Black Tip Shark Reef and Turtle Love

I was on the guest list for a fun opening six months ago. I had a date with a very important turtle and some sexy little sharks at the National Aquarium. The museum went under a great renovation to add a Black Tip Shark Reef with over 700 animals. I remember hearing about the renovation and thought, huh, it couldn't look that different than it did before, but I was wrong. The biggest difference was the reef. The coral was and is magnificent. If you haven't seen it yet, get yo'self to the National Aquarium stat.

One of my all time favorite people in Baltimore runs the social media marketing at the National Aquarium. @KateKateBear on Twitter and @natlaquarium. I love going to the aquarium with her because she knows so much, finds the best fish and sometimes even takes me behind the scenes. 

Calypso is our three finned turtle. I love her so much that I seriously cried the first time I saw her and get seriously choked up when I spot her on my visits. I don't know what it is about her that makes me so emotional. It could be that she was once a wee little egg and made her way to the sea, was harmed and rescued by the aquarium in 2000. Sea turtles are usually not held in captivity so it is really special that we do have her in Baltimore. 

In the new exhibit there is an interactive wall where you can write what your connection is to water and have your picture "made". "Turtles I love turtles" was my answer. I grew up in the Midwest. We spent our summers on Lake Michigan, Destin, Florida or Seed Lake in Georgia. I've always loved the water. When visiting Hawaii in 2004 I saw sea turtles up close in the wild. I love how box turtles sun themselves on fallen trees in the estuaries of North Georgia. Spotting a turtle seems very common and also very lucky. They look like prehistoric creatures and I just think they are the neatest. 

Bubbles!

The event was great and I got to hang with some of my best pals. This is one of my favorite pictures of all time of our friend Craig. I said something funny and he dropped down laughing. Love. IT. 

This one too! My darling Kate Kate Bear and The Front Rowe are getting hitched this May on the water, naturally. We can't wait to celebrate their adorable, funny, creative union. Thanks Kate for always giving the best tours. I miss your face to pieces.  

Baby Nephew Two

Matthew Tayloe Averitt was born on Monday, February 24, 2014. We are so happy that Elise is doing so well and that the whole family is home together today in Kalamazoo. Mac sent me updates throughout the labor on Sunday afternoon and Monday and has been texting me photos. Enjoy photos my newest crush.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139: 13-1

Macker said that Andrew keeps hugging and kissing the baby. Oh my stars! (To quote Nette.) He also said that the delivery was flawless. High fives to my sweet sister Lisey! Hearing Andrew say Matthew's name on the phone just put me over the edge. Andrew is 3 years and 4 months old and his little voice is just the sweetest. We have had some great FaceTime calls lately.

We are so proud of Baby Nephew and can't wait to meet Baby Nephew Two!!! We called and sang Matthew Happy Birthday on Monday night. I cried when we hung up. It makes me crazy that we don't live closer. 

We love you all so much Mac, Elise, Andrew and Matthew. Love, Aunt Nana and Uncle ChaCha

Artful Weddings Studio Opening

I had the honor of being invited to a studio opening for a fantastic photographer in Baltimore. It was just down the street from Stone Hill. It's always fun getting invited to an event by people who attend and work events for a living. Great food, drinks, music and you run into everyone in your industry. Read here to see the professional photography taken at the event. My photos pale in comparison, but I still wanted to show off this way cool space.

The space is gorgeous in a classic Baltimore mix use warehouse in Clipper Mill.

Ann Sachs and her husband own Artful Weddings. With my wonky foot, I came for a brief visit and had to sit down after 15 minutes. Pathetic. But I couldn't miss ANOTHER party. 

Chef's Expressions catered the event. They were passing warm, thick cut, "Billionaires Bacon" in little pails. I will never forget having candied bacon the first time at my cousin Rob's wedding at the Memphis Country Club nine years ago. They served the bacon stacked a la log cabin style. People were seriously eating it like candy! I'm so glad I didn't miss this party. The bacon was legendary. 

They also served a chicken roulade with avocado and other lovely little nibbles.

The space would be great for rehearsal dinners, brunches or even a small wedding ceremony. They not only want to use the space as a photography studio, but rent it as an event site as well. The windows are huge and have a southern light that would be gorgeous in the late afternoon.

The Pie Station was gorgeous with four simple options to choose from.

I loved the grilled cheese station. The blue cheese and bacon sandwich was epic. It was great seeing lots of friends but I especially enjoyed a long visit with Lindsay and Erin from Union 3 Events.

Thanks for taking good care of me and my crutch Ann. Look forward to working with you soon.

Lucite Love and Desk Bling

I'm not sure where I saw the beloved Lucite stapler first. Apartment Therapy? Or was it Elle Decor a few years ago? I have always wanted one and I finally caved and bought myself this little joyous luxury when I moved into my new office. If it had a name it would be Milton. "My stapler", think Office Space, needed friends. I found this mouse pad, and a matching tape dispenser too to cheer up my 1979 desk. Now I wish there were Lucite mice and clear cords out there. Where is Steve Jobs when I need him? I posted this photo earlier today on Instagram, during a horrid raining day in Baltimore. A few of you asked where I found some of my desk bling. Enjoy. May it keep all of your work days sunny inside.

Mint and Cream Mouse Pad

Lucite Stapler

Lucite Block Tape Dispenser

Paper Boxes

Sparkle Barbie pen was a gift from my French exchange student Virginie.

Clear ruler, came with the desk.

There is even an engraved Lucite coaster from one of my wedding couples from this past November.

Flowers from an event by Flowers and Fancies.

Now the only thing I need is a Lucite calculator and some Washi Tape. Every letter I've received in the last week has had this tape stuck to it. It's basically paper tape, not plastic tape, sometimes made from bamboo. Do a Pinterest search. Holy bananas.

I love the idea of having this pretty tape in my little fancy tape dispenser at work. I can't remember the last time I taped anything but expense receipts. Wouldn't your accounting department love a little chevron action while getting audited. Must. Do. This.

HGTV

I have always liked the look of the clear tray as well. Shows off all your baubles while having the illusion of being organized.

Still on the hunt for a clear calculator. Hit me up if you find one.