new friends!

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So it has taken me some time, but I finally updated my blog roll to include some of my new daily reads! Take a look down the list of my daily dose and enjoy!

I also did a small update to the blog layout in hopes to declutter my life (starting with the blog!). I hope it looks as nice as I think it does. Let me know if you seen any eyesores though!

new friends!

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So it has taken me some time, but I finally updated my blog roll to include some of my new daily reads! Take a look down the list of my daily dose and enjoy!

I also did a small update to the blog layout in hopes to declutter my life (starting with the blog!). I hope it looks as nice as I think it does. Let me know if you seen any eyesores though!

flag tables

How sweet are these tabletop pennants? They would be great centerpieces at a party or even at a summer wedding! I found them over at possibly&perhaps.

I think my favorite are the patriotic ones right now! Maybe it's just the early Independence Day spirit setting in. Which ones are your fave?

flag tables

How sweet are these tabletop pennants? They would be great centerpieces at a party or even at a summer wedding! I found them over at possibly&perhaps.

I think my favorite are the patriotic ones right now! Maybe it's just the early Independence Day spirit setting in. Which ones are your fave?

carolina day

Ever wonder why the South Carolina flag has a palmetto tree on it? Maybe not, but there is quite a story behind it!

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Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, American's in South Carolina (led by Gen. William Moultrie!) stood up to the Brits at Fort Sullivan on a little island in the Charleston harbor. The fort was barricaded by palmetto logs, which held up very well against the British armies. The battle was the first of many successes in the Revolutionary War and is now remembered by a palmetto tree on the South Carolina flag. Today we celebrate Carolina Day, the anniversary of that very battle!

PS - See that fort in this wedding pic of mine? That's the one!
Yes, I got married across the street from history! And the beach.

carolina day

Ever wonder why the South Carolina flag has a palmetto tree on it? Maybe not, but there is quite a story behind it!

(image)

Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, American's in South Carolina (led by Gen. William Moultrie!) stood up to the Brits at Fort Sullivan on a little island in the Charleston harbor. The fort was barricaded by palmetto logs, which held up very well against the British armies. The battle was the first of many successes in the Revolutionary War and is now remembered by a palmetto tree on the South Carolina flag. Today we celebrate Carolina Day, the anniversary of that very battle!

PS - See that fort in this wedding pic of mine? That's the one!
Yes, I got married across the street from history! And the beach.

rainy inspiration

I woke up this morning a little disappointed that it wasn't raining yet. It was suppose to start on Saturday afternoon and we desperately needed it to cool the air a bit. Sadly, it still hasn't started and it was a whopping 90 degrees in Pittsburgh yesterday. So the rain is very welcome now! On the bright side, since it wasn't raining, J and I were able to go on a short morning walk (part of my plan to become a morning person!) and it has done wonders for me! He went straight back to bed, but I'm feeling great today because of it!

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So in honor of this almost rainy day, I'm trying to be productive while listening to Irish music. I'm dreaming of sitting in a pub on a cold, rainy day in the homeland. Sounds nice, huh?

rainy inspiration

I woke up this morning a little disappointed that it wasn't raining yet. It was suppose to start on Saturday afternoon and we desperately needed it to cool the air a bit. Sadly, it still hasn't started and it was a whopping 90 degrees in Pittsburgh yesterday. So the rain is very welcome now! On the bright side, since it wasn't raining, J and I were able to go on a short morning walk (part of my plan to become a morning person!) and it has done wonders for me! He went straight back to bed, but I'm feeling great today because of it!

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So in honor of this almost rainy day, I'm trying to be productive while listening to Irish music. I'm dreaming of sitting in a pub on a cold, rainy day in the homeland. Sounds nice, huh?

six.months

Do you know what today is? June 25th! That means it is only 6 months until Christmas Day! You will soon learn, dear readers, that I am a little obsessed with Christmas. I just can't help it. Everything about the season just makes me happy. Sometimes I get criticized for not staying true to the real meaning of Christmas... but honestly, I think I do. Technically, the Christmas season starts on Christmas day and doesn't really end until January on the Feast of the Epiphany. I get that... but where is the harm in loving the holidays before then?

I'm a littler particular about wrapping paper... just ask Mom.

I try really hard not to really start freaking out about Christmas until November 2nd, once Halloween is finally over. Every year it gets harder as stores start putting out holiday decorations earlier and earlier (I saw some in July last year!!!).

Christmas 2009 - our very first tree together!

So stay tuned friends, it's almost time for you to learn just how deep my love for Christmas really goes.

