I found THE dress!

Today, with the help of my sister and my mom--I found my wedding dress---1st store and only the 3rd one I tried on actually! All I will say to fellow brides-to-be is to try on any and all dresses--even if you think "Oh NO WAY!"--you might be pleasantly (very pleasantly) surprised!!!

Now it feels super real that it's happening in a little over 4 months! yippee!

Thanks to my sister for finding it and making me try it!!!

-Bre

The Dog Days of Summer...er...Spring...

The Dog Days of Summer are here...and it's only APRIL??!!!

With our weekend temps averaging at 97 degrees, It has been quite the change for canine, feline, and human alike within our house!

But here are some fun things we discovered helped make the spring weather (that feels more like mid-July) a little more fun.


1.) A simple misting squirt bottle--our dog Mocha went CRAZY with this today. It also helped make us feel a little bit cooler.




2.) Our doggy Baby pool that we got at Target for 3.99 a couple weeks ago. She loves to lay in it like its her private oasis--and the cats like to come and drink from it.


3.) Homemade "frosty-paws" or "cool claws" for dogs and cats alike.
We made a dozen in tupperwares in the freezer for Mocha for around 4.00 total (as opposed to buying frosty paws for 4.00 for 4! So easy:

Homemade frosty treats for doggies

1 32 Oz. container of plain or vanilla yogurt

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

2 tablespoons of honey

1 mashed banana

(Beat lightly until creamy, pour into containers, and freeze!)

4.) If you can't make the frosty treats for them--most small ice cream joints will give you a "doggy cup" of vanilla soft serve...Our favorite is in Clifton Virginia, called Peterson's Ice Cream Depot-where dogs are always welcome, and for a little over a buck, they make Mocha the happiest puppy around!

Stay Cool everyone!!!

Matt calls me a "recessionista"

He calls me a recessionista...

With all that's going on these days with the economy and our change from a country club wedding to a classy rustic Southern wedding on a farm, we've had to be very creative in order to stretch a buck when it comes to planning our soiree...It's recession-chic meets preppy. I've always been a Vera Bradley/Lilly Pulitzer wearing thrift-store shopper, so I guess it's perfect.

The whole event is coming together wonderfully. We have built an awesome team of helpers, coordinators, vendors, caterers, entertainers, and decorators for the Big Day to help us put all of our ideas into play! I find things we can use to decorate, make little pictures and drawings, and thank goodness Matt can figure out the logistics of it...

Here's an example: I bought 500 feet of string lights and white linen fabric, and have all these plans for wrapping posts and rafters in the barn, but take no thought into extension cords or outlets--that's where Matt comes in with the plan of attack. I love that we work so great as a team.

Also--I've learned that we're using a common item in a lot of our decorating, which helps meld the preppy theme and Southern and rustic theme all at once--the mason jar.

We have so many great plans for decorating with these versatile everyday items--it's unbelievable. I can't wait!

Here are some of our inspirations:

only 140 days to go!

Doggy beach

Well, this weekend was a busy one. We met the caterer and decided on a wedding menu, I played in a bball game, countless dog park visits, and finally we took the dog to Annapolis to Quiet Waters Park to the dog beach and also the huge dog park they have, but by the time we got to the dog park, she was pretty pooped. I recommend Quiet Waters to anyone in the VA/MD area, there are tons of walking trails, pavillions, picnic areas and the whole park is dog friendly. We kept saying how the park was for dogs, but people were welcome too.

We went with a bunch of other dog friends and met a group of new "local" swimming dogs there too. It was the first time we had Mocha off the leash and she was perfect. Didn't go far, and knew her limits--she always looked to make sure she had us in her sights.

(Mocha with the question-mark tail)

The second we arrived, Mocha spotted a Black Lab swimming (Bre kept saying it looked just like Ben, one of her family's old dogs) and within a minute, she ran right in. She is definitely part lab! She chased sticks, driftwood, tennis balls, and the other dogs. It was really fun. There was a point where she literally ran up the beach, pivoted, ran back, pivoted, ran back with a trail of dogs chasing her (she is definitely speedy!).

On our way home, she barely made it to the car before she passed out. She fell asleep with her face smushed between Bre's leg and the shifting console. She cracks us up every day.

