{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was fantastic and here's a little glimpse:

1. Shoes were not on the agenda for this weekend, but when I walked into Cole Haan and saw these shoes, I kind of fell hard for them and after trying them on and feeling the Nike Air technology along with the memory foam padding, all I could do was walk over to the counter and pull out the card. Yes they are uber bright and I love them! Oh - how do you like the nail polish?

2. This skirt was definitely in the plan. I saw it a week or so ago on Pinterest, and then later in the week my sister emailed me and told me I should purchase it. I took her confirmation as a sign that this skirt needed to be mine - so with a gift card that's been burning a hole in my pocket, I purchased it. I plan to style it a few different ways with pieces I already have in my closet- a chambray shirt, a vintage gray tee with brown leather belt, a white and orange boat-neck top, or once it gets warmer a simple white tank...

3. The girls and I went to Beasley's for dinner to indulge in a little fried chicken and the most amazing macaroni and cheese (thank God for my extra 49 WW points) and a couple glasses of wine.

4. Yesterday (and Saturday night) were the coldest days here in Raleigh this winter. The high was 24 with a wind chill of 12. Lucky me, no matter the weather - the puppy still has to go out - so I bundled up and braved several walks. At least the sun was shining!

So was your weekend? What did you do?Anything exciting to report?

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Beyond Valentine's Day

-I would take ANY of these homes - right?

- Check out a bunch of bloggers having fun over at Gap (loving how Gap is branching into color lately)

- Loving this idea of Valentine's Girls Night In

- A day in the life with Style and Grace – I need someone with mad skills to make a little video like this for me

- And I would love for someone to take a pic of me like this

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning Peeps! I thought I would share with you a few pics of my weekend:

1. Playing around with my glasses and sporting the nerdy-chic vibe.

2. I have experienced a weight loss plateau for about 5 weeks now, and last week I was almost in tears that I gained again - but short of quitting, I decided to switch things up by changing what I ate (tried the WW Simply Filling Program, instead of tracking points) and this week - I LOST 3.4lbs for a total of 31.6 lbs down! BOOM!

3. I rewarded myself by purchasing this dress at J.Crew - it will definitely help me through my transition. Thanks Andrea for the 20% discount coupon!!!

4. On Saturday, me and the girls went to see The Artist - and let me tell you, I haven't seen all of the Oscar-nominated films yet, but I want this movie to win. I was a little hestitant on going to see it because it's a silent film, but it was one of the most entertaining, lovely, and brilliant movies I've seen in a long time. Go see it!!! Another Oscar nominated movie you should see is Midnight in Paris (it's available via redbox now) - if you love the 20s, ah-mazing flapper dresses and vintage hats, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Woody Allen films - then you'll LOVE this movie.

5. After dinner we went to Calavera to chow down on some empanadas - and if you're in the Raleigh area (or plan to visit in the near future) I beg you to go! I had the black bean and sweet potato, and the Mexican picadillo with ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and green chili. Delicioso!

6. Sunday I did a little bit of work and then spent the whole day making your Valentine gifts, and then of course watched the Super Bowl: here are my favorite commercials : this (duh) and this (you didn't see nuthin)! If you didn't sign up for my Valentine giveaway....well there's always next year, lol! For those that did, I think you'll love everything (I do!) - I'll be Instagraming hints of the gifts this week.

PS. The most important thing that happened this weekend is my sister Kendra GOT ENGAGED while at the Taj Mahal in India. I'm sure she'll be blogging about it soon - but in the interim you can check out her travels, thus far, by clicking here! Sooo exciting!!!

Enjoy your day loves!

{Another Weekend For The Books}

This morning is back to reality for me as I'm coming down from such a amazing weekend high. As you know, my sister Tara was here to celebrate her birthday weekend, and while she ended up getting pretty sick - we still had a blast. Having her here and then seeing her go makes me further realize how much I dearly miss being near my family. Times like this shouldn't have to be reserved for only a few times a year. Below is a snapshot of our weekend - so many laughs and continued memories:



I purchased the coat located in the middle of the top row on Saturday (after quite a sales pitch from Tara and my friend Ros). It was originally a $570 coat, but was on sale for $230 at Nordstrom. I took it to the register to purchase it, thinking it was $250, and knowing I had $140 in store credit to use towards that amount. However, it rang up for $184 and once using my store credit, I only paid... $57.46!!!!! I literally did a dance right there at the counter. And let me just say - this picture does this coat no justice - it's pretty fab I must say!

