Double Birthday Party

Yesterday, we got to celebrate two special people's birthdays. My nephew Barrett and his cousin, Rendi celebrated their 5th birthday. Five! It's still hard to believe.

The party was held at the local horse arena in Blountstown. The horses/ponies were loaded up for the kiddos to get the full western experience. Their cake was too cute- right down to each of their "brands" on the sides of the cake.

I think all the kids had a great time and the adults had fun watching all of them run around and enjoy themselves.

I got pictures from both Barrett and Rendi last night. Guess they enjoyed their dress up clothes from Sissy!

I love these two kids to the moon and back!

Friday Faves

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a minute since I've done a Friday Faves post, so I figured I should do a quick one today.

1. Halloween is approaching - I'm excited that I might actually have some trick-or-treaters on Halloween. I have already shared my quick and easy Halloween wreath that I made earlier in the week.

Now, I'm wondering if I should whip up a few costumes for the boys. I have always wanted to do a Thing 1 and Thing 2 costume for the two puppies, cause that's what I have always called them. Especially when they were young and sooo destructive. How cute is this?

Image via

2. The lazy, fall afternoons - This week, it has actually felt a little bit like fall in Northwest FL/Southwest GA. It has been amazing! The weather is oh-so-nice and I really enjoy my afternoons after work outside enjoying this time of year.

It's amazing how destressing it is to watch her hop around and play. I made chili this week, so sitting outside in the cool air, eating a hot bowl of chili, and watching her hop around was perfect! Guess I'm a lot like my father in that regard, I would rather be outside. He liked to watch his cows roam around and I like to watch Glitzy do her bunny thing. She's fascinating.

3. Speaking of fall - That means that I have broken out these bad boys again!

That's right, the Uggs have come back out. They aren't the prettiest thing in the world, but they keep my feet nice and toasty, and I love that!

4. The "stud" come back - Granted studs have never truly left, but here lately I have been finding more and more cute ones. For this gal who isn't really a dangle earring lover, this is good news.  I got these at Target the other day and have really gotten a lot of use out of them.



Image via Target


I almost bought these as well, because I thought they looked a bit Kate Spade-ish to me.

Image via Target

5. Just the fact that it's Friday - It's Friday and that means I get to see David. Fridays are always the best. Thankfully, this weekend we have nothing going on and we can just relax and enjoy a lazy weekend. On the weekend agenda: probably hit up the Thomasville Fly In or the fair that is in town. And of course some college football. Go Gators!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

 

Conversations Between Ashley and David

A couple of weeks ago...

Ashley: You know what I think would be really cool? To have a pet rabbit that hangs out in the backyard that I can feed and pet in the afternoons after work.

David: Yeah, that's just what you need. Why on Earth would you want a rabbit?

Ashley: Because they are cute. And it would be fun to feed it stuff like carrots.

David: You have absolutely lost your mind. You can't be serious.

A week after that...

David: Hey sweetie, what you up to this afternoon?

Ashley: Oh, nothing much......just doing a little window shopping.

David: Ashley? Are you at the pet store?

Ashley: Maybe....How did you know?

David: Oh, I don't know. Because you sound guilty and have been threatening to buy a rabbit for weeks now.

Ashley: Did you get my picture? Lookie, lookie what the pet store had!!

David: I can't believe the pet store in Thomasville had an actual rabbit.

Ashley: I know, right? I just came in to take a picture as a joke to you and they actually had one!

David: Well, that's good. Hope you got your rabbit fix now that you have laid eyes on one.

Ashley: Well...I may be in trouble. I was just going to take a picture, but then I held her. I think I need her. She is adorable. Oh...and they have some dachshund puppies here too.

David: No you're not! You're just messing with me. I know you are.

Ashley: I am. I don't need a rabbit.

Later that evening...

David: What you up to? Playing with your rabbit?

Ashley: Maybe...

David: Did you really buy that rabbit?

Ashley: Maybe...