Here's a video for you:

Until the next blog--have a good day

Matt

Mocha's weekend update

Today's laugh:

Mocha has discovered the TOILET PAPER ROLL. Since we stopped her from jumping in the bathtub every time we are showering, she has begun to quietly sit outside the bath on the bathmat...a little too quiet if you know what I mean...I hopped out to find this:

Now we have to lock her OUT of the bathroom I guess...hehe.

Have a good one!

Spring Has Sprung!

We woke up this wonderful Sunday to clouds which soon gave way to sun sun sun and 77 degree weather! Now that she's had her stitches out and ready to play again, we took Mocha to the dog park, where she played with a 200 lb Newfoundland, a husky puppy, and 2 giant Irish Wolfhounds, among the 30 other dogs there... After about an hour, we decided to take her to Manassas National Battlefield Park near our house to see if she was at all interested in swimming in the Bull Run River given the warm front that headed our way...

(Matt and Mocha next to historic Stone Bridge in Manassas Battlefield)

...and after a few minutes of figuring out the squishy mud and the small current--she was adventurous enough to venture into the river!

(Mocha taking off toward the water)

Next month, we're taking her to the dog beach at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis with about 10 of her doggy friends. Now we know she'll have a BLAST!

Here are two quick videos of Mocha's first encounter with swimming (and the crazy mood the water put Mocha in!

(Mocha's crazy mood when she gets wet)

And...Mocha shows the labrador in her!!!!

Have a wonderful spring day everyone!

-Bre

Registry

Well hello, this is my first time writing on our blog so please stay with me. Starting last night Bre and I started registering for our wedding. We spent 2 and a half hours at Bed, Bath and Beyond and only got through 2 sections of the store.


They have so many nice things, and a lot 0f them we could use when we get a house, and even in our apartment. Anyway after the 2 sections, the store was closing and we had to come back this morning to finish up. It went a lot faster than the night before, because we got the hang of the process, and finished the registry at BB&B. Then it was off to Target to do the things that BB&B didn't have. That went a lot quicker, but was a little frustrating because some of the things we wanted were limited and would probably sell out very soon.


I think we have straightened out most of it, but it was a long process, and I have to say that I am a lucky guy. Bre has worked so hard at getting it all fixed, and getting it all set up online. She is such a sweetheart, and I love her. If I was in charge, well let's just say you wouldn't be reading this right now.


Our registry links are http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=%2D414905015


and


https://www.target.com/registry/wedding/013187300000037


Well I hope you enjoyed my first blog and I hope you have a good day, Bye Bye.
-Matt

What is a Plott Hound?

Every time Matt and I head to the dog park, the woods, the store--virtually anywhere, everyone stops and asks "Ohhh what breed is your puppy?", we answer that she is a "Labrador/Plott Hound mix". I would say about 9 out of 10 people ask what a Plott is--the remaining percentage are usually hunters or farmers and know all about the breed. Anyway--here is some info on Plott Hounds...and some pictures of what Mocha will look like most likely when she grows up...

(Mocha-4 Months)

I should note that when we picked Mocha up at the shelter, they showed us the parents that were surrendered, the male was a hunting Plott--and we had no idea what the breed was--but he was sure cute! (Mom was an purebred yellow Lab named Gracie--she was cute too!)

Plott Hounds:

(info from dogbreedingfo.com & akc.com)
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is soundly put-together. The short, glossy, dense coat usually comes in brindle but also comes in slate blue and buckskin; many with black saddles. It has a long, sometimes curled, high-held tail when the dog is alert. The thigh muscles are lean and powerful giving it lots of energy. The strong feet have webbed toes. Their rump has an unusual marking that lets their owner's distinguish them in a hunt.

Origin
The Plott Hound is the only American hound without British ancestry. The breed's designated name honors its American founders and family tree. Seven generations of the Jonathan Plott family (in NC), beginning in the 1750's, bred their dogs exclusively within the family. A mix of bloodhounds and curs reportedly comprised the original stock. The dog's working claim to fame is coldtrailing bear and raccoons in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains of the Eastern United States. The Plott Hound is American through and through.

