Friday, February 24, 2017

Shopping for my Boys


As I've mentioned before I have two energetic, lovely little boys. I love them to death and love being a mom to boys but one of the downsides to having boys rather than girls would have to be the clothes. I walk through the children's section and see so many cute options for girls but then I go over to the boy's section and it's so depressing.
The boys section isn't cute or sweet or even handsome. As much as Emmett would love cartoon characters on all of his clothes, I do not. I like for them to be either classic or preppy. Even though it can be difficult, I've rounded up a few looks I think would be handsome on both my boys this spring. Everything is from Old Navy, plus if you shop online today you can get an additional 40% off kids clothes when you use the code PLAY which makes for some great prices!


I've got several on the way to me. Now Emmett and Oliver will some cute clothes to start off their spring wardrobe. Happy shopping!






Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Finding Inspiration- Guest Bedroom

My guest bedroom is uninspiring to say the least. It has become a free for all. Filled with all the stuff that didn't seem to have a place but now I'm at the point where I'm ready to clean it up and get make it into a respectable room for our friends and family. I've started cleaning it out and organizing all the crap, but now I need to get proper furniture and wall decor. I've been searching Pinterest and have so many rooms that bring me inspiration, so I just wanted to share a few.

This lovely room is by the impeccable Joanna Gaines and featured on Fixer Upper

Such a bright, light room and I love the striped wall. Room found here

I like the mirror over the bed and white side tables. Room found here.

Again, the side tables, but also the lamps and iron bed. Room found here.

This sad room is my current guest room situation. A better room is to come!

I bought some end tables from a guy off Craigslist that are a work in progress. I'm currently in the process of refinishing them. I also have two of these pretty lamps to go atop my tables once they're ready. 
Above the bed, I was thinking would really like to put a large mirror, at least 40" diameter, but all the one's I like are more than I want to spend. This mirror is the one I'm lusting after and the price isn't outrageous, but I'm still going keep an eye out for a sale. In a recent episode of Fixer Upper, Joanna used a smaller (maybe 16"x 24") scalloped mirror above the bed and it worked, so I may rethink the size. 

I have been buying pieces here and there, so I hope to have this room done in the next week or so. I'd also like to paint the room since it's still builder's grade cream, ewww, but again, I'll have to find the time to get it done. When I do find the time to paint, I'm sure I will keep it light with a nice white wall. 






Monday, February 20, 2017

Weekend Wrap Up

We had another beautiful weekend here in Charleston. The weather was just perfect and it continues to be unseasonably warm, but no complaints here.
On Friday, Pierce left for an overnight kayaking/ camping trip out at Caper's Island so it was just me and the boys Friday night through Saturday afternoon. We shopped, snacked and played. Emmett helped me pick out faux animal busts and pillows for my reading nook... keep scrolling to check out my progress so far.

We stopped at the Krispy Kreme and let Oliver have his first taste of the South's deep fried deliciousness. Of course, he loved it!


When we got back home, the boys played outside with the neighbors while I sanded end tables and spray painted curtain rods. I have a lot of projects in the works right now so I have to squeeze them in little by little when I can find the time.

That evening I headed to Old Wide Awake Plantation. This was my first time visiting and I wanted to take some photos there but I didn't realize the site is privately owned. Be aware that you should contact the owner's before visiting. Anyway, I walked around for a minute and must say, it is a beautiful house. If you're looking for a truly Southern place to get married, you should check it out because it would be there perfect venue. By the way, this is where Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe got married.

♥ Porch envy ♥

and these steps ♥♥

Sunday we packed up the kiddos and went downtown for the Southeastern Wildlife Expo. SEWE is a must-do if you live in or visit Charleston mid-February. They have art, food, and animal exhibits throughout downtown and is fun for the entire family. My parents came down and went with us. We had a blast!
the Bird's of Prey at Marion Park are a must see


Ollie and my dad

Emmett with my parents. The boys love spending time with their mimi and papa.

Today was an extension of the weekend since it was President's Day. I definitely vote for a four day workweek. I dropped the kids off at the sitter's and was able to get so much accomplished today. I got two coats of paint on the guest room side tables I'm refinishing, worked on my income taxes, hung curtain rods in the guest room, edited photos, and hung all the animal busts for the reading nook. Whew... I'm tired but I'm so glad I got some items checked off my list.

