Favorite Fridays

How was your week?! Mine has been busy with meetings and events, but it has been great!

Today is a special Friday because nine years ago, Gray and I started dating. I was in Chapel Hill for a conference for one of my classes and met a few friends at a little French bar called La Rez. Grayson was there with some of his friends and invited me to a party. I said no, but he was persistent. Here we are, nine years later, married almost five years, with a new baby. I would not have believed someone if they would have told me nine years ago where I would be today, but I couldn't be happier. 

Now on to my favorites of the week...

Favorite Find

Blush Shop

The cutest boutique I have seen in a long time that my friend Shannon told me about. They have amazing style and are incredible at merchandising. If you appreciate things like that, you should follow them on Instagram. They also have an RV that goes around with their merchandise. How precious is that?

Favorite Kitchen

I love this marble island by Melissa Miranda

Favorite Bathroom 

A chic, feminine bathroom by Suzanne Kasler

Favorite Recipe

lemon quinoa avocado cilantro chickpea salad

(perfect for lunch!)

Favorite Photos

Tilley-Gray started napping on a regular basis and is sleeping (somewhat) through the night. Motherhood is getting a little easier now that I have a few more hours of sleep!

YELLOW

If you asked me my favorite color, I would at first say pink, but then I would add yellow as my very, very, close second favorite. There is something about yellow, especially the right shade of yellow, that can really cheer you up on a bad day, make you look refreshed, and adds a little flavor to anything. 

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decor pad

Caitlin Wilson Design

TUCKER printed dress / NIXON rubber watch / DVF cotton maxi

MARNI embellished leather sandals / CHLOE twirl shoulder bag / LAVIN ballet flats

Joss & Main

Do you know about Joss & Main? It's a website, much like GILT, Rue LaLa, Zulily, Fab, One Kings Lane (the list goes on and on) that showcases private sales daily. I haven't had much time to peruse the sights, but last night an email popped up and I just had to go look. They had the most darling accessories and accent pieces at really great prices. 
Are you a member? If not, click here, and it will send you a membership invitation!

Whirlwind

This past weekend my step-sister, Constance, got married to her high school sweetheart. It was a full weekend starting with a bridal tea that my Mom and I hosted, followed by a rehearsal dinner, and then on Saturday, the wedding. In between all of the events we visited with friends and family and every night, somehow, ended up at the Ritz-Carlton bar. Thank goodness this was just a weekend because I am way too old to stay up late and go out like that. Tilley-Gray had the most precious nanny's, good friends of my mom, that stayed in a connected hotel room to ours so that Gray and I could really enjoy the weekend. The whole weekend was such a treat!

My phone was dead almost the entire weekend so I only have a few photos. That always seems to happen on weekends like this!

Scratch Paper Studio designed these menus and place cards for the bridal tea. I always love what Natasha comes up with and she is priced really well. We did a Parisian theme because that is where Kyle proposed to Constance. I think they turned out beautiful!

After the rehearsal dinner that night at Bentley's, an amazing restaurant that is on the 27th floor and over looks the entire city, we went to the Ritz-Carlton for drinks. I haven't really "had drinks" in a long time and just one of those greyhounds was plenty for me. 

They had a great band and Gray insisted that we dance. Once he has a little liquid courage, all he wants to do is dance, so we did. My brother and his girlfriend were with us and took this photo. It's a great memory and I'm glad that Gray was insistent because it was a lot of fun. 

Walking back to our hotel that night, we ran into Kony 2012 supporters. I haven't seen anything like this in Wilmington, but it was nice to see young people that really have a purpose. 

My phone was dead all of Saturday, but my friend Andy had his so he took this photo. All through the wedding I kept telling him all I wanted was a grilled cheese. After the wedding we all went to the Ritz and guess who got their grilled cheese!? It was worth the wait!

Tilley-Gray made a (very) brief stop at cocktail hour and was so sweet with everyone. She was exhausted, which makes two of us, after such a long weekend!

It was a long weekend and one that was so much fun! I can't wait to see the photos from the wedding that Rachel Barker took. Congratulations to my sweet step-sister Constance and new brother Kyle!

