Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

This past weekend was so busy yet full of fun!  Scott and I kicked the weekend off with one of the most perfect rehearsal dinners I have ever been to. The countless toasts that were given were so heartfelt and brought the entire group to tears.  I have never heard more truer words spoken about two genuine people.

 Saturday, we took time before more wedding festivities to finish up all of Baby G's laundry and handle a few items on the "to do" list.

 

Trapping myself in the laundry room with these tiny and precious outfits isn't too bad!

All other laundry items I have no desire to handle! 

Next! It was time to celebrate our dear and lifelong friend John!  We could not be happier for him and Jessica!! I hope they are finally relaxing and soaking up lots of sun in St. Lucia!

 

Scott and I with the groom!!! YOU DID IT!!

 

Scott, Baby G, and I...we are just under 3 weeks to go!!!

 

 

My handsome brother and amazing and beautiful "Sweet Mama" 

 

 

Of course there was a brother- sister moment! 

 

 

So many friends that I haven't seen in years were there! Seeing my gorgeous friend Amy was total icing on the cake!!!! Loved catching up and getting mommy tips from her! 

Sunday, ALL DAY LONG, I kidnapped Mama and we tackled ALL of the last minute things for Baby G!  After the glider arrives today and the "take home" outfits hopefully arrive end of the week we are offically set and just waiting on this little one to completely change our lives forever! 

I soooooo cannot wait! 

As we count down the days and try to remain patient I leave you with this quote! 

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

Happy Monday! 

This weekend our focus was on one very important person!  Miss Christina “Tina” Arduini soon 

to be Mrs. Christina Ashley and my official sister!!  Sweet Mama and I hosted a bridal shower 

with family and friends to celebrate our bubbly Tina!  It was a perfect day to celebrate!   

Less than a month till Husband and Wife! 

 I had a moment Saturday when we picked copious 

amounts of my beloved, Hydrangeas

 

 Sweet Mama with her girls!!!

 

T and T...Me and my beautiful SISTER!

 

This picture is beyond perfect and describes Tina's bubbly personality 

with no words at all!

Can't wait to see these two tie the knot come September!

 ***

I've had a little dream up my sleeve for sometime now and with

most things there have been some bumps in the road.

BUT, those little bumps are nothing more than the extra

push and drive to make this dream come true!

Success is earned not given!

 Wishing you a beautiful and successful week!

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

This past weekend Scott and I celebrated our 1^st Wedding Anniversary! 

It has been the most incredible first year of marriage.  I couldn't have dreamed of a 

more amazing year.  I thought I would share with you all a glimpse into our special day 

August 2, 2014 in celebration! 

Tiffany and Scott Highlight | Wake Forest Wedding Video | The Sutherland Wedding Video 

from HoneyDew Films on Vimeo.

 I can't even tell you how many times over the past year 
I have watched this highlight video and the full wedding video.  
Every time it brings back so many happy memories and tears!

***

We have been on the go for what seems like the entire summer so we decided to 
keep things simple and sweet.  We started the weekend off with a drive in the ’48 to my 
favorite little restaurant, Skids Drive In followed by a movie, Exodus, 
great movie even though we both fell asleep while watching!  

 Saturday we took a mini day trip to Raleigh to do a little Flea Market shopping 
and even took in the Museum of Natural Sciences.   

Saturday night, that sweet husband of mine surprised me with dinner at 
Green Valley Grill in Greensboro.  

 Sunday, we showered each other with love and meaningful gifts!
AND THEN...it was time to put on our work clothes and take care of business
around The Gaither house!  My latest piece of furniture I am refinishing got its first
coat of paint!  I so can't wait to show you all the finished product! 
I just know it's going to be a beaut! 

***

How was your weekend?!
This week I say we focus on happiness! 

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

I'm back!

 It was a long, but super fun weekend in NYC and CT. 

There was shopping and yummy food in NYC.

Bridal showers and bachelorette shenanigans in CT. 

