silk on sunday

"The Dress" is almost complete! Phew - I had no idea just how much anxiety and labor (of love) this dress would be. For such an important piece, this project was no small undertaking and I am so glad that I challenged myself and did my very best work. I must say I am not sure I am this proud of anything I have ever created. Besides my children, this is the most beautiful thing I have ever made :-)

The pictures simply do not do it justice. With a very "JCREW" feel the babydoll shape with elegant clean lines is sexy with an innocence of a new bride. The antique broach pocket detailing add the perfect touch that embodied my spunky style bride. Yet, it's classic simple design is perfect for a Savannah wedding. All that is left are the spaghetti straps, i have procrastinated a bit of these, due to the unproportioned length, in the front and back. Sunday's "almost-final" fitting was so rewarding. Meggie literally jumped up and down clapping (like the bubbly 20 something that she is!)and her mom caught her breath at the very site of it, noting that in all their shopping, Meg's face never lit up like it did when tring on her custom TL couture!
My first compensated formal! I actually have to file a tax for Tiger Lily!

Garden Club Fundraiser - and Girl Time

Because things happened with the new job a little faster than we anticipated, Justin could not attend last night's event for which we purchased tickets more than a month ago. However, I was thrilled that my second-best date could! Wendy and I enjoyed a little girl time and a fabulous event at the Planter's Club Fundraiser. After answering a million questions and practicing some rumor control to the repeated "Are you guys moving?" question, and concluding that Mexico was indeed our favorite of the international cusine at the so themed event, Wendy and I stopped by Lake Region for a night cap. When I pulled into my/our VIP reserved parking spot, I was horrified when my headlights revealed that Justin's name was no longer on the Men's Club Champ sign. Not to worry, it had only fallen in the shrubs probably during the storm. We quickly recovered it no doubt :-)

The Heimers will be summering!

The view of the first hole, overlooking Breton Bay Golf and Counrty Club


Fabulous? yes. Pre-meditated? only partially. My husband's family all live in Maryland, and over the years, we have always hoped to spend the summers there. We hoped to buy a little vacation home on Chesapeake Bay and let the boys enjoy the gorgeous area where my husband grew up. With a tightening economy, Justin was recently offered an opportunity that we just couldn't pass up. To turn pro and work toward his PGA credentials at Breton Bay Golf and Country Club and giving private lessons, only during the "season". Of course golf up North isn't so popular during the winter months, so the opportunity was a perfectly suited! We are excited about a relaxing and rejuvenating summer and have begun to make plans to "go North" after Jackson is out of school. The downside is that the job begins right away so we will be apart for a few weeks. :(

Peter Cottontail

hopped right down our bunny trail and hid a few eggs on Sunday. This was Dane's first official Easter where he totally enjoyed the egg hunt and we were delighted to see how excited he was to find each one!


This was also a beautiful Easter for Jackson as he knew just what Easter is all about and told us just how the stone was rolled away from the tomb to reveal that Jesus had risen!

Island Paradise - Our Caymanian Retreat

My BFF - i miss her sooo much. To the moon Weeb!

A simple low calorie margarita with no salt, extra lime, and only a splash of Patron doesn't seem that difficult right? Well the skinny margarita wasn't at all what I ordered, and the currency index exchange didn't help Justin's reaction once we got the bill. 4 Margaritas and (albiet super stacked) nachos = $80.00 USD You cannot be a lush and live on GC!!!


Margaritaville also had a kids waterslide which made this almost perfect. Until I asked if they knew how to make a skinny girl margarita- hee hee


My 1st grader continues to work toward his goal of 100 AR points, by the end of the year. He recently read a book entitled More Pies, a story about including a pie eating contest. He has been affixated about having a a similar contest which is all he wanted for his birthday (go figure, the boy has my sweet tooth). Well, for his birthday... you guessed it! Aunt Weeble thinks of everything!