Favorite Fridays

What a whirlwind of a week! We are in Charlotte right now celebrating my step-sister's wedding. Constance and Kyle were high school sweethearts and are getting married this weekend. Isn't that adorable? My mom and I are hosting a bridal tea this morning, so I have to run. Just a few favorites from this week…

Favorite Kitchen

Realistically, this isn't practical because I organize everything and then the husband just throws stuff in our cupboards. It's in ongoing battle and I loose everytime. This, however, is gorgeous. 

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Favorite Recipe

Shrimp Salsa

The perfect summer foods combined.

Favorite Find

The Ropes Maine

Have you seen these before? I follow her on instagram and am obsessed with all of these bracelets. 

Favorite Photos

She melts my heart. 

Yesterday, I met with a an investment company that is developing part of downtown Wilmington. They called me in to talk about potential event spaces. It was fascinating to see all of the plans. I didn't realize that I would be walking a working construction site. I had never worn a hard hat before much less been on a site with big cranes. I can't wait to see everything come together!

I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo

Mom Clothes

Yesterday, Tilley-Gray had her four month shots. It was pitiful. Her face turned bright red and she didn't stop crying until we got home and I was able to rock her to sleep. Bless her heart. 

It was traumatizing for both of us. 

You know what else was traumatizing? My husband telling me I looked like "a Wilmington mom."

When I walked into the pediatrician's office with tennis clothes on and a beet and carrot juice in one hand, baby in the other, he told me I officially looked like a mom.

In Wilmington, mom's have the reputation of wearing tennis clothes whether they have hit the courts or not that day. To his defense, he told me I would "look great in mud" but it was a sweet reminder that I need to get my shit together. There just isn't a prettier way to put it. 
 I've never been in the mom category before. My days consist of working from home, play groups, running errands, and the occasional meeting or lunch. For years I was able to wear flirty dresses and cute little cigarette pants. Neither one of those things work for me now.  I have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear for my new day to day.
 Inspired and motivated, I've done a little online shopping.

1. Chinti and Parker Striped Top 2. Chloe Sunnies 3. Milly Canvas Tote 4. Gucci Woven Belt 
5. J Brand Skinny Jeans 6. Asos Espadrilles

1. Madewell Denim Shirt 2. The Bee's Knees Tote 3. Leather Sandals 4. Green and White Shorts

1. A.P.C. Cotton Shirt 2. Super Sunnies 3. Stuart Weitzman Wedges 4. See by Chloe Tote 

5. J.Crew Scalloped Shorts 6. Shortstack Rings

Kind of obsessed....

I had a dress similar to this last summer and wore it all the time. It's the perfect hostess dress and can be dolled up with pretty baubles and you still feel like you are in your pajamas. I love this bright poppy color! It also comes in black. 

With a new baby, a new business (I'll be telling y'all about that soon!), and other obligations, I haven't had anytime to check out Pinterest lately. Last night, I could 't sleep, so I logged in, and what did I find? Tons of inspiration! It never fails. This is one of my favorites from a (new to me) blog, Seventeen & Irving. 

Inspiration for this Monday morning

How was your weekend? Mine was filled with much needed time at home with the husband and Tilley-Gray, planting flowers, making dinners, and watching a few movies. Saturday I went to the most adorable baby shower and then Sunday we had a big play date on the beach. It was a great weekend!

My love of stripes continues with this gorgeous courtyard. 

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Have you seen the Horchow online magazine? It's full of eye candy!

 So many good things about this kitchen, including the unexpected red lantern. 

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MOR beauty products might be just as good as macaroons.

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This straw hat could cover me and Tilley-Gray this summer. There is no such thing as too big of a straw hat!

Tibi is so on point this season. I love this backless maxi dress. 

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Favorite Fridays

1. Kendra Scott Morgan Earrings 2. Orly Genger by Jaclyn Amayer Annabelle Bracelet  3. J.Crew Striped Clutch 4. Peplum Tank 5. Sam Edelman Wedge 6. Space Dye Throws 7. Bobbi Brown Lip 

8. Balm Banda Armchair

Favorite (other) find

You know how I'm kind of obsessed with top-knots, right? Well, this little tutorial made my life a lot easier! A sock bun makes a top-knot perfect, every, single, time. I promise. I went through the husband's sock drawer last night and cut up (his favorite, whoops) sock and you know what? It took about one minute and it was perfect. Try it and let me know what you think!

