Weekend Kind of Girl

I have always had a job that required me to work weekends. All of you girls out there that want to be event planners, make sure you are ready to give up every weekend for either a wedding or meeting with your clients. I loved it for 10 years, but it feels so good to finally have my weekends back!

Even though I live at the beach, because of my work, I never really got to enjoy it, until now. 
Last weekend, we took the boat to a little island with friends and set up a tent for our babies to play in, had a cooler full of food and drinks, and swam and relaxed all day. This weekend, my family will be in town, so I think we might just do the same thing. With all of these weekend beach and boating excursions, I need to add a few basics to my closet!
What are some of your favorite beach essentials? 

Ani Bikini  / TKEES Flip Flops / Tory Burch Beach Bag / Sunnies / Roberta Roller Rabit kurta

Under the Weather

It's officially summer, and guess what? I'm sick with a cold and fever. Poor Tilley-Gray is cutting her first tooth, so the husband has his hands full taking care of two cranky girls. I'm curling up with my laptop working on a few projects, trying to get better, before we have our first official meeting tomorrow as Poplin & Queen! 

In the meantime, Shannon has a fab giveaway from K. Slademade.

You can read more about Poplin & Queen on facebook here and twitter here. 

I promise lots of inspiration tomorrow!

xoxo

image via

Pleased to introduce you to Poplin & Queen

Today we're all on holiday. Shannon and I are cel-e-brating our new little venture. As a treat we thought we'd reveal our new logo from Gadabout. We love Hanna, and think she did a truly amazing job.

Without further adieu ... Let me introduce you to our company, Poplin & Queen. We are officially a boutique consulting firm specializing in social media, interiors & styling. Until our little webpage is all the way up and running, you can just email us at poplinandqueen (at) gmail (dot) com.

and for short ...

 I will be back to tell you more about it later this week, because I hope all of you are somewhere in the sun, buried in a book, or throwing caution to the wind.

Happy Memorial Day!

Cheers!

Lindsey

 

Favorite Fridays + Exciting News

How has your week been? This week marks a (happy) ending to almost a decade of planning weddings. The last wedding I will ever plan professionally is tomorrow. The feeling is surreal.

But...

After being in the wedding industry for almost ten years, it's bitter sweet. I have loved planning weddings, have been published in state and national magazines, and most of all, have been successful in having happy clients. 

It was a great career for me, but I am ready to move on. 

What exactly am I am moving on to? I am literally busting at the seams to tell you all, but we (it's a partnership!) have a few finishing details before I can do so. You can read more details about it here on my bff and business partner's blog, I Love Your Crazy.

Exciting does not even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now.

Before I completely spill the beans, let me share some of my favorites.

Favorite Find

I was going to tell you all about this children's line on Wednesday, so I'm glad that I can share now! 

Favorite Tabletop

You  know how I feel about stripes. This was from a Kentucky Derby theme party and I love every single inch of it.  This inspires me to have a fancy dinner party soon! 

Favorite Office

Shannon and I have big plans for our office, and inspiration boards are at the top of our list. LuLu de Kwiatkowski (also known as Lulu DK) has a gorgeous office that was just in House Beautiful. 

Favorite Entry Way

The graphic wallpaper, the artwork, and especially the hyacinth. Modern, fresh, and gorgeous, designed by one of my favorites, Anna Spiro. 

Favorite Photos

My two favorite people. Grayson dressed her for church on Sunday, bonnet and all. 

She is starting to snuggle and it melts my heart. 

What are your plans this weekend? After Saturday, we might just take our new boat out to celebrate. Don't get too excited, it didn't have an engine on it until two weeks ago, but it floats and has a cooler and that's all we need right now!

Happy long weekend!

xoxo

Raising a Little Girl

via

My intentions for this post were to showcase the most precious children's clothing that I have seen in a long time, but instead, I wrote this. I hope you don't mind! 

Tilley-Gray, as I'm sure you all know, is the light of my life. Right now, she is tender and precious and protected. Grayson and I make all of her decisions, and although I know this won't be the case forever, for now, I'm holding on tight.

 It's a huge responsibility to raise any child, but I feel like little girls  pose an extra responsibility. Little girls that I see around town are growing up so fast. Their role models are different than mine were growing up.  My role model when I was little was always my mom,  and it's still the same today. My hope is that I will be a great role model for Tilley-Gray, but she will most likely love the latest craze in pop idol or teenage movie star, just like I did.

