Friday, November 30, 2012

ready?


Tomorrow is the big day! Anyone else excited? I'll be at Target when doors open. I have my eye on the Rag & Bone flask for a certain someone. And can we talk about the Altuzarra glasses and shaker? You can peruse the collection here. I'm calling tomorrow as being comparable to the Missoni collaboration frenzy. Great!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

reading list


Over the years, I have really grown to enjoy reading. I love finding new books to love. I am compiling a list of books that I'd like to read in 2013, and I thought I'd first turn to you for guidance. What's your favorite book? What book are you reading now? Dish.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

with love

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Next Up: The Long and Short of It

Well, you guys... we have yet another special guest here today sharing her nexts: Jessie from The Long and Short of It. Girl's got style and a killer home that was recently featured on The Everygirl. How cool is that? I love following all of Jessie's projects and fun finds through her blog... as I'm sure you will too!

Monday, November 26, 2012

yes pls.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend... Luckily, we managed to avoid all holiday traffic both to and from Florida. I ate way too much turkey, pie, and those sausage/cheese/croissant things that my sister-in-law made. Basically, I pigged out but have no regrets. :)

I know some of you avoid all Black Friday shopping and wait it out for Cyber Monday. Probably smart of you... I left at 8pm on Thanksgiving night and got home at 7am. Overly tired... not worth it.

I don't have any fabulous 50% off deals for you today, but I do have one of my favorite artists bringing you a hot new gift idea. Lulie Wallace is offering prints and a new textile line.


Half of the print proceeds go to support local non-profits. The beauty above goes to support Palmetto Medical Initiative. My dad is heading to Nicaragua with PMI in less than 2 weeks, so I'm feeling a bit partial.

Go buy up Lulie's snazzy new bags and pillows for everyone in your family. And while you're at it, send me a few yards of fabric that are now available... my wish list is growing by the minute.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

today


I am so blessed. There are far too many things to name, but I do want to drop in and thank YOU for reading along. Thank YOU for being an incredible support system. I am thankful for the many friendships that I have formed through ANT and am grateful for this creative outlet.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Next Up: Peonies & Brass

Today, the sweet Elyse from Peonies and Brass is here to dish what's next for her. I recently happened upon her blog and felt so inspired by many of her posts. I'm sure that you'll feel the same way once  you take a gander for yourself. :) The floor is yours, Elyse!

Monday, November 19, 2012

weekend top 9


1 // Hot drinks and cozy layers are a daily must. I've been rockin' the Lululemon maybe a little too much.
2 // Do you have a baby that sits like mine does? Feet back. I love it.
3 // I usually prefer a wood-burning fire, but our gas fireplace sure is a convenient and quick fix to set the mood.
4 // We drove to Greenville, and Avery finally met the man in our family that he was named after.
5 // I did it. I got rid of my ombré hair. The winter months ahead call for a darker brunette here.
6 // My in-laws took the boys to Florida for a few days. No kids until Thanksgiving means numerous dates with my man. Night #1 was his choice: beer + wings.
7 // I went to Charleston for a girls night out with Julia, Chassity, Natalie, Caycee, Katharine, Erin & Amanda. 
8 // We went to our first oyster roast of the season, and I shucked my heart out.
9 // I enjoyed yesterday's Fall Festival with a cold bev in my hand. Perfect!

How was your weekend? 

Friday, November 16, 2012

friday's favorites

Can we talk about how genius Jenny's kitchen cabinets are? I am crazy about how her little space is coming along. You with me?


+ Fingers crossed that I win this beauty!

+ Ever tried these? I recently got together with my girl, Chassity, and she introduced me to them. I honestly don't know how I have survived all of this time without 'em.

+ I have enjoyed perusing the holiday gift guides out there, but this one from Liz tops my list of favorites.

+ I make spaghetti for dinner once every 1 or 2 weeks, so next time it comes through rotation, you can bet I'll be attempting to make marinara sauce from scratch.

+ Thank you to everyone that emailed or messaged me recommendations to make my trip to New York as excellent as possible. I am beyond excited to be walking the streets of NYC in just under 3 weeks... here's hoping it's not too cold for my southern blood.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

style & share /// leather pants

We've established the fact that I am loving an edgy look these days, and leather does just that for us. There are so many ways to wear leather pants, and I'm always looking for a new way to style the things that are already in my closet.

Remember my challenge? I had some of you create inspiration outfits to share here today. This is how I would like to wear them next... leather it out, baby!


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The Vault Files
Gaby
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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Jessamie

#1
Cobalt Blue Dressy
Aztec & Leather Casual
sources

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A Simple Affair
Carly

sweater | jacket | earrings | bracelets | boots | bag

__________________________

Couture Zoo
Kecia
shirt | coat | shoes | tote | earrings

__________________________

A Creative Day
Eileen

leather my way
sources

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LowLife Couture 
Becca


Thanks again ladies! I think I'll wear mine with leopard next... that seemed to be a popular pairing among the outfits above.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

NYC


In 3 weeks, my husband and I will be heading to New York City for my birthday. I cannot wait! I haven't been to The City in nearly 15 years, so I am ready to make the trip as memorable as possible. I've been to all of the super touristy places once, and in most cases once is enough for me. Yes, we will go to Central Park and Time Square while we are there, but other than that... I'd like to explore the southern part of Manhattan. I care most about eating good food, seeing beautiful sights, and shopping. So, here is where I need you... Where would you go? For those that live there or have already been, what are your favorites? Must-see, must-eat, must-do??? Help a sister out.

