Monday, December 31, 2018

New Year's Eve Party Inspiration

Today is the last day of 2018!! 2018 was year of many ups and downs and it seems like it is the common consensus that the majority of people are ready to say goodbye to 2018 and ring in 2019.
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Here’s to a New Year filled with many blessings, much love, and gratitude. To help you celebrate here are a few minute New Year’s Eve party ideas!
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Sunday, December 30, 2018

Sunday Night Thought


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Saturday, December 29, 2018

Happy Hour Time

Well, well, well…hello there weekend, it’s so nice to see you again! The week surrounding Christmas and New Year’s always seem to go by lighting fast. I know I have already said this once, but I am so glad that 2018 is drawing to a close. It has just seemed like there is always something going on and I am so ready to ring in 2019 and open a fresh book to a new page, filled {fingers crossed} with great things in store. Here’s to spending time with friends and family and enjoying the festive weekend. Cheers! 

“New year. New feels. New breathe. New chances. Same dreams, fresh starts. I dare you to believe in yourself. You deserve all things magic.”

Drink Special!
Vanderbilt
1 ounce cherry brandy
1 ½ounces brandy
2 dashes simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake and strain into a cocktail glass 

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Toys and Traditioins: A 1930s Christmas at Cheekwood, Sunday, December 30, 9:00am
Seaside, FL: Contdown Seaside at 30A, Monday, December 31
Charlotte, NC: 2 The Avett Brothers at Bojangles Coliseum, Sunday, December 30
Atlanta, GA: Hawks v Cavaliers at State Farm Arena, Saturday, December 29, 7:30pm
Louisville, KY: New Year’s Eve Party at Plaza, Monday, December 31, 9:00pm
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Friday, December 28, 2018

New Year's Eve Dresses

It seems like everyone is ready to see 2018 out the door and usher in 2019, and I for one, am definitely one of those people. Not that it was necessarily a bad year, but there was just something almost going on. I feel like this holiday season is the first time in a bit where I have had a chance to take a deep breath and just relax. 
This year there is a fantastic selection of NYE dresses. I have rounded up a few of my favorite dresses that would be perfect to usher in a great {knock on wood} 2019!
Wrap Dress in Drapey Velvet
Beatrix Sequin Crush Fit & Flare Dress
Chinoiserie Orela Dress
Blackwatch Ruffle Neck Dress
Shoshanna Hollybrook Sequin Dress
Hadley Jumpsuit
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Thursday, December 27, 2018

After Christmas Sales

This December it seems like there has just been a constant stream of sales going on; I have go admit I have gotten into trouble with some of these sales… Winter isn’t even halfway over and it seems like litteraly all the stores have almost all their winter things on sale!
Anthropologie// extra 30% off sale items
Ann Taylor// extra 60% off all sale styles
Abercrombie// 40% - 60% off entire store
Banana Republic// Extra 60% off sale styles
Club Monaco// end of season sale, up to 60% off when you take an extra 30% off already marked down styles
Country Club Prep// take 25% off at checkout and take 30% off $300 or more
Drpaer James// 40% off sale styles
Free People// 50% off all sale styles
Gap// 40% off everything with code: FORYOU and up to 75% off markdowns 
J. Crew// extra 50% off final sale styles with code BIGGERSALE
J. Crew Factory// 40% - 60% off 
J. McLaughlin// up to 50% off in stores and online
Kate Spade//extra 40% off sale styles with code MOREEXTRA
L.L. Bean// sale on sale extra 25% off sale items
Madewell// 40% off all sale styles with code: GOBIG
Mark and Graham// End of year sale up to 75% off
Neiman Marcus// $50 off $200, $100 off $400 with code DECSAVE
Nordstrom// save up to 50% 
One Kings Lane// 20% off sitewide
Pottery Barn// 15% off $100 or more, 20% off $200 or more, 25% off $1000 or more, and 30% off $3000 or more
Ralph Lauren// up to 40% off sale styles
Saks// The designer sale – up to 60% off
Serena and Lily// 30% - 70% off 
Talbots// Red Hanger sale, 40% off mark downs
Tory Burch// Semi-annual sale up to 60% off and an additional 25% off sale styles with code EXTRA
Tuckernuck// Extra 20% off sale items
Vineyard Vines// additional 30% off sale styles with code WHALE18
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Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas! 

And to all good tidings and a wonderful week spent with family!
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward me”
~ Luke2:8-14
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Christmas Day Playlist

My family is one of those families that is completely in their element during the Christmas season and embraces every single element of the season. The day after Thanksgiving Christmas decorations start going up, holiday music is being played on a loop, and a Christmas movie is on at all times. 
On Christmas Day we have all of our favorite Christmas songs playing till it’s time to go to bed. But, between the Christmas baking, cooking gift wrapping, gift opening, and adding those last minute Christmas touches how can you not help but be completely wrapped up in the holiday. Here is my Christmas Day Playlist you can download Spotify {click here} or play directly below!



