So it's been a Month...

And what a WONDERFUL month is has been! In honor of this, I'm finally going to post some Honeymoon pics and make a few Top Ten lists. :)

Top Ten favorite things about being married right now (in no particular order):
1. Going to bed together
2. Waking up together
3. Knowing I'm going to see my husband every day
4. Seemingly unable to get this silly smile off my face
5. Having the 'married feeling' while we talk, hang out, etc.
6. Being so much more comfortable (from B)
7. Feeling like it's ok to come home on a Saturday night at 8:00 and get in our PJ's to just hang out (from B)
8. Becoming my own new family with the two of us
9. Sleeping in on Saturday mornings and fixing breakfast together
*10.* Sleeping together for the first time in our bedroom when we got home from our Honeymoon ~ my favorite moment!


Top Ten List from our Honeymoon (in no particular order):
1. All Inclusive ~ enough said
2. NO PHONE or INTERNET ~ just the 2 of us :)
3. Sunsets on the beach
4. Candlelight Couples Massage (from B)
5. Sunset Cruise/Booze Cruise (from B)
6. tan lines
7. BBC's (from B)
8. Pizza for lunch everyday!!
9. Caribbean Sea views from every corner
10. Kayaking in the Sea
11. Snorkeling in the Sea
12. Being on our High from just making the best commitment ever
13. New Bikinis
14. The Obvious... :)
15. Swim-Up Bar
Whoops, did I say only Top Ten?


Kisses at Sunset


Party Pool


Dinner every night ordering appetizers, salads, soups, main courses, desserts, and lots of drinks!


St. Lucian waterfall


Catamaran Booze Cruise


On-Site Paparazzi! Too bad each picture was $10...


Swim-Up Pool Bar


Snorkling


Can you read my butt?! It says "I Do" with rhinestones and a diamond ring. I'd rather not zoom in on that part of my body for you to see better... :)

Needless to say, we think St. Lucia ~ Sandals, was the absolute best place for a Honeymoon or vacation! Perfect weather everyday, perfect beach, sand, water... I could keep going on for days. I've finally come to realize, we may never have another vacation like that one. The high that we felt right after the wedding is one that I'll always remember, but the high we both have now that we're home and settling down as our own little family in our new house is also amazing!

Here's to learning more about one another and this marriage thing!


And of course, having a husband who wants to celebrate our First Month Married is always a plus!!

Coupon Websites

So after trying to fix this house up on a budget, I've started to thrive to find coupons! A few months ago (well before living with Mom & Dad) I lived on trying to find coupons for the grocery store. I wouldn't purchase anything unless it was on sale, a RollBack price, or had a coupon. Well, I'm off that kick and onto another.

I've found an AWESOME website that has tons of coupons and coupon codes for online shopping.
This one is my FAV:
http://bargains-and-deals.blogspot.com/

I also love the daily deal at Hobby Lobby - you can print off a 40% coupon and use on anything that's not already 50% off:
www.hobbylobby.com

This next one is kind of cool. You type in your zip, and the website gives you a coupon to save money on your next meal. The only thing is that you do have to pay some to get it...:
http://www.restaurant.com/rdc_site2.net/listings.aspx?StateID=&zip=40514&

All kinds of restaurants, stores, etc. on this one:
http://www.retailmenot.com/

This next site is just amazing all the way around. You basically can purchase anything on this site at any time, and usually only have to pay for shipping. I made my Save The Dates from here, ordered 230, and paid around $10. Ordered my "Mrs. Burton" shirt and paid shipping only, and many invitations and thank-you notes. It's so amazing!
http://www.vistaprint.com

Do you have any favorite sites to share?

And, just because a Blog post is boring without a picture ~ here's where I wish I was today...

Birthday #27...

So I'm not a huge "I have to celebrate for a week" type of Birthday girl. But I mean really, who doesn't love a day to celebrate yourself!? For this particular birthday, it kind of came all of a sudden. With the craziness of the wedding/honeymoon/moving in/etc. my birthday just appeared!

I spent my Birthday with my family on Sunday. I've done that before, but this year, Brian asked if we could just celebrate on my actual day. I guess it's one of those things when your life and routine changes once you get married. I've only experienced a few of those things, and know this year will hold many more, but it's hard to get used to, you know?

So I started the day off with Brian making me coffee and coming into the bathroom to chat while I was in the shower. To most of you that sounds totally weird, but I swear, I love it when people come in the bathroom to talk to me while I'm in the shower. I know my college friends remember me always wanting to talk while in those dirty 3-stall showers, and I wonder if my mom remembers sitting in the bathroom talking to me when I was little. Anyways, it was a big deal for Brian to get up early and talk as weird as that is!
Birthdays when you are a teacher are always 'put out there' a little more than you want as well. Kids love birthdays. They are so fun for them. Most of mine are having milestone birthdays (10) so I try and make it a big deal, which in turn they want to do the same. Well this year, I have 2 very thoughtful girls. They've brought in cakes for long-term subs leaving, small cakes for their friend's birthdays, etc. Well they brought me in a huge chocolate cake. Knowing me, I don't like cake. Especially chocolate cake. So I tried to get the work girls to eat on it...no one would budge.


