day trip to atlanta

Last weekend, Jason and I went down to Atlanta with our friends Scott and Kelly.  We had tickets the the Hawk's first pre-season game and we decided to make a day out of it.  So naturally, Ikea was our first stop because, well it's Ikea and any chance I get to go, I am so there.  We picked up a few items and actually made it out in record time.  Next stop was lunch in Atlantic Station at California Pizza Kitchen and then onto the game. (I will admit that it was hard not to do any shopping in Atlantic Station, but I have to keep reminding myself that I can't exactly buy "normal clothes" right now because my body has been taken over by baby) It's been a while since I've felt up to doing a day trip like this, so it was really nice to get out and about again (Atlanta is 2 hours from where we live).  I was pretty pooped by the time we got home, but the fun time with friends was well worth it!

doggy date

A couple weekends ago, Jason and I headed downtown to a concert on the river front with some friends.  It was a dog friendly event and I really wanted to bring Jack along.  We were a bit nervous about the idea at first because sometimes Jack can get pretty excited around other dogs.  Not because he is aggressive or anything, but he just loves to play with other dogs.  In the end, we were nervous for no reason because Jack did so well!  We were such proud doggie parents.  

We are trying to get out at every chance to enjoy this perfect weather while it lasts.  Don't you just love the transition into fall? 

memorial day weekend

Jason and I both had a three day weekend for Memorial Day, woohoo!  That meant we got to spend the whole weekend hanging out.  The weather was gorgeous, which gave us the opportunity to get in plenty of pool time at my mom's house.  These photos were from Sunday when we brought Jack along with us.  He loves the water and also loves my brother Ryan!  

It was so nice to be able to relax and go with the flow without any set plans.  We were able to enjoy dinner and a movie one evening with some great friends.  We finally watched the Hunger Games - I know, it came out like a million years ago.  I have read the first two books, so I have been dying to see it and just as I have heard, it did not disappoint.

I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to all the men and women who have served in the military.  Our country is forever in debt to the sacrifices you have made and continue to make.  Thank you!!

local honey is no joke

This past weekend, Lindsay and I went to the Chattanooga Market, which is one of my favorite summertime events.  I don't always have something particular in mind I am looking for, but this time around my shopping list consisted of one very important item: local honey.  Last year I was told that it was the best cure for allergies (Allegra doesn't begin to touch my itchy eyes and nose), and boy did it turn out to be true.  This stuff is nothing short of amazing.  With the pollen count holding steady on "high," I figured it was overdue for me to get a jar - only $8, can't beat it!

Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at Greenlife and lots of girl talk.  Don't you just love a great afternoon with your bestie?!  Thanks Linds for a great day :)

party people

This past weekend Jason and I got to attend two Christmas parties in one night.  That's right, we are party animals.  It's been quite a while since we've had a night on the town, so we knew we had to go big or go home.  So we dressed to impress (dress from forever21 - $27, holla!) and brought our A game.  Add in all the food and drinks we wanted for free - yes please!

We mixed and mingled and boogied the night away.  I haven't made my feet this sore from dancing in a loooooong time.  I already can't wait for next year!

panera for lunch

Today I met two dear friends for lunch at Panera Bread.

A sandwich and soup was the perfect meal for the cold cold afternoon.

It was really great to catch up with Sarah and Rachel - we all used to work together and I am glad we have all kept in touch.  

Rachel is expecting her first baby and I am so excited for her!  Ever since we all worked together, we had a sort of bet going on who would get preggo first.  I think everyone was betting on me, but Rachel beat me to it!  And now Sarah has a mini-van, so I keep telling her she is next.  Who knows, maybe we will all end up pregnant at the same time - Rachel is due in April, which means there is plenty of time for us to catch up, right? ;)

a country fair

A couple weekends ago we headed to a local fair.  It was in a small town, so we were not sure exactly what to expect.  The fairs I am used to going to are a big deal with rides, games, animals and lots of fun booths; this one was different.  It was pretty small scale with not much to do, but it was okay because I had a great group of friends to help make the evening fun!  Plus they had funnel cakes; you can't go wrong with funnel cakes.

Although they did not have any rides, they did have a variety of bouncy castles (or whatever you call them).  Lindsay and I couldn't help but release our inner child ;)

bestie borrow, part I

A little while back I saw an opportunity to participate in the Bestie Borrow with Shopmamie (a fabulous online boutique), and there was no question in my mind that I wanted to do it.  So when they chose me to be a part of the challenge, I was thrilled!  I asked by bestie Lindsay to play along; here is how she styled the skirt that Shopmamie sent:

sweater-target, skirt-c/o shopmamie, belt & earrings-varga, necklace-gap, bracelet-chattanooga market, boots-vintage via her mom

"When Amber presented me with this idea, I was so excited. I had all these ideas going around in my head of will I go high end fashion? or simple everyday fashion? In Chattanooga this past week we had our first taste of fall, and that's where my inspiration came from. So I titled my outfit as "Autumn in the South." This skirt is such a versitile piece that can be worn year round. I loved the experience and I love my bestie!"

*stay tuned tomorrow to see how i styled the skirt!

chickamauga battlefield

Over the weekend we went to the Chickamauga Battlefield with some friends.  This was our first time visiting this historic spot; you can read about it's history and culture here.  It is filled with lots of wooded hiking trails and beautiful open fields.  There are also a lot of historic monuments and displays along the way.

We decided to make a stop at the Wilder Tower.  The tower looked beautiful next to the blue skies!  We climbed up the spiral staircase of the 85ft. tower and enjoyed the gorgeous view from the top.  

We had some strangers take our photo and that is usually always an interesting experience.  The sun was so bright that we asked him to count to three and then we would open our eyes for the photo.  We ended up with four to choose from and this was the best we got - my eyes half open and Kelly's still closed. ha!

Jack and Lucy enjoyed resting in the shade while we explored the tower.

Jason being his goofy self!

rock quarry

Over the weekend, Jason and I went with some friends to a new swim spot.  I can't believe we have never been there before, it's like this amazing treasure has been right under our noses all along.  It's a rock quarry that's located within Greenway Farms and it was the perfect place to spend a hot Saturday afternoon.  The water was warm, but not too warm; just the perfect temperature.  And it wasn't crowded at all.  Jack absolutely loved it too.  He has become quite the strong swimmer since we first discovered his love for the water.  This is definitely a place we will be visiting again!