Friday, May 31, 2013

Have a great weekend!


What are you up to this weekend? I wish I were heading to the beach or the lake, but I will be marking off a few things on my maid-of-honor duties list. As in gluing 200 little bows to the programs, finish planning the bachelorette party, take the wedding dress to get cleaned, finding the groomsmen their suits, etc. Woot, woot, I know you're all jealous! I'm just so relieved that I get to spend some more time with college friends on Sunday before one heads out to Seattle for a new job! Enjoy your weekend and if you're in a reading mood take a look at these fun posts from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend.

The ultimate Father's Day gift box.

How darling is this lace top?

This makes me very excited for the upcoming album!

Meet the spelling bee champion, Arvin.

How to: make your own almond milk.

The prettiest breakfast nook.

Are you ready for new bra sizes?

Thumbs up to a lobster + potato salad.

12 most common fears holding you back from success.

My mantra.

I love a pretty shift dress.

The neatest wake-up alarm.

Would you wear these overalls

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

summer is in the air

a few favorites

a few favorite things part II

There is something about summer that just makes me happy. Maybe it's all the fresh flowers and produce or driving with my sun roof open or all the fun prints I've been wearing as of late. While browsing online, I've been coveting a few of these items that will be in definite rotation in my summer wardrobe. What are loving this season?

Monday, May 27, 2013

Weekend Roundup

Are you ready for a picture overload? Don't say I didn't warn you, ha! I got to escape for a few days with some girlfriends to visit college friends that live in Montgomery now - and we had a ball! I had only been to Alabama's capitol in the fourth grade for a field trip and was completely surprised by its charm and of course, tons of history. Road trips aren't good unless they start out with sour straws and Sprite. Oh, and lots of girl talk, 90s music, and laughter - lots of that too.

Friday night we went to dinner at the cutest Thai restaurant. The food was delicious but the scenery was ridiculous. The restaurant is housed in an old train station just steps away from the railway and the Alabama River. I wish I would have taken more pictures of it because it was so picturesque. After dinner, we took a short walk along the river and ended up in an insanely lit tunnel followed by Shaw chauffeuring us around the downtown area to scope out the capitol.

The next day we spent walking around the downtown and historical parts of Montgomery. This church was from around 1829 and was stunning! I wish I could have gotten the whole thing, but this is only about a fifth of the building. In front of the old church were houses and a park lined by a cobble road. 
All that walking and sight seeing made us thirsty, so we stopped by a hotel lounge area for a refreshing drink. We couldn't decide if we were at the beach or in the middle of a city. The weather was perfect for walking down The Alley and then catching a Montgomery Biscuits game.


Even if the Biscuits lost {which by the way, their mascot is an Anteater - yeah, we didn't get it either}, we enjoyed the coolest display of fireworks to celebrate the holiday weekend! Afterwards we went to an aviation themed bar - which was by far the coolest place.  
On the way home, we pass through Clanton, Alabama - where the best peaches grow. It is a sin if you don't stop and enjoy some fresh produce and get a homemade peach waffle cone from Durbin's!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Hello Friday!


Hello Friday, it's real nice to see you! This week was certainly one filled with emotions - happy and terrifying. What's your number one fear while driving? Mine is driving on the interstate and the car next to you coming into your lane. Welp, that happened. Did I mention it was an 18-wheeler carrying something flammable? My sister and I are a little sore and healing from broken glass that stuck in my leg. Oh, and my car is totaled. Awesome. But on the bright side, we're both fine, alive, and happy that things could have gone whole lot worse, but didn't. Do you have any fun plans for the holiday weekend? I'm so happy to escape for a few days and spend time with friends. I'm thinking a little R&R is in order. Have a great Memorial Day and enjoy these fun posts from around the web . . .

I'm not a huge country fan, but I sure do love me some Blake Shelton.

A pretty weekend dress.

Wanna rent a lighthouse for the weekend? Ummm, yes please!

DIY gilded votive holders and bud vases. And it only takes 5 minutes!

