Thoughts For Friday

Happy Friday Dolls.  Is everyone ready for the weekend?  I know I sure am.  This weekend the hubs and I are celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary.  I can not believe it has been 6 years since our wedding day and 12 years we have been together.  Time flies!  We are going out to dinner tonight which should be fun- minus the fact that I can't drink, but oh well I will at least be a cheap date this anniversary!

Last night I stopped by the C. Wonder store opening downtown on King Street.  Can I just say I am so excited we are getting a C. Wonder.  I loved their Home section, there were so many goodies I wanted and the prices are great.  That's my girl Caycee front and center, she was  my side kick for the night!

I wore my favorite BB Dakota Noland Dress to the event.  It is finally back in stock at Social Dress Shop.  You can't beat it for the price, it is such a versatile dress.  I am smitten with the rich green color for Fall and think it will be cute with tights and booties as well.  I wear a size small and it still works pregnant but may not fit me much longer while preggo.  Small fits great not pregnant though. 

{BB Dakota Noland Dress}

I finally decided to jump on the Fall train and painted my nails a Fall Color this week, I mean it is September and all.  This is one of my new favorite nail polish colors for Fall, OPI Malaga Wine.  It truly is the perfect red.  And of course I had to get my first Pumpkin Spice latte too.

We got our first BlaBla doll for Baby Girls nursery.  I love BlaBla dolls so much.  I want an entire collection of them, Layla Grace has a great collection online.

{Lollipop the Frog}

 Next up I want the Bunny and Elephant!

I picked up my first pair of flats for the Fall.  I have been yearning for a pair of D'Orsay Flats.  There are so many options out there but these Madewell Beauties won me over.  Get a pair fast because they are selling out quickly,  only a few sizes are left.   I went with the dark river color, it is supposedly a dark navy/gray  which I thought would look great with everything!

{Madewell D'Orsay Flats}

We got our ottomans back for the den and I could not be happier with them.  I love the fabric we chose and the size is just perfect in our small den.

For all you local ladies, I wish you would please join me at the Wine, Women and Shoes event in a few weeks.  It is guaranteed to be an amazing time- what is better than wine and shoes with tasty food?   Plus I will be strutting it on the catwalk which should be comical at 8 months pregnant!  It's for a great cause so come on out!

You can purchase tickets HERE.

 

Its a good thing I am not a legit fashion blogger because I am so awkward in front of the camera.  Here is my snapshot for the event.  Of course Sterling had to make a cameo- stuffing his face!

 Pretty sure I am making this Kale Ceasar Salad this weekend, looks amazing!

xoxo

Baby Essentials:The Second Time Around

The great thing about having baby number two is this isn't your first rodeo. You have been there done that and have an idea of what products work and are necessary for the baby what products are a waste of money.  They tell you so many things you need for the baby and most of it you really don't need.

In the last 3.5 years since I had Sterling there are so many new and great baby products out there. Thanks to my sister and friends who have had babies recently they have shared new products they loved with me.  I decided to compile a little list of products I love and used all the time with Sterling plus a few new additions that I will be purchasing for baby number two.

The first set are items I did not own with Sterling but came highly recommended, a few I have already purchased for Baby Girl.

MAMA ROO BOUNCER SEAT-  My sister and my good friend Katie both have this Baby swing and let me assure you it is the best one out there.  It is sleek and compact which I really like.  Our swing with Sterling was huge and such an eyesore.  This seat mimics the moves parents use to calm their children.  It has five different movement settings and it plays soothing noises.   It is lightweight and easy to carry room to room too.  My sister is letting me borrow hers and I am excited to have a better swing this go around.

BLOOM BABY HIGH CHAIR- I hated my hair chair I used with Sterling.  The tray always slanted and it was hard to get him in and out of it.  I am hoping to get this high chair for baby girl.  It folds up super easy plus I love the modern look of it. 