 I read an article last year when I was pregnant that I just now found again through Joanna Goddard's blog, Cup of Joe. It's an article written by Lisa Bloom that encourages us to ask little girls about ideas and books instead of immediately complementing their looks. It  is something that I encourage you all to read, parent or not.  Joanna wrote a great post on it here, and it may just change your view as well. 

We live in such a fast, socially crazed, materialistic world. ABC News reported that nearly half of all three- to six-year-old girls worry about being fat.
Does that not break your heart? 
Like most mothers, I want her to have beautiful clothes and all of the dress-up, girly things all little girls love, but my hope is that we can raise her where she is  a confident little girl, with or without those things.

My hope for Tilley-Gray is that she is pure and sweet and kind and brave and loves herself for exactly who she is. My hope is that she is aware of those around her, those who have different ideals, religions, races, and lifestyles. I hope she is always accepting of others but is always strong in her own convictions. 

What are your thoughts on this? Do you speak to little girls and little boys the same? Do the little girls in your life worry about how they look as much as this article reports? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

New Sponsor: DKM Accessories

I am so excited to announce DKM Accessories as the newest sponsor on Fifi Cheek.  I can go on DKM Accessories and literally find, in one place, something for myself, for my mom, my step-sister, and for my best friend, all who have very different tastes. 

DKM Accessories has an adorable boutique in Tampa, but if you can't make it down to the sunshine state, they just launched a brand new website that showcases all of their gorgeous goods. 

I am thrilled to have DKM Accessories as a sponsor and hope that you all will give them a warm welcome. You can find more DKM Accessories here:

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mom, inc.

If you have read the book, Creative, Inc. by Joy Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco, you know that it's a book about how to run a successful freelance business. I downloaded the book a while back and have referenced it quite a bit, especially when I'm doubting myself. 

Meg Mateo Ilasco just launched a similar book with co-author, Cat Seto, called Mom, Inc. I can't wait to read this book, as it talks about motherhood, working from home, and running a small business. I think all Moms that work from home struggle with finding a balance between being a mom, a full time job in itself, and the work that they (hopefully) love. You can read more about the book here. My favorite quote just might be...
"Think less about the word “balance” and think more about “making it work."

Do you have any tips for working from home?

Music + Video Love

Favorite Fridays

How was your week this week? My week was busy, as usual, but I'm looking forward to a much needed relaxing weekend with just the three of us. A few of my favorites from this week...

Favorite Shoe 

These espadrilles from Asos are perfect for summer and at around $50, I can justify more than one pair!

Favorite Cocktail

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

The perfect cocktail to start off the weekend. 

Favorite House

 I found this image on Sarah Vicker's blog a few days ago and have not only pinned it but have saved it to my desk top and even printed it out. I've always loved this style house as well as white brick houses. What is your favorite style house? 

Favorite Quote

(design source unknown)

Favorite Recipe

Pimento Cheese Crisps

The perfect Southern appetizer to have on the front porch.

Beach Tote

I love the size and color of this beach tote from Monogram Goods.

Beach Dress

I love the pattern and ease of this dress. 

Favorite Photos

Grayson was able to take some time off this week for the photo shoot. We snuck out each day to take Tilley-Gray to the park. It was such a treat for Gray to see her during the day. 

Tilley-Gray has become a little night owl this week, wanting to snuggle and spend time with her daddy. She will be six months next week and I want to savor every minute. 

The photo shoot has totally gone to her head. She insist on wearing these sunglasses around the house and even had  dinner in them last night. She is so sweet and so funny. I think we have a little Ham on our hands!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo

Styling and Shooting

I've promised to keep my lips sealed on the details of the photo shoot, but what I can say is that it was better than I ever imagined. I was  extraordinarily nervous about having photographers, a stylist, and an editor in my home but as soon as they arrived, I felt at ease. They were all so nice and were such gracious guests and by the end of the shoot, I had four new friends. It was great getting to know them and learn about their backgrounds, their careers, and their own families. Tilley-Gray was on her best behavior and won them over with her toothless smile!

When they left yesterday, it felt like summer camp was over. I can't wait to see the photos (I only saw a few that were taken) and share the details of my home with all of you!