David: Oh my!! My 31-year-old girlfriend just bought a rabbit! I thought you were kidding. I just can't believe it.

Ashley: I was at first, but like I said, she was too cute just to leave. Although I did feel silly when I bought her. I had to lie and tell the pet store owner that I was buying her for my 5 year old nephew.

David: That should have told you something! If you were too embarrassed to say you were buying it for yourself, then you shouldn't have bought it!

Ashley: I know it. But I didn't want the lady to think I was crazy or something. I mean, an adult buying a pet rabbit for herself? I would have looked stupid.

David: That's because you are.

Ashley: But look how cute she is. We even match!

David: I cannot believe that my 31-year-old girlfriend just bought a rabbit. I can't believe it.

Ashley: Please don't break up with me. When you meet her, you will understand why I had to rescue her. Just think of her as a cat with bigger ears. And btw, when I sent a picture to my mom, she thought it was a bird.

David: If you had come home with a cat, then I would have broken up with you, because I would have known that you had really lost your mind because I know how much you hate cats. So I guess you are safe...for now. She's not going to live inside with you is she?

Ashley: Of course not. I'm not that far gone. She has a nice cage outside to stay in until she gets used to me, then I will transition her to live in the backyard full time. Did you know that rabbits will come to you if you call their name? Kinda like a dog? Oh, and apparently they can become litter trained, kinda like a cat. So, they are really like the best of both worlds. The pet hybrid, like a liger. I've been reading up on rabbits. They are pretty fascinating.

David: You are ridiculous.

Ashley: See? She's all safe and sound in her new digs. Now I have to think of a name for her. I'm thinking Penelope, maybe Penny for short. Or Bea, as in Beatrix- like in Beatrix Potter. Then I can come home and say, "what's up Bea?"

David: Her name is Glitzy. If you are white trash enough to have a pet rabbit, then she deserves a white trash, Honey Boo Boo name.

Ashley: That's not her name. Glitzy isn't a good name for a rabbit. Too bad she wasn't a boy, so I could name him Peter or something like that. Get it? Peter Rabbit?

David: I'm still gonna call her Glitzy cause that's her name.

Ashley: Sigh...that's NOT her name!

One day later....

David: How are you and Glitzy?

Ashley: She is cute as ever. She let me feed her an apple slice!! It was the cutest thing. Plus she hops around so happy and even stands up on her hind legs. It's adorable. And her name is not Glitzy.

David: Glad to know you are bonding.

Ashley: We are. But I think I'm over it now. The fun has worn off. Now I'm wondering what I'm going to do with a rabbit. By the way, I sorta blame you for this. And Stacey.

David: How do you figure that?

Ashley: Ya'll should both know by now that you can't leave me unsupervised for long periods of time. Because when you leave me to my own devices, I do stuff, like buy rabbits. So if you think about it, it's all your fault.

David: Umm...No.

Ashley: Maybe I should have listened to you when you told me not to buy a rabbit. Lesson learned. Perhaps I will give Glitzy to Barrett for his birthday. He would love it, his parents couldn't possibly tell him no, and I could still visit her from time to time. You know, if Barrett doesn't kill her accidentally or anything. And thanks, you now have me calling her Glitzy.

David: Oh, Ashley.

And that my friends, is how I came to be the proud owner of Glitzy. She is an English Spot Rabbit. Extremely sweet. Loves apples, lettuce, and carrots. She mainly eats hay and rabbit food, but she does get a treat everyday. I usually give her an apple slice and a few pieces of lettuce when I get home. She's super curious and loves to snuggle up to you when you hold her. I haven't had a rabbit since I was very young, and even then I don't remember really playing with them. So, this has been a learning experience. Glitzy has turned out to be a lot of work- but it's mainly just cleaning her cage that's the bummer. Other than that, she really is a sweet pet. She's very content in her cage right now, but I look forward to transitioning her to the backyard soon! And thankfully, David is a sweetheart and supports me, even if he thinks I am insane for purchasing a rabbit on a whim. I look forward to him meeting her for the first time this weekend. And yes, my mom totally thought I had sent her a picture of a bird. SMH....