GRACO TREKKO3 STROLLER- I had all intentions to buy a BOB stroller this time around until my mom bought this stroller and I tested it out with Sterling.  I fell in love with it.  It was so easy to open and close and such a smooth ride.   Plus our car seat easily snaps in while the baby is a newborn.  It is half the price of the BOB and I swear it looks just like it and works just as well.  Lucky for me my mom gave me hers and I have been using it with Sterling all the time!  I used to feel the need to spend alot of money on a stroller but no longer feel that way after test driving this Graco.  I had a Bugaboo with Sterling and swear I like stroller just as much if not more.

DIAPER DEKOR TRASHCAN- I used the Diaper Genie with Sterling and let me tell you it sucks ass.  It always smelled and was not very easy to get the bags in and out.  This will most def be our trashcan this time around.

PUJ BABY BATH-  I have heard nothing but great things about this baby bath.  With Sterling we used the great big blue plastic bath tub and I hated it.  It was impossible to bath the baby by yourself because he kept slipping down.  The Puj is made out of non-slip materials and sits right in your sink which I really like.   It is smaller so it is easier to store as well.

ERGOBABY CARRIER- We borrowed my friends Baby Bijorn to use with Sterling and it worked fine but we gave it back so we need a new carrier this time around.  Everyone I have spoken to raves about the Ergo Carrier.  Apparently it is easier to use than the Bijorn.


Next up are the products I used and swear by with Sterling.  They will all be getting dusted off and pulled out of the attic very soon.

BEABA BABYCOOK-  I was given this as a gift with Sterling and I really love it.  Now don't get me wrong I bought plenty of jarred baby food, I did not exclusively make my own.  But the Beaba is so easy to use.  It was easy to steam veggies or puree fruits and store them in my freezer til we were ready to use.   You can make homemade and use it when you feel like it and sub in jarred food too.

ZOLI SNACK STACKER- This thing is awesome.  If you don't breastfeed it is great to store formula in or just finger food snacks like cheerios and puffs.  I always had mine in my purse!

OXO PERFECT PULL WIPE DISPENSER-  Works so well for refilling wipes and they are easy to get out this container.  Plus looks cute sitting on your changing table. 

BOON GRASS DRYING RACK-  Hands down the best drying rack out there.  I loved mine so much I bought two.  Works great for wine glasses too:)

MUSTELA LOTION- I am a huge fan of the Mustela baby line.  Their products smell amazing and are safe for baby.  I still use this lotion for Sterling.  I alos love their Baby Shampoo and Wet Wipes.

AIDEN AND ANAIS BURPY BIBS-  These are great because they serve two purposes,  a burp cloth and then they also wrap around and snap to form a bib when baby is older.  I had these exact same ones I used with Sterling.  They are so soft and wash up well.

AIDEN AND ANAIS BIBS-  I really love all Aiden and Anais products.  These bibs are a bit smaller than the burp cloth version and come in such great patterns.

SKIP HOP ACTIVITY MAT-  Skip Hop makes the cutest kids products, I am a big fan of this mat.  Activity mats are so great to lay your babies on when you need to get something done.  Great for tummy time too.

SOFIE THE GIRAFFEE-  I am sure most of you have heard of the infamous Sophie.  She really is a gloried dog toy but kids love her.  She is the perfect size for them to hold, easy to clean, and great for teething.   We had two of these for Sterling, no joke, because we were terrified we would lose one and it would calm him down and occupy him wherever we went!



 Any other new and fab things I need to add to my list?  I always love Mommy advice!

Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw

This is my mom's recipe and one of my absolute favorites. We make it all the time whether we are doing burgers, grilled chicken, or fried shrimp- it goes with everything. It is super duper easy to whip together and oh so good.  The saltiness of the bacon and blue cheese pair perfectly with the sweetness of the grapes.  This will be your new favorite go-to slaw!
I love that if you look closely at the bottom of the picture you can see my belly touching the bowl- she is getting pretty darn large, ah the joys of pregnancy!