My brother (IL) is such a character. Anyone that spends any amount of time with my sister and Chad become totally sucked into their hillarious antics. "Chet" as Luder calls him, is full of useless knowledge and is all about the "hows" and "whys" (they are addicted to animal palnet, if that tells you anything). On our simple shallow reef excursion Chet insisted we practice "safety first" and wouldn't let us head out without our flag. Of course, my lax sister lost the blow up fla - but not to worry, Chad found it 2 miles up the ocean shore after taking us slightly off road.


no we weren't photoshopped in - This is truly postcard perfect, Rum Point. A picnic in paradise...although in MY paradise, the mudslides wouldn't cost $18 each - i should've gotten fogone the ice-


This iguana was totally freaking me out - The pet loving owner almost saw me sling that thing across the park when he put it on my shoulder (I was trying to be a brave cool boy mom) - but I held it together so the Cayman version of PITA didn't take me to the underground prison!

What an amazing time we had at the Cayman Islands last weekend on our getaway to Paradise. My sister and I are efficient organizers and are all about making the most of each experience. Every family vacation or trip we take we research and investigate before the trip to compose the perfect itinerary that everyone gets a copy of. No time is wasting on the "what are we doing for dinner" or "what do i need to pack" issues. LuJean outdid herself this time, as I am certain that a typical tourist spends weeks on the island without experiencing all the site, sounds, and fun that we did in 3 short days!! Parasailing, water trampoline, 3 foot tall nachos (my boys LOVE nachos!), pirate caves, shopping, rum point, fresh wahoo, snorkeling the most grogeous reefs in the Carribean sea and we even played in a real live blow hole! I can't remember the last time our family had such a carefree and enjoyable vacation, it truly was paradise. Did I mention she even organized a suprise birthday party on the beach for Jackson and all her vet school friends came to suprise him.

My sister and Chad are totally Caymanians now, living on island time (somewhat. She drives like a maniac on the wrong side of the road, and Chad's beard and now very tan skin made it difficult to set him apart from the rastafarians on the beach. I just remembered, we swam with stingrays in sting ray city and colored eggs and hid them in the trees with the iguanas. Did I mention that our flight arrived at 3 on Thurs, we are talking 48 hours people, I'm still recovering and so is/are my sunburned skin!

And it comes to life

By popular demand, I am finally posting the bridal progression pics. Tonight was Meggie's second fitting appointment, and we are down to the finishing touches. I think she is really pleased with how it is coming together. I must say, I am as well. She is such a gorgeous - supermodel type, that I almost want to hate her. Yet, she is just so adorable and a Junior Leaguer to boot, I just can't (which is really frustrating! LOL)
Here are some snaps of the dress, taking on a life, of it's own. Starting then until now.
Her classic Savannah-Chapel wedding, with a touch of Meggie spunk, is well defined in this gown, that she knew, was the "one".


My Beautiful Bride! in the making



The fit is perfect! The top... yeah, a little reconstructive surgery is necessary - on the silk that is


pinning up the train. A nip and tuck and we will have the perfect length!


Putting it all together for the next fitting. I was a little worried about the plunging neckline. While this was part of our design, I anticipated a small reconstructive cosmetic surgery on "her" chest. (at this stage in the design, I began to refer to the dress as it's own soul - Justin assures me that I do this with all of the fabrics I train, create, shape and love)



The bottom peice is a slight A-line/bubble-skirt, with pockets!... which I think is just sooo clever! Who couldn't use an extra pocket on your wedding day!? Extra storage for lipgloss, the fat check from Daddy Warbucks, the hankie from great grandma B, or at least that little black book for a some late night torching!! ... opps did I say that out loud? ...yeah the pockets are cool!


My creative space ... I'll be here a while!



The top was a challenge, the petal-like triangles must be "JUST SO" so my Bride doesn't "JUST SHOW" too much!

START*********

"Dane William Heimer!"

I spent the weekend sewing my fingers to the bone on my very first couture bridal gown. Of course, I get the majority of my work done while my 2 year old is taking his nap. However, during a pivitol point in my couture creation my sleepy little angel woke up (persistent and grouchy) and demanded a snack
(pronounced "NAAK"). I ever so pleasently anounced that mommy would accomodate him momentarily. After an impatient launch of his "cup-cup", he proceeded to the kitchen. Apparently he would handle the task himself... I arrived moments later to find the following full balanced, yet magically delicious, "NAAK"

at least he did have the manners to get himself a plate...

