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Five On Friday + J.Crew Holiday Gift Guide

November 22, 2013, 5:35 am
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Happy Friday Friends!  I've been saying for months now that I was going to start doing Five for Friday posts and I honestly never can seem to come up with five things.  Well today, I've got it for you!  I hope everyone has a great last weekend before the holidays get really geared up!  I'm even going to be linking up with some of my favorite new bloggers for the official FIVE ON FRIDAY so be sure to check out the fun here or here.

1.  J.Crew Holiday Gift Guide
Have y'all seen the J.Crew Holiday Gift Guide?  I'm in love with so much of it. They have it color categorized which you know I adore.  It's quite the long list so I've rounded up my top picks for you!


I have seriously been living in these jeans again this fall.  I've been trying jeans on left and right lately and I can't find anything I love as much.  Is it bad to order the exact same pair?

3.  Favorite Fall Weekend Look.
We're headed to the cabin this weekend and this is still my favorite fall look.  A little bit classic weekender, a litter bit country casual, and a little bit glam.
Shop the look
4.  Photography Sessions
I'm so grateful to be so busy with photography lately and am going to promise to do better about sharing sessions here with y'all.  Even if you live half-way across the country, maybe it can help inspire you to go capture your family just the way it is today.  Don't wait.  Years from now you won't care that you didn't have the perfect outfits or fresh highlights.  

5. Long Light Brown Hair 
You may have noticed from instagram but I'm officially growing my hair out.  I've also been taking it lighter.  I just never loved the super dark brunette look I sported this summer.  It required too much make-up to look right.  I'm liking the softer look of dark blonde which always reads brunette on me.  And as much as I try to get away from long hair, I just love it.  I like my hair pulled back so pony tails and top knots don't scare me.  And it's fun to change it up and wear it down straight or wavy.  Short hair just isn't as versatile and requires too much morning maintenance.  Although the cute ladies who run carpool probably wish I would do just a smidge of self- maintenance before driving through their line.  Please tell me y'all wait until after drop off to get ready for the day? 
 

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Currently Obsessed: Glam for the Holidays

November 25, 2013, 4:00 am
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HAPPY MONDAY FRIENDS! 

First of all, I want to give a big shout out to one of my best girls Natalie who is having a BABY today!!!  Big hugs and prayers for a safe delivery for your baby girl!  I can't wait to see pictures of Sterling snuggling on his baby sister!

Thanksgiving is in just three days and I feel like the holidays are officially upon us!  I am so ready this year.  Last year I felt underwhelmed.  Or maybe overwhelmed is a better description.  Tagg was starting the road into the physical therapy, Wells was beginning to potty train and drop naps, we didn't feel very settled in our home situation, and I was just plain tired.  Neither babe was really old enough to understand the magic of the holidays and I was more concerned with them bringing down the Christmas tree than noticing if it was properly trimmed.  

The year before that was even more tumultuous with Matthew in a fairly new job, a one year old running loose and me pregnant and about to have Tagg at any moment.  I was too large and pregnant to enjoy much of anything festive.  Tagg was riding high and causing a full stomach (despite my hunger) and heartburn so a Thanksgiving feast wasn't in the game plan.  I had to stay behind while Matthew traveled with Wells to visit his family for Christmas because I was on strict doctors orders not to be more than 15 minutes from the hospital in case I went into labor.  And then there was the thought of un-decorating with a one and a half year old + brand new baby.  No thanks.

This year?  Tinsel time.

Y'all, I am getting my glam on for next six weeks.  Consider yourself warned!

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Destination Nursery Needs Your Help

November 25, 2013, 10:00 am
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Hey there.  I wanted to say thank you again for all of your support a few months ago when you showed in en mass to vote for me in the Project Nursery Dream Kids Makeover.  I find it most appropriate that we are finalizing details and making plans in the weeks before Thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for this gift.  I am so thankful for this opportunity.  Wells is so excited about her new room.  So much more so than I imagined back in August when we started this adventure.  Our room is scheduled to get it's big makeover during the first week of December!

Wells was born with a bit of a rough start and I am so thankful that we can give her this room to blossom and settle into for a long time.  She was born with craniosynostosis and underwent several reconstructive surgeries on her skull all within the first eight months of her life starting at just a few weeks old.  We moved three times in her three years.  She's had four different bedrooms in that same time.  She's rolled with it and adjusted.  Is there more to the story than what I share here publicly?  Yes, of course. But this isn't meant to be a pity party.  Just a little explanation for why this little lady is going to be rock this new room!