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Monday, December 24, 2018

Last Minute Christmas Prep

Keep Calm, take a deep breath, tomorrow is Christmas. I am still in a little bit of disbelief that it’s Christmas Eve. I feel like this Christmas season has gone by in the blink of an eye and I for one am not ready to see it end. 
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Last minute Christmas prep always has the potential to be a little stressful here and there. The last minute gifts, wrapping, setting a table, cooking Christmas dinner, and entertaining family and friends. To hopefully help you out a little here is a little last minute Christmas prep inspiration!
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Saturday, December 22, 2018

My Favorite Christmas Movies

I can’t believe December is almost over and Christmas is just day away. Lately I have felt like time is like a buttered up rope that keeps gliding through my hand and I just can’t seem to get a firm grip on it. I’m usually on about my 30thChristmas post at this point, and I apologize for not being able to produce my usual amount of content for this time of year. My sister is getting married in May and between helping her with her wedding planning and my mom planning last minute trips {which, by the way, are fabulous} trying to squeeze in as much family as possible before my sister get married I just can’t seem to stay on top of everything.

Despite having a bit more going on than I usually do one thing I can’t help but make time for are my favorite Christmas movies. I love popping a bag of popcorn, sitting down with my computer, and watch a few Christmas movies. There are just some Christmas movies that make the holiday season seem like the holiday season. They always seem to infuse you with the spirit of the season and put you a good mood. 

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite Christmas movies and I would love to hear yours!
White Christmas// Almost embarrassed to admit, but I have already watched this movie about four times so far this Christmas season, and I am currently watching it as I type this post. I just love all the music and the dancing; it never fails to put me in a fantastic mood. 

Home Alone// Is it weird that a movie from my childhood is now considered a classic… It’s just not the Christmas season till you watch Kevin take down the ‘bad guys’ and eat a cheese pizza 

It’s A Wonderful Life// My family has two traditions on Christmas Eve: 1) Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and 2) Watch ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. I have always love the message of this movie and the way it makes me feel. Plus Jimmy Stewart is my movie star crush. 

Elf// I remember the very first time I saw this movie - it was right after Thanksgiving dinner and my family decided to go to the movies to unwind a bit. My dad and I love Will Ferrell, but my mom and sister are not as big of fans and were complexly dreading seeing this movie. But once the movie opened up to Papa Elf sitting in his rocking chair ready to tell the story everyone knew they were going to love the movie, and it has since become a family favorite!

The Polar Express// This movie is just all around magical! After awhile you almost feel like you are going on a journey to the North Pole and find yourself wondering ‘what if Santa really is real…’

Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation// My dad hates when anyone in my family, but when he was younger he kind of looked like Chevy Chase, especially when he wore his plaid shirts and vest. I feel like this movie is not only funny, but relatable in some ways. Once the open music starts I am already 100% in the holiday spirit!

What Are Some of Your Favorite Movies?

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Friday, December 21, 2018

Guest Post :: How To Explore New Zealand

I absolutely love how the timing of this guest post worked out. The holiday season is always exciting, but it definitely has its stressful high points here and there. I’ve always thought it would be nice to take a vacation after the holidays just to give your self a chance to come off of the holiday high. Plus, places would still be decorated for the holidays and how fun would it be to explore a new city under the glow of a few twinkle lights?! Today Peter Minkoff is sharing his top four tips for exploring New Zealand!
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan and you’ve always wanted to live in Hobbiton, then perhaps New Zealand, the real-life Hobbiton village, might just be the perfect destination for you. New Zealand is one of the few world destinations that are really mind-blowingly beautiful, and it would be such a shame to skip it and not see all the gems it has to offer. This country is a small one, yet it has it all – from the crowded but still so pretty streets of Auckland to amazing farms that you have to see. So, if you’re thinking of visiting New Zealand, let’s see how to explore it like a local? 

1. See the most important (and hidden) attractions

Obviously, the first thing that you need to do is make a list of all the prettiest sights and places that you want to see in New Zealand. For this, you definitely need to have your camera with you (make sure you have enough battery, though, as you will be using it constantly!). Apart from the most important attractions, make sure you have the Bay of Plenty on your list. This place is known as Sea of Toi to the Maori people, but the English name was given by Captain James Cook. The Bay of Plenty is home to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, the White Island, which is located not very far away from the shore. This bay also spoils for choice when beaches are concerned – there is a plethora of white sandy beaches that front the bay, and it’s your job to see them all and take some amazing photographs. If you’re a nature lover, then you should definitely check out the small town of Kaiteriteri, which is not very popular with international tourists but it serves as the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park which is by far the most beautiful national park in New Zealand.

