Goodbye 2011...

2011 was a really big year in the Fonty house. It was a year filled with lots of love and joy. I am not sure how 2012 can top this year. We traveled nearly every weekend either to one of our 16(!) weddings of 2011, to the mountains, or to Europe for our Honeymoon. I started my own business this year, and hope Hip Pops continues to be a success. And most importantly, we got MARRIED! It was such a great weekend, and I still can't get over how many friends traveled across the country to celebrate with us.

Here's a little rundown of the 2011 highlights.

We went to Sapphire in January, and it snowed

Baby B was there

Mr. Fonty's parents hosted an amazing night by the Four Coursemen in honor of our engagement

I went down to Destin to celebrate Mel B's last days as a single lady

We went to Charleston for Candice & Graham's wedding

And it was stunning

Ryman came with me to Sapphire for my bachelorette, and he wore his party collar.

Mr. Fonty turned 30 with a pinata

Then May came and it was time for our wedding!

Our rehearsal dinner at The Rosewood

Wedding Day

After the wedding, we went to Napa with our best friends, The Stewarts

4th of July in Bandera, TX

HIP POPS IS BORN!

Labor Day Dove Hunt in Elberton, GA

Honeymoon in Turkey & Greece

Evie Stewart was blessed

Mandy and Steve got hitched to great fan fare

Thanksgiving in Bandera, TX

That about rounds it out minus the holidays for which i haven't uploaded any pictures. It was a great year, and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store!

Happy New Year!

What an end to 2011 it was!
Mr. Fonty and I are still recovering from whirlwind trips to California and Texas - and the 13 hour drive home from Texas yesterday. The Ry-Buddy was a champ, sleeping the entire time except to demolish a bacon-flavored bone from my dad in record time. We fit in our 28th new Waffle House together in Mobile, AL with Texas Cheesesteak Plates for both of us. All in all the trip back wasn't so bad - this could be because I was the worst co-pilot ever with my head buried in my new Kindle watching Downton Abbey season 1. However, there was moderate throwing of items in frustration at Dawgs game and Blair Walsh's inability to kick a field goal.


I'm working on a 2011 recap (or will be once I get some energy back)

Happy New Year!

Hope your 2012 is fantastic.

Splurge vs. Steal: Touch of Sparkle

I'm not really a New Year's Eve person. Thankfully, since finding Mr. Fonty, I have had my New Year's Eves planned every year, and it is low-key and perfect. We spend the holiday in Bandera, TX. It is usually about 12:15 before anyone at the fire pit realizes the clock has struck midnight. We will pop our bottles of Andre, and wish each other a happy new year. It is perfect really. But while I love our relaxed holiday, I do miss an excuse to wear something sparkly, especially since there are so many cute sequined items out this year.


I've got 2 sparkle-laden options for you this year, whether your plans take you to a huge party or a party for 2 by the fire.

I love the look of a comfortable cable sweater with a sequin skirt

Pop the Champagne!!

J Crew knit top
$70 - jcrew.com

The Elder Statesman cashmere top
$1,355 - mrporter.com

TopShop chunky cable sweater
$140 - topshop.com

St John silk skirt
$995 - saksfifthavenue.com

Vince mesh skirt
$345 - net-a-porter.com

Dorothy Perkins sequin skirt
$35 - dorothyperkins.com

Kelly & katie shoes
$50 - dsw.com

TIBI maryjane shoes
$218 - tibi.com

Gucci high heel shoes
$550 - net-a-porter.com

Anna Beck green jewelry
$313 - couturecandy.com

Vintage chanel jewelry
$2,545 - stylebop.com

River Island diamante jewelry
€15 - asos.com

Kate spade jewelry
$128 - bloomingdales.com

Monica Vinader disc jewelry
£147 - net-a-porter.com

Oasis yellow gold jewelry
$9 - oasis-stores.com

Marchesa mini dress
$5,415 - net-a-porter.com

Vince sequin cocktail dress
$475 - stylebop.com

Sequin evening dress
$81 - warehouse.co.uk

American Eagle Outfitters boyfriend jacket
$80 - ae.com

Alberta Ferretti velvet blazer
$871 - stylebop.com

TopShop double breasted blazer
$150 - topshop.com

Georgina Goodman lace up boots
$322 - theoutnet.com

Victoria's Secret victoria secret boots
$128 - victoriassecret.com

Rupert Sanderson black boots
$1,145 - rupertsanderson.com

Brahmin party clutch
$225 - brahmin.com

Elie Saab chain clutch
$912 - boutique1.com

ASOS clutch handbag
$36 - asos.com

Drop earrings
$32 - pinkmascara.com

Nehita 14k earrings
$1,276 - maxandchloe.com

Amrita Singh tear drop earrings
$80 - amritasingh.com

Merry Christmas To All!

I can't believe the Chrstmas weekend is here! Where did a year go?

Mr. Fonty and I are celebrating with my family in California. Christmas is some serious business in the Cattaneo house. Mrs. Cookie has been playing Bing Crosby since Thanksgiving, and Santa still slides down our chimney every year - even with my brothers and I being well into our 20's and 30's. It is going to be a cheer packed weekend. I hope Mr. Fonty is up to the challenge.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Have you seen the Kardashian Kristmas Kard this year? Incredible. I have never seen a family able to take themselves so seriously.
And have you noticed this is about the 10th time they have dressed in some form of tuxedo? Hey, if it keep Kim out of early 90's white lycra dresses, I guess I can go with it.

This was also captured in 3-D.

HAHAH! They are incredible.

And in case you didn't believe me:

 

 

May Your Christmas Be Merry & Bright!

Mind Your Manners

I was taught at a young age how to set a table, and it has always stuck with me. I think we were in the 2nd or 3rd grade, and one of the moms came to class and taught the girls (I am guessing it was just the girls, because it was the 90's, and people could get away with being sexist) how to set a table. (And no, I did not go to a finishing school. I too am confused about why we did this, but obviously I was very interested).
I think this is such good information to know, especially since some people will be hosting their first holiday and using their wedding china for the first time.


All the Mountains



I also have trick for remembering which side your glasses are on and which side is your butter plate (so you can politely call out your uncouth dinner mate when they steal yours)

• Make a "b" and a "d" with your hands (Index finger to thumb, middle finger straight out)
• Your left hand will always make a "b" for Bread and your right, a "d" for Drink.
• So easy, huh!?!

I'd love to see the table settings y'all come up with for the holidays! Send them to melcfontaine@gmail.com, and I'll show you off on the Fest.