I'm sure you've seen this video on Facebook, but what an awesome guy. Grab some tissues and watch this inspiring video.

A good read for young folks, especially recent grads: Define Your 20s.

Ryan Gosling is introduced to his "Hey Girl . . . " - and it's hilarious.

Brown rice Greek salad - sounds like a summer lunch delight!

Woah - love these watercolor prints.

Tips from a J. Crew stylist - loving the sleeve roll.

Tighten it up for summer.

My newest lipstick shade obsession.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Weekend + The Graduate


The past few days have come and gone pretty quickly! Jessica left super early this morning heading back to Kansas. I spent the weekend and the earlier part of the week doing maid of honor duties - aka being bossed around by the bride-to-be, ha! Kidding, but we did get a lot accomplished. Jessica had her final fitting and picked up her dress {!!!}, we made her program fans, stuffed her invitations, and did a few other little details. We're about 2 months out from her being Mrs. Payne! In between wedding stuff, my sister and I took a visit to meet our cousins baby, little Hunter. He was so tiny and so cute!



Wednesday night my brother graduated from high school. 581 graduates crossed the stage. This class had extraordinary numbers in volunteer hours and overall had a collective $37.8 million dollars in scholarships. Yes, you read that right. Millions of dollars worth of scholarships. Isn't that crazy?! I'm so proud of Josh and his friends for all their achievements and so proud of Josh for his decision on joining the Navy. Good luck to you little brother!




Friday, May 17, 2013

have a great weekend!


Hi there friends! I couldn't have had a better week. Don't you love when those happen?! One good thing after another {unlimited fruit popsicles, Gatsby, seeing old and new friends everyday, quick trips, & constantly staying outdoors}. Maybe it's all this great weather I've been surrounded by {or maybe the nice little tan I'm starting to get, ha!} Anyway, have any fun plans for the weekend? My sister is in town for a week - oh, the trouble we'll be getting in to : ) I can't wait to show her a few hidden gems I've found since her last visit. Have a great weekend and enjoy these fun posts from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend.

Ross gets stuck in his leather pants. Can't. Stop. Laughing.

A look behind the scenes from Wednesday's style envy | Kate Upton.

The prettiest canvas zip tote - a summer must have!

10 creative business cards.

So in love with this minted Anthro dress.

High five to Nick Saban.

How to live like Holly Golightly.

Is this real life? Beautiful places around the world.

A little lipstick helps . . . and so does a martini.

A summer dessert | Grilled Peaches.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

quality over quantity

I have truly learned that quality is always better than quantity in many aspects of my life. I have found some really great friends that I know will always be there when I need them to be, and vice versa. Quality sleep over being pretty lousy the next day{occasional late nights are perfectly fit, too : )}. In my closet, I have taken note that quality is much more valuable than quantity - no more trendy or cheap pieces that I wear once and never wear again or fall apart in a couple of washes. Your wallet will thank you in the long run - so will your granddaughters who get to play dress up in pretty vintage.  I have decided to roll this mantra in to my blog, at least for now. I need to get a tight grip on a few things and hone my writing. Don't worry, I'll still have fun posts each week! I want this blog to be more reflective on what I love - and not something I worry I have to do each day {read: super late nights on wishing for some miracle inspiration for next days post}. Needless to say, I hope you're excited about what this blog will turn in to, although it may or may not be a daily read. You'll still be getting a dose of Friday's and links because that is one of my favorites.

a pretty kitchen + french toast


I'd like to make an announcement that you probably already know: I have a thing for white kitchens. And yes, one day when I have my own it will be white and have tulips on the table. They're so fresh and so clean. Beside the point of my white kitchen love affair, I have to tell y'all a story. One of my favorite things about work is meeting cute little kiddos. I met this handsome, young three year old yesterday that was as cute as a button and what a talker he was! Seriously, he just chatted with me for at least thirty minutes. And what did we discuss? His love for breakfast food, ha! Every morning his mom makes him bacon, eggs, and grits and if she leaves off anything from that list? He is one not so happy kiddo, ha! And so I brought up a suggestion of trying my favorite breakfast . . . French toast. And then he asked me what it was and how to make it - he totally was taking in every word I said and I'm pretty sure this genius is going to become the next Bobby Flay.