2. Drive around

In order to fully explore a certain place, driving is the way to go, as you get to make your own plans and actually make all the detours that you want in order to explore it just a bit more. The case with New Zealand is not different though, as each detour will lead you to the most secluded and magical parts of this spectacular island. In order to fully experience this trip, you need to know what car to hire – opting for Avis rental car, for example, is the best idea. Another good thing about renting a vehicle? You can stop wherever you want – either for a cup of coffee, taking photos or simply enjoying the magnificent views.

3. Stay with the locals

It’s not the same visiting New York for example, and staying in New Jersey. It’s certainly not the same feeling. However, the case with New Zealand is a bit different though – the best way to experience this place is by staying with the locals in the rural areas of the island. The farming on this island is a huge deal(many tourists opt to return here and work on a farm), and the beauty of the farms and mountains that surround them cannot be properly explained, at least not in this article, nor in any other article for that matter. That is why you simply have to experience this, so it would be a great idea to allocate a couple of days and find locals who would be willing to accommodate you on their farm.

4. The New Zealand Hike

Once in New Zealand, you cannot skip on doing a hike on one of its many routes. You can basically choose whatever part of the island you want, and start from there (even National Geographic encourages this!). After all, this is probably the best way to experience the true nature of this magical island – the magnificent views of the Lake Wanaka or the waterfalls and volcano peaks of the Tongario National Park. Simply take your pick.

Perhaps we haven’t been lucky enough to be born as Kiwis in this lifetime, but perhaps we should give the cosmos a clue that we would like to have New Zealand as our home in the next one? Be as it may, this is definitely a destination you want to visit. And don’t be just as a regular tourist, but actually indulge in the authentic life of the locals. 
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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

For Her Gift Guide

Is it just me, or is it a little crazy that Christmas is only six days away? It seems like the whole Christmas season has gone by in the blink of an eye this year. 

I know I usually get my gift guides up a little earlier, but as you might have noticed I am a little behind on my posting this December. Silver lining though…for those of you who haven’t quite marked everything off their Christmas shopping lists, the gift guide posts can now double as last minute gift ideas! 

I am a bit partial, but the ‘for her gift guide’ is definitely in my top three favorite gift guides to put together. It’s always such a fun way to come across a few new finds, get some gift ideas, and occasionally indulge in a little ‘treat yourself moment. This year there are so many great gift ideas for her out there that it was a bit hard to narrow the list down a bit. 
Here’s where to shop for my above top 10 gifts for her. Click on the name of the item to be directed to the website. 
1.              Jeweled Embellished Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater
2.            Chatelaine Bracelet
3.            Vara Bow Headband
4.            Charlotte Tilbury The Fresh Faced Filter
5.            Kate Spade Scallop Touchscreen Smartwatch
6.            Barrington St. Charles Zippered Yacht Tote
7.             Tory Burch Clara Flat
8.            Slim Aarons: Once Upon A Time
9.            Terminal 1 Carry-On
10.          Regent Topcoat in Double-Serge Wool
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Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Holiday Party Dresses

I absolutely love the constant holiday buzz that hangs in the air this time of year. This coming weekend always seems like holiday parties are at their high point; schools are out, people are starting to take time off of work, and people are ready to let the magic and merriment of the holiday season completely take them over. 
If you have been reading my blog for a while you have more than likely caught on to the fact that I have a bit of a dress problem…and will take an opportunity to purchase a new dress, especially a party dress! There are some simply fabulous dress out there right now that would be perfect for any holiday part, but here are a few of my favorites!
Blythe Dress
Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress in Velvet Stewart Tartan
Long-Sleeve Lace Sheath Dress
Jolly Plaid Swing Dress
Nadea Dress
Franci Dress
Shoshanna Mori Lace Dress
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Sunday, December 16, 2018

Sunday Night Thought


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Saturday, December 15, 2018

Happy Hour Time

Well, well, well, look who finally decided to show up! It’s so nice to see you again, what ever took you so long to arrive?! I am in slight disbelief that Christmas is just weeks away; I mean…wasn’t it just thanksgiving? I honestly can never get enough of Christmas, and I am never ready for it to go, to say I am in my element right now would be an understatement. Here’s to a weekend filled with merriment, relaxing, hot chocolate, and Christmas music. Cheers!

“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change”

Drink Special! 
Frostbite
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce heavy cream
1 ounce white crème de cacao
½ounce white crème de menthe
Ice cubes 
Cocoa powder for garnish
Shake liquid ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cocoa powder

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Holiday Lights at Cheekwood, Saturday December 15 – December 30
Seaside, FL: Holiday Pops Concert feat Sinfonia Gulf Coast, at 30A, Saturday, December 15, 5:00pm
Atlanta, GA: Falcons v. Cardinals at Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 16, 1:00pm
Highlands, NC: Hatch Camp Holiday Market at Hatch Camp and Art Farm, Sunday, December 16
Memphis, TN: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Orpheum Theatre, Saturday, December 15, 7:00pm
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