I'm already starting to think of the type of wrapping paper I want this year...

vacation dinner

Last Saturday, on our last day of vacation, my parents, J, and I all went to do a little antiquing. My mom had already given me a sweet cake plate (that she made from an antique glass plate and glass candlestick!) and a milk glass bud vase, but I picked up another bud vase, this one clear glass hobnail. J and I also stopped into goodwill to pick up some cheap VHS tapes, a green vase, and a cute diner style sugar shaker.

The best part of the day though was dinner. Mom decided to cook dad a spectacular Father's Day dinner. We picked out a recipe for Citrusy Tequila Chicken and from there added on a salad and some green beans to complete the meal. J and I made sure there was bread and yummy EVOO on the table of course.

I decided since its Father's Day and since I'm hardly ever home for dinner with them (being that I live half a day away!), it was time to set out the china and make a pretty table. I love my mom's rustic looking kitchen... don't you?

Okay, my favorite part of the dinner (probably everyone's favorite part) was the french onion soup Momma made. It may have been too hot for soup, but it really didn't matter. We served it in these cute glass trifle dishes with a piece of toast and cheese on top. Looks delicious right?!?

Overall, it was a good trip! Mom was nice enough to send me a little card with all of the recipes from our vacation (including a lemon pepper pork tenderloin my brother made and a watermelon-basil salad from wedding number two!). Can't wait to recreate our favorite vacation foods!

six.months

Do you know what today is? June 25th! That means it is only 6 months until Christmas Day! You will soon learn, dear readers, that I am a little obsessed with Christmas. I just can't help it. Everything about the season just makes me happy. Sometimes I get criticized for not staying true to the real meaning of Christmas... but honestly, I think I do. Technically, the Christmas season starts on Christmas day and doesn't really end until January on the Feast of the Epiphany. I get that... but where is the harm in loving the holidays before then?

I'm a littler particular about wrapping paper... just ask Mom.

I try really hard not to really start freaking out about Christmas until November 2nd, once Halloween is finally over. Every year it gets harder as stores start putting out holiday decorations earlier and earlier (I saw some in July last year!!!).

Christmas 2009 - our very first tree together!

So stay tuned friends, it's almost time for you to learn just how deep my love for Christmas really goes.

I'm already starting to think of the type of wrapping paper I want this year...

vacation dinner

Last Saturday, on our last day of vacation, my parents, J, and I all went to do a little antiquing. My mom had already given me a sweet cake plate (that she made from an antique glass plate and glass candlestick!) and a milk glass bud vase, but I picked up another bud vase, this one clear glass hobnail. J and I also stopped into goodwill to pick up some cheap VHS tapes, a green vase, and a cute diner style sugar shaker.

The best part of the day though was dinner. Mom decided to cook dad a spectacular Father's Day dinner. We picked out a recipe for Citrusy Tequila Chicken and from there added on a salad and some green beans to complete the meal. J and I made sure there was bread and yummy EVOO on the table of course.

I decided since its Father's Day and since I'm hardly ever home for dinner with them (being that I live half a day away!), it was time to set out the china and make a pretty table. I love my mom's rustic looking kitchen... don't you?

Okay, my favorite part of the dinner (probably everyone's favorite part) was the french onion soup Momma made. It may have been too hot for soup, but it really didn't matter. We served it in these cute glass trifle dishes with a piece of toast and cheese on top. Looks delicious right?!?

Overall, it was a good trip! Mom was nice enough to send me a little card with all of the recipes from our vacation (including a lemon pepper pork tenderloin my brother made and a watermelon-basil salad from wedding number two!). Can't wait to recreate our favorite vacation foods!

summer colors

I've fallen in love with Orly nail colors. It's not that they're much different from other brands when it comes to color variety, but the colors are super opaque and dry really fast. I don't think I can go back to using other brands any time soon. Here are some of my favorite summer colors:

I'm currently wearing terracotta and have been all June! I've seen quite a few people sporting the same or similar color so I feel good about my choice!

What are some of your favorite nail colors for summer?

summer colors

I've fallen in love with Orly nail colors. It's not that they're much different from other brands when it comes to color variety, but the colors are super opaque and dry really fast. I don't think I can go back to using other brands any time soon. Here are some of my favorite summer colors:

I'm currently wearing terracotta and have been all June! I've seen quite a few people sporting the same or similar color so I feel good about my choice!

What are some of your favorite nail colors for summer?

sweet southern wedding

I don't even know where to begin to tell you about this wedding. The love between Bridgette and Cory is just beautiful and their wedding showed it! The ceremony was held at the same church J and I were married at (so it was very sweet to go back so soon!) and the reception was at the dock of an old southern plantation.

