3.28.2014

And the Winner Is....

TGIF chickies!

I hope you have a great weekend planned!

I'm excited today to be announcing the winner of my Mariner Rope Belt Giveaway!

Congrats to Laurel of Little Mrs. Laurel Rhyne and a BIG THANKS to Ted from York River Traders for working with me to make this giveaway happen!


If you didn't win the giveaway it's certainly not too late to check out York River Traders!

In addition to their belts, they have some other really great products.


I am smitten with their bow ties, all handmade in the USA!


I also love, love, love these nautical chart cufflinks!


And as previously mentioned here and here, Bryce has this shotgun shell cufflinks and tuxedo stud set and they're a favorite!


Like what you see?

Have you ever shopped York River Traders before?

Have a great weekend!

3.27.2014

Giveaway: LAST CALL!

Wow, THANK YOU for all the wonderful responses and recommendations yesterday!  Bryce and I spent most of last night chattering with excitement about our trip!  We also definitely will be having to plan multiple Charleston trips over the years to make it to all the wonderful places y'all suggested!

Today I just have a quick post reminding you that it is the last day to enter my Mariner Rope Belt Giveaway.

The Rafflecopter widget will close at midnight tonight and tomorrow I will be announcing the winner!

Best of luck!


3.26.2014

Charleston Recs?

Happy Hump Day!

I am glad we are halfway to the weekend!  I've been in a grumpy mood all week that I can't seem to shake. Bryce has been out of town and is returning home today, so I am hoping his return (and his birthday celebration tonight) will put me back in a happy mood!

On a side note...he has requested a buttermilk pie for his birthday dessert--anyone ever made this before?  I pinned a few recipes here for them, but would love any tips or recipes you might have given that I'd never even heard of this type of pie prior to the other night!

Now onto today's post..I am so excited to say that Bryce and I are in the process of planning a Charleston trip!  This trip has literally been more than 2 years in the making and we have finally carved our the time to make it happen.


That being said, neither of us has ever been to Charleston before, so I need your help!

We were fortunate to book a hotel in the museum district for free using Bryce's points (all his work travel does have its perks...) which really frees us up to splurge and take advantage of all Charleston has to offer.

So far all we have arranged is dinner reservations at Husk, which I am super excited about!


We also will definitely be hitting up King Street for shopping, soaking up some sun on a beach, taking a carriage ride, and also visiting some of the historic attractions.


When we travel we like to have a good balance of scheduled activity as well as unplanned time to also explore freely.  I've got a working list of ideas going, but would love your input too!

So here's where I need your help:

Beaches
Folly Beach vs. Sullivan's Island vs. Isle of Palms:
Ally from the blog Life As I Know It was sweet enough to email me some great suggestions including a description of the 3 beaches. (Thanks to Kathryn from love, raleigh  and and Zelle from a southern style for their suggestions as well!)  Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms sounds more like Bryce's and my scene, HOWEVER, I am debating if we should go for Folly Beach simply to eat at Taco Boy?  I've heard really good things about the restaurant and Bryce is a huge fan of Mexican food, so I'm not sure if this should make the decision for us or not?

Food
Brunch
We are big brunch fans and will be in Charleston for a total of 4 breakfast/brunches.  I've got High Cotton, Hominy Grill, and Virginia's all on my list for this and am drooling over their menus.  Anywhere else we should look into?

Lunch/Dinner
We will have 3 lunches and 3-4 dinners (the first night we get in late, so may or may not go out for dinner...).  Our last night we have reservations at Husk, but otherwise haven't booked anything.  Since researching places on my list here are the top contenders:  Magnolia'sHank'sBowen's Island
and Stars.  Anything to add to the list?  Are any of these that are shining stars amongst the rest?  Any suggestions of places that just scream Charleston!?  When making suggestions, it would also be great to know if you think it's more of a lunch or dinner place and if we should make reservations...

King Street Shopping
I imagine we'll just walk up and down the street and go in any shops that tickle our fancy...let me know if there are any that we must make sure to visit, though!

Attractions
Anything we must see or do while there in addition to the things I already mentioned earlier in the post?

Lastly, I might be able to squeeze in a blogger meet up or two while we're there, so if you're in the Charleston area and would be interested...let me know!  Maybe we can work something out!

Since writing this I am super excited for our trip, but also overwhelmed--I have a feeling it will take many trips to Charleston before we feel like we've hit everything!

Also, put in a little prayer that the weather will be warm and nice when we are there!  I ordered this pretty on Rue La La and am hoping it will arrive in time for our trip!


