KTLouise!

Last night I met the ever-so-fabulous KTBFerg per her Twitter name or KTLouise per her blog name (which is amazing and she just started it)! 

Katie and I became friends on Twitter a few months ago and seriously I think we were long lost friends.  Haha!  Once we had become facebook friends, we noticed we had a ton of mutual friends in common (not just bloggers!).  She went to high school with several friends of mine from college and we knew many of the same friends in Charlotte.  I swear this place is a small town!  Her hubby always teases her that she can't go anywhere without knowing someone.  Kevin says the same about me.  So it's a wonder why I didn't know Katie yet!  We were destined to be friends! 

We sat in Dean and Deluca wine bar for almost three hours chatting about everything under the sun.  I'm pretty sure we covered weddings very well (she's basically planning ours and our honeymoon - she has awesome taste!), stationery, our guys, houses, friends, blogs,  work, twitter, clothes.  Everything basically.  It was long overdue!

Happy Friday to yall and be sure to go see her blog here and become a follower!!! 

Vineyard Vines Lazy Pants and Shorts

Vineyard Vines' lazy pants and shorts are quite possibly the most comfortable loungewear I have.  My parents gave me a pair for Christmas probably 5 or so year ago when they first came out and I still wear those to this day.  They are so soft!  I've since acquired two more pairs of the pants and love them just the same!

They even make flannel ones now for the winter.  I don't have any of these because I'd probably burn up in them!

A couple years ago I picked up the lazy shorts at Belk for super cheap and have loved them too.  Mine are green with fish on them.  They are perfect for hot days (like now!) and I love how cool they are when I'm drying my hair and getting so hot.

What's your favorite piece of loungewear?  If you haven't tried these, I strongly recommend!

Pillows, Flowers and Box of Wedding Things

Since I had some comments on my pillows, I thought I'd start there today!  The back chevron looking pillow came from this Etsy shop.  They were super reasonable (unlike most pillows!) and I got the filler pillow for it at Pottery Barn here in Charlotte.

The blue and green pillow my Mom found at the same cute shop in Maryland where I found the $10 Pamela Cassidy prints that look like $50 prints.  Yes, the store is awesome.  I thankfully had kept the tag off of the pillow so I'd know for next time and I pulled it out for this post.  It is by Anna Maria Horner.  Check out her website here.  She does amazing work!

In other news, I finally had my first plant EVER grow from a seed.  You can see that the right side of my planter box didn't do so well but at least I had some zinnias on the left.  It's very hard to grow plants on my balcony because of being so high up and the terrible wind.  Not to mention the heat this year that we're all fighting with!

When Kelly was here the other night from Raleigh, she brought me allllll of her wedding material!  Lots of books, magazines, her notebook and every single invitation and program.  Lots to go through and get ideas from!  I'm excited!

I will start official Wedding Wednesday posts back up when I finally figure out when we're going to do this thing.  I've learned to not speak before something is concrete.  There is a lot that goes into this decision of when, where, how many and how much!  I honestly don't think people understand until they have something to plan for this many people....I certainly didn't!  Ha! 

So for the next few months, Kevin and I are going to enjoy our engagement and figure things out in a more relaxed manor instead of trying to plan this huge thing in a matter of weeks (Mom and I were going nuts trying to get it done, weren't we Mama?!).  I'm looking forward to more relaxed decisions and much less pressure!  Afterall, we're supposed to enjoy this time right?!

Thank yall for the encouragement, support and (sometimes) opinions!!  ;)

Living Room Redo

Thanks for yall's sweet comments about our weekend! ;)

 

It was finally time to do a little redo in my living room!  Yall may remember at Christmas I received a gorgeous antique table from my parents!

That meant I got to get rid of the filing cabinet with the fancy drape over it and have a real table.  I was so excited.  Since my parents came down this weekend, they were able to bring it in their car.  In preparation, I took everything out of my filing cabinet (my old homeworks and tests from college) and took it all to work.  Kevin took the filing cabinet to his office.  I ended up moving my other end table to the opposite side as seen below.

And it left the prime space for my new gorgeous table!  Doesn't it look fantastic?!  Only a lil biased here! ;)

I'm super excited about this little redo and feel like it opens up my house a little bit more!

In other news, my bestest from college was in town for work last night so she came over around 6 and we walked to dinner then came back up to my condo.  She brought boxes and crates of wedding things for me to look at.  We went through some of them and had the best time chatting and catching up. 