:: B L U E   C H E E S E  A N D   B A C O N   C O L E S L A W ::

- 1 head cabbage shredded or two bags shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix

- 2 containers crumbled blue cheese

- 8-10 slices cooked bacon crumbled (we used the microwave kind)

- 1 cup sliced red grapes

- 1 jar Mazzerati's Coleslaw Dressing (located in refrigerated produce section)

Mix all together and let sit in fridge about 1 hour before serving.  We start with only half the bottle of the Mazzerati's dressing and let it sit.  You do not want the slaw too soggy so start with less and you can always add more if needed.  The cabbage will break down alot from the dressing so at first it may not seem like enough but after you let it sit you will be surprised. You can also add more bacon and grapes too, usually the two containers of blue cheese is more than enough.
Enjoy!

Obsessions

{BANANA REPUBLIC CONTRAST SILK BLOUSE}

Loving this blouse from Banana Republic.  Reminds me so much of the Equipment blouses.  Such a steal and it comes in 5 great colors.  You get 40% off all orders with code BRCLUE40.

{POPPY STYLE BRACELETS}

These bracelets are my new favorite arm candy.  I love the different ones stacked together.  They are stunning in person.  They are handmade by Madeline,  a Charlotte gal.  If you live in Charlotte you can buy them at Scout and Molly's.  If you don't live in Charlotte you can visit Madeline's blog HERE.  It shows all the bracelet options and you can email her for orders.  Everything ships free!  You can also follow on instgram and Facebook- ShopPoppyStyles and comment on any bracelet you like and want to purchase!   The bracelets are all around $22-26, such an awesome price.  They would make great gifts too!

{MADEWELL MILITARY SHIFT DRESS}

I love olive green for fall, I think it is a flattering shade on everyone.  Plus a shift dress is my favorite style of dress.  This dress is so cute and effortless.   Just picture the dress with D'Orsy Flats or booties!

{BB DAKOTA ROLLY CARDIGAN}

Ever since seeing this model wearing this BB Dakota sweater on Pinterest, I became obsessed with it.  Really actually love her whole outfit.  Such a  great cardigan for Fall, need it!

 

{TWELFTH STREET BY CYNTHIA VINCENT OVERSIZED CLUTCH}

Is this clutch perfection or what?  I love a big clutch because when I go out I like to stuff my wallet, phone, lipstick etc in it.  Some of the clutches these days are just too small to fit all my stuff.   This one is so unique.

{SOFT JOIE WAYNE SWEATER}

I am a huge fan of the soft Joie line.  It is affordable and super comfortable.  This is the perfect light weight sweater for Fall.  Love both colors.

{TARGET THRESHOLD RUG}

This rug is on clearance and such a steal.  If I did not already have a rug for the nursery I would be buying this baby.  Adore it!  Rug is online only not in stores.

{DOLCE VITA PALA FLATS}

These flats have my name written all over them.  Love the subtle animal print!  They would go with everything!

Beach Trip Recap: Books, Food, and Pregnancy Style

Happy Monday Loves.   It is back to reality for me after a glorious week at the beach. Luckily my little man has school today so I have a few uninterrupted hours to get shiz done. I have a mile long to-do list before little Miss Mason arrives in 11 weeks.

 We had such an amazing week at the beach. Even though I live a short 25 minute drive from Isle Palms it was so great to stay out there for the week, I forget how gorgeous it is out there.

We kicked off our vacation with drinks at the Yacht Club the night before we headed to IOP.  This is all of us ladies: my sister in law, mom,  my sister and me plus Sterling.

 

Our house was right on the beach and I woke up to this view every morning.  Not a bad spot to sit and sip your coffee.  Although Sterling got me up before dawn almost everyday,  guess kids don't get it about sleeping in on vacation.  I did at least get to watch several gorgeous sunrises.

I am such a book worm on beach trips.  I read 3 books this past week.  The house we stayed at had a huge basket filled with books and I found these in it.  I loved all three of them.