Thanks again so much to Jennifer, David, Liz, and Adam for such a wonderful experience! 

Celerie Kemble & Jamie Drake on Color

One of the best parts of having a photo shoot at our house this week is meeting all of the stylist, photographers, and editors. They have been beyond sweet and have been a real joy to have around. David Land, a photographer that I met through this process, shot a video for Celerie Kemble and Jamie Drake for Trad Home. 

Jamie Drake is known as the "king of color" and Celerie Kemble is a designer who's work, at least for me, defines the new traditional. I hope this charming video brightens up your day!

New Sponsor:

You may know Delightfully Chic as a darling blog, but you should also know that Tiffany launched an online store full of prints, vintage finds, and carefully selected home accessories. She has turned her eye for fashion and interiors into a swoon worthy shop and I couldn't be happier for her! 

I love these lanterns, especially for outside now that it's almost Summer! I would use these on a table for dinner or lining my stairs to welcome guests to our home at night. 

I love amber glass, especially when it comes in a candy dish! These would be perfect in my bathroom to hold all of the loose ends that I use everyday. 

A few of my other favorites? These are all perfect for outdoor entertaining this summer!

Be sure to stop by the Delightfully Chic Shop!
What are some of your favorites?

Favorite Fridays

With just two days until the sweet people from HGTV magazine arrive, Grayson and I have been in full- on clean/organize/crazy mode at night while the days have been filled with great new work projects and time spent with Tilley-Gray. How has your week been?
A few favorites from this week...

Favorite Video
I haven't taken a dance class in a long time, but this video makes me want to take one! Who's in?

Favorite Kitchen

I love white kitchens, and this one in particular makes me swoon. 

Favorite Interior

Have you seen the latest issue of Lonny Magazine? It features a cheeky home designed by Jamie Meares. 

Favorite Watch

Last year, a client gave me a Michael Kors watch similar to this one. I am a bit of a klutz and accidentally flushed it down the toilet on the 4th of July. True story. I was pregnant and over emotional and Grayson was under the house about to bust open our sewer pipe to find it. This watch with its navy face would be a perfect replacement. 

Favorite Recipe

Summer time means fresh tomatoes and the Farmer's Market is open every Saturday now! I can't wait to get my hands on heirloom tomatoes so I can make gazpacho. This one from Real Simple magazine sounds so good!

Favorite Photos

Wednesday night, Tilley-Gray went down for her normal bed time but woke up an hour later giggling and bright eyed. We let her stay up and play, especially because Grayson got home late that night from work. We had the best time playing. She may end up being a night owl like her parents!

This is a favorite because of this bow. I worked yesterday and Grayson and Tilley-Gray met me for an early dinner. He dressed her and decided to put the biggest bow in her collection on her. I'm almost positive this is meant for a five year old, but I loved it. It looks like a spectator hat on her!

I hope you all have a great weekend! 

It's my first Mother's Day and I am excited to be spending it with my mom and grandmother! 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mom's out there!

xoxo

Loving Emerson Fry

Emerson Made came on the scene a few years ago showcasing handmade fabric flowers and pins. Fast forward to today, and those little flowers launched her into a full on fashion designer, now known as Emerson Fry. Her style is a little glam, a little prep, and a little boho. A combination that sounds unlikely, but is infused perfectly into her newest collection.

A few favorites...

  

 I absolutely would not classify these in the "mom clothes" category, however, I think the polish and style of Emerson Fry's clothing is perfect for where I am professionally and as a new mom.  Any of these would be perfect for a meeting with a client, a night on the town, or entertaining at home. I also love that in the majority of their photos, the  model is holding a Marie Antoinette style champagne glass. My favorite! 

Design Crush: Elizabeth Dinkel

I found Elizabeth Dinkel Design when I tried finding the source for this gorgeous room. I first saw it on Pinterest, but not one time was it sourced correctly. After doing a little digging, I found out that Elizabeth Dinkel designed this room for the Veranda Showcase house.  Not only does the attention to detail in this room make it so gorgeous, the craftsmanship is unreal! 

Looking through her website, every room she designs is stunning. She layers her designs but they never seem overly decorated or stiff. Again, the detail in her designs amaze me. 

photo credits via by Karyn Millet