You know what - there is nothing in this world that can't be solved by a night with your bestest, cake, a glass of wine and The Bachelorette on TV. :) 

Engagement Dinner and Weekend

We had the most fabulous time on Friday night at our engagement dinner that Kevin's parent's threw for us at their club!  It was done to perfection and was so special to us!  They had rented out a room just for our crowd of 11 and added some other very special touches!  His Mom had a wonderful cake that said Congratulations to Kevin and I and it had a yellow flower on it with yellow writing!  It was delicious!

My brother, SIL and Anna Kate came up from Pawleys Island for the big event.  Anna Kate was the highlight of the evening, of course! 

She LOVED the ice cream bar they had.  Girlfriend loves some chocolate ice cream with lots of sprinkles.  She had seconds, because she could!  :)  Check her out getting every bite out of that bowl!  Her Momma was embarrassed she was doing that but of course we all thought it was too cute!

Kevin's Mom and Dad also had a vase monogrammed with our new last name initial and filled with flowers.  That was so special of them to do!  And they added the framed picture of Kevin and I.

Kevin is so fun!

Brittany (Kevin's SIL) made the cutest name tags and I thought that was so nice of her to do.  She is so talented.  Anna Kate loved picking those up and passing them back out to everyone.

Then Anna Kate got to put my bracelet and engagement ring on.  Her eyes lit up so much when I gave her my ring to put on her finger.  Soooo cute! 

The whole group!  Kevin's family is on the left, mine is on the right!

My parents, brother, SIL and niece Anna Kate.

She's the queen!  Nannie and Poppa (my parents) gave her a little Hello Kitty so that made it into the pictures above and below.

The next day everyone came over to my condo for breakfast.  Anna Kate and Poppa decided to have ice pops too!  So fun for 8am!

Then Anna Kate and I painted nails.  Her toes are Turquoise and Caicos and her fingers match mine - Haute as Hello, both from Essie.  :)

My brother, Emily and Anna Kate left mid morning to head to Charleston and my parent, Kevin and I went to look at venues.  I made a low country boil for dinner that night then Sunday we looked at some hotels for room blocks and then hammered down the guest list.  Still very hard to cut but we have to do it.  Ughh yall know how that goes.

Last night Mom and I made ribs then Kevin and Dad grilled them, squash casserole and mac 'n cheese.  It was a tasty dinner.  Then we had to go get gas in their car so I had to take Mom to a yogurt place!  This morning we looked at one more venue and then they got on the road and I went to work!

Of course I already miss everyone!  I love everyone being together in one place, just doesn't happen often enough!  Hopefully over the next year or two with all the wedding events, it'll happen more often! 

Thank you again to Kevin's parents and family and also my parents and family.  We are thrilled to share such a special time all together!

Out with old friends!

Last night we made plans to meet up with Josh and Steph.  We booked this almost 2 months in advance to be sure we were definitely on.  Josh was basically my first friend at NC State and he was mostly known as "bro" to me and I was "sis" to him.  You know those friends that you pick right back up with after you don't see for too long?  That's Josh and Steph to me!  Love them.

He and Steph were high school sweethearts!  How presch is that?  They got married 5 years ago and I got a fantastic surprise last night - they are expecting a little girl on October 15th.  We are SO thrilled for them!  I couldn't believe Josh hasn't told me but he wanted to wait until we were in person.  Doesn't she look amazing?  She was such a champ last night in the heat and walking all over downtown Charlotte!

We also got to see some more of our favorite friends - Barrett and Ben!  They are such sweethearts and we love seeing them out and about uptown (they're also uptown residents).  They are great friends with Josh and Steph so it worked that we all got to be together at McCormick and Schmicks.  :)

Mom had requested that Kevin take some engagement photos of me so since I had my hair cut yesterday, I figured it would be a good time.  She requested a black shirt, string of pearls necklace, pearl earrings, decent makeup and spunky hair.  I guess I mostly did that.  Kevin took about 10 photos and this is one.  Yall think it'll be okay for the newspaper?  I guess if she doesn't like it, we'll take more this weekend!

My parents are on their way down from Maryland and my brother and his family are on their way up from Pawleys Island, SC.  I can't wait!!!!  Kevin's parents are throwing us an engagement dinner at their club tonight.  We're SO excited to see everyone and celebrate!

