Houston Blogger Symposium

I'm so excited to attend the Houston Blogger Symposium in September at Hotel ZaZa

...like pee in my pants excited! 

Only 4 tickets left as of this morning so HURRY and register now if you want to attend!

MPI Awards Gala 2012

A few weeks ago J and I attended the annual MPI (Meeting Professional International) Houston Awards Gala at La Torretta Resort and Spa in Conroe.  Since it was all the way in Conroe we stayed the night which was a fun little getaway. 

Jason has been a member of this organization for years and was the President last year.  This was my fourth time to attend this event with him so it was fun to see familiar faces.  I always look forward to the raffle...since this is an organization within the hospitality industry there are tons of great trips to win (last year we won a trip to Mexico and a two night stay in Galveston).  Jason most looked forward to not having to speak this year. 

The theme this year was "Havana Nights" so I did my best to dress for it.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, I did too good of a job because I matched all of the table linens!  Jason looked like he dressed more for "Hampton Nights" but he looked great nonetheless. 

We had a wonderful night.  The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, and we cleaned up on the loot!  Jason won the "Visionary Award" for his work to improve the chapter and take it to the next level.  I cleaned up on the raffle...winning a trip to Boston, a "staycation" at the Houston St. Regis and on top of all that, I won the Wine Chest!  Too bad Jason hurt his back carrying it back to the room. 

The infamous table linens/dress

Mr. Visionary with his award

The wine chest we won!  It had a lot more wine in it by the time of the raffle.

With Jason's former boss and his wife

Fun in the photobooth!

Carolina Creek Christian Camp

Back in May (way behind on this post) Jason and I attended an Open House at Carolina Creek Christian Camp.  CCCC is a non-denominational Christian camp located in Huntsville, TX and founded in 2000 by Dr. LE and Shelley Richey (my mom and step-dad).  Since then, the camp has continued to grow in size and in campers every year.  This June, "The Wild" opened which is the new camp for elementary aged children.  At the open house in May we got a sneak preview of "The Wild" and it is AWESOME! 

This is truly the place to be in the summer if you are camp-age or the place to send your kids.  Jason and I look forward to hopefully sending our future children there and secretly wish we could attend now...the ropes course looks awesome and the zipline is so fun!  There is something for everyone with a waterpark, sports, archery, lake, "Blob", breathtaking views, great food, and very nice facilities.  I was always a more "Troop Beverly Hills" kinda kid and I would have more than approved of this camp...indoor bathrooms, air conditioning, all of the amenities a spoiled child could need!

Caroline Creek is also open throughout the year for adults and children for retreats, seminars, team-building, etc.  Visit the website to learn more or shoot me an email and I will have someone contact you.   Founding Executive Director/Camp Directors Keith and Carrie Oglesby are the nicest, most wonderful people you will ever meet!  They work tirelessly to make sure your experience with CCCC is the best it could possibly be.    

At the "Beastro" Cafe at The Wild

The amazing cabins at The Wild complete with fireman's pole, private bathrooms, bunk beds and slide going out the back of the cabin, which is the animal's tail!  Keep in mind, this was before the grass and trees were planted so it's even prettier now.

My mom, Shelley, in front of the cabins.

Jason had to test out the fireman's pole in the cabins...

And so did Shelley



The new waterpark at The Wild

Blog Karma

Precious blogger Cat (fellow Texas resident & music lover) from The Simmonds in the Suburbs does a wonderful recurring post in which she gives blog love to her new followers.  This is such a great way to thank someone for following your blog and for your readers to discover new blogs they also might enjoy.

Today Cat featured little 'ole me and and I found some great new reads also.  I've already received messages from another featured blogger, Delightful D who just so happens to live in Houston and is a member of the Junior League with me.  You give a little love and get a lot back in return! 

Another reason why I love blogging so much!

All Moved In

It's been an exciting and exhausting few days in our household.  We packed everything up on the 4th, moved on the 5th, deliveries on the 6th and then attempted to unpack and organize our life the rest of the weekend.  I'm sore and bruised, but oh so happy and content to be in our new home that we hope to enjoy for many, many years to come. 

I have lots of work to catch up on today so this post must be quick.  Here are just a couple of photos from my iphone!

Look at these precious duckies walking through my new neighborhood!

Tucker made himself right at home in the new house.  He loves sitting in the sun.

Our new headboard and bedding we had made!!!  It was delivered just this morning...it's not totally completed yet, but I was too excited not to share.

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend and are off to a great start on your week.  Talk soon ~ Chels

Dorm Room Dreams

I will admit that the one year that I lived in the dorm at North Texas (shout out to Kerr Hall) was the best of my 4 years there.  Even though Lauryn and I complained about our RA, strict rules and suite mates, we had the time of our life...midnight madness, late night pizza and ramen noodles, Sex and the City marathons and tons of laughs.  Our dorm room was pretty darn cute: animal print everywhere including full-size rug. 

If I had to do it all over again, I would live in the dorm longer, possibly being the annoying RA to save some money AND I would have lots of options for cute dorm room decor.  I wanted to share these cute bedding sets that I've seen lately, but have no use for currently from Orla Kiely via Bed, bath & Beyond and Vera Bradley's new Bed and Bath sets. 

Orla Kiely bedding at Bed Bath and Beyond

Vera Bradley Dorm Room Rug

Vera Bradley Bedding

Vera Bradley Bedding

Out Sick

This happens to me every time.  Every time I get too busy or too stressed, BAM, I get sick.  My body forces me to slow down and take it easy.  Stupid body! 

Last week I had way too much going on mixed with my high anxiety over having our house finished on time for our move and packing the whole apartment (procrastination at it's best).  My body gave me little hints throughout the week, but I just didn't listen so come Monday morning I was forced. 

I did not leave my bed once yesterday, which was a huge deal for me because there are empty boxes needing to be filled all around me and I just couldn't muster up the energy to do it.  This is huge people!   

Feeling better today and back at work.  Let's just hope we can pack up what's left of our apartment (70% of it) in one day tomorrow!  Getting very excited though to finally be in our new house!!!