UF Tailgate

This past weekend Stephen and I attended my company's annual UF tailgate at the Swamp. Even though I hate the Gators, I always enjoy helping out at this event. Tons of customers always come and everyone has a great time.

We headed up Friday and put together a welcome reception at the hotel. I love putting together events like this and decorating everything. We catered Chick-fil-a and had other various goodies.

Some of the decorations

My friend Chelsea and I were in charge of the welcome event. Our hubby's were such good helpers!

With my friends Chelsea and Elif

Stephen was such a trooper and huge help this weekend! I am blessed :)

All of the goodies

After the welcome reception, we headed out to The Swamp for a little bit. Stephen and I were impressed with how neat and quaint this restaurant was. 

At The Swamp - ignore my crazy eyes and Stephen's forced smile lol

Had to get a picture in front of the stadium on our walk back to the car

Since it was homecoming weekend, they had tons of huge fireworks

Saturday morning we woke up and headed out to the tailgate area to setup. Last year they started hiring Tailgate Guys which is a phenomenal company that provides tailgating tents, chairs, flat screens, fans - whatever you want! It's so helpful because we don't have to worry about it and they provide the best customer service.

The viewing area

The whole area

Our check-in table

Elif is too adorable

This year we catered 4Rivers Smokehouse. This is the best BBQ and it did not disappoint! They have the best southern sides on top of having the most delicious meat. Stephen and I actually had them cater our wedding - so delish!

The lovely girls (and Elif who's missing) who helped with checking people in - Chelsea and Meridith. Meridith's actually getting married in less than 2 weeks!

We had a great time and are looking forward to next year's tailgate!

Five on Friday

One
This Saturday (Oct 18) is Stephen and I's official 4 year dating anniversary! I can't believe it's been 4 years since we were sitting on a beach and Stephen was nervously asking me to be his girlfriend (after getting the date wrong on a friend's birthday party - maybe I'll do a series on "our story" sometime). So glad I nervously accepted his request! It's been the best 4 years!

Our first picture together at EPCOT - Fall 2010

Two
Today we are headed to the swamp that is UF... Even after living in FL my whole life, I've got Tennessee blood and I despise the FL Gators. My company puts on a tailgate every year for customers so I've learned to suck it up once a year and put on orange and blue for the sake of the company ;) I am super excited to spend time with my husband and co workers in a non-office environment.

Three
I'm not sure how many people watch Dancing with the Stars anymore but I've been watching this season (I watch depending on which stars are dancing) and I have to give a shout out to my girl Sadie Robertson. Girl can dance! I can't believe how good she is and this week she did the Charleston. It's so refreshing to see a young girl who is so solid in her Faith and isn't afraid to speak about it in Hollywood - same goes to all the Robertson clan. She's killing it every week and I bet if she doesn't win it, she'll place 2nd.

Four

Wednesday kicked off the television season for holiday shows. Stephen and I enjoyed "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!" and "Toy Story of TERROR". Even though these shows are silly, they bring us back to when we were kids. I can't wait for the Thanksgiving specials (what few are out there) and then Christmas specials! Can't believe Christmas is right around the corner! Still waiting on that fall weather though...

Five
I love vests in the fall! Last summer I got this vest from J Crew and I absolutely love it! I'm considering asking for this vest from Old Navy for Christmas. Love me a good vest!

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Charming Charleston

This past weekend Stephen and I drove up to Charleston, SC to visit his best friend and see the amazing city. I am officially a huge fan of Charleston and I LOVE the city. We are already talking about when we can go back to visit early next year.

It was about a 5.5 hour drive... for some reason the dive home seemed quicker than the drive up - not sure how that happened.

We stopped at a gas station outside of Jacksonville and they had a huge (fake) gator so naturally we had to get a picture

And they had live baby gators

Crossing into GA and SC

When we got into Charleston, Stephen's friend showed us all around the city including Daniel Island which is pretty much the most amazing little neighborhood. We ate dinner at the Daniel Island Grill or DIG which was a great little restaurant/bar. It was definitely a happening place for families, dates and friends - which I loved.

The fried pickles were delicious! 

Had to get a picture of the branded burger

Saturday we woke up and headed Downtown Charleston which is amazing! We started in the area with the unbelievably beautiful historical houses. Sorry, I'm not sorry for the pictures of the fantastic houses. 

Yes, we realized after we walked out the door that we were both wearing gingham - guess after being married over a year, you start to match.

They had all sorts of tours! One day Stephen and I want to come back and take a horse drawn carriage tour

Battery Park

After walking around and gawking at the houses, we decided to eat lunch at Butcher & Bee which was so delicious and the neatest little restaurant.

The restaurant was very eclectic and delicious. Apparently the menu changes often and the sweet tea is served in mason jars - so great! Stephen and I decided to play it safe and get a Cuban which was delicious!!

They had a neat old-time cash register (with an iPad on top lol)

After lunch, we headed back down to King Street to visit the farmer's market and do a little window shopping. The architecture is amazing and the stores are so much fun to browse through.

It was hot so we stopped and got a strawberry lemonade popsicle from King of Pops. It was so delicious and tasted so fresh and homemade. 

After going back home and freshening up, we headed out to dinner at Hominy Grill. Oh. My. Word. Best. Grits. Ever. Y'all - this is a must do if you're ever in Charleston! Stephen and I split the chicken and ribs meal - fried chicken, ribs, jalapeno hush puppies, turnip greens and cheese grits. So delicious and the restaurant was super neat!

Such a neat and homey restaurant

Instead of bread, they give you boiled peanuts!

My half of the food (I forgot to take a picture of the whole plate)

After dinner, we decided to run back over to King Street and grab gelato at Belgian Gelato. Stephen and I split a salted caramel gelato - so delicious!

Sunday morning we headed to church and then grabbed brunch at Charleston Bagel Co. I got the Carolina Sunrise bagel and it was so delicious!

Carolina Sunrise Bagel Sandwich - fried egg, cheddar cheese, sauted onions, bacon and tomato

After brunch we headed back home with full bellies and lots of new memories. We loved Charleston! The city was beautiful, they had the best local restaurants and there is so much to see and do. We can't wait to go back!