Saturday GAMEDAY

WAKE UP - IT'S GAME DAY! 

#15 Georgia vs. #9 Auburn.

Tailgating.

Dad shotgunning beers.

Tailgating with family and friends.

Freezing temperatures. 

Nothing beats a good Georgia win.

GOOOOO DAWGS SIC EM!

Country Concert Junkie

My name is Cayte and I have an obsession with country concerts.  First step is admitting it right?!

Inside, outside, small venue, big stadiums, rain, shine - you name it, I've been to a country concert in it.  Whether with friends or family, I always have fun at a good country concert.  But there are those concerts that turn out to be not as good as I expected.  Growing up, I always asked for the Country MegaTicket pass for the summer country concerts at the Virginia Beach ampetheater.  It was perfect because the pack came with a ticket to every big name country star that was coming to town.  We even got to see all the opening acts that came with them that are now touring on their own.  

I literally just tried to write a list of all the artists that I have seen in concert and had to delete it because it was stupid long.  I am so excited to be crossing off one of my country concert bucket list items TODAY at the Georgia Theatre to see Corey Smith.  I have probably seen him a half a dozen times, but never in the Georgia Theatre.  Corey Smith is from a small town outside of Athens, GA so on a gameday weekend, this concert is going to be one for the books y'all! For now, take a look at some of my country concerts do's, don't's, and wishes!

Favorite Concerts:

The Clarks - The Jewish Mother, Norfolk, VA

Little Big Town - Virginia Beach, VA

Kenny Chesney 2008 - Virginia Beach, VA

Kenny Chesney 2011 - Virginia Beach, VA

Brad Paisley - 2012 - Evansville, IN

Montgomery Gentry at the Georgia Theatre, Phil Vassar at a small bar in Norfolk, Chase Rise (with meet and greet) at the Norva in Norfolk, and may more!

Concerts that disappointed: Toby Keith was a big disappointment and Rascal Flats doesn't do anything for me.

Want to see again: Corey Smith, Kenny (as always), Tim (duh), and I'm sure some more!

Concert bucket list:  Zac Brown Band, Corey Smith in the Georgia Theatre, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks! I'm sure I am forgetting someone, but that's it for now! 

Who is on your country concert bucket list?!

Follow along on Instagram @caytebrown

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU! 

To all our Veterans that have served, are serving, and will serve our country that keep our country safe and strong - we appreciate your service.  Growing up in a military town, as well as a daughter of a Navy officer, Veterans Day always means a lot to our family.  My grandparents, uncle, and cousins have all served our country and I have had some amazing experiences due to their service.  I have been out to sea on carriers, drove a Navy hovercraft, and seen amazing air exhibits on land and on sea.  Having the opportuntity to live in Japan was one of the most amazing times in my life.  I got to see parts of the world that I will most likely never see again - all because of my mom's service to our country! 

For a feel good story of the day, take a look at Norfolk Collegiate's Veteran's Day program we had on Friday....a current student lost his father during active duty and his tribute to his father is second to none. Worth the time!

So again, THANK YOU! Especially to my mom, Uncle Bull, Shawndul, Kori, and all the friends I have serving our country!

Weekend in pictures

This weekend we had a blast celebrating Ashton and Josh's wedding outside of Richmond, VA at the Mill at Fine Creek (more on that wedding later this week!) But for now, here is our weekend in pictures (iPhone pictures that is.... sorry!)

 

Friday night when we go there, DJ went to Jakes pre-bachelor party bonfire at Brads house.  We are heading back up to Richmond in a few weekends for his wedding! While Conner, Carleigh and I hit up the Mexican restaurant for some awesome guac and strawberry daiquiri! Saturday morning we got some breakfast and the other Brown's got their hair cut and then we decided to go explore in downtown Richmond and we ended up at the Hollywood Cemetary.  Pretty cool place to stop by in Richmond if you are downtown.  One of the biggest, prettiest, and most historic places.

 

 

5th president of the United States, James Monroe is buried in this beautiful palace. 