Simple Coleslaw

This recipe is so easy and it's become a staple at my house because Kevin loves it.  I take it to other people's homes for cookouts and it's so simple to transport (throw it in a tupperware and bring a serving bowl) and it only takes 3 minutes to make.  Nothing better than tasty and quick right?

So the recipe is from the back of the Fresh Express coleslaw packet at the store.  I typically always buy the coleslaw that is all one color as you can see above.

Steve's Memphis-Style Dressing

 - 1/4 cup mayo (I use light)

 - 1/4 cup cider vinegar

 - 1/4 cup sugar (I use Splenda and you cannot tell)

 - 1 tsp. ground celery seed

Directions:

Pour cider vinegar into a bowl, then add sugar.  Stir to dissolve.  In a separate bowl, add mayo and ground celery seed together.  Stir in vinegar mix.  Whisk until smooth.  Toss with Fresh Express Angel Hair Cole Slaw and enjoy!

(To be honest, I mix the sugar and vinegar then add the mayo and celery seed to the same bowl - less dishes!)

Easy peasy and perfect for summer time!

All About Hair

Today I thought it would be fun to share my hair process with yall in hopes you'll leave yours in the comment section so we can all get ideas!

I swear by the Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo.  And yes I buy the jumbo bottle when it is 20% off at Modern (which is where I get my hair cut).  Since I only wash my hair every other or every 2-3 days, I can validate using a little nicer shampoo when I do.  It has really made a difference in my hair!  I typically go through a big bottle a year. 

And of course I love the conditioner too.  I end up putting this in at the beginning of my shower (right after shampoo) so it stays in for a few extra minutes and helps the ends of my hair stay looking better!

I do a major towel dry to get most of the water out but then I turn it over to the ever so amazing T3 hair dryer from Bespoke Labs.  Let me tell yall, I have way too much hair but this thing dries it in record time.  I take it with me on long trips because I cannot handle waiting for the hotel dryer to dry my hair.  It would take 30 minutes!  This thing gets special treatment when it travels - always in my carry on!  ;)

Lately instead of just a free-for-all blow dry then straightening, I've been using a large round brush and drying it in sections.  It's been a lot better for my hair instead of frying it straight with my chi.  Oh did I mention that I have curly hair naturally?  I do! 

I'm obsessed with my chi.  I understand there are other straighteners out there that may do better but this thing has done me right.  I've had it since college (so at least 6-7 years) and it's never once acted up.  The key to using a straightener and actually getting your hair straight is to do it in sections and as you move it down your hair, follow it with a comb.  This is essential and smooths out your hair so well!  This also gets special treatment on trips - it's with my T3 in my carry on!

I finish my hair off with the Aveda Emollient which sooths it and takes away most of the flyaways.  It just looks more complete and polished when I use this.

So tell me about your hair routine and what you use!  I've heard of some girls who order WEN and swear by it, some girls that use products from Tarjay and everything in between.  I'd love to hear what works for you!  And of course let me know if you have any questions about my routine!

Healthy Breakfast/Lunch and Shred

I can't remember which blog I found this idea from so if it was yours, please let me know so I can give you credit!

I saw this somewhere in the last couple weeks it looked so tasty so I had to try it.  Bagel thins, light cream cheese, smoked salmon and a few capers.  I had it for lunch on Sunday and for breakfast this morning.  Definitely fills you up and is under 300 calories. 

Remember a few months ago I told you how I was going to do the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred?  Well every day didn't happen because it got to be SO boring but I do mix it in with running and exercise classes.  It's actually been pretty fun. 

Last night I did level 3 and honestly thought I was going to be super sore today - I am not at all.  It shows me that I'm improving so I'm glad about that.  I've been working on legs because that helps me on the hilly runs.  After my runs I've also been doing some sprinting up hills, a small recovery and doing it again.  It's helped with my endurance.

What do you all do to speed up your metobolism and get in shape the quickest way?  There is nothing more frustrating than a run when you feel like you're in good shape but then you get out there and struggle.

Wedding and Cousin Visit

On Friday night Kevin's friend from Bank of America got married in the Southpark area of Charlotte.  The reception was downtown overlooking the city.

We had a great time despite the ucky weather.  Kevin and his bank guys...

The reception was a good time and the bride and groom were so happy!

All the ladies with the bride!

Guys with the bride!

They even had a photo booth which we had a good time with!

Dan, Trey, Kevin, Davidson.  They all worked at the bank together for a long time.  Can you imagine being on their trading desk?  They had a BIG time working together haha! 

