"Meant to Bee" Bridal Shower

This past weekend, my mom and I threw a bridal shower for a childhood friend of mine. We had so much fun planning her shower that I had to share with you all how it turned out. We decided to use the theme "Meant to Bee" and added touches here and there to help express our theme. 

Entry table as the guests walked in to the Country Club

Guest tables

Centerpieces

I just loved the little heart confetti made out of pages from books. It definitely added a lovely touch to our centerpieces. 

Advice cards for each guest to fill out for the soon-to-be bride 

This table was our advice and well wishes table. We had a bowl for the guests to leave their advice cards in the for the bride and also a bowl for the guests to leave their favorite recipe for Lauren to start her own recipe book. We sent the recipe cards out in the invitations so that the guests had plenty of time to decide on a recipe and fill out their card.

Going along with our "Meant to Bee" theme, we chose customizable honey jars as our favors to send home with each guest.

Favors

Advice bowl on the left

Recipe card bowl behind Lauren's new recipe book

One of our favorite things was our dessert table! I mean, who doesn't love desserts?

In the back you will see chocolate covered oreos that my mom made herself with rose petals on the top. I am so sad I didn't get an unclose picture of the oreos. They were ADORABLE! And equally as delicious!

We served cake, cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels, petit fours, macarons, and jelly beans on the dessert table. 

 The food table consisted of tea sandwiches, fruit, mint tea punch, and lemonade. 

The gift table before the shower began

Even though mom and I had so much fun planning this shower for the past few months, we were equally as excited to see it all come together. 

Lauren and her sweet Momma

Well wishes to the "bride-to-bee!"

[Details of where we purchased everything to come]

One Blessed Afternoon

You know those days when everything seems to be going wrong, until all of a sudden God steps in and makes it very clear that the little things in life don't always matter? Well I had one of those days this past week.

Everything from waking up sick with a nasty cold (which is the worst when your pregnant), to the gas pump at the gas station not working and a long line of people inside (all the while it's the one morning I can't spare a minute), to finally being a coach's wife on a CRAZY morning trying to get a quick picture to send in for a magazine article AND still make it to my doctors appointment on time. All to do before the clock struck noon. I thought for sure if the morning was this bad, that my afternoon had little hope of getting better. 

I literally walked into my doctors office with 30 seconds to spare. Phew! Thank you, Lord! And that's when my day suddenly was put back into perspective. 

This was the day we would have our big ultrasound and test results to find out if our baby boy was healthy or if there may be something to dig deeper into. Of course, this has any momma-to-be on her toes. I was thankful that my sweet momma went with me to my appointment, as Lee couldn't break free from work that afternoon as we had a football scrimmage that evening (I told you, crazy day). 

It wasn't until our little sweet boy popped up on the ultrasound screen that the day seemed to slow wayyy down and get so much brighter!

Baby Cole signaling a touchdown! Making his Daddy proud. =)

He was moving all around the entire time (again, like his father) and scored perfectly on all his measurements and tests. My doctor told me that he must have read the textbook, as he is right on schedule with his development. Oh this momma was HAPPY to hear! 

Thank you, Lord!!! 

Our sweet Little Boy is growing every day, and so is his momma's belly. We are over the moon excited to have our little one in our arms in January! Until then, stay put little Cole. Momma can't handle going into labor during the playoffs ;-)

Decaf Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. And with the fall, comes it's delicious drinks. This year, I've had to put a spin on some of my favorites, including the Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte.

Although I am not solely against caffeine while pregnant, I have avoided it unless absolutely necessary. There has only be a couple of times where I've had to take a small dose of caffeine, but for the most part I've steered clear. So as the fall came, I knew I had to find a recipe for my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte that was caffeine free! 

After searching all over the internet for recipes to alter, I finally combined a few and found my own. To my surprise, it might be my new favorite fall drink! 

If you're like me and craving a fall drink without the caffeine, try this! It's simple and easy to make in the luxury of your own home. 

Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte
4 oz water

1 tea bag of decaf black tea (or chai if you'd prefer)
2/3 cup milk
1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
¼ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup pumpkin puree
¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Boil your water. (Or if you're like me, grab 4oz of water out of your keurig already piping hot with half the time)
Pour into cup/mug and steep your tea bag for 5 or so minutes.
Remove tea bag.
Add remaining ingredients and blend using your blender.
Taste and adjust maple syrup and spices to your liking.
If it’s not hot enough, simply pour into a pot and heat over medium heat until steaming (Or pop it in the microwave for 40 seconds and you're ready to roll).

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I have a feeling I will be making many of these in the weeks to come. 

Wishing you all a happy fall!