Unfortunately (not for a lack of trying) we didn't get to do any of the DIY projects we wanted to. We looked for studs all over Raleigh and couldn't find not even one. Additionally, we couldn't find the right fabric for the scarves, and then once we decided just to use cheap cream scarves from Old Navy, we realized we didn't have fabric paint and didn't feel like going back to the other side of town. Instead, we headed home, watched some TV, ate a few snacks and gave ourselves a mani and pedi using the nail polish you see above.

Tara found lots of good deals - some new sunglasses, a few tops, a lovely fur vest that she got from the Michael Kors outlet for super cheap, and a pair of silver glitter flats to walk around the city in. On top of lots of shopping, we had a lot of good eats, all which we will pay for this week at the gym. Most importantly, we had an amazing time (coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and all) just being together. We're already planning the next trip - this time me going up to NYC.  

Finally, another sister is leaving for a 2 month trip to India this morning, so I'm sending her all my love and praying for safe travels on this trip of a lifetime. Her and her guy are traveling through India for a month, and then she at the beginning of her second month she is traveling alone down to the beach of Goa to get her yoga instructor certification. From time to time through her travels she will be posting updates of her trip on a blog she just started called Steps Through India - so check it out. Bon Voyage Kendra - love you!!!

{Evidence of a Great Weekend}

Overall I had a really nice weekend - full of relaxation, shopping, photography, and food! I've been hearing amazing things about Market Restaurant and this weekend me and the girls decided to try it out. They only serve local, fresh {we actually saw our waiter go outside to clip a few sprigs of basil and cilantro from the garden outside}, and unprocessed foods and the menu is ever-changing, determined by the area’s seasonal variations. The one constant you can definitely depend on is the simplicity of each dish, focused on making sure the natural flavors shine through with each bite. If you live in the Raleigh area ~ I beg you to try it out!

Address: 938 North Blount Street

Pricing: Lunch: $10-$15; Dinner: $15-$30

Phone: 919-754-0900

Hours: Lunch: Tues.-Sat. 11:30a-2p; Dinner: Tues.-Thurs. 5p-10p; Fri.-Sat. 5p-11p

We returned these plates back to our waiter clean enough to put back on the shelf. Everything was so delicious, so fresh, so flavorful....I can't wait to go back! To see the full lunch and dinner menus - click here.

I had a photography class on Saturday with the Triangle Photography Club and we had a fantastic time. We started at the Natural Science Art Museum and worked our way down Fayetteville Street practicing taking pictures after dusk. I still have a lot to learn about lighting, but I'm definitely making progress {trying not to get frustrated in the process}.

There was a vintage car show downtown this weekend and the above pics are a couple that I took - below are a few others...

If you would like to see all of the pictures that this very talented group took {prepared to be amazed}, click here. Enjoy!

{Weekend Plans & More}

TGIF Peeps! I have a lot for you today, so be sure to keep scrolling down. Another 60-hour work week makes me really excited for the weekend. Today instead of my usual sketches, I decided to do a vision board of how I hope my weekend will turn out. Based on The Secret, if you place the exact image of what you want to attract, it will become part of your reality. Sooo...I'm going to give it a try since I've been putting these items off for 2 weeks now. I'll let you know how it works {however, I should have included an amazing pair of shoes, a new handbag, and a few spring dresses to see if that works - lol!!!}.

So what are your weekend plans? Whatever you do, make sure to do at least one special thing just for you!

So you know how much I love great packaging. As I've said many times before - if the package is so pretty that you don't want to open it, then you've done your job. This exact experience happened today when I received some goodies in the mail.

I received my Easter present to myself - my Jess LC chevron necklace and I love her new packaging. Take a look - so lovely!

