Our Beachy Weekend #WW

We picked the most beautiful day...

And headed to Acworth Beach for some fun in the sun.

The boys had fun splashing.

And playing.

Bigs Jumps Rope!

Not bad for a first timer, right??

Happiest of Birthdays to Me!

Today, I turned 32. Scary thing, 32. Still, I could not have asked for a better birthday. Considering how bad the last few years have gone, there wasn't really much competition. I spent the morning with my boys hanging out and opening presents. D insisted I had to have a party crown so I dug out my mother's old homecoming queen crown to wear for the morning's festivities. We had birthday cake for breakfast and then I opened the presents the boys and my mother had gotten me.

My favorite part of the morning though, was the boys' singing me happy birthday and then helping me blow out my candles. *swoon*


After we messed around the house for awhile we got dressed and went to our favorite restaurant for lunch. The boys call it the "fire restaurant" but its actually a Japanese steak house. As we stuffed ourselves silly, D leaned over and told me I was his best friend in the whole wide world and I nearly broke down in tears. These boys definitely know how to make their Mama feel special. 

After lunch, I went shopping with my father. That's right ladies and gents, my father voluntarily took me shopping for clothes. Four stores later, something tells me he regretted getting himself into that situation. I kid. He helped me find some great new work/ interviewing clothes and for that I am so grateful. With money as tight as it is and with all the weight I've lost, my closet is a bit scary. 

Not the best picture but its new!!

When I got home from shopping with my dad, I had a couple of surprises waiting for me. Actually, the delivery man was just getting out of his truck to give one to me. Talk about service! Anyway, I got the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from a close friend that is out of town for my birthday and let me tell you what, I haven't cried like that in awhile. Happy tears but totally unexpected tears. 

Gorgeous, Right??

I also got a beautiful plant and gift card for a mani/ pedi from a close friend of the family and a new bathroom rug (which was quite needed) from my mother. 
I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family that have made my birthday special. From Facebook posts and emails to flowers and gifts, there is no doubt in my mind that I am loved this year. Its such a wonderful feeling and it has certainly made my birthday rich and happy. Happiest of birthdays to me! 

Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts and LivingSocial Wine Festival + $180 Festival Giveaway!

Atlanta is in for a special treat this month! There are two festivals happening next weekend that you do not want to miss!

The Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts and the Living Social Wine Festival are taking place right beside each other June 8th and 9th right in the heart of Buckhead, not far from Ansley Park and Morningside. So clear your schedule, call up your friends, and make plans to spend your weekend hanging out with some of Atlanta’s finest artists and musicians, munching on tasty local bites, and indulging in wines from over 40 different wineries. All the info you need to have an amazing festival weekend is below, along with a giveaway for a $180 festival prize package including free art, lunch and the VIP wine experience!

The Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts

When: Saturday, June 8th 10-6; Sunday, June 9th 11-6

Where: Peachtree Hills Recreation Center‎, 308 Peachtree Hills Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305-4505

Food trucks: Williams Brothers BBQ, Yumbii, Happy Belly, Gigi’s Cupcakes, King of Pops, Honeysuckle

Live music: Reed Ferguson, EB Reece, The Georgia Flood, Melissa Brethauer, Rachel Wiggins, Steve Baskin, Chelsea Shag and more!

Local artists: Up to 150 booths (participating artist list)

Cost: Free admission

Information: www.peachtreehillsfestival.com


Living Social Wine Festival
When: Saturday, June 8th 4:30 and 8:30; Sunday, June 9th 4:30 and 8:30 (tickets are valid for a 3 hour session)

Where: 351 Peachtree Hills Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30305

What: Unlimited tasting of 100+ varietals from more than 40 wineries and more (see below)

Information: www.livingsocial.com

Cost: $25 to $99, depending on ticket level (see below)

General Admission – $30 (Saturday) or $25 (Sunday):
Unlimited tasting of 100 varietals from more than 40 local wineries on site
Cheese and cracker pairings
Live music
LivingSocial wine glass

VIP ticket – $55:
Everything included in the General Admission ticket
Exclusive area with preferred wines
Small bites
Wine education
LivingSocial Corkscrew
Express entrance to avoid the line

Weekend pass with entry to all four sessions - $99
Unlimited tasting of 100 varietals from more than 40 local wineries on site
Cheese and cracker pairings
Live music
LivingSocial wine glass

Sweet, right? You can spend the morning strolling through the artist booths, take a break for lunch, then head on over to the wine festival to finish out the day right!

Be sure to follow the Peachtree Festival of the Arts on Facebook and Instagram, as they’ll be giving away $50 in Artist Bucks to spend at the festival every day this week. Now, on to the BIG prize…..

The folks over at the festivals have even given me and several other Atlanta bloggers a $180 Festival Prize Pack to give away to one of our readers! It includes $50 in Artist Bucks, 2 lunch vouchers (meal and drink), and 2 VIP Wine Festival passes! The giveaway ends at noon on Friday, use the form below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Little Boys #WW

These boys. They are my whole world. They have shown me how to love and how to grow. They have shown me how to stay young even when I feel my oldest. To let things go and to forgive, even when it wasn't warranted. They keep me strong and keep me fighting for the right causes. They keep me grounded and keep my hurting heart in check. Sometimes, love just isn't a big enough word for what I feel for them.