! LAS and I are a mere 9 days from Wedding Day!! I can barely believe it. This is my last week of work until we return from our honeymoon, so I'm a busy bee fitting in lots of last minute things before it's all wedding, all the time next week.

All the details are coming along nicely and I'm looking froward to focusing on wedding fun next week and finally ending all the planning!

One thing I do want to do this weekend is make a burlap banner to hang on our gift/guest book table...mum's the word on what it will say but it'll look a little something like this:

etsy.com

Headboard DIY

2011-02-07T08:56:00.001-05:00

This weekend LAS and I tackled a project that has been in the works for awhile: Our monogrammed headboard!! LAS had previously cut the wood to our preferred shape and sanded all the edges and I picked out the fabric and had it monogrammed.

Saturday we put it all together and I have to say it was even easier than I thought. First, rather than purchase cut foam from JoAnn's, I got a tip that an egg crate (typically used to add padding to your mattress) works just as well.

Supplies: headboard, spray adhesive, batting, foam (or egg crate), scissors, upholstery tacks, hammer

Step 1: Spray some spray adhesive on the wood and lay your foam down.
Step 2: Cover the foam with your batting
Step 3: Flip your headboard over and pull, wrap, and tack down the foam and batting with upholstery tacks on all sides ( Side note: we used upholstery tacks because the wood we used was too strong for staples, but if you use a standard plywood, I think you can use a staple gun).
Step 4: Sent your fabric and pull, wrap, and tack down on all four sides.

**Note: you'll probably want to trim the excess foam, batting, and fabric as you go.

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Snow

2011-01-28T08:29:00.001-05:00

Confession that will make you hate me: as you read this, it's probably a sunny 60 degrees where I am. That being said, as thankful as I am for that fact, I can't help but be mildly jealous of those of you currently blanketed with snow. I'm sure it would be less desirable if were actually having to live with it but from afar its peaceful and beautiful and I wish I had some outside my window. These images from the NY Times will have to tide me over:

Matchbook Magazine

2011-01-27T09:35:00.000-05:00

I just finished devouring the first issue of Matchbook Magazine and I LOVED it! The adorable Katie Armour and her co-editor Jane Lilly Warren (along with the rest of the Matchbook team) have pulled together a simple adorable magazine that lives up to it's tagline...a field guide to a charmed life.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from Issue 1:

LOVE everything about this spread...thinking the entire right page is perfect for our upcoming honeymoon :)

Who doesn't love Sophie Dahl and delicious looking pasta?!

I'm a bookworm, what can I say?

Wedding Wednesday: Moss Letter DIY

2011-01-26T09:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Wedding Wednesday--there are officially 23 days until our wedding!! AHHH! I can't believe it is so soon, it seemed like we would never get to this point. I also can't believe I'm finally sharing this DIY project with you...I've been waiting until we got closer to the wedding as I didn't want the letter to "wear out" before the big day.

So far I've only done the L, I'll do a B as well and hang them both on the church doors with ribbon and then transfer them to the reception site. Making the L was incredibly easy and I documented all the steps for you guys! As I finished I sprayed the whole letter with some hairspray (Sebastian--only the good stuff right?!) to "set" it. I think these are great for a wedding or even for the front door of your home! So get crafting!

**Click over to the Ashley Brooke Designs blog and see my Bachelorette Invitations today**

Delightful Striped Skirts

2011-01-25T09:22:00.001-05:00

Imagine my delight when I saw these beauties on The Bride's Guide (you know, Martha's wedding blog)! The colors! The stripes! The swingy, twirly possibilities! LOVE!

Skirts by Anne M. Cramer

**Check out our Ashley Brooke Designs Valentine DIY on Pizzazzerie!**

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Charming Book Covers

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

I LOVE books (i.e. no matter how cool LAS's Nook is, I won't get one/ give up REAL books) and admittedly I've bought my fair share based solely on the fact that they prettied up my bookshelf. Any and all of these would certainly fall into the pretty category, and many of them are worth reading too ; )

(from l to r, clockwise) 1, 2, 3, 4

{Nesting} Pops of Color and Pattern

2011-01-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Today I picked up two pillows and a window panel that will definitely provide our neutral living room with warm pops of pattern and color it desperately needs!

pillows on right and panel on left; courtesy of TJ Maxx; Photo by Betsy

Weekend Re-Cap: ABD Does Atlanta

2011-01-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

ABQ and I hit the sweet southern city of Atlanta this weekend for work and had a wildly successful weekend!

We worked hard during the day, discovering people, ideas and systems we think will continue making ABD the best it can be. We worked in plenty of fun including delicious dinners and a little shopping (for the business of course ;) and we met up with new and old friends and decided Atlanta is beyond charming. (Check out ABQ's re-cap here)

Swoon-Worthy Friday: Weekend Business Trip

2011-01-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

ABQ and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend for a business trip. We'll be working on a couple of upcoming projects and having a few meetings while we're there. We can't wait to share some of these projects with you. But for now we are off to, get some work done, see a little snow and have a little fun! Follow us and get a sneak peek of our trip on twitter! Follow Ashley Brooke, @abdesigns and me @abdesigns_betsy

via pinterest

Wedding Wednesday: Invitations

2011-01-12T09:29:00.001-05:00

The wedding invitations were one of the most fun and "real" portions of planning the wedding (something about seeing everything in print, ya know?). And working for a stationery designer, it was one of the things I was most excited about! The incomparable Ashley Brooke designed what is truly the perfect suite for our big day. I can't tell you how much I adore the invitations, how many compliments we've gotten on them and how appreciative I am to ABQ for creating such beautiful invitations for us!

**37 Days to Go!!

Real Simple Gift Bag

2011-01-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

Apparently night time blogging is where its at for me this week--so another nighttime post it is. I came home tonight to the Real Simple gift bag I won from ABCD's giveaway--such a treat! Thanks again Amy!

-Brown Real Simple Tote

-Birthday Calendar from Carrot & Stick

-Real Simple Purse Hanger

-Little Brown Pen mini calendar & $10 gift card

-Essie Nail Polish in Real Simple

-Liddabit caramels

-Pottery Barn Frame

-Lindt Chocolate Journal

-Real Simple Memo Mousepad

-Letterpressed Cards from ABCD Design

-Real Simple's Easy Delicious Meals cookbook

-Real Simple's New Uses for Old Things

Am I a lucky girl or what??

Wedding Wednesday: Invitations

2011-01-05T19:24:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peak at our wedding suite...tune it later this week for the entire thing. You'll be swooning over ABQ's work!

Only 44 days to go 'til the big day! It seems like just yesterday I was sharing my exciting news with all of you!

At Year's End

2010-12-31T09:15:00.002-05:00

I can't believe tomorrow is 2011.

In 2011 I will become a wife, I will work hard, be adventurous, celebrate often, learn new things and love people well. 2011, I've decided, will be quite grand.

2010 was pretty grand too, I got engaged to my best friend, found my dream job, traveled, and loved every minute with my family and friends.

I love that this place holds and captures so many of those memories. Thanks for reading along for another year, I can't wait to see what 2011 brings!