Archive for January 2014

January 31, 2014

Friday Fancies

 
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I am super obsessed with the chalkboard spice jars from Anthropologie, and after stumbling upon this DIY version and some perfect chalkboard stickers, these beauties will be in my kitchen soon enough.
 
Everyone needs a little sparkle in their life. So I figure what better way than with a good weekender bag, STRIPES included.
 
I am nowhere near having children, single over here and no men on the horizon, I do however know that when I do have a little girl, her birthday party might be on a similar level to this little's girl big day.
 
I love a scrumptious chai tea latte, so I know that a chai latte waffle is going to seriously rock my taste buds. I plan on trying out the recipe REALLY soon.
 
Actually I would love to make those chai latte waffles, while in the perfect cottage kitchen. I mean seriously where do I find a place like this.
 
Now I am huge fan of the cold and winter weather, I LOVE SNOW, but I am guilty of picking out dark colors; insert this beauty to add some color and spice up any all over black outfit.
 
I also ended my shopping hiatus last weekend after purchasing the PERFECT boyfriend jeans and white chucks.
 
Alright I am off to enjoy my weekend, see a friend who is in town for the weekend and watch the Super Bowl. Have a wonderful weekend!
 
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January 30, 2014

Preppy in Pearls

 
I have realized that I am no good at a serious face, so I think I will stick with smiling in my photos no matter how cheesy that may be. I had my boss, she is awesome, take a few photos the other day as we were leaving work AND it was SNOWING! I love snow, I mean like I pray for it constantly in the winter. As a southerner it isn't an everyday or every week occurrence for us, so when it happens I freak out, in the best way possible of course.
 
 
Coat: Old Navy (similar) | Sweater: Gap | ButtonUp: Ralph Lauren (similar)| Leggings: David Lerner
Bag: Sophie Hulme | Boots: Lucky (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: Amazon | Bracelets: JCrew, Forever 21, JewelMint




 
So T found this awesome blue patterned button up at a consignment shop on the SERIOUSLY cheap side. I was so ready to start styling it the minute she showed it to me. As for my leggings (I live in these suckers) I will forever be a fan of David Lerner. You see these leggings keep their shape, not after just one wear but a few, trust me they are worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.
 
 The bag, well I can't actually say it is mine sadly. My boss let me borrow it and trust me if you aren't ready to fork out a good chunk of your paycheck don't borrow a Sophie Hulme bag. One carry and I am hooked, too bad I have trips to pay for and not bags this year. One day though you can bet I will have my very own Sophie Hulme, until then, Abby can I just keep this for a few weeks months? 
 
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January 28, 2014

Outside Dining

 
 
It is no secret that I have a strong desire to throw serious dinner parties. I want to create the theme, decorate, think up a fitting menu and provide an evening of fun for my friends. Now if only my friends all lived in the same, it would be much easier. Until I can get them all in one place I will just keep dreaming and getting inspiration from images like these.
 
 
I love the button tucked benches as part of the seating and the simple flowers in vases lining the center of the table. I also LOVE those wine glasses.


 
Those chairs are perfect and those wine glasses again are the best.

 
This whole dinner party is perfection. Who would think light bulbs would be so gorgeous but they are and I would happily throw a delight soirée under those lights.  

 
This centerpiece is absolute perfection and the two end chairs wrapped with fabric and ribbon...I die.

 
Did I mention I love lights? I like the intimate setting it creates and the homey feel it provides. So much better than harsh bright lighting and who doesn't look good with a good twinkle light glow?


 
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This one is my favorite. I love the random and classic feel of the chairs and settee. The flowers are perfect, the old wooden table is a surprising addition and my absolute fair part is the chandeliers. It is classic, old and romantic.
 
Anyone else wanting to throw an upscale dinner party? Go ridiculously over the top and create a very grown up setting? If so, would you prefer inside or out? What is your "dream" setting and décor?
 

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January 27, 2014

Grammys

 
Oh Grammys, you never do disappoint do you? Not only does it bring it out some of the best fashion on the red carpet, BUT it starts the show with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. And did you see Beyoncé? She is going to rock 2014 harder than she did 2013 (if that's possible). I was in awe of her!
 
Now for the part I love the most, the dresses and the suits. Here are my picks for Best Dressed last night.
 
 
Miranda Lambert in red is a vision. She looks stunning, happy and just all together WOW.

 
Can we PLEASE talk about how stunning Paris Hilton looked? I mean I have never been a big fan of hers, but she nailed that red carpet look last night. 

 
So in case you didn't know (who could tell in this dress) Ciara is an expecting mom. Crazy right? I mean she looks gorgeous in this dress! 