 

And 10th president John Tyler is buried here.

 

Then we got hungry so we went to Carytown Burgers and Fries! I had chicken tenders, but they were just as good as their crazy big burgers!

 We headed back to their house so DJ and I could get ready for the night :) Beautiful wedding celebration of Ashton and Josh!

  

And then the weekend ended at Costco with Minnie and Mickey! 

November Calendar

Even though it's only November 5, I feel like this month is already flying by.  We have the most insanely jam packed November and it's giving me a little anxiety to be quite honest.  We are so "go, go, go" this month and I am excited about it, but also feel like I can't catch my breath.  We started the month off in Cape Charles on our anniversary trip. It was super fun and relaxing; a great way to start the month.  

This week I have been adjusting to the time change and it getting dark so early as well as my time commitment to the Varsity Cheerleading team I am now coaching.  I originally had said no, but the girls convinced me to coach.  It's going to be fun, but will take up all my afternoons from 4:30-6pm.  Then on Tuesdays/Thursdays I have a workout class at 7 pm., so on those days I won't get home till around 8:30. 

This weekend we are heading up to Richmond, VA to see our friends Ashton and Josh tie the knot! I am excited to see some friends I haven't seen in a while as well as DJ's family.  We are planning on staying with our friends Conner and Carleigh and seeing a few other friends while we are up there for the weekend.

The week of the 10th, I will be able to take a break on Veterans Day and prepare for the crazy Athens, GA weekend we have planned starting that Thursday.  We are taking a direct flight into Atlanta on Thursday and driving straight to the Georgia Theater to see Corey Smith in concert.  This will probably be the sixth or seventh time I have seen Corey Smith, but it has always been a dream of mine to see him in the Georgia Theater, so I knew I would not be missing this opportunity.  I am excited to get down to Athens on Thursday so I can enjoy my day Friday in the area with the family.  Saturday we will be tailgating all day for the Georgia vs. Auburn football game. It should be a good game! 

We return Sunday to a full work week with the eye on Friday as we head up to Richmond again for our last and final wedding of the 2014 year, Jake and Karlyn!!

Then it's Thanksgiving and DJ's birthday! PHEWWW - that took a lot of effort to type out and think about..

No turning back now, it's only going to get busier with December around the corner!

WISH ME LUCK! 

115 Years Strong - Alpha Sigma Tau

Active. Self-Reliant. Trustworthy. 

Beauty of Spirit. Fulfillment of Self. Exceptional Sisterhood. 

Happy Founders Day Alpha Sigma Tau! So proud and honored to be a part of such an exceptional organization that prides itself on graciousness, respect, intellect, connection, and excellence.  I continuously strive to live by the values that were instilled in me the day I accepted my bid to this amazing sisterhood. 

For those of you who don't know, I was initiated to the Psi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau at James Madison University in November 2009.  Since then, I have served as chapter Ritual chair, Parliamentarian, worked on the Headquarters Staff as an Educational Consultant, and now serve as a volunteer to the Psi Chapter as the Recruitment Advisor.

I had so many great memories made during my time as an undergraduate at JMU and met some of my best friends thanks to AST, but I have to admit that I took the meaning of being in a sorority to another level when I accepted the job of Education Consultant.  I always knew that we had other chapters at other schools, but I didn't realize how Headquarters has involved and how the background of everything worked.  I attended the 2012 Convention in Indianapolis, IN where I met Chris Covington, our National President.  She seriously embodies what it means to be a woman leader.  She is an amazing mother, businesswoman, and extremely active as the National President of AST.  Whenever she speaks, you learn.  I constantly tried to retain everything she said during our times together and I admire everything she stands for. 

During my time as an Educational Consultant, I was fortunate enough to have traveled the world, met some amazing women and sisters that I would have never had the opportunity otherwise, and recruit over 100 women to join Alpha Sigma Tau.  I taught them how to be active, self-reliant, and trustwothy members and how to run a chapter successfully from the ground up. 

