oh, brother

Yesterday I asked my bother (22, tall, funny, cute, single...just in case you're looking) if he wanted to go to Bikram with me. If you don't already know, Bikram is basically 90 minutes of yoga in a sauna.  It's amazing and I definitely think you should try it if you haven't.  For real, like sign up find a Groupon for it today bc it's stupidly expensive.

that's me, just doin some yoga in the sunset...the usu

Back to the story, I was completely kidding when I asked him if he wanted to go since the day before he had made fun of me for it. Imagine my surprise when he quickly answered "sure".  He claimed it would, "help with his golf swing." I told him I'd cover the cost if they wouldn't give him his first session free.  We'll just say it was $25 well spent! 

After 90 minutes of sweating his ass off, hoping around trying to balance, and looking incredibly awkward, I asked him what he though about it all to which he responded "well Mandell, I've been through something similar to that before and it was called Phi Delt Hell Week but it was a hell of a lot cheaper". Hell week if you don't know is well, a week of hell before you get initiated into a fraternity. (boys get hazed girls get presents - reason 2827 why being a girl is fun) I was literally dying with every remark he had to make about his new experience. Made my Thursday super.  I'm making him go with me next week too - got to get that golf swing in tip top shape before spring! 

I'm off to Rockport tonight! The first time back since we got engaged! So excited to spend some time with T, even if it is just a night - we take what we can get these days. Hopefully the short time will include some porch sitting...I live for this view. 

Jessica recently said that heaven seems a little closer when you're by the ocean and I couldn't agree more. Absolute perfection.  

I remembered last minute (8:30 last night) that I needed a shower gift so I booked it to BB&B, which is an total nightmare in my opinion - so much stinkin shiz and it already takes me like a million years to come up with a cohesive purchases for a gift basket. I threw creativity out the window and tried to find something that came in a box. Bought it (after searching for 30 minutes) and left as they locked the door behind me.

Since I put zero thought into the actual gift I figured I could at least cute it up a little...after all, wrapping a gift is one of my favorite things in the world to do!

I also wrapped the brides lingerie shower gift since I couldn't make it to her bach party last weekend...nothing at all fancy about this wrap job but thought it was worth sharing because the paper is so dang fun AND on sale for $1 at Targ and well...it makes me want to throw a fiesta - go buy you some...and take a tequila shot drink a marg.

I have this odd thing for bees. One day I will write a post about it but until then just know that bees are a vital part of our being. 

After scouring google for the perfect bee image and not finding what I wanted yesterday I finally threw in the towel and drew it myself - google let down....

After I clean it up a bit, this may or may not be used for some fun things coming up! And not a minute too soon, since it's a project I've been wanting to tackle for about 4 months now....suuuuper excited!

And before I wish you a perfect weekend (LONG weekend for some!) I'll leave you with this dress...

I still have some left if you'd like one! Sizes XS, S, and L I'm pretty sure.  In the burnt orange/rust color same style as blue dress on model.  

Gianni Bini 

Retail: $118

Selling for: $45

PERFECT for the Houston Rodeo coming up....just sayin'! 

Now ladies, have an incredibly restful weekend and spend it with all the ones you love! 

MERRY, MERRY! 

*sweet gma's words make my heart happy*

Christmas Joys!

As it turns out, when I'm on vaycay so is this little blog. Whoops. I have umpteen posts to write but I'll start with Christmas and probably work backwards (if I get that far). I still haven't posted about Cabo! Slacker of the year award. 

My VERY last Christmas before I become an Urbanovsky.  It's is SO exciting but I have to say, it's a little sad knowing that things will never be the same.  From now until forever we will have to plan where we spend holidays, whose parent's we see when, and travel for every holiday. But oh my goodness...how lucky are we to have families that we WANT to spend the holidays with.  If deciding how to split out time between two amazing families is the biggest problem we face I'd say we're doing alright.

Obviously I have no pictures from the festivities...gah, I suck.  

I did however take a pic of the sweet treats I took!

Red Velvet Cakeballs...I could literally eat that entire plate.

No need to list all the things I received for Christmas but here is one thing I am just L.O.V.E-ing...

A Lauren Elan friendship bracelet. Isn't it so cute! AND it's in my favorite fall colors! Such a sweet gift from Casey.  You can buy one for your bff here. I'm sure she'll love it as much as I do!

Another gift I am beyond excited about this year came from Mr. Santa himself...otherwise known as my soon-to-be father in law, Mr. Urbo. I have GOT to get y'all a pic of this man.  He's got the Santa act down pat. The beard, the belly, the rosy cheeks, even the sparkle in his eye.  It's the sweetest thing seeing children do a double take and smile. I am so upset "Santa" didn't make an appearance this year in kinder but time just got away from us.

Anyway...all 3 of his sons are getting married and I think it's pretty safe to say he loves the girls they chose. When Travis told me his dad wanted to take us (the girls) to pick out Christmas plates I was excited but didn't really think much of it.  Well, on Monday morning we woke up early to make it to Dillards for the after Christmas sales and I picked out a gift that will with out a doubt be one of my most cherished gifts ever received.  Beautiful Christmas china! 

We each picked out something different.  This is the pattern I chose:

Isn't it beautiful?! 

I CAN NOT WAIT to serve a Christmas dinner on it next year with my husband!

I was so excited to get it home and try it out with my Grandma Doll's silver handed down to me.

It's absolutely perfect! (Even though the silver is tarnished as all get out at the moment!)

Sounds silly, but I wrote a little note about the gift and tucked it in  with the plates.  I love running across handwritten memos about particular items! My Grandma Doll was super about this, she has detailed notes and the original receipts for almost every important item purchased.  I figured now is a good a time as any to get started! If I wait until I'm 8o I'd never get done! Do y'all do this? You should! One day our grandchildren will thank you!

This was such a generous gift and it will always be such a special part of our families Christmas tradition! 

Speaking of traditions...talking about ones we would like to start with our family is one of my most favorite convo's to share with Mr. Trav! I love that we will be our own family of 2 next year! CRAZY!

In other news...

I helped Casey make these pillows for her MIL's Christmas gift and they turned out SO cute! I will def be recreating them for my house!  Love how simple pillows are and the impact they can make in a room! 

And I've been buying all kinds of fun things for me and Travis!

Address stamp for thank you notes. Love it!
Super awesome steel letters for our cake topper. The "&" is in the mail. Ahhh, BHLDN, I really do adore you.
And bookoo's of pretty Christmas ornaments!!  

Well, Christmas 2011 is officially over but I am all set for Christmas 2012 and chompin at the bit for it to get here. It will surely be the BEST one yet! SO much to look forward to!!

I hope each of you had a joyful Christmas full of merriment and happiness!