Halloween Wreath

I decided that I need to do a little prep work and make the house a little more trick-or-treater friendly with a few decorations for the front door. Yesterday, I hit up Hobby Lobby to see what all they had of the Halloween decor variety. There was one whole aisle left with Halloween stuff. Apparently, Christmas comes early! I found a couple of pumpkin lanterns on sale that I picked up. I really wanted a Halloween wreath, but there wasn't one to be found. I decided that I would just make one. I looked for deco mesh to make one similar to the Auburn wreath I made for Stacey. Although, that one looked very sad!

There was no black, orange, or even purple deco mesh to be found in the store. So, I decided to use feather boas. Here are the supplies that I used:

• Styrofoam wreath
• Floral Pins
• Black Ribbon
• Two 4 ft. black and silver feather boas
• Purple tree decorations from the Christmas section
• Trick or Treat door hang decoration
• Orange Halloween Ribbon
• Pipe Cleaner

I didn't take any pictures of the actual process, because it was really simple. First, I covered the styrofoam wreath completely with the black ribbon, so none of the green would stand out once I wrapped it with the boas. I just tacked the ribbon in place with the floral pins. Then, I wrapped the wreath with the boas. Next, I secured the Trick or Treat sign with a few more floral pins and then added the little purple do-dads to the wreath. Finally I made {a sad excuse for a} bow with the orange ribbon and pipe cleaner. I secured the bow by using floral pins to hold the pipe cleaner in place. That was all it took. Here is the finished product!

I really wish that I had gotten a bigger wreath form. This looks a little weak hanging on the front door.

But I guess, it isn't too bad. I still want to get a few more things for the front. Mainly some mums and maybe a few more little pumpkins to set out to make a bigger display and can be easily transitioned from Halloween to a more fall feel.

So that's my quick little project I banged out yesterday afternoon. What have you been doing to prepare for the season?

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

I absolutely adore fall. One of my favorite things about fall is....the Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks. I totally countdown the days until it makes its debut every season.

However, a serious addiction like this can cause some serious damage to your wallet if you aren't careful. Therefore, I have switched out my morning coffee for my drive to work with the Pumpkin Spice K-Kups to help feed this addiction without going too crazy. Is it as good as the Starbucks version? Of course not. But then again, it is a lot less fattening, too!

There's just something about sipping on some yummy pumpkin goodness on a brisk, cool morning that screams fall.

My latest obsession also comes in the pumpkin spice variety. I stumbled across these yummy cookies the other week at Target and had to give them a try.

They were so incredibly easy. Add a stick of butter, an egg, and 2 TBS of water and you now have some nice cookies to nibble on. To make these a little more special, I top them with a little bit of cream cheese frosting and then a dusting of pumpkin pie spice on the top. Can't beat it! I saw one recipe online that added some oats and cinnamon chips to this cookie mix and I have to admit, that sounds pretty scrumptious.

All of this pumpkin goodness makes me want to throw on some boots and a scarf and go play out in the yard in the leaves, err pine straw. Too bad it will still be 80 degrees in Georgia until New Years!

Ashley Lately

Before I get started with this post let me just throw this out there.... LSWHO?!?!?

Image via

That's right! My Gators are turning out to be the little engine that could this year. Who would have thunk it? David and I were in the big metropolis of Baxley, GA this weekend attending a wedding, so I didn't get to watch the game. I had no idea what time they were even playing, but when I got to the wedding, a fellow Gator fan had their phone out getting updates and it was the 4th quarter, with seconds to go...and we were winning. I thought it was a joke, because I just knew LSU was going to spank us good. I was super excited. After our less than stellar first games, I just knew that we would have another season like last year. Those 'ole boys of Florida have surprised me. Can I get a Go Gators?!?!?