We have had a few angels looking out for us the past several years that have played a major hand in getting us where we are today.  Most recently,Tana from Destination Nursery.   She is one special lady and the woman who is helping us make Wells' big girl room dreams come true.She's pretty much amazing.  She's a mom of five so you can say this isn't most definitely not her first rodeo.  She knows how much a special room can mean for new moms.  And she's made it her mission to help as many moms gain a fabulous dream room to spend time in with their babes.

I've never solicited anything (other than votes for this very same makeover) of y'all before and I don't take this platform lightly.  But if you'd like to help make this dream come true for many more moms, please think about contributing a small donation to help Tana make over as many rooms as she can.  She's had tremendous success working with large companies like Serena &Lily and convincing them to donate their goods for such a cool cause.  But she is a one woman show donating her time.  Like many of us, she doesn't have unlimited funding or a private jet.  Every small donation will help Tana's mission come true to fly to each make-over recipients home and help first hand build a special room for their children.

You can donate here through FundMe.  Tana lists many more details on the site.  In return you will get a printable copy of the animal art prints found in her daughter's room makeover below.  You also get to feel good as that you are helping to make someone's design dreams come true.

Another option, ideal for a small business, is to sponsor part of the makeover.  You get a promoted product placement in the room that will be published and promoted across many blogs and social media channels.  What a tremendous marketing option!  There is another make-overs scheduled for December along with mine so please click on the link here if you'd like to be a part of this.






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Currently Obsessed: Holiday Party Look Two Ways

November 26, 2013, 4:00 am
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We're headed off to the cabin this morning where I will wearing nothing but my favorite jeans and uggs.  But I thought it would be a bit more fun to look at few more glamorous accessories so we can all day dream together.  Y'all.  I need this whole page in my life.  I love the idea of black pants and a fur coat.  It's so cold here a dress isn't always ideal.

Do you ever do a dressy pants look?  Or do you jump at the chance to throw on a party dress?
Have we discussed your plans for Turkey Day yet?


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Thanksgiving Side Dishes

November 27, 2013, 4:00 am
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Y'all asked and I answered.  Here are my top five picks for creative Thanksgiving side dishes.  We're actually having our first Thanksgiving dinner tonight here in the mountains.  So perfect and festive.  The only thing better would to be in Plymouth. 

What's your favorite dish to make or eat? 

Mine is the corn casserole my husband makes.  I promise to share the recipe soon!  You can catch pictures of our feast on instagram and I might even share the recipe on there for you if I can wrangle it out of Matthew.


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Holiday Sales Y'all

November 27, 2013, 9:00 am
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Y'all know some of my favorite online stores are having sales today you won't want to miss!

Serena & Lily is having a 20% sale + free shipping.  Perfect time to scratch some items off your list before the craziness of the holidays sets in.

J.Crew 30% off your purchase with code: HOLIDAY

J.Crew Factory 50% off everything + free shipping over $50

Layla Grace is also 20% off with code: THANKFUL

LUXE & LILLIES is 20% off with code: TWENTYSIX at checkout

SHOPBOP have a tiered sale spend more save more with code: BIGEVENT13





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Build a Cheese Tray + Holiday Salad + Champagne Mint Cocktail

November 27, 2013, 2:00 pm
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Indoor Family Photos

November 29, 2013, 4:00 am
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So I've had a few people ask me how I still do photography when it's cold outside.  There are two answers to that.  The first, is to head indoors and the second is to embrace the cold.  Think J.Crew catalog with the winter coats and colorful scarves and hats.  Looks pretty awesome right? 

If you're more inclined to want to just stay home then think about a stylized session in your own home. It's the perfect backdrop for a more natural session.  You'd be amazed at some of the treasured moments I can capture of your sweet family just doing it's thing.  And there is something really magical about capturing everyday real life in a polished way.  Family pancake morning or baking cookies works well with older children and sitting around reading books as a family with smaller toddlers.
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Gifts for the Home: Lulu & Georgia Favorites

November 29, 2013, 5:48 am
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One of my favorites, Lulu & Georgia is having 30% off today y'all.  Here are my favorites!



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Burlap Wreath Tutorial | Ribbon Loop Wreath Tutorial

December 2, 2013, 5:13 am
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Want to know how to make a burlap wreath?  Yeah, me too. 


Just kidding, I learned how.  I followed this tutorial pretty closely and found it to be the most helpful.  I had to watch at least twice to get the hang of it but that's because I'm not really very good at following directions.  This is a fun crafty diy that you really can't mess up which I like.


