Good Music {with a side of chicken & waffles}

Have you ever been to a concert and wanted more, just didn’t want it to end?  Billy & I saw Gary Allan last week in Atlanta and couldn’t get enough.  We are big Gary Allan fans and were impressed with his stage presence.  He did not need the flashy lights, rotating stage and a truck hanging from the ceiling – his music was that good. He is just so talented! I hope he comes to Jacksonville so we can see him again soon.

We really enjoyed our date in the city and were sure to take the opportunity to try Gladys Knights Chicken & Waffles restaurant.  We saw it on the Food network a few months ago and thought it was worth a try. Yep, good ole’ southern fried chicken served with a waffle called “the midnight train”.  I won’t say it was my favorite meal (& certainly not the healthiest) but if you’re ever downtown ATL, try it.  It’s an experience.

I love this man!

Yesterday morning Billy and I headed to Atlanta. Billy decided the Braves playoff game was a must see...in person.  So, since his birthday is TODAY (Happy Birthday my love) we couldn't pass up the opportunity to head north.  What the birthday boy wants, he gets!

Once we dropped Oliver off at my parents (thank you, mom!!) we headed north. I then realized it was 10.10.10 and thought it would be fun to document the moment at 10:10 AM...as we were driving. :)

We had a great time with friends and unfortunately the Braves lost. However, Billy said it was worth the drive and we were glad to have so much time together. :)

A day in Savannah

This past weekend Billy and I woke up knowing we just didn’t want to stick around town. Saturday, June 27, had marked our 1 year “anniversary” to the first day we actually met for a lunch date face to face after emailing for about 5 weeks prior. By the way, we both left that lunch date knowing we would eventually marry and 5 months later as you all know, we did! God is so good. Here's Billy on another improptu interview, he sure does love me to put up with all my interviewing!

Isn't he the cutest!? :-)

Anyway, we thought about going to Orlando for the day and decided Savannah would be better! Sad to say, neither of us had been there to visit. Pure *shock* if you grew up in the south. I’ve driven through countless times on numerous trips but never stopped to take in the beauty of Savannah and I’m so glad we did! It is such a beautiful place to spend a Saturday. Although, I must admit that a visit in June wasn’t our brightest idea! We walked all over the city (who needs those carriage rides anyway!?) and it was at least 99 degrees that day. Needless, to say though it was a blast!

We have not perfected the self portrait...in due time.

My personal goal was to have some of Paula Deen’s yummy food at her oh so popular restaurant, Lady and Sons , and I wasn’t disappointed! When we got there the sign said that they were booked for lunch and dinner, I was crushed! Booked? What?? Billy went up and talked to the hostess and asked her if there was any way that she could fit just the two of us in and she gave him the golden ticket (actually it was blue). =) Straight up to the 3rd floor we went. The place was crowded with people eating lunch and everyone looked happy! How couldn’t they be happy? They were eating Paula’s food. It’s probably a heart attack waiting to happen but it’s a southern gals dream. I do recommend the lunch buffet filled with fried chicken, ribs, baked chicken, Mac & cheese and numerous southern styled veggies. We both ate for under $35 – not bad for a hot spot!

After lunch we walked and walked some more. I’ve been on the hunt for “the perfect” pictures for our bedroom. To no avail a lovely boutique had just what I was looking for! I was excited to have found the perfect pieces to make our bedroom a little more complete. Decorating a home is exhausting (but fun)!
How cute is this little old lady!? I want to dress like that when I'm "old"! :-)

We ended the day with several cold bottles of water on the drive home and were happy to have had the time to get away and enjoy Savannah together. I love getting away for the day with my best friend, what could be better!? We’re hoping to go back in the Fall once the weather is a bit cooler.

Road Trip

This past weekend Billy was off work and so we decided to head towards Atlanta. Billy loves “going home” and it’s always nice to visit with family that is kind enough to allow us to crash at their home (thank you, Mark & Peggy!). We set out with a “To-Do” list and accomplished everything we set out to do. We had a lot of fun!

Billy’s #1 “To-Do”: Eat at the Varsity

This was the first time for me; it was so yummy we might just have to go again soon.

The famous chili-dog was sinfully good!

Brooke’s #1 “To-Do”: Visit the World's Largest Aquarium
Neither of us had been to an aquarium and so I really wanted to go. I took lots of pictures of all the beautiful and strange looking mammals & fish!

I think the Beluga Whales were my favorite!
We also were able to visit with friends, shop at IKEA & make it home in time to rest up for the work week. I’m already looking forward to our next trip!

Happy Birthday to me…

Monday Billy surprised me with fun Birthday gifts at 6:30AM – he is so sweet and knows exactly how to ‘butter my bread’, I LOVE PRESENTS! After the gift opening we headed to the most magical place on earth to celebrate, Disney World! I wanted to spend my special day with the mouse with big ears so that’s exactly what we did. We haven’t been to Disney in years so it was a lot of fun to make new memories in the Magic Kingdom! Here’s a clip of Billy as I interviewed him in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

He's such a sport for putting up with my interviews!

It was a wonderful 29th birthday!