 

The women that I worked with are true examples of what it means to be an Alpha Sigma Tau.  They were always there for me during hard times at the colonies. They talked to me for hours on end when no one else could understand what was going on. The took on the freezing wintery weather in upstate Minnesota and New York with me...even when they didn't want to.

They went to every social event I planned with me. 

They made memories with me at the Miranda Lambert concert with me. 

They drove to Nashville with me and played tourist for the weekend. 

They could relate to the hotel lifestyle we were living miles apart from eachother.

And even let me stop at Minnesota's Largest Candy Store on our way to Gustavus Adolphus College.  

 

Looking back on my time from June 2012 - June 2013, I seriously loved every minute of it.  I helped build a house.  I saw Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on their stadium tour in Lucas Oil Stadium. I initiated over 100 women to AST.  I saw Brad Paisley in one of the most unique places possible.  I experienced the Fall Festival in Evansville, IN on Bid Night with the newest members of AST.  I got in a car accident with a snow plow in Minnesota. I missed countless flights out of the Philadelphia airport. I spent more nights in an extended stay and hotel than I did in my own bed. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.  I met friends that I still keep in touch with and made lifelong friendships. 

So thank you, AST. You gave me a year of my life that I will never forget.  You allowed my four years of college to be the best they could be.  And I know that in the future, there is more that you are going to give me, and I thank you in advance for that.

Here's to 115 more years of sisterhood!

In 1899, in Ypsilanti, Mich.. eight great girls sat right down and made themselves as wish...

Cape Charles Weekend Review

 Rather than the busy, hectic weekends we have been having, D.J. and I spent a weekend full of relaxation and each other.  It was so nice to get out of Norfolk and head to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to visit the quaint little town of Cape Charles.  Although San Diego would have been great, I think this trip was just what we needed.  It was close enough that I didn't have to take off work, we didn't spend a crazy amount of money, and we were able to be back on Sunday to watch football and have the end of the year volleyball party!

We left Norfolk around 5:00 p.m. on Friday and got to Cape Charles around 5:45, just in time for the sunset.  On the way, we saw some pretty awesome views.  It's crazy how just a short 23 mile bridge separates the hustle and bustle of Hampton Roads from the quiet, desolate lifestyle of what the Eastern Shore has to offer. 

When we turned off of the main road to get to Cape Charles, we were driving due west and the sunset was so stunning.  We drove straight to the beach to take some selfies with the sunset when we found this awesome "LOVE" sign made out of crab traps, an old tire, and two kayaks.  

Then a sweet couple that were heading to the beach to take a romantic walk stopped by to take some photos for us and we were able to get this cool picture.

It's always so funny when D.J. takes photos of me, the camera is guaranteed to be facing down and when I am taking photos of him, it's the complete opposite!

 We walked out on the pier to take some pretty sunset photos.  I knew the weather for the weekend was looking a little iffy, so we took full advantage of the amazing sky Friday night. 

DJ wanted the place we were staying to be a surprise, so I used all my power to stay away from Google and figure it out, and I am so glad I did.  He did such a great job with our little B&B,  Cape Charles House. Bruce and Carol, the innkeepers were so sweet and welcomed us with open arms.  

 

They have been in business for the past 21 years and moved to Cape Charles specifically to open the B&B. The house has 5 rooms and DJ booked us in the room with the jacuzzi tub, the Julia Wilkins Room.  It features a sitting balcony, a king size bed, and was featured on HGTV's If Walls Could Talk show. 

The house was beautiful.  Full with old antiques, stunning curtains, and an old charm feel that really made the weekend relaxing.  After we checked in and changed for the night, Bruce and Carol were down in the kitchen with wine and crackers for all the guests.  There were a few other couples there throughout the weekend and it was always nice to make small talk with the guests during wine time.  The dip they served with the wine was freshly made by Carol from their garden.  A little bit of cream cheese, butter, and fresh herbs from their garden.... YUM! I knew right then that the breakfast was going to be delicious.  We enjoyed the wine and crackers before heading out to the Shanty for dinner and drinks on Friday night.  We had some beers with our crab dip appetizer. When talking with the bar tender, I found out that they get all their seafood and veggies fresh from the dock or the local farm every day.  DJ got the fresh catch, speckled trout, over a bed of risotto and purple beans (which when they are steamed look just like green beans).  I decided to go with the house mac and cheese with a crab cake on top.  Needless to say, we got WAY too much food, but it was so worth it.  I would go back there just for dinner on a random weekend! We decided to go back to the hotel and take a relaxing bath.  I ended up falling asleep on top of the covers! 