And they're off to Mexico!

Then of course it was essential that we go downtown to Town Tavern.  Because that's always a smart thing to do after a long reception!

The girls stuck together and laughed at the guys!

On Saturday we ended up going out to Williams Sonoma because Kevin wanted to look at salt and pepper shakers. Who knows why!  We ended up registering for a few things just for fun.  Then we went to the grocery store and headed home. 

I was expecting my cousin, her hubby and their lil girl Amelia but they weren't sure what time they would make it up from Atlanta.  They ended up not getting in until almost midnight so we went to dinner with Kevin's parents to talk wedding things. 

The next morning we loved making breakfast and hanging out together.  Amelia's birthday is coming up in a week or so, so of course she had to open her birthday gift!  She is very into princesses, glitter and fancy things!  A princess costume was essential, along with the matching jewelry and multiple tiaras! 

Isn't she such an adorable princess?!

We loved being with you all and hope you come back soon!

And Amelia wanted to be even more fancy and play with my engagement ring!  She was so cute with it then her Momma quickly took it back when she started running around with it!  ;) 

They left to head up to Richmond mid morning and we hung around and worked on wedding things....like the honeymoon!  I eventually went for a run, Kevin grilled some dinner and we got our act together for the busy week ahead! 

It was so random but I actually had a little bit of trouble downtown when I ran last night.  Typically I always feel super safe because there are lots of people around, I know where all the security guards are and which buildings I can run into.  Yesterday I had a guy on a bike follow me across every street as I weaved back and forth.  So I just ran right back where I had come from to basically inform him that I was not messing around - ha!  Then I came across this woman who was stumbling everywhere and stopped to ask me where the closest Food Lion was.  I was like 100 yards away from her at this point and told her there wasn't one.  I just kept getting father and farther away and she kept talking.  I felt bad leaving but you never know!  Anyway, I made it home safe and sound but it teaches you to be super careful and aware of your surrondings at all times!

Random Friday

This is a random post but has some fun things in it, including a lil recipe!  This fine Friday started off with a trip to the doc for a physical.  Hadn't had one in yearsssss so it was time.  She ended up testing me for celiac disease which if you are positive you have to go gluten free.  We'll see, I'm not sure about all that. 

Last week I came home one day and Kevin had left me this cute note and a flower vase with a paper towel stuck into a skewer.  How funny is that?  The note said something like, "Welcome home GF fiance.  Sorry for this type of flower but it's been a rough month."  Haha!!!

This is one of my favorite shots of Kevin.  This was over in Sea Pines (in Hilton Head) when we had rode our bikes to the beach.  He loves his binoculars that my parents gave him for Christmas. 

See I told yall this post was random.  Yesterday I came home and Kevin had fixed dinner.  Thank goodness.  He has really stepped up the past couple weeks as I've been crazy.  I've had long work days and stuff after work every day.  Anyway, he fixed this tasty little southwestern salad.  Lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, fresh corn, avocado, cucumbers and red peppers.  I know it looks overloaded with corn but I promise there are some red and green things in there too!  Fresh, tasty salad!

Tonight I'm meeting Kevin at a 5pm wedding right down the street from my office.  I brought my whole makeup and hair routine here to the office so that will be interesting come 4pm!  The reception is very close to our home uptown so we'll drop a car off then head over there.  This is the wedding of one of his bank buddies so it'll be a good time!

TGIF!

Tervis Tumblers and OOTD

Umm seriously is it Friday yet?

I can't say enough great things about Tervis Tumbler.  I had my two NC State cups get messed up in my dishwasher.  It was so weird because I had other ones in there too of different designs and they were fine.  Anyway these were on the top shelf and came out with like permanent finger prints on them.  Anyone ever heard of this?  Well I sent them back a few weeks ago to TT in Florida since they have a lifetime guarantee.  On Tuesday a package came with two brand new cups!  They are a top notch company my friends!  They hold true to what they say!

Here is an Outfit of the Day.  I know I've been slack with these but I promised yall I would do it.  This was yesterday when it was a million degrees here in Charlotte.  Linen J. Crew top from a few years ago with a khaki J. Crew suit skirt and my peep toe (almost nude) patent heels. 

Last night I was finally able to catch up and get my house in somewhat of an order.  I came home from work and Kevin had already made some salads for dinner so that was very nice to not have to do dinner.  I was so thankful. 