Also, any NY bloggers want to get together for a cocktail? I'd love to meet some of you bloggy friends in real life!

Here's to seeing NYC from a new perspective!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Next Up: Natalie Merrillyn

Good morning, lovelies! Today, Natalie Merrillyn is sharing her nexts with us. I absolutely adore Natalie's style. She is precious! If you aren't already familiar with her blog, what are you waiting for?!  Her daily outfit shots on IG are at the top of my list. Girl's got style! Take a look...

Monday, November 12, 2012

what's going on

Oh, where do I begin? 

I'll start with my favorite. I attended an auction at Redux over the weekend with Becca and Kristin and bought my first piece by Lulie Wallace. It was my first time at an art auction, and I really loved it. I seriously can't wait to do it again. Lulie even took me to her studio, where I got to see and hear about some exciting new things in the works. 



If you know Lulie's work, then you know that she usually paints bouquets of flowers (not individual stems.) This piece was unique because she only painted 2 like it, and they were specifically painted to help design her website.. or so her husband told me. I am crazy about it. My piece is not the norm, making it rare and all the more special to me.
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If you follow my instagrams, none of this is new to you, but I thought I'd share a few snapshots of my life's happenings as of late.

I love this time of year and am enjoying our cozy morning fires.

I've been on a cooking kick... homemade tomato basil soup just happened.

Avery's room is coming along slowly but surely, and it all started with those navy walls. LOVE.

My sister and I had brunch at Halls Chophouse, where I tried my first Bloody Mary... ever.  It was good, but I wouldn't crave one. I'll take a Mimosa next time. 

I sat and watched a sunrise and a sunset over the weekend (both a beautiful sight from my Mom and Dad's house.)

After a little practice, the 4-strand braid quickly became my favorite "go to." Have you tried it? 

And how could I forget about these sweet little faces that I get to spend every day with?! Their new favorite thing is to make a beard like daddy while in the bathtub. Love those boys!

That's all I've got for y'all. Hope you had an equally fun weekend!

Friday, November 9, 2012

my weekend

via


This weekend, I am vowing to not sit behind my computer to edit photos or work on blog stuff. I'm most looking forward to going out tonight to celebrate 2 birthdays. Husband and wife literally have the same birthday... isn't that fun?! I haven't been out for a night on the town in a while, so the black leather pants are coming out!

What are your weekend plans?

Side note: We draw names every year for Christmas on both sides of the family, and we went ahead and chose names on my husband's side. Of course I got one of my brother-in-laws… men are so tough to buy for!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Apple Pie


Today, I am sharing a recipe for (hands down) the best apple pie that you will ever have. It is guaranteed to please!

FILLING: Get 6 apples (or 7 for deep dish). Rome or McIntosh are what I usually use, but today I switched it up and went with a few Granny Smiths.


Remove peel and core. Slice into chunks 1/4" thick or less.


Add to apples: 1 C white sugar, 1/2 C light brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 3 tbsp flour, 1/3 C half & half (or 1/2 C half & half for deep dish).


Stir all ingredients together and microwave for 3 minutes on high. Set aside.


CRUST: Combine 2 C flour (not self-rising), 1 tsp salt, & 1 1/2 tbsp sugar in a mixing bowl. Add 1 C Crisco and use a butter knife to cut into the dry ingredients.


Continue to cut the Crisco into the dry mix until there are pea size chunks.


Next add 1/3 C + 1 tbsp half & half and sprinkle a handful of flour over the top of the mixture. Make into a ball in the same bowl and kneed gently. Add small amounts of flour to make it less sticky.


Cut crust into 2 pieces with 1 slightly larger for the bottom crust. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a circle with a rolling pin.


Place the crust in the pie dish and push it into the bottom and sides of the dish to make it even. (The transfer can be made easier by folding the crust in 1/2 and then placing in the dish.)


If there are gaps fill them… it doesn't have to be perfect.


Add your apple mixture to the pie. Remove excess juice with a spoon.


Roll out the other half of your dough for the top crust. Fold or gently roll up to make transfer easier and cover the apples.


Pinch the edges together (top crust to bottom crust) around the outside of the dish. Cut a couple of slits into the top crust with a butter knife. Sprinkle the top with sugar.


Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or so. Remove once filling is somewhat set, and apples are tender.


Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.


You'll be loved all the more after your family & friends indulge in this labor of love. It takes time, but it is worth it! Promise.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

for the love of gold

I've had my eye on these boots for a while now, and they're finally on sale. Might have to bite the bullet and order myself a pair... what do you think?


I'm getting these PJ's just in time for the upcoming holidays! I have always loved flannel jammies, and these are right up my alley. I haven't been able to get them out of my head since Gaby shared them via instagram last month.

This flatware had me at hello, and months later it still has me wrapped. It's been marked down, giving me no reason not to invest in a few sets. Wouldn't it be perfect to set your holiday table?

And speaking of the holidays and gold... I found my dream holiday dress at the new Anthro on King St. while I was home in Charleston last weekend. Isn't she beautiful?

Lastly, on my list is a super easy DIY from my girl Eileen. Can't wait to create a leopard tray of my own!