Also, how perfect would this belt be for Bryce to wear in Charleston?  Click here to enter to win one for a special guy in your life before it's too late!



Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Thanks and have a great day!

3.24.2014

Transitioning into Spring

Happy Monday readers!

Good weekend?

Mine was a lot of fun and very special.

This past Friday night we had dinner with my family.  Friday was a gorgeous day with temps in the low 70s here.  Being that Spring is now officially here I wanted to wear an outfit that was spring-like, but also warm enough for the cooling night temperatures.  I am pretty smitten with what I came up with and had to share it with you.





Has the weather started to warm up where you are?  How do you transition your wardrobe into new seasons?

Speaking of Spring fashion...have you checked out my Mariner Rope Belt giveaway?  Be sure to enter to help your man transition his wardrobe into spring!

Click here to enter!
Have a great day!

3.20.2014

Girls' Weekend in Cape Charles

TGIAF! 
(Thank Goodness it's ALMOST Friday!)

Have y'all had a good week?

Mine has been okay, but I have been really exhausted.  I am hoping to get some good rest this weekend!

Today I wanted to share a fun girls' trip I had in Cape Charles, Virginia last weekend.

Cape Charles is a small town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  

Our friends Erin and Ryan (read Erin's blog here) moved here about a year ago from South Carolina. Ryan's mom is, therefore, considering purchasing a home in Cape Charles to be closer to them.  To familiarize herself with the area and also take time to find the perfect fit, she is renting for the spring.  

Ryan's mom, Lori, was sweet enough to host a girls' weekend for Erin, Jess, and me.  It was just what the doctor ordered!

The home was in the Cape Charles Historic District and was so charming.
I really wanted to bring that Moravian Star home with me...

Lori arranged this cute welcome spread for us!

The house was full of shore decor like this oyster shell chandelier.

After getting settled in, we headed into "town" for lunch and shopping.

Our first stop was Moonrise Jewelry.  Meredith, the owner and jewelry designer, was so sweet and even took us back to her studio!

One of their specialties is jewelry made of fish leather.

I was a big fan of these cuffs.

I also thought this necklace was beautiful and was surprised to learn that the feather design was made of fish leather!

Our next stop was The Cape Charles Coffee House for lunch.


Originally a bank, the building was built in 1910.

The clam chowder and grilled cheese panini really hit the spot!

After lunch, we walked around the rest of town stopping in shops along the way.



I fell in love with Gull Hummock Gourmet Market and can't wait to take Bryce when we make it to the shore!







After shopping, we headed home to load up on champagne and prepare for our last adventure of the day:  a walk to the beach!


Lori's rental is just a few blocks from the beach!



 Our sweet hosts, Lori & Erin

selfie!


After soaking up the sights and sipping on champagne, we headed back home for a girls' night in.  We munched on cheese and crackers all night, read magazines, did hair and nails, and even watched Steel Magnolias.  It was perfect!


Why yes...that is a hair teasing lesson!

Sunday morning we had breakfast at the Coffee House before heading out of town.

On our way home, we made a pit stop at Home Emporium (read Erin's full post about it here) and I was so excited to score a genuine cowhide rug!

They had a huge selection of gorgeous rugs and the price was just right at only $188!

This is a glimpse of the one that came home with me...can't wait to get it in the sun room!

I am so lucky to have found a new friend in Erin and enjoyed this past weekend so much.

Have you had any recent getaway weekends?

Also...have you entered my GIVEAWAY yet!?  If not, be sure to check it out here!

This could be yours!!!

Have a great day!

3.18.2014

Mariner Rope Belt GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Tuesday readers!

Can you believe that the first day of spring is in just 2 days?

I for one am ready for the weather to warm up!  Spring and summer fashion is my favorite-- white jeans, brightly colored tops, sundresses, flip flops, and wedges are calling my name!

Today, I am excited to announce a giveaway that is sure to prepare your man for spring fashion, as well. York River Traders has graciously agreed to give one of my lucky readers a Mariner Rope Belt!

Each belt is crafted from real rigging line, backed in leather, and topped off with a solid brass buckle. 

Your belt will surely last since it is made of actual sailing rope!

The compass detailing on the belt buckle is my favorite feature.

It will be the perfect conversation starter at summer soirees!

Made in the USA

The belts come in a variety of colors:  blue, green, yellow, red, black, and white.
Click here to view all colors.

This belt would be a wonderful gift for any of the special men in your life.  In fact, I wish that I could enter it myself to get one for Bryce!  

If you are the lucky winner, you will receive one belt, in the color of your choice!

The giveaway will last ten days and will close at midnight, Friday March 28!

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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