I like to keep it real simple when it comes to my French toast {read: invite friends over for a French toast brunch when I've had a loaf of bread for a while.} For real though, it's incredibly easy to make, the kitchen smells like sweet syrup and cinnamon, and your bellies are full from fresh berries and laughter when you're done. Did I mention mimosas? Yep, brunch is never brunch without a good old-fashioned mimosa {exchange out the bubbly with ginger ale if you'd prefer it that way}!


1 loaf of white bread {I prefer a loaf that I cut myself}
2 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp. milk {any kind, I prefer 1% or 2%}
Cinnamon, to your liking
Syrup
2 cups of berries {strawberry, blueberry, raspberry}

Cut your bread into half-inch slices {store bought is just fine}. Combine your eggs and milk and beat until mixed together. Take one slice of bread and dredge in your egg/milk combo. While one side is still in the egg/milk combo, sprinkle with cinnamon to your liking. I go a little heavy since I love cinnamon. Put the cinnamon side down on a skillet set at medium temperature. Sprinkle the other side with cinnamon. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden and the egg is cooked through - careful not to burn it! Flip, and cook the other side for about 2 minutes. Repeat until each bread slice is done. Serve with warmed syrup and fresh berries on top and enjoy!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

style envy | kate upton


Have y'all seen the June Vogue issue yet? Kate Upton is on the cover and has a ravishing spread by Mario Testino. I've always taken style inspiration from her since we are built similarly {read: full bust small waist}. Talk about a challenge when getting dressed every morning. I've already taken a few notes from this story and pictures below.

 





Tuesday, May 14, 2013

phone a friend

via
In my college days, I spent literally every moment with best friends. It was fantastic. But now that time has come and gone, we're all scattered {all over Alabama, New York, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Wyoming, Germany}. It's hard to stay in communication with them. Luckily, we have Facebook, texting, and Instagram to keep up with each other and fun experiences. I loathe talking on the phone, but make exceptions for my sister and grandmother. But sometimes, a girl just needs to talk to her best friends, ya know?! I've decided to start making quick phone calls to stay in touch on a consistent basis. Joanna makes a fantastic argument on how less is more!

How do you keep in touch with friends and relatives?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Monday Muse


Tulips are always a favorite

Another successful weekend, score! It was filled with lots of fun friends + guests, coffee, popsicles, planes, and lots of yummy, fresh food! With the sudden heat and sun shining {it's been rainy, cloudy, and cool the past few days}, I can't help but get in the summer mood.
I've got a feeling it's gonna be a good week. Partly because my sister is coming for a week to visit this Thursday, yahoooo! We've got lots of wedding details to tend to and I can't wait to catch up. Living states apart is not fun. At all. Cheers to a good week and to get you in the summer season - here's a few inspirational pieces I'm loving right now!
Summer Weather

fresh ingredients
subtle makeup and a poppy lip

encrusted embellishments and funky accessories

homemade popsicles are an easy {and delicious} choice for dessert
 

Funny Things

Sometimes Monday just needs to be full of laughter, don't you agree?
 
 
 

Friday, May 10, 2013

friday


Can this weekend start off any better? Seriously can't wait to see this film tonight. I've been preparing by re-reading the novel and watching the original movie all week {Robert Redford is so dreamy}. Can I just say that this month is flying by. I sure hope this weekend drags just a little bit longer. To keep you inspired, here are a few links from around the web, enjoy and have a happy weekend!

This song reminds me of summer time and fun college nights.

Love these flock leather sandals.

Is bacon the reason for living longer?

I might cave this weekend and make these salted pretzel brownies, talk about yum-o!

Adding this jumper to my summer essentials list.

Although I'm against using hotel bathtubs, these are pretty darn cool.

26 successful people who failed at first.

This is where New Yorker's live.

A beautiful kitchen makeover.

Coconut watercolor check gel stain.

Weekend Style
 
weekend style