They were all very different but such intriguing reads.  Defending Jacob was a legal thriller, I am still reeling from the ending.  It kept me in suspense til the very end.  Hopeless was a tween novel but it reminded me a bit of the Twilight love story, easy read, really good.  Beautiful Day was the perfect beach read.  Liked it so much I just downloaded another of Elin Hilderbrands novels to read.

This was our first beach trip with two kids, since my sister had her baby and it was so fun.   Sterling loved on his cousin Finley so much.  He is going to be the best big brother.

We managed to snap a few decent family pictures, always a miracle.

 Sterling is such a ham for the camera, this is his typical face.  Christmas card pictures are going to be fun this year:)

 Sterling spent alot of quality time with his Uncle Logan this week.  We joked that he was so good and patient with Sterling because he has no kids of his own yet!  But seriously he entertained him which allowed me some solo down time.

 Me and my sweet Dad who makes this trip possible every year!

The bump and I enjoyed alot of time relaxing on the beach which was so nice.
Wore my House of Harlow necklace like everyday, it is such a gem.  I get stopped every time I wear it with people complimenting me on.  Great purchase if you need a fun necklace that goes with everything.

We ate some incredible food.  We usually cook in most nights but we did eat out at Salt on Sullivan's and it was off the hook good.  We also had lunch at Crave in Mt Pleasant and it delish.  Pizza is from Salt and BLT salad is from Crave.  Last picture is my moms famous Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw, recipe coming Wednesday.

Wanted to show two of my favorite pregnancy outfits, that I have been living in this pregnancy.
First is this Demylee Trapeze Shirt and Pleasure Doing Business Bandage Skirt.  I ordered the skirt while I was pregnant with Sterling and love it.  It is fitted but not too tight and I think bandage skirts are really slimming.  Demylee shirts have been my fav this pregnancy and I know I will wear them after too.  They run really large, I got an XS and it has fit me before and during pregnancy.

{Demylee Tank Top | Bandage Skirt (similar) | Tkees Flip Flops}

I also own these Demylee swing tee shirts that I wear as much as the tank version  I swear their shirts are the softest most comfortable things ever!  Plus they are great pregnant or not.  I wear mine all the time with my JBrand jean shorts and come Fall will pair with jeans or leggings.

Demylee Stripped Swing Tee | Demylee Black Swing Tee

Second item I have been living in, is this Rebecca Taylor Ombre Shirtdress.  I stalked it til it went on sale and I am obsessed with it.  Runs really large, I could still wear a 2 pregnant.  If you want one buy it now as it is pretty much sold out everywhere but these few spots.

Available on sale HERE, and HERE. 

The blouse version of the ombre dress is also available and I love it.  I am considering ordering it as well.
{Rebecca Taylor Ombre Blouse}

Ok, that is all I have for today! Go get your Monday on!
xoxo

Nursery Design by Pawleys Island Posh

To wrap up Baby Girl's nursery series,  I have another real life friend creating a kick ass nursery for baby girl.  I have been floored by these amazing designs all week.  My friends know me well and what I love!  Julia used to live in Pawleys Island a mere hour and half from Charleston and we saw her frequently. Now we don't see her quite as much and I miss her like crazy, thank goodness for emails and texts!   From the moment I started reading Julia's blog I knew she had incredible taste.  From the artwork she creates to how she decorated her house, my friend has major talent.  I am obsessed with her nursery design it is so me!
Enjoy!

"Never Trust Happy" origninal art by Jenny Andrews | Tramp Art Mirror | Gem Lamp |  Senegalese Basket | Dana Gibson Pillow | Presidio Glider | Oatmeal charing cross rug | Verona Crib | Scroll Crib Sheet | Jess Brown Doll |  Lark Play Table

_________________________________________________________ 

I am so thrilled to be here sharing a fun nursery design for my dear friend Natalie's little girl!  She is going to be the sweetest and most stylish baby girl ever and I can't hardly wait to meet her!  This baby girl has an on-the-go mama and a wild-man big brother so she'll need a calm retreat to get her beauty rest.  But nothing too sweet or boring for this baby girl!

Modern + Traditional + Sweet