Check out my progress. 

My reading nook is slowly coming together 😊 all I have left is to to get the bookcase. Emmett picked out the giraffe head and helped me choose the pillows when we went shopping Saturday. He was excited when he got home today and saw this wall. He went upstairs by himself and yelled down that we had to come up to see it because it was awesome. I love the joy he finds in the little things! I hope he doesn't lose his four-year-old spirit and enthusiasm. 

And that is how I spent my long weekend. I hope you all had a productive and fun weekend as well! Now I'm off to bed. 
Night, night.



Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Lovely Dresses

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day. Me and the hubs don't go out of our way to get extravagant gifts or try to fight the crowds for meal out. So in our usual fashion, I cooked dinner which we had to rush to eat. Emmett had swim lessons so he and Pierce didn't get home until almost seven. Pierce got dessert, my favorite white chocolate mousse cake from Saffron downtown. If you've never tried it, you must because it's fabulous and has a raspberry filling 😍. Since Oliver loves stuffed animals, I got him a cute little koala, and Emmett got some candy and these weird playing card and coins he likes. I don't get but it makes him happy. That was our exciting night. Good food, lots of love, and mucho cuddles. 

Even though I'm not into the Valentine's gifts, I couldn't help but fawn over some romantic dresses that radiate love. Macy's has an additional 15% to 20% off today if you use the code LOVE. 

Off-The-Shoulder Lace Dress ** so pretty and only $30!

Tweed Fit & Flare Dress ** that collar is just precious

Lace Shift Dress ** lovely blush lace and cap sleeves 

Pleated Floral Gown ** love the romantic pastel flowers 

Pretty much sums things up. I love a good night in ;-)






Sunday, February 12, 2017

Sweets and Selfies

Happy Sunday! Here in Charleston we are having unseasonably warm weather and today was just perfect so we spent lots of time outside. I did have the morning with just Ollie so I was able to do a little shopping and baking.

I have always loved sweets, but I am partial to a great cookie and today I found that perfect, great cookie recipe. They have a soft center with slightly crispy edge. These cookies are buttery with a light cinnamon and sugar coating. What could they be? Snickerdoodles of course. I've never been able to make one that taste as good as the Great American Cookie but now I think I could give them a run for their money. I had to use all my self-control to only eat three today. I ended up giving away half of them so I wouldn't eat them all. So without ado, here is the recipe for the most perfect snickerdoodle you can make at home. All the credit for this recipe goes to Averie Cooks.


THE BEST SNICKERDOODLES 

INGREDIENTS:

Dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
For Rolling
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:


For the dough: 
To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the butter, sugars, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined, about 3 minutes. 
Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well combined, light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the add the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, optional salt, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop or spoon, form approximately 14 equal-sized mounds of dough (2 heaping tablespoons each), roll into balls, and flatten slightly. In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and stir to combine. Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place mounds on a large plate or lined cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 5 days. Do not bake with unchilled dough because cookies will bake thinner, flatter, and be more prone to spreading.
Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place dough balls on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart and bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just set to keep the centers soft. For firmer cookies, bake a minute or two longer. Cookies firm up as they cool. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. I let them cool on the baking sheet and don't use a rack.
Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

I think this dough would be a great base for a variety of cookies, it is that perfect. Next I may double it and do some with chocolate chips or nuts or cranberries. 
Emmett approved ✓✓
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I also wanted to share a few of my awful mirror selfies. How cute are these jeans I found at Target for less than $9!?! So cute and perfect warm days like today.
jeans {sale is in store only, so run grab a pair}


This post marks the end to a deliciously wonderful weekend. I hope yours was just as nice.




Thursday, February 9, 2017

Monochromatic Mama

I love stripes! If I had a "mom uniform" this would be it. Stripes are my go-to for a chic, comfortable outfit. Stripes are the new neutral. You can dress them up with jewelry, colored pants, florals... oh, the possibilities. Today I'm keeping it pretty simple but I have to say that this look is so me.


shirt || pants || necklace (white version) || shoes || purse (pink)

I love the little architectural details that can be found around Charleston.


This window box is perfection.

Don't mind me... just going home ;-)

Love the ironwork on this gate.


Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Style on the Cheap- Shopping SheIn

Have you gals heard of SheIn? If not you're in for a shopping treat. They have trendy clothes at awesome price. I found out about it when I just had to buy a top I saw on  Seersucker and Saddles (a superb fashion blog) for only $12. 
I'm talking about $10 - $30 for most pieces. While they have super cute styles and fabulous prices, do be aware that there are a few need to knows when shopping.

Black Maxi for $24 {love the back & sides}

1. READ THE REVIEWS. I cannot stress this enough. The outfits look cute on the models but you want to make sure it will work for you. See what others have to say on the quality, sizing, and material before adding it to you basket. Some items run small, others large. Some are very short. The pictures other buyers post also give you a good idea of how it looks in real life. 

2. Shipping can be slow when ordering multiple items. If you order one piece at a time you will get them faster, of course you'll have to pay more shipping but it may be worth it to some people since the items are so cheap to begin with. 

3. Discount codes. The dollar off when you spend so much is self explanatory but the percentage off is not. For example, if you use a 40% off code, the price is not 40% off the sale price; it is 40% off the retail price. So if an item is already on sale for 40% you won't get another 40% off. If the item says 35%, you will get an additional 5% off to bring the item to 40% off. Make sense? I was confused by this one at first.

4. There are a lot of items and it can be overwhelming. I find it easier to shop using my computer where I can get a better view of the products and add my favorites to my cart then when I'm done I go back through and weed it out until I get down to the ones I must buy. Also, I find it difficult and frustrating to shop using my phone because once you click on an item and then go back to list it takes you to the top and you have to go through everything you've already seen again. 

I hate returning items so I read reviews and only buy items I'm at 95% sure will work for me. So far I've had good success with the items I've bought from SheIn and haven't had to return anything, so I don't know what their process is like. 

Now that you know the in's and out's of shopping the site it's time for me to show you some of my favorite pieces I've been lusting after. Some are already on their way to me... I'll be sure an post pictures and reviews for you when I get them. Happy shopping!




Monday, February 6, 2017

Weekend Round-up

Monday is here again and I have survived another weekend with my little loves but this time I got to do so with my family. On Friday, Pierce and I packed up the boys and headed to my parent's. It was nice to spend quality time with them especially for the boys. They're growing up so fast and I want them to know and love their grandparents the way I did when I was little.
On Saturday my mom and I took the boys to visit my sister and niece in Columbia. We left the guys at home to work on fixing the clutch in my dad's motorcycle.


First off we headed to all little kids favorite place, Chuck E Cheese. We got there early, and thank goodness we did, because omg... it was chaos by the time we left. I think we all enjoyed ourselves. I'm so competitive and couldn't help myself and had to play a few games against my mom and sister in skeeball and basketball... fyi, I kicked their booties 🍑.



Afterwards we grabbed lunch at one of my favorite places, Newk's. They have a great variety plus it's casual so the kids and their noise and mess aren't looked at too shamefully... thank goodness because when we come in and leave it is like a tornado came through. Emmett loves the potato soup.

We grilled steaks for supper... I'm going to have to workout extra hard this week. 


Church on Sunday. Oliver doesn't take well to new people so my mom stayed in the nursery with him and when the service is over he was asleep on her which he NEVER does for me. I love how sweet he looks while he sleeps and also how big he is getting. He won't be a baby much longer and that makes me so sad. I've got to take in all the "baby" moments before they're all gone. 


Back at home, we went for a walk around the neighborhood and found this hidden tire swing which Emmett had to take for a ride. 
After all the unhealthy eating we did, I wrapped up the weekend with a crisp asian chicken salad which hit the spot. So fresh and yummy! 


We ended the weekend in bed watching the Superbowl. We turned in off in the 3rd quarter since we figured it was pretty much a wrap but boy were we wrong. Oh well! I was just watching for the commercials anyway. Lady Gaga did a great job on the halftime show. 

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On a quick shopping note... I was browsing SheIn and if you haven't checked it out, you must. They have such cute clothes at fantastic prices. I have already put several items in my shopping cart, and I'll share some more with you tomorrow but I wanted to show you just a few because I couldn't wait!

Halter Floral Maxi - only $23 right now... that's insane!

Striped Criss Cross Back Dress - $21 what, the what?!?