I Should Have Grown Up In The 50's

Its true, I honestly believe I should have grown up in the 1950's. My favorite shows, music, and clothing have a retro, 1950's style. I have never been able to explain it. I am absolutely in love with everything from that era!

So, when it came time to cast a vision for my North Carolina bridal shower...I knew just where I wanted to take it...back to the 50's! I know you are all probably thinking "Oh, like records and stuff." Well, not exactly...my dream was to have a 50's house wife shower!

Luckily, my MOH/cousin Whitney, Aunt Tara, and Momma all agreed and jumped on board. I honestly thought they would all think I was crazy for wanted a themed bridal shower, but they seemed just as excited as I was to incorporate the time period I hold most dear!

My shower was held at the cutest coffee shop in town, Monkeez Brew. I couldn't have dreamed up a better location! It fit the theme so perfectly, and my favorite girls did an amazing job with decorating. It was more than I could have ever hoped for! A perfect day celebrating and being showered with wonderful and undeserved gifts...we are so blessed!

Thanks SO much to everyone who helped, brought us gifts, and spent their afternoon in the 50's.

:)

Here's another few thousand words....

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I didn't get to take pictures with every one at the shower....including my sweet, sweet Grandma! Yes, I did cry after it was all over when I realized through the hustle and bustle I didn't snag a picture with her. However, I plan to get a TONS with her on the "big day!" :)

One Date at A Time...

I am a firm believer in dating. I am also a strong advocate for dating within marriage. I personally believe dating your spouse will not only help your marriage last but it will help it grow.

So, a few Saturday nights ago I decided that I should get a head start on dating my almost husband. Unfortunately a friend had to cancel our plans on Saturday night, but thankfully my sweet fiance hadn't made any plans of his own yet! I had a lot of time to think at work (not too many people hang out in the library on Saturday apparently) and I decided to give one of my favorite websites a visit....

thedatingdivas.com

This site is dedicated to strengthening marriages...one date at a time. Unfortunately the marriage part doesn't apply to me YET, but I have used some of their ideas and geared them for mine and George's dating relationship. So far every dating idea I have used from The Dating Divas has been a great success, and this past weekend was no exception!

I spent around 4 hours planning, buying, preparing, decorating, and cooking for our date. I was a little scared  I would be too tired to even enjoy the date, but I was overtaken by excitement and adrenaline when he was so surprised by what I had done! I really enjoyed planning something for him, and I know he felt appreciated by the effort and love.

Since this blog is still titled "a thousand words," I am going to share pictures of our Saturday night!

(We used these menus....but no fear...we know we aren't married just yet! So, these were just for fun!)

I found this free printable menus on the dating divas website and had so much fun customizing them. The "Couples Cafe" was a big hit with George. I cooked a chicken pasta dish with cheesy garlic bread. We both agreed that it was quite possibly the best meal I have ever made...SUCCESS!

I didn't want our evening to end with just dinner so I searched on The divas website once again and found an amazing article on date ideas for a bunch of different movies! There were only a couple I thought George and I would both enjoy, so I decided we would watch "Just Go With it." It's a movie staring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. A good portion of the movie is set in Hawaii. So, The Divas suggested many island themed ideas to add some fun to watching a movie at home. I snagged this idea and went to town finding leis and fruity drinks! I made us a small desert to snack on during the movie, and we spent the next 2 hours laughing our tails off! We both loved the movie, and our island surroundings.

Overall I would say it was one of our most fun and interesting dates yet, and I only spent about $25! Thanks Dating Divas!