Favorite Kitchen

Look at that ceiling!

Favorite Recipe

Chickpea Lime Salad

This is the perfect thing to have as an appetizer with wine outside before dinner!

Favorite Photos

Guess who's giggling up a storm and rolling over? 

This was Easter Sunday at the Owen's house in Ocean Isle Beach. It's one of the neatest houses I have ever been to because of all of the art work. Thanks again for having us!

Do y'all have any fun plans this weekend?

 I have a baby shower to go to tomorrow so Grayson and Tilley-Gray are having a daddy-daughter date to look at boats. I'm sure these dates will change once she has any say in it! 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo

Garden Party

One of the biggest events of the year in Wilmington, Garden Party, is this Friday. Although I'm dying to go, my obligations as a momma, and the logistics of having to tend to my nursing schedule, make it difficult to attend an all day, outdoor party. Alas, when you can't beat them join them, right? Tilley-Gray and I are going to have our own little Garden Party right here at home. 

1. playsuit 2. straw hat 3. sunnies 4. sandals 5. bow strap dress 6. straw hat  7. rope bow tied shoes

In Serious Need of a Vacation

Last night I dreamed of this

But woke up to this

I'm in serious need of a tropical vacation. Last night I had the best dream that Tilley-Gray and I were playing in the sand somewhere tropical. I woke up this morning freezing, which has only motivated me to find a great vacation when Grayson can take some time off in July. Any suggestions for great resorts that are good for families? We have never been in that category before!

It needs to be a place with tropical drinks and an ocean. Those are my only requirements!

In the meantime, I'm stocking my closet with beach must haves. Big sunglasses, breezy kaftans, flat sandals, and one bag to put all of these in. What are your vacation must haves? 

Tortoise Sunglasses //  Weekend Bag // Round frame Sunglasses

One Shoulder Suit  //  Cotton Gauze Kaftan //  Bikini //  Cotton Anglaise Cover Up

Satin Bow Flat Espadrilles //  Panama Fedora // Tie-Up Leather Flower Sandals

Favorite Fridays: Easter Addition

Every Easter, Grayson and I pack up the car with the dogs and head down to his parent's house in Ocean Isle Beach. They live right on the intercoastal waterway and the views from their deck are gorgeous. This year will be a little different. We typically walk to the local bar and compete in karaoke battles singing Queen with his two brothers, Clif and Baxter. This year will most likely consist of swinging on their porch swings and watching reruns of Duck Dynasty, which in all honesty, sounds just as fun as last year!

Favorite Easter Goodies

We get pretty serious when it comes to filling each others Easter basket. I may not get a card or gift on our anniversary, but I know to expect a full Easter basket come Easter Sunday. This year, I've asked for Pilates lessons, but I wouldn't mind seeing a few of these goodies tucked under those colored eggs. 

AG Polka Dot Stevie Jeans // Shimmer Pot // T-Strap Sandal // 

Clutch by K. Slademade //  Jonathan Adler iPhone dock //  Tory Burch Cover Up

Friendship Bracelet // Striped Espadrilles // Sunscreen Wipes with Zinc

Grayson's birthday falls on Easter this year, so I'm a bit overwhelmed filling his Easter basket and trying to pull off the usual birthday festivities. I have a few surprises in store including a new bow tie  from Carrot & Gibbs. He's a bowtie man and I love every bit of it. 

 Favorite Recipe
 Garlic Dijon Herb Salmon
Thank you so much for all your suggestions last week on finding recipes! I have found so many good recipes on Skinny Taste so thank you Alison for that tip!

Favorite Interior
I love this room with all of it's white and piping!

Favorite Photos
The Easter Bunny visit was a success in terms of Tilley-Gray not having a meltdown. It was not success in that I had to spend $30 on fuzzy photos when my iPhone took the best photo of all.

Tilley-Gray's hair has slowly fallen out, so to compensate, the bows have gotten bigger. She loves them with her baby chicken outfit.

I hope you all have a great Easter weekend!
xoxo