Going to try to get a longer run in tonight depending on how hot it gets.  We have a wedding tomorrow night right down the road from my office so I may be packing a big bag tonight to change and get ready at my office! 

Oh and I know this post couldn't get more random!  I finally took the Turks and Caicos polish off my toes and put essie Haute as Hello on my fingers and toes.  Had to look presentable for the wedding tomorrow! ;)

Wedding Wednesday - Spreadsheets and Fun Things

Organization - Well, yesterday an excel spreadsheet was my best friend.  I created tabs for each vendor and put all of the possibilities for each vendor within the tab.  I put the quick information about each one beside it (price, how they do things, deposit to secure etc).  Ahhh I felt so much better after doing this and finally felt organized. 

Reception Location - Last night I had many dreams about where the reception will be.  The reception location is on my mind and I cannot wait to get that nailed down.  The other vendors, I'm working hard on too (florist, photographer, band) but if we have a reception place, we have a full wedding.  Thankfully the church has been reserved but I don't even feel good about saying when it is just in case we can't find a reception location!  We are penciled in at two locations so I'm looking forward to my parents seeing those!  I know one is already on the top of our lists!

Colors - Honestly I'm not even worried about these small details yet because I feel like I have a million bigger things to worry about but I'm thinking navy/gold, white/gold, or gold/coral.  Can yall tell I like gold?!  Anyone have any good inspiration for any of these colors?

Bridesmaids Dresses - I'm obsessed with the Lulu Kate dresses.  Of course I always imagined having Lilly dresses but for an uptown Charlotte, 6pm wedding, I'm not sure that will fly!

Keeping Sanity - Running has always been a stress reliever for me.  Boy oh boy, I've run a many a miles the past week or so!  ;)  Even at 8pm last night in 95 degree heat!  Felt so good!  Today I'm refueling with a ton of water. 

What was your top priority for your wedding?  Or what would it be when you get engaged?

House Beautiful

Thanks for yall's sweet comments on my dress from Saturday night.  That is a Lilly Pulitzer "Sabrina" dress from 2005!  I wore it on my college graduation day!  It has the white Lilly tag in it - love going back and wearing my "old" Lilly!

 

Last night I was checking out my new House Beautiful magazine I received.  Did I mention that I love that magazine?  It's amazing.

How presch are these ruffle bath towels from Echo Design?  At $20 each they wouldn't completely break the bank.  Not sure how practical or absorbant they are but they are certainly cute!

Also in the mag was a nautical rope 21" diameter mirror from LL Bean.  I searched for it on their website and can't find it anywhere.  It was only $50 - what a steal!

So then I went to the House Beautiful website and found this pretty - a 10"x27" bamboo mirror by Jonathan Adler!  $195.

What fun home pieces have you all found lately?

Cocktail Pool Party and Low Key Weekend

On Friday evening, Kevin and I met at a church right after work to check it out.  We ended up putting down a deposit subject to Mom and Dad's approval!  ;) 

We went home, made dinner then I had promised I'd go out with some friends to celebrate Hunt's birthday at Howl at the Moon.  They got him up on stage and it was hilarious.  He's in the middle, Lauren is on the left and Jay on the right.  Too funny!

On Saturday Kevin and I ran some errands and got things done.  We had a couple friends over on Saturday night before the Cocktail Pool Party at the Avenue. 

Jessica, Greg, Kevin and I.  Kevin was best man in their wedding last May in Asheville and they recently moved back to Charlotte.  We're thrilled to have them back here!

Kim and Jeff and baby Jack who is due in November!  :)

The four of us!

Tara also came over to hang out!  This was a fun cocktail party around the pool!  I hope the Avenue does it again soon! 

Kevin and I.  Not sure what Kevin was doing other than not smiling for the picture.  The vertical one came out well but of course blogger won't let me load it.

Yesterday Kevin and I brunched it at Cafe Monte in southpark.  I got the omelet with salmon, lobster and crab and he got a chicken club sandwich and french onion soup.  It was outstanding as usual. 

Then we did some wedding things - looked at some houses on our way home, went to a couple reception sites, checked on room blocks, emailed photographers and florists and got some quotes for transportation.  Whew!

I went to bed at 8:30pm yall.  Out like a light!  It was a very fun week celebrating but it had definitely caught up with me!  On to a new week and getting lots of things done!

Hope yall had a nice weekend!