I also received my vintage milk glass vase from Vintage Modern Mix and I am so in love with her packaging. If you open a box and it looks like this - how could you not feel like a kid in a candy store? Bravo Alyssa, Bravo!! I love my vase and can't wait to fill it with fresh flowers.

And finally (I told you I had a lot to share today), last Sunday it was 80 degrees and I was in the mood for some of my famous strawberry lemonade. So I thought since it's supposed to be another great weekend (at least here in NC) I would share the recipe with you for you to try. If you do try it - let me know what think!

1. You will need:

     ~ 4-6 lemons

     ~ 1 pint of strawberries

     ~ 1-half cup of simple syrup (I purchased mine from Trader Joe's, but you can make it yourself - click here)

     ~ 1-half cup of sugar

2. Cut the strawberries in half or quarters, and sprinkle 1-half cup of sugar on top. Set aside for an hour or so until the berries start to produce their own juice.

3. The strawberries will look like the picture above once all the sugar has dissolved and the juice produced. Smash them just a little, or you can even put them in the blender for a quick swirl. {If you would prefer your strawberries to be more chunky - skip the smashing!}

4. Use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice. Add the juice, the simple syrup, the strawberries and juice into your pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water {more or less} and refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. For an extra splash - add a couple leaves of mint, yum! {Did I say mint? I meant to say vodka! lol!!}

5. Enjoy!

Have a lovely weekend all!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps! It has been a super long week for me, filled with 13+ hour days all week. I won't complain because this only happens on occassion at my job, but boy am I glad today is friday. Per the usual - here are my weekend plans:

{I do all of the sketches in my Weekend Plans, however, as much as I would like to take the credit for the sketch above, I did not create it. But isn't it perfect? All credit goes to  Ian Dale}

I hope that you have been inspired by MakeunderMyLife this week, I know I have. Going through the pages of Jess's blog has really inspired me to do things differently - with a purpose and intention. On Wednesday she posted about a book she read titled Being Happy For No Reason. In Jess's words:

"The first fresh idea I came across is about how we as a society often try to accumulate happy experiences in order to create a happy life. If we can just get that next bag, apartment, house, puppy, job, smaller jean size, and boy then we will be happy. All of these happy events are like happy beads on our happy necklaces. If we have enough “happy beads” on our necklace than we have a happy life. Rather than worrying about each new bead or event that comes onto our necklaces, we should focus on making the thread that is holding those beads, stronger. If we have a happy thread, then the good or bad events that come onto our necklaces have less of an impact on our overall sense of well-being. Sure, things can happen that can devastate, or delight us for a moment. But the longevity of our happiness is dependent ultimately on our threads, not our beads."

So through this message, just like Jess, I realize that I better start strengthening my thread today.

I hope you have an amazing weekend and (like I always say...with a twist this time) whatever you do, make sure you do something special just for you - with purpose and intention!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!!! My week has been filled with late nights, energy efficient light bulbs - white vs. green, spray paint, twigs, stolen branches, clear plastic boxes, crinkle paper...and cookies - oh my! I'm more than ready to take a break from a very full (yet fun) work week - and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Per the usual - here are my plans for the weekend, what are yours?

{Furbish Studio}

Today I planned to post a DIY project but in the process I cut my hand really bad while trying to cut mirror and unfortunately had to put the project to a hault. So instead, while my hand is healing, I thought I would share a treasure of a shop, Furbish Studio, right here in Raleigh, NC. Furbish is a chic home interiors boutique and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity of visiting it this weekend. After my first step into the store, I knew I was going to be in trouble. It's full of all of things lovely - painted furniture, lamps, local art, pillows galore, amazing smelling candles, glass water bottles, modern/graphic fabric, ribbon...I could go on and on. So eclectic, so luxe, yet... so casual and comfortable.

Jamie Meares, owner, also plans to utilize her boutique as her new interior design office. Wow, she is truly living my dream - letting go of her "stable life" to open up her new shop. I love the leap of faith - so inspiring.