 
If you don't know Bonnie McKee, well you should, she has co-written a lot of Katy Perry's songs. She is one of the few who can pull off crazy colored hair. All though in this dress last night, her hair was the last thing to be looking at. That clutch MADE this dress with it's edgy vibe.

 
I am becoming a big believe in dresses with sleeves so this one was right up my alley. Although her dress that she wore to perform All Too Well last night might be my absolute favorite.

 
Only Kelly could make me want purple hair. She also the only one who can make it look so classic. She looked stunning in this dress and I love that she wore one of her dad's cross's as well.
 
Miranda Lambert | Paris Hilton | Ciara | Bonnie McKee | Taylor Swift | Kelly Osbourne
 
 
I don't think I have ever seen John Legend look bad. He owns this suit and that half smile that no one else. His wife looked stunning last night as well. However the best picture of John Legend and wife Chrissy would be the one Neil Patrick Harris photobombed!

 
This duo could show up in anything and still rock the pants off it. Their performance was perfection and their message simple.....everyone deserves love. It gave and still does give me chills.

 
It is blue, velvet and lucky enough to be on Robin Thicke. I would happily be that suit if I could. He does no wrong in my book (leaving Miley Cyrus out of that statement).
 
 John Legend | Ryan Lewis  & Macklemore | Robin Thicke
 
So who were your favorites? I definitely had some least favorites but I wanted to showcase the best not the worse.
 

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January 24, 2014

Friday Fancies

 
 
I love when I find an article that really speaks to the inner career driven women in me. I love that she didn't view being single in her later twenties as the end of her life, more so she embraced the freedom and become the person she wanted to be.
 
I am not a Seahawks fan, but a commercial that sends chills down my spine and maybe okay definitely a tear down my cheek is a way to make me love those guys a little more.
 
So I am planning a trip to Europe, London and Scotland to be exact. After reading this blog post, I am certain that an afternoon at the Berkley Hotel is a must. I mean an afternoon tea with fashion as a theme.....count me in.
 
If anyone ever thought that the army could take the love of color or decorating out of the girl, clearly never saw the inside of Katie del Castillo's apartment. I mean she seriously has a knack for decorating and an amazing sense of style....she can happily come decorate my place any day.
 
Speaking of fierce females, have you ever checked out LuellaJune? If not, please run over and check out her incredible style. Also while you are at it, check out her gorgeous wedding to cowboy Cole Means II.
 
Okay, last envious female I am putting on here I swear. Heather Hansen is insanely talented. She takes the movements of her boy and creates serious works of art. It is seriously breath-taking. I would love to see her work live.
 
Does anybody else watch the Kardashians? I do from time to time and had NO idea the gorgeous interior of Kourtney's home. Even more crazy is she just finished decorating the house and is putting it up for same. I just can't.....CAN NOT imagine leaving that beautiful home.
 
Lastly I may have to give up on my shopping hiatus to pick up the perfect pair of black booties, which are on CRAZY sale and a comfy yet stylish pair of these fabulous jeans.

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January 23, 2014

Romatic Living


So while I am nowhere close to having my own place and being able to decorate it, that doesn't mean I don't sit and dream daily on what each room in my own place would look like.
 
Below is just an idea of one way I could see myself decorating my future living room. I love a color palette of creams, blushes and golds mixed with bright pinks and dark navys.
 


Romantic Living

 
What are is favorite color combo? Are you more modern, classic or vintage?
 

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January 20, 2014

Weekend Review


So this weekend was simple, laid back and filled with so many laughs. I am pretty sure I could relive this past weekend over the next year and be a happy camper.

Friday was low-key and exactly what I needed after a crazy work week. I grabbed dinner at Burger & Company with Lynae and Jen. It was good but I hadn't eaten all day so anything in that moment would have tasted delicious.
 
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Afterward we met with a few more friends at Unknown, a local brewery, to grab a beer or two and just relax....no one was in a go out and get crazy mood...which is rare to find us all wanting to NOT go out.....are we getting old?
 
The boys decided that it was time for them to bring back their Poker Night so we girls decided to try our hand at painting. Now this might sound fairly simple but add in wine and some friends and let me tell you the laughs were endless.
 


 We tried out Pinot's Palette - South End and we had so much fun we are already planning to do it again soon. They give you aprons, write name in front of your station and provide you with an awesome instructor who is part funny part AWESOME (I wanted to trade my picture for his).

