Thoughts For Thursday

I can't believe today is the last day of March! This year already seems to be flying by faster than the rest.

We have been enjoying our Spring Break week in Charlotte.  I jump at any chance to spend more time with my family especially my newest nephew, Rutledge. 

Sterling has especially loved holding him and it melts my heart.

How sweet is his little smile??

Wore my floral swing dress for happy hour one night.    It is a great causal dress made out of thick cotton.  I like that it is loose and not clingy at all.  It also comes in a gorgeous dark blue color.  I am wearing a size XS, runs on the large side.  Would also work while pregnant.

Swing Dress

We have been spending a lot of time at Southwark Mall, my favorite spot when I am back in Charlotte.  Enjoying Chick Fila in the food court.  I so wish Charleston had a good mall.

I have been reading Jennifer Weiner's book, All Fall Down and I am totally sucked into it.  It is about a woman addicted to painkillers.  I always like Jennifer Weiner's book because all the characters are always so relatable.  She is such a fantastic writer.

 I used a birthday gift card for this blouse, currently 40% off.

I really liked the floral print and smocked style.

Floral Blouse

Sterling and his cousin Finley rocking  their new Dr. Seuss jammies.

Sterling's PJs | Finley's PJs (both are on sale)

We all love Mexican Street corn and make it every taco night.  I came across these 2 recipes on Pinterest and can't wait to try them.

Mexican Street Corn Zucchini

Mexican Street Corn Nachos

We celebrated my birthday while I was home with a lemon raspberry cake from Reids that was amazing!  We usually get their caramel cake but I sampled this lemon one and loved it.

The kids having a picnic in their "secret garden" aka the area where the picked all the flowers off my mom's bushes.

I stopped in JCrew this week and picked up the best tee shirt.  These are so super soft and come in so many gorgeous colors.

Linen V-Neck Tee

Have a great Thursday!

Creating The Perfect Cheese Plate + 7 Wines to Try

I absolutely adore a good cheese and meat spread.  It is hands down one of my favorite appetizers.  I honestly could have that for my dinner and be happy.  I often get requests about my favorite meats and how I choose cheeses for my platters so I thought I would break it down and share a few tips.

pictured above :  raincoat crisps, kalamata olives, rustic flatbreads, manchego, hummus with olive oil and pine nuts, salami, green hill cheese, sopressata,  comte, black truffle salami.

My cheese boards typically have 5 components:

1) meat 2) cheese 3) crackers 4) spreads 5) extras

I like to do 3 cheese and 3 meats typically.   

As far as meats and I can't stress this enough they are so much better if you have them freshly sliced.   The pre-packaged kinds are just not as good.   The deli counter at most grocery stores at least has prosciutto and salami options but if you can find a gourmet grocery go that route for sure!  In Charleston Goat Sheep Cow is my favorite and in Charlotte I love Reid's Fine Foods and Dean and Deluca.  They both have excellent charcuterie selections and the people that work there are super helpful as far as suggesting items that pair well together.

O N E | M E A T S

a few of my go to meats are:

Sopressata

Truffled Salami

Pepperoni

Proscitto 

Hard Salami

Bresaola

T W O | C H E E S E S

I like to do a hard, semi-soft and soft option

Hard cheeses 

Parmesan

Asiago

Manchego

Aged Gouda

Gruyere

Jarlsberg

Cheddar

Semi Soft Cheeses

Comte

Gouda 

Havarti

Mozzarella

Port Salut

Soft Cheeses

Brie

Blue Cheese

Gorgonzola

Stilton

anything that says triple cream, usually the round cheeses

Boursin

T H R E E | C R A C K E R S 

I like to serve 2 different cracker types.  

These are a few favorites but Trader Joe's has some great options too.

365 degrees (super thin)

Rustic Bakery Flatbread

Raincoat Crisps (these are salty date and almond crackers)

F O U R | S P R E A D S

I like to serve at least one spread whether it be hummus, or a jam for the cheese.  A few of my go-tos are:

hummus any flavor - drizzle with olive oil and add pine nuts 

fig preserves

Trader Joes sweet and spicy chili jam

pepper jelly

bacon jam (pairs great with pimento cheese)

truffled mustard (great with meats)

F I V E | E X T R A S

I usually like to do a pickled veggie or olive here.  

olives

pickled okra

baby gherkins

salted marcona almonds

pitted dates

pickled asparagus, green beans, or carrots

cheese straws

It is nice to have fun serving knives.  I like to use a different knife for each cheese type I serve.

I like this set that comes with 4 different knives and a cute cutting board.

Cheese Knives

I love this gold set and they are currently 50% off.

Gold Cheese Knives

W I N E 

Of course you need good wine with a cheese platter.  These are a few of my favorites lately.  I hate any wine that is sweet.  I prefer dry and slightly crisp.    I always like my roses to be lighter in color.  I find the darker ones are sweeter and more tart, which I really don't like.   As far as whites I like sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio in the warmer months.  I usually buy my wine in speciality wine stores they have a better selection and their prices are not as marked up as the grocery store.

Obsessions | Accessories Edit + Hyla Dewitt Jewelry

Today it is all about Spring accessories!  There are so many fabulous options right now!

Shashi Earrings

This is a line of jewelry I really like.   The prices are not too steep and I love the fun earrings.