Materials: 

2 spools of burlap ribbon with wire.  You can take this same method and apply it to any ribbon wreath.  Just make sure you buy the ribbon with wire inside.  If you're diy challenged like me, don't worry it's pretty well labeled at the craft store.
1 wire wreath.  It's actually got three layers to it, you'll see them on display this time of year.
2 twisty ties to secure the ribbon to the wire loop.


So you basically secure the edge of the ribbon to the wire wreath using either a spool of floral wire or just a twisty tie.  The you pull through the ribbon until it makes a loop coming up through the top layer and repeating working your way back down to the bottom loop.  Continue along for an hour until you've finished.  Then just adjust your ribbon loops.  That part is really is because the wire inside allows you to tweak them.  I know that's really not much of an explanation so be sure to watch this video tutorial and let the pictures here do the talking.


I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!  I love that this can be a year round wreath.   I also plan to add a ribbon to make it a bit more festive, but I'm not sure what color to go with.  I'm leaning toward satin cream.  What are your thoughts?

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Christmas Card Photography

December 3, 2013, 5:16 am
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I've gotten almost all of my editing finished from my sessions in Charleston on Saturday so I thought it would be fun to share!  I'll be back next weekend for a few days so send me an email if you want to schedule a session.  It's a bit late for Christmas Card photos but you should still have time to order photo gifts.

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The Best Little Girl's Room Makeover Ever | Serena & Lily | Mom's Best Network

December 4, 2013, 4:48 am
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Y'all.  I can't contain my excitement anymore.  Tana from Mom's Best Network | Destination Nursery is flying in tomorrow to help whip up the most fantastic little girl's room on the planet.  Almost everything featured is from the amazing Serena & Lily with a few extra fun things like Colette the Cat and Cloud Pillow from Bla Bla Kids.  I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this experience has been.

I've spent countless hour browsing the site trying to plan the best bedroom possibly for Wells. She was born an old soul and I wanted something sophisticated for her.  But still whimsical and fun for a little girl.  I promise to keep y'all up to date over the next few days and weeks as the reveal goes live!

What do you think?  I'm over the moon excited.  Wells is so excited too and keeps talking about her big kid stuff!  So fun to have her be a part of this makeover!



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Men's Holiday Gift Guide

December 5, 2013, 4:00 am
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My Birthday List

December 6, 2013, 5:15 am
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Tomorrow is my Birthday y'all.  I always so guilty putting together lists for my Birthday when it falls right in the smack of Christmas gifting.  The older I get the more I prefer something small like a starbucks gift card or a yummy candle and let the big gift roll into Christmas.  But what's the fun in that for you?  I wrapped up my most favorite things Birthday Wish List for you thinking it may give you some ideas for your Christmas shopping.  Or yourself.  Y'all know how I like to gift myself.

Anyway, I'm knee deep in Wells' room makeover right now with Tana from Moms Best Network | Destination Nursery and Serena & Lily and Matthew and I are hopping in the car and driving to Charleston for several days after we wrap up tomorrow.  BUSY.  I've got some fun plans with my Charleston girls Caycee, Chassity, and Natalie that I'm pretty excited about! And of course, a one-on-one vacation with Matthew.  We haven't had that since our honey-moon.  I'm freaking pumped.

I'm not allowed to give away too much of the makeover before the reveal goes live but y'all know I can't resist some good insta-peeks.


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Birthday

December 7, 2013, 4:00 am
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It's my Birthday, Bitches.

I can't even being to talk with y'all about how blessed I feel today.  How blessed I've felt this year.  Things are good.  I've been hesitant to have a real down and dirty personal chat with y'all lately because I feel like those only work when we're commiserating together.  It's hard to pop the bubbly and say Cheers to me and the good life.  Because that feels like boasting.  And that's so not me.  Opening myself up to y'all about my struggles comes easy.  But not chit chatting about the good stuff. 

But after a challenging few years, I'm happy to report that I'm happy.  Things are good.  I'm focusing on that this year.  Counting the blessings.  Being thankful.  Not that there haven't been some rough times lately, I just feel better equipped to deal with them. 

I have a hard time not waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Life has taught me that there are so many obstacles that WILL come your way but steadying yourself for the winds doesn't make it any easier when they come.  So that's my little fireside chat for today.  It's late.  I'm exhausted.   And giddy.  When I wake up it will be my Birthday.  Cheers to that!
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Sunday Morning

December 8, 2013, 4:00 am
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No kids allowed.