Welcoming a new wife

While I do love the HBO hit, Big Love, this is a little refers to a little different relationship. This weekend we celebrated Tuga's (a.k.a Jackson's) Dad and Allison's elegant wedding, on Clearwater Beach. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful new wife-in-law.
Because I recognize that a wedding gift from the former wife isn't listed in Hallmark's gift guide, I dug deep and took a homemade, sincere approach. A photo alblum of Jackson's birth (only Eric cutting the cord and a little swaddling - nothing crazy or too National Geographic) and his first years. My note read "Here is the early years that every mom must recall, I look forward to the future, raising our Tuga together." She is truly the exact (other) mom I would pick out for Jackson. We've had a strict rule in our home(s) for years, not to use that odd word, with a bad stigma - a.k.a "step"-mother/father/brother/etc. Jackson knows that he is all the more loved with four parents, that adore him so. Dual parenting or blended families are not easy - but the last time I checked no type of parenting was. Congrats Eric and Alley Galley!!!! LOL

What's your Super Power?

Americans everywhere feel the crunch of the economy. I've often written on my mortgage blog) about how UNrewarding my job is lately. Always having enjoyed my career, it seems my days now consist of difficult and frustrating phone calls to borrower's that can't qualify due to job layoffs or homes that don't make the appraisal cut. I have always had (what some would call) a problem getting emotionally attached to my clients. This is true of all my team who've also recently experienced diminishing job satisfaction. We have lost sleep, shed tears, and felt helpless as loan applicants' financial or living circumstances, we cannot improve. That said, I do feel so fortunate, to have such a great team and work family- they truly are the reason for Premier's success over all these years.
Of course my family too is feeling the crunch of a struggling mortgage business and difficult economy. But in the wise words of the legendary iconic George, George Michael that is, "you gotta have FAITH..."
Faith in God. If not for this, I too would pull the covers over my head somedays or utilize other crutches and coping mechanisms (ok, I may be guilty of an occaisional coping mechanism- a different kind of spirit), there is nothing like the security of knowing that there is someone else in control. "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ" PHILLIPPIANS 4:19

This book has been so enlightening for me and is an easy read. With currently relevant chapters, I have re-read each one. Addressing those real-life challenges such as finances, temptation, trials and fears, it's like a guide book for commiting your mental focus to your partner's well being. Praying for your spouse is truly the most selfless and empowering gift you can give to your family.
And yes, (Justin may kill me for writing this on my blog) I have often caught him reading (the book I so generously bought for him :-) in his "special reading nook" where he admits to doing his best thinking (ladies, I'm sure you know where this place is).


"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." PSALM 55:22

Big Ben

This weekend's 41st Annual Ben Hill Memorial Golf Tournament, did not disapoint. While there were fewer golfers this year, in light of the difficult economic times, this invitation only weekend-long event, was tons of fun. Probably my favorite of all the tournaments (of course because of the fabulous parties!) it was certainly even more fun this year, arriving with the Champion. Justin wore his custom tailored green jacket, after a 2008 win. While a new dress wasn't in the budget, I was desparate to sport a complimenting tagerine/citrus color that themes each BHG event. I found an adorable sun dress and jazzed it up with a little "be-dazzling" and some rockstar shoes!

oh right - Justin came in second, windy day, blah blah :-)

read details of both rounds here

Annual Winter Haven Chamber Golf Touney

Kudos to the Winter Haven Chamber and, of course, the Golf tournament committee for yet another premier business networking event, and well... just a gorgeous Friday afternoon on the links. Special guest Derrick Brooks also teed it up for our Chamber tourney! Our community has an active chamber and the most supportive members. Check out our blog by Chamber President! http://blog.winterhavenfl.com/
Ok so I am a total dork and often my camera settings are on video - I only though we were taking a picture!

Lunch on the "Run"

Lunch at my desk...again.

Those of you who know me, know that I have always struggled with my weight. I am not a "Naturally Thin" (though I can't wait to read your book Bethenny!) type, and have to work hard and be disciplined to maintain my target weight - which I am not yet at. It is especially difficult to eat right and excersize when you are a "superwoman" (smiling) with a full "plate" - no pun intended. I have vowed to begin training for a 5K - so all my readers can hold me accountable! My girlfriend shared with me this cool training download for your ipod called Couch-to-5K.
The Couch-to-5K Running Plan is a running schedule and has apparently helped thousands of new runners get off the couch and running 3 miles in just two months.