Sam Edelman Sandals

These sandals come in about 7 colors and I actually love them all.  This blush color and the gray are my favorites though.  I always like sandals that are easy to slip on!

Star Mele Clutch

I love a fun bright and colorful clutch in the Summer.  This one would look amazing with all white or pink!

Dolce Vita Wedges

My mom just bought these and after seeing hers I am convinced I need a pair too!   They are so cute.

Rebecca Minkoff Greyson Sandal

I featured these sandals last week and they are quickly becoming a favorite.  I love the style and color.  I packed mine for Spring Break and have been wearing them often.

Mar Y Sol Beach Tote

They just restocked these beach bags, Love the bright stripes!

Le Specs Sunglasses

Hands down my new favorite sunglasses. They fit really well and don't stretch out.  Plus you can't beat the price under $70!

Holst + Lee Necklace

I am a huge fan of Holst + Lee jewelry.  I own a few bracelets and a necklace and the quality is awesome.  These two necklaces are on sale right now too!

colorblock necklace

Hinge Hat

I recently bought this hat and really like it.  I figure I will wear it often this Summer at the pool and beach.  It is actually cute for everyday wear too!

Dolce Vita Mules

I bought these during the Shopbop sale event and have been really loving them.  They were just restocked in all sizes.  I like them for a casual shoe paired with skinny jeans and dresses.  They do run TTS.

Naghedi Over Night Bag

I am slightly obsessed with this weekend bag.  I love the hot pink color and it woven from neoprene!

It also comes in this small tote version as well.

Sonix Cherries + Watermelon Phone Cases

The cutest cell phone cases.

Micheal Kors Watch

I have been looking for a new watch and so far this one is my favorite.  I love the pink strap and the wrap around style.

............................................................................

I am also teaming up with Hyla Dewitt today to offer you guys an exclusive discount code for her site!   I am such a huge fan of her jewelry.  I seriously love every single piece she creates, she is so talented.  I really love the unique feel her jewelry her has.   

You can use code SALE20 to take  20%  off her site til Saturday.  With Mother's Day around the corner, her jewelry would make such a special gift.

Below are just a few of my many favorites and you see all her pieces HERE.

I especially love her cuffs.  I wear the Georgina Cuff all the time!

I also love the  Mendoza for a statement necklace.  It surprisingly goes with so many outfits!

Happy Tuesday!

Scenes From Our Weekend | My Birthday + Easter

My birthday fell on Thursday last week so a few girlfriends and I decided to go out Wednesday night to celebrate.  Usually I would celebrate the day of my birthday but I had promised the kids we would go out to dinner as family.  Little did I know I would awake at 5:30 on my birthday to Sterling sick as a dog with the stomach bug.  It was honestly the sickest I have ever seen him.  I spent the bulk of my birthday cleaning up throw up and then promptly collapsed into bed early that night, so I was thankful for a night out Wednesday. 

My outfit Wednesday.

Joie Dress also here | T Marie Earrings | BR Sandals (use code BRSPRING for 40% off) | Gigi Tote

I switched purses at the last minute for a smaller one.   I bought this Tory Burch one last year before I went to NYC and it is such a great size.

We tried out Darling Little Oyster Bar.   Such a cute new spot. downtown on Upper King Street.

 The Paloma drink was so refreshing.  They use fresh squeezed juices and fresh herbs for all their drinks.

I had the fried shrimp basket with kale slaw and vegetable salad.  I loved it all! 

Thursday and much of Friday was spent with a sick child.

This was Frances before her Easter Egg hunt at school, she was clearly very excited:)

Her dress is Carters and 50% off right now:) | Sandals | Twine & Twig Necklace

The weather so gross and rainy Saturday so I baked my favorite cupcakes for Easter + my Birthday. Recipe is Here- they are so easy and seriously delicious.

Saturday I took the kids to Gwynn's to see the bunny rabbits.  We do this every year, they love it- and I love to shop afterwards:)

I was lusting after these two purses.  I didn't buy either but loved them both!

Rebecca Minkoff Pink Purse | Annabel Ingall Purse

Saturday night Matt took me out to dinner for my Birthday.  I picked The Lot one of my favorite JI restaurants.

Outfit Details:

Butterfly Blouse (on sale ) | Candyshop Vintage Necklace | Jeans | Fringe Heels | HD bracelet | RM Fringe Purse

We sat outside which is covered and heated and got to watch the coolest rain storm.

Our entire meal was amazing but these two salads were my favorite part.

Sunday we woke up and did Easter Baskets and then hit the road to Charlotte.

We arrived in time for an Easter egg hunt!  My dad made these Easter baskets for us when we were kids and the kids love them!  He actually made us new versions for our kids but I have left ours in Charleston!

Frances is wearing my favorite Lilly dress, I want it every color for her it is so cute!

My little Easter bunnies.

Enjoying the Veuve, always our favorite champs of choice.

My dress is currently 40% off online only with code SHIP40

Dress | Necklace (stay tuned for discount code tomorrow for my necklace)

Always love getting my newborn fix with my nephew Rutledge.

My sister is the wearing the Vince Camuto dress I blogged about a few weeks ago.  She and my mom both ordered it and it is even cuter in person!  My mom bought the other color option.

Angel face.

My feeling after an indulgent weekend:)