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!
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Whirlwind Week

December 12, 2013, 5:31 am
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Y'all.  I have had a whirlwind week. That actually feels like an understatement.

We had our big install in Wells' big girl room with Destination Nursery | Moms Best Network.  Tana was so amazing and she just swooped in and created a dream room!  I couldn't be more happy with the items from Serena and Lily. 

And how amazing is the custom artwork Hello Tosha created for us?  The silhouette makes me so happy and You are my sunshine is Wells' favorite song right now.  I can't wait to have her make some things for Tagg's room next. 

Huger Embroidery here in Richmond monogrammed our sham for us and it looks amazing!  Richmond friends, she does beautiful embroidery, you must check it out!

I couldn't be more smitten with her new Collette the Cat and pillow from Bla Bla kids!

I found these two amazing dresses at Banana Republic. I always forget about that store but then find so many things when I do go back in to look around.  I bought the black dress but was equally in love with the stripes.
I had so much fun with my girls Caycee and Chassity on Saturday night.  I got to squeeze on several more friends while I was in town too!  Such fun!

 I discovered two new favorite shops!  South of Market on Meeting Street was divine!  A must see downtown.  Matthew and I could pretty much move right in!
 Lots of good eats, of course.

 Another fun shop, Eclectic, was just over in Mt. Pleasant and I'm so glad I stopped in!  The owner, Sidney, is just too cute for words and she was so sweet to let me look around and take pictures to share with y'all!  Everything is so fun and unique!  And how perfect is that sweetgrass basket full of oyster shells.  Our coffee table needs that asap!

 I'm exhausted friends.  What a crazy week we've had.  Ending with Tagg not sleeping last night.  Back to reality today!
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A litlte bit of Christmas and Some Closet Makeovers

December 13, 2013, 5:11 am
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I'm sure I've missed the boat on linking to all of the fabulous Christmas Home Tours once again this year.  But we have added quite a bit of Christmas around our downstairs and I promise to share it with you all.  Even if it's just one bit at a time.  That feels more realistic for me right now.  It's hard to really decorate for the holidays the way I want to do, because much like the rest of the year, I just don't have enough time or money to make it perfect.  I'm learning to find ways to make a big impact.  Like only decorating our living room and dining room.  Our new house has also caused me to fall in love with a traditional Christmas scheme so my glittery blue and silver modern ornaments and decor just don't work anymore. 


We have another secret little project going on behind the scenes here.  Matthew and I are working on a few closet makeovers including our master bedroom closet and the front hall closet I share with the kids.  We're using all wooden hangers to streamline the look.  Everything just looks nicer with better hangers.  I'm obsessed with OnlyHangers and can't wait to upgrade the kids hangers soon too!






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Men's Style Guide

December 16, 2013, 4:00 am
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Okay, so I actually had to pay Matthew in scotch to cooperate for this post.  He wants to make it very clear that his participation was only slightly to this side of voluntary.  But I'm persuasive.  And I thought it as time we showcase some men's things around here.  We all appreciate a good fashion post and I thought this might be helpful for you to see some classic staples put together first hand when selecting things for your man to wear.

We pretty much stuck with weekend staples for this post but I plan to come back with a focus on dress clothes and work clothes.  I might need to save up a few (okay a lot) more brownie points first.

Anyway, you'll notice it's all classic yet still feels up to date.  Each piece pretty much takes you straight into the next season.  Don't you wish it were this easy to dress ourselves year after year?  Matthew is so choosy about what he wears and will only buy items from brands that stand behind their products.  Quality over quantity is a lesson I have adapted from him.

What do you think?  Are these looks your husband rocks too?  What's your favorite men's style staple?

Weekend Casual

Business Casual | Date Night

Sporting
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Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Statement Necklace

December 17, 2013, 4:57 am
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Have y'all finished your Christmas shopping yet?  I am slowly getting to the finish line.  I was much more proactive this year than I usually am.

Today is the last day to order from Baublebar and still receive free shipping by Christmas.  I might just have to order a few things for myself too.  Y'all know I like to do that.

Also, Shopbop has an extra 20% off sale items right now!  I might just go ahead and order another pair of my most favorite jeans ever today too.  Even though they're not on sale, the cost per wear knocks the price out of the park.  Rag and Bone The Skinny in Kensington is literally the only pair of jeans I have worn for the past 16 months.  They suck your thighs in and lift your ass.  These jeans are no joke.

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