Well, I brought it home and completely devoured it. I mean really??? Could I not have had this revelation BEFORE my wedding so I could have enjoyed my own cake?!??! Sheesh!
So, my first 'new knowledge' of 27 - I like cake after all.

Our Wedding Cake

Groom's Cake

Like most people, birthdays mean getting older and remembering less of the 'good ole college days'. But this one is a bit different. Yes, I'm getting a lot closer to the big 3-0 than the fun 2-1, but my life is changing in a good way, God has blessed me in so many ways, and I'm thankful for receiving another year.

Lastly, I ended my birthday at Rincon (it was raining so BOO on Murray's Patio) with some of my very best friends. Thanks for making my night great. Thanks for wonderful conversations to remind me that we are all growing up. Here's to baby names, finishing Grad school, and owning homes. Cheer's to 27!


Below is a picture of what my HUSBAND got me. Yup, he's awesome! No real hints, he picked out this amazing watch from Fossil that is not even out yet (it is available tomorrow, but he pre-ordered it) and is the one Sandra Bullock wore in the Blind Side. Thank you Honey!!!!! :)
The Stella from Fossil

I May Have Just Figured Out...

the secret to a long-lasting marriage...
Ok, maybe not, but I have a good idea of what goes on the list--SEPARATE CLOSETS!!
I can already tell that many-a-fight has been averted due to my husband and I having our own closets in the bedroom. He thoughtfully realized I must have the large walk-in that is attached to the bathroom, as he took the relatively large wall closet in the bedroom. We do not dare to open either person's closet, no nagging about clothes on the floor or shoes all over the ground.
It's AMAZING! :)

I would advise all newly married couples to try and find this layout. We have already decided this will have to be on the 'must-haves' list for all future homes!

XOXO, MGB

Our First Week Home~

As soon as we returned home (almost missing our flight and running all through ATL airport) we began a very busy first day of being home. We went to Easter service at Southland and then spent a little bit of time with my family. We watched Colby pick up easter eggs and ate lunch outside. It was so nice to come home to good weather! Then we rushed over to see one of our friends get baptized in the pond (YAY Philip!) and then off to Brian and I's house to open our wedding gifts with Mom, Dad, and Granddaddy.




Next, we ran over to Lowe's to get another fan/light for our bedroom...and it began! The saga of putting in a fan started all over! As a race against time, I soon found myself holding the flashlight for Brian once again to finish the light! But it's up and running...to say the least! :)

Getting back to work this week has also been not so much fun. After enjoying a full week of just US, no phone, internet, etc., it was really hard to get back into the groove. The high points of the week were getting to come home and wait for Brian to get off work, and going to bed together.

So now we're at our first weekend, and it's the same old story - busy as can be! Althought this time we aren't doing it all together. But as Brian keeps reminding me...we've got the rest of our lives together!

A few snapshots from our Wedding~

Read more: http://www.mylivesignature.com/mls_wizard2_1.php?sid=54488-75-0A7D038DE2E305B273FF2D0EE179AAD0##ixzz0fBiQN1Za

I'm Back!

I haven't blogged in a while due to my WEDDING and HONEYMOON! Woo hoo! We had a great time and I can't wait to share pictures, details, etc. I've never seen as much pink, green, and paisley as I did during/on my wedding day...and I couldn't be happier about that!

I've also been busy moving in with my husband! It's been such a fun week going to bed each night and waking up with him in the morning. However; my house is a wreck! We've made walking trails to important places in our house...like the kitchen and the bed! It is slowly coming together and I will post pictures soon of that as well.:)


XOXO, MAG (whoops, I guess I need to put MGB!)

Fun and Easy Craft!

Getting crafty once again! And no, it wasn't for the wedding! I decided on Saturday I was a little over doing things for the wedding (only 3 weeks away now!) so I went out and bought a few items from Hobby Lobby (LOVE that store!) and 2 1/2 hours later I have a UK wreath!

Super easy to make ~
*1 plain wreath - about $4
*A couple of spools of ribbons (remember different textures and designs are in right now!) - about $1.99 each, I used 3 different kinds buying 2-3 spools of each
*wooden letters - $0.97
*paint for the letters - about $2.99 if you don't already have it

Then just start with one style of ribbon. Tie bows equals spaces apart around the wreath, add another color, so on. Then fill in the holes! Add the letters with hot glue.
Super easy! Tell me about your wreaths or if you made this!

Bachelorette Party!

WooHoo! I've been waiting to have one of these for a long time! I've enjoyed all my friend's parties so much, and I was lucky enough to have 3 friends offer to throw me one!
We started with a Cocktail Party at Keene Run. It was so fabulous! Complete with Pop-Rock Martini's (couldn't get any better!!), lingerie cookies, and cheesecake bites! Yum!



There was also some very fun nighties and lingerie given that I will not be posting pictures of!! Can't wait to wear those on the Honeymoon!