I hear these runners talk about how addicted you become to running after a while and how they just have to have - I have to say. I'm not buying it (no offense Ang:-) BUT - I will see for myself. I have started my journey by running (ok lets be honest, jogging) just a bit, but hope my new motivation will take me to the next level where I too will be "on the run"!

Tennis is my Bag

My Partner

My Bag

I love Tennis, unfortunately, I am not very good. Like anything worthwhile, it takes practice, time and patience - I have none of these at the moment. I have moved up from a 2.5 to a 3.0 in my USTA ranking and our season is now 2 weeks in. With one win and one loss (on lucky St. Patty's Day - We even wore green arm bands!) I hope to play and practice more and more. Pictured here is my partner Kasia - I just love her, and she is a lefty and we are totally in sync and can read each other better and better. (our team has the most adorable uniforms - in pink of course!)

A Day in the Park

Universal Studios theme park that is. With the gorgeous weather and annual passes, we enjoyed a day at US for "us", with the kids. These moments are so few and far between, but they are magic non the less and both Justin and I treasure the sweet family time for the four of us. Our boys are so cool and we had such a wonderful day laughing and being silly as only the Tiger Family can!

Putting for a Purpose

The American Cancer Society is near and dear to my heart, as our my wonderful grand parents. Justin and I were so excited to play in a benefit tournament with them on Saturday, and we had a blast. We do not spend nearly enough time with my Nana and Poppa, but we treasure them so much. They are such angels in our lives and after 50+ years of marriage, we enjoy their antics and the quiet comfort in knowing that accomplishment is still sacred to some. Nana's birthday was also on Friday so we had lots to celebrate... although it wasn't necessarily our golf games that day!

Tuga's Tooth

(We call him Tuga - long(er) story). After complaining that his tooth was hurting for a couple days we inspected his mouth and decided it was the funny feeling that preceeds a loose tooth. On day 3, he was in increasing pain and every teary so we called Dr. Odom and he came in at 7:30 am to inspect. Well, my little angel has his first CAVITY!! I was horrified. I am blessed with good teeth, so you can imagine my suprise. I definately think teeth and gum health are genetic, since we practice very good oral hygiene in our home. However, I think we will lay off the favorite dessert of yogurt with granola in the evenings. Jackson is certainly taking his tim ebrushing each morning and night now and jumps around signing "have a healthy snack to attack the plaque!"

inspiration...

Pretty in Pink

My girlfriend recently shared with me, a fabulous magazine and website call Little Pink Book - A collection of fashion, style and corner office smarts - need I say more?! I am totally addicted now as it seems to completely encompass and define my life's mission! LOL

The Feb/March issue was especially interesting to me, as a female business owner, and veteran in the financing industry. The articles are so intersting, ranging from those regarding female-ran small businesses and tneir "bail out" options to the strong relationship between money and love.
Click to read full stories. Or just check out the site at www.pinkmagazine.com

*Fellow Blackberry Owners: The 10 BB Shortcuts is def worth the read:

Casino Night - Cards for a Cause!

Doesn't my mom look hot~!!


My friend Laura and I - P.S. Laura, I actually loved the Tomkotini!

Casino Fellas Billy, Justin, Jeff and Dewey

The Junior League and our Casino Night committee has worked long and hard for one of our year's biggest fun'd raising events (which is why my blog has been neglected!). This Saturday's culmination proved that Lady Luck was certainly present. A glamorous crowd, chart topping prizes, and the sights and sounds of a hopping casino, it was was hard to tell we were "working"! However, every volunteers' heart was touched when just moments before our event offcially began, a member of the country club passed through the ballroom and made a simple inquiry, about the event. Describing the event and the projects that the JLGWH will facilitate because of it, the donors wrote us a check on the spot for $5,000. It was almost unbelieveable, but yet, the past 2 years have shown me just how many generous people there are in our community. So many, give so much. Whether it be time, or talent, or other resources. I was certainly proud to be a member of the JLGWH on Saturday night. Such a memorable night!

Baseball Season is in Full Swing!

Jackson's proud parents!

Saturday was opening ceremonies and Jamboree for Jackson and team Premier! Our boys did well. With two practice games under their belt, Tuesday night was their first official game and they run-ruled the other team, ending the game early 17 to 7. Jackson hit a triple and even threw someone out!