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I will say my painting lacking in comparison to some of the other ladies had zero to do with the two four glasses of wine I had while painting.  Who am I am kidding it had everything to do with but boy did we all laugh, drink, eat and laugh some more. Katie even got a little serious at the end and went all Van Gogh on us....see what I did there? Van Gogh...we painted a Van Gogh....get it? I know I am hilarious! Ha

So I figured after an evening of wine what better way to start of a Sunday than hiking? You thought I was going to say Brunch didn't you? Don't worry it crossed my mind but hiking was a better/healthier option.

 
 




We headed to Crowder Mountain, climbed to the top, took it all in and then left happy with our Sunday afternoon decision. We followed it by grilling out inside, with one of my favorite kitchen items and hanging out with friends.

It was a successful weekend for me and I hope it was for you all too.
 

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January 17, 2014

Friday Fancies



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I think every girl needs a few good females in her life that bring out different sides of her. For me I am lucky to have a few that have most or all of these types on their own. My friend sent me this list and honestly I agree that you need most if not all of these types of ladies in your life. Thoughts? 

One look at this place and I was hooked...I mean who wouldn't want to stay in a tree house.
 
As if being one of my favorites in One Tree Hill wasn't enough...this girl is straight awesome in standing up to Urban Outfitters and their recent tee.
 
I am a self-proclaimed Sex and the City addict. Carrie Bradshaw will forever hold a special place in my heart. Starting in February I can channel my inner CB with the new shoe collection by SJP and Manolo Blanik. This video shows a mini preview of the new line.
 
Lately it has felt like when one thing goes wrong, EVERYTHING goes wrong! Thankfully before my self-pity got too strong I stumbled upon 8 Things To Remember When Everything Goes Wrong and realized how much I have to be grateful for.
 
When I was younger I was a big fan of Rice Krispie Treat cereal. Funny how I haven't thought about it in years until reading over a list of foods that are extinct...anyone else remember most if not all of these?
 
I wish I would have found this prior to my grandfathers' passing away but it is a splendid idea and wanted to pass it on. I mean grandparents really know their stuff and to have it written down would be amazing.
 
If you haven't checked out Target's Threshold line....DO IT NOW. I am lusting after this, this and definitely this.

I think I may try out cauliflower as bread this weekend with some cheesy bread sticks!

Happy Friday to you all! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
 
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January 16, 2014

Shopping Hiatus

 
I have big plans for this year, the biggest being my trip to Scotland (fingers crossed) and so with the new year came my new mentality on shopping...if I don't need it I don't buy it.  This won't last the whole year because honestly if you can last a year without shopping for clothes well you are far stronger than I am. Anyways my point is my obsession with continuously browsing store online has led me to crave SO MANY NEW THINGS.
 
If you viewed my shopping carts you would laugh...I mean we are talking 10+ shops filled with clothes I wish I could buy but alas I want to visit Europe more than have a few more items in my closet. I have already shared my wanderlust passion and my desire to travel more with you. So for now I will share with you my current wants but NOT needs.

 
 
Frequently Fancying

Shoes: Nude Pumps | Burgundy Loafers | White Tennies | Black Booties
Jewelry: Double Ring | Love Ring | Nail Bracelet | Statement Necklace | Gold Watch
Accessories: Scarf | Clutch | Over the Shoulder

Apparently I am loving every type of pant/skirt/denim Gap is putting out right now! Also can we PLEASE talk about that blush color purse from Kate Spade. My friend Christine sent me the link a few days ago and I was instantly in love...with handbags it doesn't take much but that color is just SPOT ON.

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January 14, 2014

White Water Weekend


This weekend was a mix of crazy weather. I think Mother Nature was having an emotional breakdown on Saturday because it rained ALL. DAY. LONG. Thankfully she got her stuff together on Sunday and provided an unseasonably warm January afternoon; which was perfect for cheering on a friend of mine in his first bike race.


 
The US National White Water Center drained the river for this event and created a bike course which each rider got to go down twice. Each run was timed in order to see who placed where. There were plenty of crash and burns but it was all so fun to watch.


Lynae, Thomas, Haven Pup and I watched and cheered on until after the time trials and then stayed to watch the 40 min lap race (which involved spills, crashes, some broken bike pieces and lots of crazy riders) and afterward we called it a day.




This is Haven Pup or really just Haven. She is a herder by nature and with all the bikes running around she was struggling to keep it together, but man is she a precious one.




We clearly pay attention to signs really well. Although I think since the river was drained the danger was removed.


Here is Jason on one of the uphill turns that some A LOT of people struggled with!

 
This was another turn that people had problems with. Please note Jason made it through unscathed and in really good time considering he has never raced before.
 
 
One fashion comment to make while I am here is that I got this scarf and one other for Christmas from my cousin and his wife. Ummm...I love them. Check out BSprinkled for to get one of these infinity scarves.


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