The Plotts family have only rarely put these dogs on the market; so while the breed was officially recognized in 1946, it is still rare outside the southern states. The breed is most commonly seen in NC, VA, WV, TN, KY, GA, and SC, as the Plott family was very "picky" to whom they bred their Plotts to. In addition to bears and boars, it is most efficient in the search for coyotes, wolves, and wildcats. They are extremely hardy and have superior hunting instincts. The breed has been carefully developed to be stronger and more persistent. They can make a good family companion but are seldom kept as one. Most people get these dogs for the hunt. The Plott is now a breed recognized by the AKC as of 2007. The Plott Hound is also the North Carolina state dog.

Temperament
This breed makes a fine companion. Loyal and intelligent, the Plott Hound is quick to learn and quick to love and is good with children. Their personable natures are surely not evident on the trail. This large game hunter and scenthound has great courage. Determined, courageous and proud, it will play chicken with a 500-pound papa bear or a ticked off boar. The Plott has a curiously sharp and high-pitched voice, unlike the deep-throated howl common to other coonhounds.

Height, Weight
Height: 20-24 inches / Weight: 45-60 pounds

Exercise
The Plott Hound needs a lot of physical exercise, which includes a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. This well-muscled and rather lean-boned dog has the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night. The Plott Hound should have chances to run free but is born a natural hunter and has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a well fenced area while exercising off the lead. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy a swim now and then.

Life Expectancy
About 12-14 years, with very few (if any) health or genetic problems.

Some photos of Plotts:

We love our Lab/Plott mix--just getting the word out so people know more about the breed! They aren't just for hunting!

Below was also a great article on the breed:

The Plott Hound is a Wonderful Dog
Plott hounds are fantastic dogs. They love to hunt and they are very protective of their family.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/258275/the_plott_hound_is_a_wonderful_dog.html

Mocha--a bit under-the-weather

Our little Mocha Bean had that not-so-wonderful but very necessary surgery to get "fixed" today. When I dropped her off this morning, she was so excited and jumping all around, and when we picked her up, the vet tech said she was having trouble walking with the Elizabethan-collar on--she would just walk a step and let her head drop to the ground like the cone was 50 lbs!! So--we got a crash course in holding the cone up as we walked her on a leash...poor little girl! Everyone at the vets office absolutely loved her and asked us to schedule her stitch-removal for a day they were all working so they could see her again! :)

Well--she's home now...and very very sore and whiny. Our cat GQ and the younger cat Guinness know something is up (probably because she is not as energetic) and keep kissing her, and rubbing on her and laying with her. Very sweet! Hope she feels better tomorrow!

Blasts from the past

Because I promised (and Matt game me permission)--Here are some more blasts from the past of Matt--and some of me (Bre) too from back in the day...

Matt (Above) ---- Bre (Below)

Bre with her brother and sister (Josh and Amy--1986)

Tiny but tough--1984 (2 years)

Matt and his lil brother Steve

What a fun stroll down memory lane...

Oh yeah--LESS than 6 months until the wedding! :)

Mocha--a "Discover Channel Daily Cuddle"

We entered Mocha in this contest a month or so back, and we just found out she won for a "daily cuddle" and they featured her on the Discovery Channel Blog!

Check it out

http://blogs.discovery.com/dailycuddle/2009/02/page/2/

Happy Birthday Matt!

Happy Birthday Matt!

Today is Matt's 29th birthday, and in honor of that day--I thought I'd include some of my favorite pictures of him!!!

(note: these are not NEW pictures...he's a bit older these days...)

hehehe. Such a cutie then--and of course, now!

I love you! Happy Birthday Matt!

Love, Bre, Mocha, Guinness and GQ

SNOW DAY!

Well today was a "snow day" here in good ole Virginia...we got about 10 inches, which makes our total snowfall in our town to date this year 13 inches. (Matt is laughing--he says that happens where he is from in November...) Well, for Northern Virginia--that is a lot--and by the way that drivers maneuver the roads, they make it seem like there's 3 feet out there.

Anyway--still had to work today...but we had enough time to take Mocha out for two big romps in the snow. Her beagle buddy Mash and Australian Shepherd friend Clara had fun jumping and frolicking in the snow with her--until Mocha's entire underside turned into icicles, then we had to come in. Enjoy some of her pictures from today!

~Mocha~