The place was filled with flowers and candlelight which set a great mood for the evening! The linens were lime green (the bridesmaid's wore teal) and Bridgette covered pillows, made table runners, and wrapped vases in coordinating Amy Butler fabrics - what a sweet touch!

  

Now you know that I'm loving this part... that amazing cake is sitting on an antique mirror. Never would have thought of that myself!

Towards the end of the reception, servers walked around with trays (also lined in more Amy Butler!) with little glasses of milk and pralines (a Charleston favorite!) made by the bride herself! The couple left for the night through a line of sparklers (check out the super cute matchbooks!) while guests finished up the leftover drinks at the bar.

 

I wish I could have taken photos of every single detail of the reception, but I left that job to the photographer. But here is a quick list of all of my favorite details from the day:

a wall of scattered family wedding photos, Bridgette's

bridal portraits and their engagement photos in gold frames

Firefly Vodka and Lemonade served in mini mason jars

lime green ruffled table linens

a Charleston coffee table book as a guest book

bag of grits for the favor, complete with the couple's

favorite recipe for shrimp & grits (another Charleston fave!)

paisley ties and grey suits for the guys

beautiful Etsy hairpiece for the bride

Congrats again to Birdy & Co! Enjoy your Jamaican honeymoon!

sweet southern wedding

I don't even know where to begin to tell you about this wedding. The love between Bridgette and Cory is just beautiful and their wedding showed it! The ceremony was held at the same church J and I were married at (so it was very sweet to go back so soon!) and the reception was at the dock of an old southern plantation.

The place was filled with flowers and candlelight which set a great mood for the evening! The linens were lime green (the bridesmaid's wore teal) and Bridgette covered pillows, made table runners, and wrapped vases in coordinating Amy Butler fabrics - what a sweet touch!

  

Now you know that I'm loving this part... that amazing cake is sitting on an antique mirror. Never would have thought of that myself!

Towards the end of the reception, servers walked around with trays (also lined in more Amy Butler!) with little glasses of milk and pralines (a Charleston favorite!) made by the bride herself! The couple left for the night through a line of sparklers (check out the super cute matchbooks!) while guests finished up the leftover drinks at the bar.

 

I wish I could have taken photos of every single detail of the reception, but I left that job to the photographer. But here is a quick list of all of my favorite details from the day:

a wall of scattered family wedding photos, Bridgette's

bridal portraits and their engagement photos in gold frames

Firefly Vodka and Lemonade served in mini mason jars

lime green ruffled table linens

a Charleston coffee table book as a guest book

bag of grits for the favor, complete with the couple's

favorite recipe for shrimp & grits (another Charleston fave!)

paisley ties and grey suits for the guys

beautiful Etsy hairpiece for the bride

Congrats again to Birdy & Co! Enjoy your Jamaican honeymoon!

Rue La La!

Are you a member of Rue La La yet? It's an exclusive shopping site with member-only discounts. There are ton of sites like this, but this one is definitely my favorite. They feature everything from housewares to hotels and always have popular brands! Right now they're featuring KitchenAid! They have some good deals on there, so go check it out!

You can sign up to be a member here. Sign up to get daily emails so you can stay updated on the new boutiques opening up! ENJOY!

Rue La La!

Are you a member of Rue La La yet? It's an exclusive shopping site with member-only discounts. There are ton of sites like this, but this one is definitely my favorite. They feature everything from housewares to hotels and always have popular brands! Right now they're featuring KitchenAid! They have some good deals on there, so go check it out!

You can sign up to be a member here. Sign up to get daily emails so you can stay updated on the new boutiques opening up! ENJOY!

monday inspiration {summer}

Happy first day of summer lovies!

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I'm a sucker for summer. In high school and college, during the summers, I practically lived out of my car. I had a change of clothes and an extra bathing suit and towel in my trunk at all times. I also carried a radio around in the car for spur of the moment beach days with lots of friends. I would go out in the morning and could easily spend an entire day laying on the sand with a few good magazines and friends. Lately though, I'm a little more low key. I'd rather a little cooler weather (no more 90+ degrees for me!) and a quiet pool in a mountain resort. Maybe next summer?

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How do you spend your summer days? At the beach? A neighborhood pool? I'd love to hear!

Have a wonderful time today celebrating the first day of summer!

monday inspiration {summer}

Happy first day of summer lovies!

(image)

I'm a sucker for summer. In high school and college, during the summers, I practically lived out of my car. I had a change of clothes and an extra bathing suit and towel in my trunk at all times. I also carried a radio around in the car for spur of the moment beach days with lots of friends. I would go out in the morning and could easily spend an entire day laying on the sand with a few good magazines and friends. Lately though, I'm a little more low key. I'd rather a little cooler weather (no more 90+ degrees for me!) and a quiet pool in a mountain resort. Maybe next summer?

