Weekend Recap

Last week we had our biannual clean-up day at work where we get to wear jeans, clean and have a pizza party. It's always one of my favorite days. {tassel necklace by favorite Raleigh brand @bohobeads}

Last week was also BOGO Tory Burch at Monkee's in Chapel Hill (!!!) where I scored these hot pink flats, below. They got their debut wear at summer soiree at The Bradford in New Hill.

I kicked off Friday morning with a stop by my favorite spot, Thanks a Latte in Holly Springs. Their iced chai tea latte is the best. {pineapple bangle by bourbon & boweties via Thanks a Latte}

We have food truck Fridays in our neighborhood where every Friday evening a different food truck comes to our pool. This past Friday was Stuft. It's baked potatoes with different toppings like buffalo chicken for example. Their jalapeño habanero bullets were what I'd recommend. Then we went to The Glass Jug in Durham for brews; then the new Brixx by our house for pizza for Hank. Then it was back to our casa to crank out some episodes of Game of Thrones (we're finishing up season two now). 

On Saturday morning we were off to The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary for massages.

We played in the spa areas like this current pool, above. We got massages, and I know I used allllll their wonderful products after for my shower and getting ready. 

We sat poolside. Took a stroll around their pond. Then it was off to their restaurant, Herons, for brunch on eggs, omelets and all that goodness. It felt like a mini vacation. 

Saturday afternoon we stopped by downtown Cary for a quick lap before letting our friend's dogs out. Then it was back home for some pool action. 

By night, we tried Totopos in Cary. It's delicious, authentic, Mexico City-style Mexican, and I loved it so much. It's only been open nine months, and they're opening a second location, Viva El Hefe, in Morrisville soon, so yum to that.

Sunday we churched it out, brunched at The Morning Times in downtown Raleigh and then cleaned the afternoon away... Living room looking fresh, above.

That night I had to check out CineBowl in Cary, and it is awesome. I'm talking leather seats that recline electronically, reserved seating, lots of space, dinner brought to you. It truly brings the magic back to the cinema. It's only $8 on Tuesdays (compared to the $16 price on that Sunday night). 

Today I enjoyed shrimp pad thai for lunch at Elements in Chapel Hill. I highly recommend. I love exploring my city and trying new happs and restaurants and am excited that four of the above were new to me. Here we go, week.

Pineapple Party Salsa

Ingredients

1 pineapple
3 avocados, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 cup cilantro, loosely chopped
Juice of one lime
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

First up - the most exciting part for the presentation - slice the pineapple in half vertically, scoop out the pineapple insides and dice it up. Put that in a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix. Then scoop back into the hallowed out pineapple halves and serve with chips. Seriously love this so much. 

Grilled Romaine Fiesta

Dinner Monday night was amazing thanks to this delicious side - grilled romaine with a Mexican twist. I bought one head of romaine, cleared any loose leaves and cut about two inches from the head; I then sliced it right in half so Hank and I would each have our own salad. I brushed the romaine with Kraft's zesty lime vinaigrette. The brushed romaine then goes on the grill for about 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so all sides brown. This is in conjunction with throwing a fresh ear of corn on the grill, husk on, for about 15 minutes, turning as well. You then pop the romaine on your plate and top with the grilled corn, cut right from the cob, sliced avocado and sprinkled with Cotija cheese. Add extra vinaigrette if needed. Ole!

Love Snaps Lately

Celebrating four years at The Little Dipper {skirt from Swagger}

Rehearsal dinner-ing at Greensboro National Golf Club {romper from Swoon}

Wedding time - beginning of the night {dress from Red Dress Boutique}

Wedding time - end of the night {bow tie from Collard Greens}

#LakeLife hammocking and sunglass twinning {twist scarf from ban.do}

Launching of the Books

I have Bentley in my lap and homemade lemon meringue pie on my right as I recap two book launches I attended last week. First up, The Zen Succulent's launch of Modern Terrarium Studio. Talk about meeting someone who is doing one thing amazingly well and is sticking to it, mastering the skill in its entirety and knowing every nook and cranny of her art.

Megan George of The Zen Succulent mailed the most delightful invitation adorned with none other than succulents. The launch party was at West Elm Southpoint, and it had it all. 

We were greeted by these delicious sugar cookies, hand painted with succulents and air plants to match the theme of the evening. And when I say we, Hank came with like a champ. 

I rocked my gemstone name tag, and we took to the photo booth. We sipped concoctions inspired by the book, complete with dinosaur and gold glitter pom-pom ball stir sticks. 

I loved this snail so much I took him with me everywhere throughout the store. 

I snapped this photo with Megan after she signed my sweet book away. 

There was a DIY plant bar and gold hashtag confetti sprinkled throughout. 

They were spinning up cotton candy in flavors honey and summer sangria. 

I was walking around just soaking it in like a succulent. Loved this giant terrarium Megan created - she's the ultimate succulent stylist and her work makes your home happier. 

Megan told of her dreams coming true, and well, it's always great to hear about that. 

We came home with our own complimentary DIY terrarium kit and a sweet little number from the DIY plant bar. Well done, Megan - the evening, your book and your work.

Next up is my favorite artist Elaine O'Neil and her new book with Missy Julian-Fox, Road Trip Carolina: A Ride Across the Old North State. This children's book is seriously adorable and takes you all throughout this best state ever. 

This launch party was held on Franklin Street at Julian's in Chapel Hill. All of the snacks were North Carolina themed and included delights like Moravian cookies which have been baked in Old Salem for more than 200 years, barbecue, sweet tea, etc. 

Aside: If I were making a taste of North Carolina basket for someone, I would include: a glass bottle of diet Cheerwine, a glass bottle of diet Pepsi (that's who paid for my college education!), Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut holes, Lance crackers, Moravian cookies, Texas Pete hot sauce and Chapel Hill Toffee. 

May and I had our books signed, and my little message reads, Andrea and Hank, To many road trips together! And we surely will do just that. This book has some great state facts in the back too, like did you know, the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain is the highest suspension footbridge in America? I want to go do that.

And yep, by the end of this post that homemade lemon meringue slice is all gone.