Saturday morning we asked for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. since we were scheduled to play golf at 9:30 at Bay Creek Golf Course.  Carol, as I expected, made nothing short of the best french toast ever! We had melon and raspberries with a dab of yogurt and fresh baked muffins to start.  A few minutes later, Bruce served us banana, marmalade, and a tiny bit of cream cheese stuffed french toast, bacon, and cranberry/orange juice as the main dish! Is your mouth watering yet?!? We were all full and ready to go play golf! 

The golf course was stunning. The weather... not so much.  Super cloudy and a wind advisory in effect for the area, but that didn't stop us! We decided to pay for me to actually play, even though I would say I am a mediocre putt putter at best.  My boss at work, Michelle, let me borrow her clubs and golf shoes to at least make me look like an experienced golfer. I got better throughout the day, but I pretty much putt putted my way down the fairway.  I even teed up multiple times on some holes (oops :) ).  Thank goodness the weather kept most of the pros away so we were able to take our time.  DJ played pretty awesome though!

After we golfed, we hung out at the restaurant for a little bit to warm up and watch some football.  We were planning on going to Chatham Winery that afternoon, but the weather really deterred us and all we wanted to do was relax, drink hot cocoa, and watch football.  We went back to the house and cuddled up and watched the Georgia/Florida game.  

Around 5:00 p.m.  we decided to head up to the room and get dressed for the night.  We had planned to go to Aqua for dinner, but decided that we wanted to do something a little more relaxed and affordable.  The weather/wind really did us in at golf!  I had heard great things about Kelly's Gingernut Pub so we wanted to try it out. Beginning as a bank in 1907, the pub is a low key, exposed brick building right on the main street in Cape Charles.  It's close enough to the B&B that we could have walked, but the weather wasn't allowing it.  Before we went, we wined and dined with Bruce and Carol and had them take a picture for us!

Dinner was good.  DJ was craving wings and fried pickles and I decided to go with the crab cake sandwich with homemade house chips.  Both were delcious. We went all out and got a bottle of Reisling and celebrated our first year of marriage talking about how far we have come and where we have been.  It's truly crazy to think that I was the first girl that DJ met at JMU! They must have known that we were going to end up together when they placed me at Ikenberry back in 2009! 

We ended the night with our super sweet and pretty anniversary cake from Just Cupcakes! 

 We used these baseballs for our Save The Date and even took them on our honeymoon trip to St. Lucia! [full story here] I think I have decided that we are going to use them in every anniversary for the years to come! 

 

Not much was eaten, but it was nice sweet treat to end the night.

Sunday morning we woke up and had a nice breakfast from Carol again.  We had pineapple with pomegranate seeds on top followed by an egg/cheese souffle. Not my cup of tea, but the muffins and fruit were enough to fill me up.  It was great to have an extra hour of sleep [ thanks Daylight Savings Time! ] except my body decided that it didn't want me to spend that time sleeping since I was up in the middle of the night throwing up.  I think it was my body trying to tell me that I ate too much food... or it was food poisoning, who knows.  Regardless, when I woke up the next morning, I felt fine, but food wasn't the number one thing on my priority list. 

We said goodbye for now to Bruce and Carol and headed home.  We were planning on stopping at the Wildlife Refuge, but the weather again was not ideal to be outside.  The waves on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel were so big, they were splashing up on the side of the bridge - the highest I have ever seen them! We got home around noon and spent the rest of the afternoon watching football and enjoying our time together!

Holy long blog post, but in the end it was The. Best. Anniversary. Weekend. Ever.  

The. End.