Weekend Recap

I started the weekend off right by picking up some white jeans I won - I'm still so excited. I also won the cutest aqua caddy {below} so I certainly felt exceptionally lucky this past week.

Hank and I enjoyed a fun family night - Mexican themed - at his sister Amy's house on Friday night. Ryan, her fiance, made some tasty margaritas so you know I was all levels of happy. The best part? Amy asked me to be one of her bridesmaids in their March wedding.

Her poem was the sweetest touch, and here we are putting our new koozies to good use.

On Saturday, Hank and I were off to a gorgeous wedding for my good friend Kristyn. 

Did I say it was gorgeous? Here's the lovely couple leaving the ceremony. Congrats!

We had a fun night dancing it away. So fun that it called for Beasley's for Sunday brunch.

The line was a bit intense, but the fried chicken and pimento mac and cheese were worth it. I also stopped by a cute shop, Deco, and added a few pertinent buttons to my collection. 

Oh, and I'm growing things! I love looking around the house and seeing live plants. 

On a Home Happenings note, I finally found a reasonably priced ginger jar for our home.

Bentley says hi! He had a great weekend enjoying the usual - snoozin' and treats.

I hope your weekend was fabulous too. Enjoy all that is ahead this week. Love!

Bittersweet

Sweet lunch at The Carolina Inn today to celebrate my intern during her last week.

I remember how bittersweet graduation is, and our waiter said it best: on one hand, there's the excitement of turning to the next chapter of the great book that is life, but at the same time, it's as if the pages are sticking - you're happy for all that is ahead, but it's tough to leave all that you've loved behind. Kirstie's been a true gem, and I'm going to miss her.

Sunday Brunch

We hosted Hank's family for brunch on Sunday. We dined on breakfast casserole, fruit and mimosas. I tablescaped with tulips and my new Vietri hydrangea tray (a lucky score at $18.95 from $59). I love Vietri (and platters) so all in all a winning entertaining combination (!!!). 

I love sipping out of vintage juice glasses - especially when each glass has its own identity. 

The end of the buffet line had mints in a tea cup - a cute way to use that stray cup & saucer. 

And here's a Bentley! Happy as can be to have extra people over to love on him.

Hi, Nice Space!

Hi, Nice Space! showcases real people who have a really eye-catching space.

{I loved the charm, vintage finds and art throughout Sam's place. She lives in the oldest apartment building in Raleigh with a lovely window view of the skyline from her desk in her bedroom - very Carrie Bradshaw / Sex and the City style. Not only is her apartment great, but her book club spread of snacks was fantastic too - complete with baklava and prosecco.}

Past Hi, Nice Space! features: Mary Elizabeth | Elle | Maura | Sarah

Sailin' on the Quote Boat - Live it

Death is not a threat but the condition that maximizes my life.

- Laura Rozo at TEDxUNC

Laura Rozo, a UNC junior and Morehead-Cain Scholar, died Thursday afternoon after a long battle with cancer. She was 20. Watch her inspiring TEDxUNC talk here. " Laura wanted to spread the idea that you don't have to be diagnosed with cancer to claim your life. Cherish what you have, and make use of it. If not now, when?"

Weekend Recap

Friday night was for all things summer like - relaxing on the grass and grilling out. 

Saturday I had to work a bit then it was off to an afternoon at Big Boss Brewery. 

I enjoyed the UNC Clef Hangers 35th Anniversary Concert on Saturday night. 

They sang songs ranging from Wagon Wheel to Colder Weather and Thinkin Bout You. 

Sunday I did a bit of patio dining with none other than... Mexican & Margs. Cheers!

Smile Friday

Smile... It's Friday! {Hanging out in the dorms back in 2005.}

Home Happenings

We got a new couch! We've been sitting on the same one since our college days so this is really, super exciting. It's blue, and it makes me all levels of happy. I've had my eye on it...

It was my friend Elle's but with a recent move to San Fran, I was at the top of her email list. I let her know that if the day ever came where her and couch had to part ways... Here I am!

Rah, Rah, Risotto

I homemade my first risotto! Main ingredients: shallots, crimini mushrooms and spinach.

While time consuming, it was delicious and a success. You'll find the recipe here. Enjoy!

Beltie Crossing

Hank and I had a fun Saturday afternoon exploring Fearrington Village. If you haven't been yet, I suggest a little trip. We drove the back roads on a sunny day - often crossing over a pretty lake - it was a windows down, sunglasses on, favorite song turned up kind of drive. 

We enjoyed lunch at The Granary, and I definitely suggest making a reservation in advance as those who didn't were on about a 30 minute wait. The food was great. We then commenced to checking out the belted cows - baby beltie below was born on Easter. 

From the gardens to the barn to the silo to the adirondack chairs - this place is gorgeous. 

We took a peek in some of the shops, and I picked up this little guy in Dovecote. 

Fearrington is a truly special place - you'll feel as though you left on a little vacation.

Fresh Squeezed

Last week I enjoyed the favorites...

Table-side made guacamole, cheese dip and margaritas. That's all I need.

Sailin' on the Quote Boat - No Regrets

Six months from now, you'll wish you started today. 

My gym has a board where everyone can write an inspirational quote, and after reading the one above, it really stuck with me. We all have habits we're trying to break, new practices we'd love to add to our lives, and of course, healthier lifestyles we wish to achieve. This quote does it for me, and I hope it gives you that little push of inspiration too. 

Home Happenings

Our own photos can make for great and meaningful art (not to mention... free art).  

... And I certainly love this fact. I finally got around to printing and framing two favorite photos from our honeymoon - the Colosseum and Eiffel Tower. I enjoy more matte, less print. The above pictured "profile frames" from A.C. Moore achieved this look for me. The frames were on sale for $6 each, and at 16" x 20", I thought this was quite the steal.

REWINED | Charleston

Loving my new mimosa scented candle...

These candles are handcrafted in Charleston. Seriously, the entire process is done by hand. Someone collects the recycled bottles from local restaurants, one person removes the labels, another cuts the glass, etc. The wax is soy, and the scent I chose, mimosa (their spring seasonal). I can't wait to smell what their other scents are all about. Creative as can be. 

Hi, B!

Bentley sees lots of sunny porch days in his future. The weather is almost here.

Oh, Hoppy Day

Easter was sweet, colorful and all things family. 

The bunny bread {center} from La Farm Bakery was a hit - especially when paired with their "green dip" otherwise known as garlic herb spread. I tried my hand at dyeing ombre eggs, and enjoyed delicious eats including deviled eggs galore, lots of shrimp and the best carrot cake ever. The Easter bunny even left behind a few treats. It was a hoppy day!