Speaking of the wedding this weekend, I did something unspeakable. I actually forgot to bring my camera. I couldn't believe I had dumbly forgotten that I had my camera at work and drove off without it. So, no pictures. It was a fun wedding and I was happy to see Crystal and Justin get married. They have just recently moved to Thomasville, so luckily David and I get to see them fairly often now.

Last night, I finished up the book Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

I have to admit, this book was completely psychotic- with all kinds of twists and turns in the storyline. It is about a married couple, Amy and Nick who are having some issues with their marriage. They were both writers in New York and when they both lost their jobs, they moved to Nick's hometown in Missouri. Amy resents Nick for moving her and Nick resents Amy for resenting the fact that they moved. So, typically, Nick starts cheating on his wife with a 22 year old student of his. Then Amy disappears on their 5th wedding anniversary. Nick becomes the prime suspect with motivation- a very wealthy wife who holds the deed to his bar that would revert to her if they divorced and a very young girlfriend. The ending was a little less that stellar and weird, but I would still recommend the book.

The other book I finished reading was Freakonomics.

Granted, this book has been out for a long time, so I'm a little late reading it. But usually when I go to the bookstore, I like to get one just-for-fun read and one book that is somewhat informative. Either a historical book, an autobiography (or biography) or a book on some type of relevant topic. This book just got my attention one day while browsing the Business section of Books a Million. Nothing like reading about some economics to get your day started. Ha! But this isn't normal economic-type topics. It goes through random stuff like the drop in crime in the mid 90s was due to Roe vs Wade and cheating in sumo wrestling. That kind of random stuff. It was interesting to think about these various topics in a different way. It's a good read if you need some conversational topics at your next business dinner.

Those are the latest books I have read. Guess I will need to stop by the bookstore again and load up. If you have any good book suggestions, let me know!

Party Hopping

This past weekend was full of showers! Ok, just two, but still- it was a lot for one day. My mother and Aunt Ronda hosted a family shower for my cousin Heath's bride-to-be, Elisabeth. Out of respect for my mother, I won't go into any other details other than it was beautiful. I won't divulge the madness/craziness behind the scenes. Wink, wink!

Here is the hostess with the mostest cooking her little heart out before all the guests arrived.

The table all set and ready to go. Everything was super delicious! My mom made a breakfast casserole that was the bomb.com.

 All the Robbins ladies (and future) gathered together. Now that I look at this, I wonder where my grandmother was for this. Ha!

The future sister-in-laws. I have to say, Heath did good picking out Elisabeth. She is an absolute delight and such a sweetheart.

One of the highlights of the party was that my {great} Aunt Essie was able to come to the shower. She is a trooper, I tell ya!

This is where my grandmother was- playing with the baby! He is 6 weeks old and oh-so precious!

Here is everyone all gathered together. It was wonderful to see everyone. Sadly, showers like this is the only time that we all get together!

Heath even made an appearance at this shower. He had to come open his gift!

So, that was our brunch shower that morning. Later that night, we had a couples shower.

All smiles before the party! The happy couple and my Aunt Susan {or Birdie} and my Uncle Brett.

I had to include this picture because I thought it was just so darn cute! <3>

The hostess had a really cute idea for dinner. Those boxes on the table all contained our meal. We had bbq sandwiches, marinated green been salad, potato salad and chips. It was too cute!

I think Heath really enjoyed his shower! If you look at the picture above you may see something quite shiny and big. That beautiful silver present caused quite the ruckus. My mother bought what she thought was silver paper. It turned out to be nothing more than clear cellophane. So, here comes the melt down and panic. Because where my family lives, there is no Wal-Mart you can just run to and grab some wrapping paper. So she improvised....with tin foil.

She then wrapped the cellophane around it. I thought it looked fine. But she was still mortified.

So do my mother a favor, and pin this idea. Tin Foil/cellophane wrapping. It's the next big thing! Heath and Elisabeth didn't seem to mind the homemade approach.

Plus, like someone pointed out, after you unwrap your present you can sure bake a whole lotta potatoes!

Ha! Love you, mother!

So that was the epic day of showers. It was an interesting day- but a good one!