three things

On Mondays, I often find myself reflecting on the past week and noting the little things that are making me happy. I'm currently loving the fall flower bouquet on my kitchen table, which I got to take home from my ad agency's 30th anniversary celebration last week (also feeling lucky that I have such a great job!). Thinking about Vanessa's baby shower and how great it was for all us old high school friends to hang out this past Saturday and look forward to meeting baby Ava! And lastly, loving my Trader Joe's cinnamon broom that makes my house smell a-mazing.

Beautiful centerpiece for the fall

All five of us, Megan, me + Cami, Vanessa (with the cutest little baby bump ever), Sarah & Michelle

(photo via Fashion Lush blog)

Cinnamon Broom! If you're doubting it, try their mini version for just 99 cents.

some weeks...

Thursday happy hours are very necessary. Gotta love the rooftop dining at Del Frisco's (the mac & cheese and cheese fritters are awesome - clearly I enjoy cheese way too much!). 

Some work friends enjoying some wine and tapas.

birthday weekend

I turned the big 2-8 yesterday. But I don't mind getting older when I feel so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by my amazing fiance, friends and family. Friday morning, my coworkers surprised me with my fave Starbucks coffee, cookies, a cupcake and other goodies. Then a few of them took me lunch at Christopher's which was delish. If you haven't been, it's a must try. I had only been for happy hour before, but their food is exceptional. Dave and I topped off the day with a fun dinner at the new Del Frisco's Grille at the Esplande. I love that restaurant week always falls on my bday! The night before, Dave took me to the Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean concert for my early bday present. We had a great time (after we finally got there) and realized it was our very first concert together!

Today, the celebration continued. My family took me to lunch at my favorite Mexican food place - Macayos (because I'm obsessed with their baja sauce). I got the best cards ever and my parents gave me my favorite shade of old fashioned roses, plus a perfect Kate Spade picture frame for Dave and I. Can't wait to have a wedding photo to put in the new frame!

 concert time, d's eyes + iphone flashes = bad combo

am birthday goodies from my awesome pr coworkers

loved my smoked salmon blt at christopher's and topped it off with dessert. 

 del frisco's 

 family lunch

 my fave roses and a beautiful kate spade frame from my parents

love

future mrs. schmitt

These past few weeks have been so busy and fun that I'm just now getting to this blog post. But yes - soon I'll be Mrs. Schmitt! 

The love of my life proposed to me on May 19 - where we had our first date one year ago. I had absolutely no idea it was coming - it was the biggest, yet sweetest surprise of my life. 

As far as I knew, that Saturday evening, we would celebrate our one year. I knew it would be special, I just didn't know how special! It's funny how everything works out though. I woke up that morning and had great kids at the gym. Everything went quite smoothly. That doesn't usually happen when you're teaching 3, 4 and 5 year-olds gymnastics. I went to my parents' house for lunch afterwards and nothing seemed out of the ordinary there. Had a nice visit and then ran to the mall to see if I could find something to wear for our one-year. Tried on a few things, but decided I didn't like anything more than what I already had. I finally got home and got ready and nothing was going wrong. Usually by the time Saturday evenings roll around, I'm stressed and frustrated from sorting through a closet of clothes and feeling like I have nothing to wear, dealing with my hair that never wants to do what it's supposed to and more or less feeling rushed and tired by the time my lovely date shows up. This Saturday was different - everything just fell into place perfectly.

Dave picked me up that evening for our anniversary bringing me two dozen roses - red and white. Then it was off to Coup de Tartes (if you haven't been, you NEED to go). He gave me a special little gift when we first got there, plus brought a great bottle of red for the evening. Then we ordered a few appetizers and an entree. It was delish as always and I ate pretty much every bit. Dave had seemed a little anxious when our entrees took awhile to be brought out, but I didn't think anything of it. Then, just before dessert came, he read the card I got him, and then, through some tears, started telling me all his thoughts and feelings. Not knowing it was leading to a proposal and seeing him so emotional, I interrupted telling him about how I felt about us. Then he continued and next think I knew, he said "that's why I have a question to ask you." And that's when complete shock took over for me. I finally realized what was happening, but I couldn't quite believe it. He got on one knee, held out the ring and asked me to marry him. Such an amazing and unforgettable moment. I was pretty much speechless after saying "yes" - so basically I just kept kissing him afterwards. People probably thought we were crazy.

~ at coup de tartes after the proposal ~

~ outside the restaurant. ~

We left around 9pm and called his mom and mine (although she already knew since he had asked my dad for permission) on our way back to his house - where I thought we were going. But next thing I knew, were were in front of the Montalucia. He had said he got a room for the weekend and that we should go get a drink at the bar. I was soooo happy and surprised - again! As we're walking towards the bar, I see my mom and good friend Michelle standing out front! Then more and more people start coming up to us - my friends, his friends, both our families! It was the sweetest, most amazing moment to see 25 of our closest friends and family and having them there to celebrate with us. A little champagne and being around those that love us most was the perfect nightcap for a day that will never be forgotten. 

Sunday was full of relaxation and pure bliss. A perfect breakfast on our patio and then a sun-filled day at the resort pool with great food, drinks and complete happiness. Definitely a weekend I never expected and never wanted to end.