Next the girls dolled me up to look like a bride-to-be with a penis ring, penis straw, vail, and sash. Please tell me why bachelorette parties always equal penis straws?! Too funny!! We ate at a super yummy restaurant in Lexington, DeSha's, and then went dancing at Baker's 360. Apparently I was quite excited with myself for singing and dancing like Beyonce to Single Ladies! My absolute fav song is almost untrue for me! :)



Thanks to all my fun and fabulous friends who came and a super big thank you to Allison, Jordan, and Kelli for planning the most amazing night ever!

Personal Touches ~ Thanks Playtex!

My sister found these awesome sippy bottles that are too perfect for your little one. The inside of the cup comes with blank paper and a coloring sheet for your child to decorate himself. I decided to take a regular size sheet of scrapbook paper, run it through the printer, and viola! I have super cute bottles for our nephews to carry around the day of our wedding (what cute photos, huh?!) and use again!
Colby's says "My aunt is the Bride" and Hayden's says "My uncle is the Groom". I kept it with the paisley theme but used blue instead of pink and green so their mommies would let them use it more often! haha

Directions on getting the cute bottles:
Go to www.drugstore.com
In the search box, type in "playtex create your own"
The bottles should pop up. The only thing is that you can't pick your bottle top color, but I've ordered a few of these and they all seem to have been unisex colors.

If you look around on the site, they also have cute plates that you can create as well.
Another good idea, is find fabric, cut it to the matching size, and take it to get monogrammed with the baby's name or initials!

Enjoy!

MORE SNOW!

More snow!! Ok, yes, I have been wishing for snow, snow, snow...but now I'm done!! We've missed a lot of school and I am worried about my poor little students not getting in all the information before the stupid CATS testing! WHY do they make the test so early in the year anyways?! Who knows, but I'm over the snow!

However, Brian and I were both off yesterday for President's Day so we were able to play in it a little and get a bunch of things done for the house! Have I told you how impressed I am with his handyman skills? I seriously thought they did not exist, but once he was given the chance he's awesome!

The picture is Brian playing a little golf in the snow...he's crazy!




Read more: http://www.mylivesignature.com/mls_wizard2_1.php?sid=54488-75-0A7D038DE2E305B273FF2D0EE179AAD0##ixzz0fBiQN1Za

Personalized Gifts

These are some of my absolute favorite websites for personalized gifts. I know not everyone likes their initials and monogram on everything...but a little bit never hurt anyone! I've bought a lot of things on these sites for bridesmaid gifts, hostess gifts, flower girl/ring bearer gifts, baby gifts, etc.
After the wedding I can't wait to outfit my home with the websites! I would love to post my fav. items from the sites, but I can't yet since I haven't had the Bridesmaid Luncheon yet! :)

My Preppy Monogrammed Gifts:
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?category=42

The Pink Monogram:
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=9125

The Lily Pad:
http://lilypademb.com/

The Wedding Fairy:
http://www.weddingfairy.com/

Olive's Limited:
http://www.olivesltd.com/Intro.html

Snootie Patootie:
http://www.snootiepatootie.com/index.html

Hosting my first shower in my new home!

I've hosted a few showers before at my Merrick Place apartment, but this past Saturday was my first shower to host in my new home. I was so nervous about having it there since Brian is the only one living there and we haven't exactly finished our decorating! I threw it for my friend, Amanda, whom I know from college. With that said...you know how much you always want to impress your girlfriends - especially your college ones!!! Most of the girls already have beautiful homes that are decorated to a 'T', and I wanted to be up to par!
After lots of planning, and actually not a lot of stress (yea, for real, can you believe it?!) I pulled it off! Of course, Brian also realized from now on when I say I am 'hosting' something, that also includes him! He was such a good help to "get me this, lay this out, clean that, etc.". What a good man he is!

Some of my favorite things from the shower, that I would recommend others doing to really show the Bride how much you care are:
-Make it all about their bridal colors, for a bride-to-be, these are the only colors they see in!(gift bags, food, plates/napkins, punch, etc.)
-Think of small things that makes your shower stand out - like a Movie Maker DVD playing in the background with music for guests to see, or monogrammed items with the bride's new last name (who doesn't love the idea of the 'new name'!)
-Try doing something that shows the bride that all her friends are so excited for her - like having guests write short notes on a champagne bottle to open on their 1 Month Wedding Anniversary (this is the only time since high school relationships where you can celebrate each month of your love~of course ONLY for the 1st year or people will be grossed out, ha)
-Take good notes for bridal gifts - brides want to be able to personalize thank you notes so write down everything each person gets her

What ideas do you have that have worked well or you would like to have?

Aunt Anabel Shower and BBandT Bank Shower

Here is a glimpse of the last 2 showers I had. My shower given by Aunt Anabel almost didn't happen due to the snow! Luckily, we were able to reschedule it to the next day (Sunday) and my future mother-in-law was still in town to be able to attend. My Aunt was so thoughtful with diamond accents everywhere and tasty food!

Brian's office also held a shower for us in their conference room. Once again we had delicious food and such thoughtful gifts! :) This engagement time is so fun!!