happy birthday mere

In our group of friends, a birthday part is a reason to dress up. This time - alter egos.

Disclaimer: We apologize if you are offended because we stereotyped you. It's all fun and games. Promise.

This time we put our big girl pants on and took it outside the apartment. Yes, we did go out in public wearing this. We ate awesome food at Portobellos [yum] as we celebrated Meredith and brought the party home for a dessert bar, expected [and unexpected] dancing and some photo booth action. There's never a dull moment with these ladies.

by the book[s]

Thanks to four tests in one week, Valentines evening wasn't available for the standard carefree merriment. But that's ok. We're always about making some good memories - even if it's in my least favorite place on the planet.

Here's what you need for a successful study-filled Valentines date:

And just in case you are like me and leave your entire set of notes at your apartment, [you know the ones that are your only source for a good grade on tomorrow's mega test?] then just call in the reinforcements.

That's right. Chocolate.

Hope your day was sweet! I hope you showed some love and received some too.

P.S. Here's a peek at D's Valentine gift from me. It's just some watercolor, a bit of ink, and whole lot of love.

valentine wishes

Here are a few lovelies that land at the top of my valentine inspiration list.

1. ban.do heart shoe clips. has sequins? must love it.
2. sweetheart tree necklace by lisa leonard designs. one of the many treasures on her site.
3. anything made out of mercury glass. especially this beautiful pink votive from anthro.
4. lacy and whimsical with a black ribbon? yes, please. via modcloth.
5. ban.do love barrette. words in my hair. why didn't i think of that?
6. red velvet cupcakes. a valentines must-have.
7. peonies. if i could, i'd keep fresh ones on every surface of my home at all times. they are the perfect flower.
8. any and all things BHLDN. it premiers tomorrow. I CAN HARDLY WAIT.
9. my favorite etsy art find to date by petek design.

date night

Here's a little documentation of a very fun and much needed date night with D.

Neither having had Indian food before, we gave India's Restaraunt a try. For you BR dwellers, it's on Essen near I-10. And, yes, I just had to check Google maps to make sure that was correct. Lived here for four years. No big deal.

Anyway, it was dee-lish! I don't really know what I ate, but I can tell you that it was goooood. And as a bonus, the people were wonderful - so kind and patient with us when we were too slow to pronounce anything on the menu. I know it's just a local restaraunt, but, as we were sitting there, it reminded me of several things. It reminded me that our God is global. It reminded me that we don't feel called to stay here, and that I need to be intentionally praying for the Lord's direction. The best part of dinner were D's words when thanking God for the yum-o food. When he asked that we may, if it is His will, experience this food in it's native land one day because He has brought us there to love on His people in India. Lord, send us!

After we had our fill of yummy things covered in Indian spices, we wandered around Dillards. Well, it wasn't really wandering. More like scouting. Got to get some ideas before we lauch in to wedding registering! Which, by the way, is just going to be way too much fun.

I was the crazy girl with the camera in the department store. But it was a blast. And now it's back-to-studying for those four test coming up this week. Oh graduation, where are you?

hannah banana

To: Hannah

From: Your honorary Baton Rouge roommates
 
 

 

As you can see, we got all dolled up for your birthday.

Ok that's not true. But pajama-clad is how you know us best, right?

Hope your day is marvelous! You, my friend, deserve the biggest and best birthday in the history of the world to celebrate all the love you give. I can't wait to be seeing you soon. And as always, I hope you know you are loved and missed!