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How do you spend your summer days? At the beach? A neighborhood pool? I'd love to hear!

Have a wonderful time today celebrating the first day of summer!

Have a relaxing weekend!

What a week it has been! J and I have been from Pittsburgh, to Raleigh, to Charleston, back to Raleigh, to Myrtle Beach and now back to Charleston! Thank goodness for our little vacation at the beach, it was definitely relaxing compared to the run-around of the rest of the trip!

relaxing on our little balcony at the beach!

Today we're off to wedding number two (of the trip and of the summer!) and we can't be more excited about it. The ceremony is in the same church where we were married and the reception is at an old plantation right on the marsh. I also know that the couple is beyond in love and they have an excellent little party planned. You know I will be sure to share the sweet little details to you next week! I'll also try to share more pics from the vacation as well!

Until then, I hope you all have a glorious summer weekend! Get out and enjoy the sun, or curl up on the couch with some yummy drinks and a good book! Either way - relax!

Have a relaxing weekend!

What a week it has been! J and I have been from Pittsburgh, to Raleigh, to Charleston, back to Raleigh, to Myrtle Beach and now back to Charleston! Thank goodness for our little vacation at the beach, it was definitely relaxing compared to the run-around of the rest of the trip!

relaxing on our little balcony at the beach!

Today we're off to wedding number two (of the trip and of the summer!) and we can't be more excited about it. The ceremony is in the same church where we were married and the reception is at an old plantation right on the marsh. I also know that the couple is beyond in love and they have an excellent little party planned. You know I will be sure to share the sweet little details to you next week! I'll also try to share more pics from the vacation as well!

Until then, I hope you all have a glorious summer weekend! Get out and enjoy the sun, or curl up on the couch with some yummy drinks and a good book! Either way - relax!

skyy blue

I have a dear friend who is getting married next summer. When I asked her about colors she was considering for her wedding she replied with "you know the color blue on the Skyy Vodka bottles?" Needless to say, I about died laughing because only a select few people would describe the color to people this way and my dear Katie is definitely one of them (love you!).

I stumbled across these tumblers and couldn't help but think of my former roomie and her upcoming wedding! They would make wonderful vases wouldn't they?!?

Skyy Vodka Bottle Tumblers found here

What is it about old or recycled bottles that I love so much?!?

skyy blue

I have a dear friend who is getting married next summer. When I asked her about colors she was considering for her wedding she replied with "you know the color blue on the Skyy Vodka bottles?" Needless to say, I about died laughing because only a select few people would describe the color to people this way and my dear Katie is definitely one of them (love you!).

I stumbled across these tumblers and couldn't help but think of my former roomie and her upcoming wedding! They would make wonderful vases wouldn't they?!?

Skyy Vodka Bottle Tumblers found here

What is it about old or recycled bottles that I love so much?!?

Elegant Charleston Wedding

I cannot even begin to tell you how beautiful the wedding was on Saturday. It was my dear friend Laura getting married and boy does she have good taste! Everything was gold and white, absolutely elegant! They incorporated a little wedding logo on everything - napkins, an ice sculpture, the ceremony program, even the cake!

The bridesmaid's dresses were a beautiful gold and the MOH (one of my own bridesmaids) had a pretty white sash as well.

Laura's dress, as you can see is absolutely elegant. And that cake! I still haven't figured out if those were all real layers or not... but it was delicious! Check out her bouquet as well! As J said at one point during the reception, "that is one badass bouquet."

The reception was a cocktail party lit with candles and covered in beautiful flowers. It truly was a romantic affair!

Congrats to my dear Mrs. Campbell and enjoy your honeymoon in St. Lucia! You were a beautiful bride!

(Pics are all thanks to Mandy, the MOH)

Elegant Charleston Wedding

I cannot even begin to tell you how beautiful the wedding was on Saturday. It was my dear friend Laura getting married and boy does she have good taste! Everything was gold and white, absolutely elegant! They incorporated a little wedding logo on everything - napkins, an ice sculpture, the ceremony program, even the cake!

The bridesmaid's dresses were a beautiful gold and the MOH (one of my own bridesmaids) had a pretty white sash as well.

Laura's dress, as you can see is absolutely elegant. And that cake! I still haven't figured out if those were all real layers or not... but it was delicious! Check out her bouquet as well! As J said at one point during the reception, "that is one badass bouquet."

The reception was a cocktail party lit with candles and covered in beautiful flowers. It truly was a romantic affair!

Congrats to my dear Mrs. Campbell and enjoy your honeymoon in St. Lucia! You were a beautiful bride!

(Pics are all thanks to Mandy, the MOH)