A War Eagle Graduation

This summer my youngest sister, Stephanie, completed her bachelor's degree and graduated from Auburn University.  She looked absolutely gorgeous, and I was so proud of her accomplishment!

My beautiful sister and my wonderful parents outside the coliseum.

Isn't Steph adorable?  She wore the classiest shoes of any of the girls there...TRUST me!

Me and the graduate. Here's what I'm wearing:

• Dress - strapless black/white polka dots with ruffles, Forever 21
• Sandals - Old Navy (my favorites)
• Necklace - pearl multi-strand; yardsale find
• Bag - Red woven, worn as clutch; thrifted
• Sunnies - purchased in the University bookstore as I left my fav pair at home

My adorably classy sister.

Yes, my parents really were that excited!

The original Auburn building - Samford Hall.

Congratulations, Steph!  I'm so proud of you!

Fort Lauderdale: Grand Lux

While in Fort Lauderdale, we went out to eat to celebrate my sister's birthday.  We decided to go to the elegant Grand Lux Cafe'.  It was just as beautiful as it was delicious; everything your taste buds want to taste.  It was the perfect place to host a birthday dinner.

Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, the service was superb, and we had an excellent time together as a family.

I ordered the Mahi Mediterranean, and it did not disappoint.  It was the most juicy melt in your mouth Mahi covered in a tomato, artichoke, capery hash that complimented the fish perfectly.  All of this was sitting on top of a mound of the most creamy and savory mashed potatoes I have ever tasted.  

For dessert we ordered the Molten Chocolate Cake, and it was the most delicious chocolate explosion cakiness we had ever consumed.  We only ordered one serving as we just wanted a bite of sweet, but once we tasted it, we were fighting for the last bites!  Really, it was that good.  

Fort Lauderdale: Show Preview

One of the main reasons my family and I went to Fort Lauderdale was to visit my middle sister and watch the preview of her show.  My sister has danced all of her life, and has made her passion into her career.  She works for a cruise line performing in their various entertainment and variety shows.  Each contract begins with a rehearsal time period of several weeks, concluded by a final preview of the show before it is opened on the cruise ship.  We were able to visit her while they were doing their show previews and were able to catch a sneak peak of her current project.

My sister's incredibly talented cast before their performance.  This is the preview of their show done in their rehearsal studio in front of the office staff, fellow performers, and friends and family members (such as us!).

My sister Julie is the one in the middle...isn't she gorgeous! 

The performance had a western theme, so much of the show was done with the men wearing wranglers, and the entire cast wearing the incredibly fashionable cowboy hats.  While we were waiting back stage, my Dad decided to give the props a test run.  While I'm not sure it's the best look for him, it did make for a nice photo.

This is my family - (L to R) My Dad, My Mom, Julie (middle sister), Stephanie (youngest sister), me, my aunt.  This was the back stage area/lounge located in their rehearsal studio.  It was such a nice facility and we were so lucky to have been able to view this normally cast members only space. 

Fort Lauderdale: Beachy Nights

We were so fortunate to have been able to make a super quick trip to Fort Lauderdale to visit my middle sister. We were there for only a couple of days, and lost a lot of sleep, but it was totally worth it.  And don't worry, we definitely made time for some excellent beach-side beverages...

So there I am, enjoying my absolutely delicious fruit filled concoction, and I notice something unusual swimming around the bottom of my glass.  After a quick careful observation, what do my eyes behold?

Yes, that's right it's a piece of paper.  I decided that if this paper was important enough to have made into my cocktail, maybe it had an important message, so I fished it out.  And what was written on this note?  It was my receipt!  HA!  I mean, talk about making sure the customer gets their receipt at the point of purchase!  While quite disgusting (and obviously they re-made the drink) I thought it was absolutely hilarious!  

Later that evening we took another stroll along the boardwalk and took in the ocean breeze, and completely our first amazing day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  

Fort Lauderdale

This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to escape away to visit my sister in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  My other sister and I decided to go at the last second so we were able to arrange a little surprisery for our middle sister.  Once we arrived at our destination, we made immediate plans for beaching all day!

Our first order of business was a little seafood ala' beach side.  We found the most adorable (and delicious) little seafood haven on the boardwalk literally feet away from the sand.

Just as a side note...I wore my husband's button down's all summer to the beach, pool, etc. instead of a traditional cover-up.  It was ultimate in comfort and coolness, and definitely something I will repeat next year.

If you are ever in the Fort Lauderdale area, I have one word for you...Vedu's.  It is delicious, on the beach, and the service is excellent.  We had a wonderful time!

Random

So, my sister and I are driving down the road, and all of a sudden we here a thump!  We look and what do we see?

A FROG!!!

Yes, that's right a frog.  I guess he just decided he needed a lift and our windshield looked like the perfect landing spot.

That little guy hung on for dear life, but he was no match for the windshield wiper.  Don't worry, we did make sure there were nice bushes nearby for landing ground.  So, just make a mental note.  When driving in the rain, frogs may feel the need to jump aboard!

Down by the River

Our city is fortunate enough to be literally down by the river, so I have been able to spend a good bit of time relaxing by our gorgeous riverside in style.  This particular night I was milling around with some friends at the pier.  It was an excellent night of friends, conversation, and a few drinks.  So, what am I wearing?

• Hat: TJ Maxx - if you don't have one of these, get one NOW!!  They are the perfect solution to less than fabulous hair, and an easy, put together look.
• Earrings: Forever 21 - I've had these forever, and they've been the perfect staple. 
• Romper: Target - I really loved this on the hanger, not so sure I love it one me, but it was fun and comfortable on that day.
• Bracelet: necklace, found at an estate sale
• Sandals - Old Navy - I found these at the very end of last summer for $.99 and have worn these almost every day this summer.