Below is an eye-candy sneak peak for your viewing pleasure...

{Photos courtesy of: isuwannee, decor8, & new raleigh}

If you live in NC, or plan to visit the Raleigh area, please be sure to check out Furbish - you're sure to love it as much as I do.

LOCATION
1020 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC, 27605

PHONE
919-521-4981

HOURS
Tues - Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF peeps!! Guess what? I just looked at my countdown clock on my Facebook page and realized I have 208 days until Italy! Still seems kind of far away - and that’s ok because I need as much time as I can get to save up for the shopping extravaganza we have planned – along with lots of wine, gelato, pasta, and gondola tours. Ahhh…can’t wait! Back to present time - I’m happy that the weekend is here although I can’t complain because my work week was pleasantly mild. Regardless, I'm happy to have some down and relaxation time. What are your plans this weekend?

PS.

I'm happy with my decision and THANK YOU to all who helped me get there!

PSS.

My dress form came yesterday and it's F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! And look what was attached...a very old rusty needle and thread. I will never remove it and wonder how long it's been there....I'm in love!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF - we made it another week!!! Per the usual, my work week was pretty hectic and I’m so looking forward to some down and relaxation time. I do have to say that I’m very sad that my friend is moving to Atlanta tomorrow…but I guess that means I have another vacation spot to visit, right? Sharon I will so miss you and it definitely won’t be the same without you. You are one fab chick and I’m so happy and blessed that our paths crossed here in little Raleigh, NC – you are a forever friend. Drive safely and we’ll see you soon. Love you!!!

Ok peeps, have a great day and enjoy your weekend!

{Weekend Purchases}

Hi-ya! Hope everyone had a nice weekend and Valentines day! I did exactly what I planned - dinner and a movie with the girls, launched MODAGE, relaxed, caught up on my DVR, gave myself a mani & pedi, and had an unexpected Valentines day shopping spree with dinner at Dos Taquito's (AMAZING!!). Check out my purchases below, and meet my new baby...

Anthropologie Pillow

Nordstrom Tote

Hobo Clutch

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Nikon D3000

OPI Nail Polish - Bare to be Different

Enjoy your day!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF!!! I'm so looking forward to the weekend - even if we are supposed to get another snow storm (over it!!). I have a few things planned but mostly I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation...

{Weekend Pics}

Check out some of the pics from my wonderful weekend in Charleston, SC. You can't beat the southern charm, fantasic food (Charleston gave Maryland a run for their money - we had the best she crab soup and crabcakes ever), shopping on King Street, and of course RENT was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

{We took LOTS of pictures at the RENT cast's beach house - we missed you Laura. Additionally, you can't help not taking pictures of the horse (and donkey) and carriages as well as the beautiful palm trees}

{I just love these bikes that are at everywhere in Charleston - I want one! The Mills House was lovely - thank you Hotwire.com. PS. Aren't my parents the cutest?? Before we went to see RENT, we went to Fleet Landing Restaurant for dinner. I had the best crabcakes, mashed potatoes, and collard greens - ever. If you're ever in Charleston, I beg you to check this restaurant out - great food, great prices, and located on the water.}

{As we were walking around on King Street, we happened to see the RENT flyer hanging in a store front and had to take a pic. Here is my famous sister with a couple of her castmates "Angel" and "Mark" - whoa - amazing talent!! I wish I had pics of the rest of the cast - a big shout out to Brett and Jen, you guys are fab - had so much fun with you!}

{The RENT stage - and then brunch at Lost Dog Cafe - mmmm....shrimp and grits - so southern, so yum-o}

I hate that the weekend is over, but we have a TON of memories and pictures to last us a life time.

{Enjoy your weekend}

I'm headed to Charleston, SC for the weekend to see my sister Kendra in the musical RENT. She plays Joanne and I'm super excited to see her fabulousness - her talent just amazes and inspires me. My parents are flying in this morning and then we're headed south. So relax and enjoy your weekend.

PS. Next week - get ready for MODAGE - promise, promise, promise.

PSS.

{picture courtesy of apartment #34 and bedlam of beefy}