Loved making the beautiful memories!

Here's a peek into the weekend fun!

 

 

A trip to NYC is never complete until we have made a stop by Laduree.

And one of my favorite spots in Soho, Nomo.

 

I am dying for a Soul Cycle back in NC so of course when I strolled past 

the Soho location I had a moment. 

After we wrapped things up in NYC we hopped the train to 

Fairfield, Connecticut to celebrate the bride to be. 

Next stop, Foxwoods Casino for Bachelorette Fun.

 

Sunday, it was pool party time! 

 

 

And, the aftermath of one epic bachelorette party to celebrate the bride to be! 

 Remind me one day to tell you the back story behind this pic!

****

When I arrived home last night I asked Scott can we move 

Taco Tuesday to Monday?  Well, cheese tortellini ended up winning, but you can 

best believe tonight there will be a fiesta at the Gaither residence!  

 Wishing you a great week!

 

Place Setting 101

No matter the occasion or the guest count, a properly set table is a simple statement that shows detail and care has gone into the planning of your soiree.  BUT, if you are anything like me, you might second guess how to properly set your table.  So, I decided to put our wedding china to use for a crash course in basic place setting of your table.

Today I am showing how to set your table for a semi-formal dinner.

 

Semi-Formal Setting 

 

To adjust this setting to a more casual placement simply remove the bevy of glasses (sorry, I turned into a slight slush for the moment) and only place your water and white wine glass.  You would also remove your salad fork, soup spoon, and cup and saucer.

And, there you have it! Quick and simple and your guest will be more than impressed!

How to Host a Favorite Things Party

A couple weeks ago I hosted a "Favorite Things Party" with my bridesmaids.  

After the wedding shenanigans came to a close on August 2nd we made the best decision! 

Just because the wedding was over, the fun did NOT have to end. 

We just loved all of the togetherness we were able to share over the 7 months of planning our wedding. So, we decided that we would each take turns hosting a party.  

I decided to kick things off with a party that featured all of our favorite things.  Today, I wanted to share all the fun details with you so you can start this tradition with your girlfriends too! 

So, how does it work?! 

{Invite your favorite friends}

There were 8 of us which I felt was a perfect size 

{Each friend will bring four of their "favorite things"} 

(all 4 items will be alike)

We set a limit on the price so all of our gifts had to be $8 or less.  At first we all thought finding items at that price point and items that we loved might be tough but, we put our thinking caps on and all worked out perfectly. 

{Each friend will fill out a "favorite things" sheet upon arrival}

Some of the questions I chose were favorite flower, favorite type of food, 

favorite store, favorite guilty pleasure, favorite color etc. 

Prior to everyone's arrival I had placed each persons name into a basket 4 times. 

{How to play the game and gifting}

The host (me in this case) gathered all of the "favorite things" questionnaire sheets and read off the answers.  The host will also complete the sheet.  As I read the responses to the questions out to the girls, they shouted out who they thought the favorite things sheet belonged to.  Once I read them all and revealed who the sheet actually belonged to (I believe we nailed them all immediately-we know each other so well haha) that person pulled 4 names out of a basket and those 4 ladies received that persons favorite things item. Then I moved on to the next sheet... 

Since each guest has their name in the basket four times, each guest goes home with four different items! I picked up small gift bags from Target for all to collect their goodies in.

I made place cards so everyone could see who brought what as we sipped champagne

prior to starting to the game!

A few close up shots of our favorite things! 

Our first reunion party was a blast! 

So much fun and I highly recommend you hosting one yourself!

We have already planned who will host what next so stay tuned! 

Rebecca:  Kitchen Gadget and Recipe Party

Caroline: Makeup Tutorial Party

Christy: Craft Beer Party

Katie: Beach Bash Party

Brittany: Essential Oils Party

Austin: Cocktail Mixology Party

Tina: Butt Blast Workout party followed by Spiked Smoothies!