Holiday Hustle & Bustle

In just 4 short days I'll be hitting the slopes in Steamboat, CO. Between now and then I will be very merrily celebrating Christmas with friends and family. Packing, presents, and re-packing..oh how i love the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Merry Christmas to all of you and hope you have a wonderful, blessed holiday season!

flashback to college: senior year semiformal!

Koozie Giveaway

Hop on over and visit Megan at Fried Green Pickles today, where she is hosting a giveaway with one of my monogrammed koozies! A koozie from my Etsy shop would make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for that special friend, relative, teacher, hostess, etc! The giveaway ends on Sunday at midnight, good luck!

Christmas Favorites: Part 1

Whoa. The hustle and bustle of holiday season has had me running around and definitely keeping busy. Since I'm overly obsessed with Christmas and love decorating for the holidays, I wanted to share some of my favoite things with you all! Growing up my mother and grandmother have always collected Byers' Choice Christmas Carolers...which has led to my own collection. I love how each one is so different with their own unique details. All grouped together, they make for a lovely, cheerful display on a mantle, dresser, side table or wherever your heart desires. Do any of you collect carolers too?!

Just a few of my Christmas Caroler lovelies!

Ornamental Sparkle

One of my all time favorite things about Christmas is decorating the tree and relishing in the memories that each ornament holds. As I carefully place my beloved treasures upon the tree, I quickly find myself lost in those special memories. Whether it be the vast collection of Hallmark Holiday Barbie ornaments that I received annually from my grandmother, handmade creations from my school years, or those purchased in towns I've visited..each one holds a special place in my heart. What better way to remember those blessed occasions than with an ornament! Here are some of my favorites that would sparkle up any tree...

1. Jeweled Menagerie Giraffe - Anthropologie

2. Fireside Feelings - Anthropologie

3. Sock Monkey Snowman - Chasing Fireflies

4. Olivia Riegel Seahorse - Bloomingdales

5. Swarovski 2010 Annual Ornament - Bloomingdales

6. Christopher Radko Pricely Pine - Saks

7. MacKenzie-Childs Glass Owl - Saks

8. NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade - Bloomingdales

Charleston: Most Attractive People

Why do I love living in Charleston so much? Charleston was recently rated No. 1 Most Attractive People in America's Favorite Cities 2010 survey! The article states "This South Carolina city bumped off perennial winner Miami this year; have the good-looking people really migrated north? Charlestonians also score high for friendliness, rank second for their classic sense of style, and even make the top 10 for intelligence. To see if it’s all true, just stroll the streets of this quaint city, which also ranks No. 1 for its noteworthy neighborhoods."

Other most attractive cities included San Diego, Savannah, Miami and Salt Lake City to name a few. Props to Charleston for acheiving sexy status...

Color Crush: Sapphire Blue

The air is getting chilly (finally) and the layers are piling on. I'm loving this rich sapphire shade of blue for an unexpected pop of color. Whether it be a ring, perfect pair of pumps, tailored peacoat or a wool floppy hat..this color is popping up everywhere. The cooler months have never been so blue...

Sapphire Blue Winter by las1020 featuring blue gloves

Plan in Style

The ladies at MomAgenda have done it again! They recently introduced the "MyPlan" organizer, which is a smaller, shortened version of MyAgenda. Of course, I had to pick one up! I love the slim fit because it stores nicely in my purse and doesn't weigh down my shoulders. Have no fear, my tidy green planner is not being permanently replaced. Green will simply be used as a desktop only planner now. MyPlan is better used as an on-the-go, carry around all the time type planner. I'm in heaven.

i chose this cutie, zebra & pink!

Elephants & Donkeys

Happy Election Day! The pumpkin I carved this past weekend just so happened to be election-day-appropriate. It's a GOP pumpkin! I have a thing for that cute little elephant, if you haven't noticed. Whether donkey or elephant, get out there and cast your vote!

Trick-or-Treat, Smell my feet!

Hope everyone had a haunted-ly festive Halloween. On Friday night, boyfriend and I headed to the annual Monster's Ball. We went as Tiger Woods and Elin and had tons of fun acting in character all night long. Who would have thought that we would end up as finalists in the costume contest? Guess that nice little shiner I added to boyfriend's eye really pulled off the effect! What costume did you sport this year?!

 Nike Hat = $25

Nike Golf Polo = $45

Nike Golf Club = $450

$750M Settlement = Priceless

(you can't read my "priceless" sign in the pic, but it was attached to my golf club!)

it's the great pumpkin

It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown! One of my all time Charlie, Linus and Lucy favorites aired tonight. I never tire of watching Lucy facetiously trick Charlie with the football. poor Charlie. And I love the great determination that Linus displays by sitting in the pumpkin patch all night, despite his friends smack talk. Life lessons start with Charlie Brown. Hope you all have a spooooky, scary, ghoulish-ly delightful Halloween! I'm off to Monsters Ball...

Charleston: Watercolors

I recently came across these adorable lowcountry watercolor paintings of Charleston. They are miniature 5x7 scenes that would make a cute collection on a bathroom or hallway wall. My favorite is the Broad Street scene (pictured below) because of the architecture it captures and because it reminds me of fall here in Charleston. At only $5 per print, these are extremely budget-friendly.

{via charlestonsouthcarolinaart.com}

Rockin' Rug

I'm currently obsessing over this Arabesque Coral Rug by Global Views. Love the orange punch and pattern play that this brings to a room. I'm thinking an exquisite pair of turquoise and gold lamps would make a great combination with this rug...isn't it divine?

{via Modern Chic Home}

SC State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair is currently in Columbia, so last weekend boyfriend and I took the opportunity to go check it out and engage in some quality people watching. I absolutely love the fair. Where else can you find fried butter, safe rides, gigantic stuffed animals, cows, art, sand sculptures, the largest watermelon in the state, and much more all packed into one place? We had a heck of a time riding the himalaya, swings, and rainbow...and we felt like kids all over again.

 No trip to the fair is complete without the ferris wheel!

Bessie and Friend

 

 A hamburger sandwiched between two doughnuts. Not even joking.

Largest Watermelon in the State: 170 pounds

 

Largest Pumpkin in the State: 380 pounds. Whoa!

Moi Anniversaire!

Today I turn the big 2-4! Wow, I cannot believe I'm almost in my mid-twenties. Cheers to birthdays and celebrations! What I'm wearing on moi anniversaire...

 Lilly Pulitzer Keating Dress

Steve Madden Nude Pumps



Pumpkin Patch

Tis the season to break out those carving knives and get to scooping out those pumpkins! Or if your looking for the less-mess effect, check out these fun no-carving necessary ideas. Autumn decorating has never looked so festive with these precious pumpkins...

Pumpkin Patch by las1020 on Polyvore.com

Football Friday: Part 1

It's finally Friday and I'm headed home to the Upstate for some Oktoberfest fun and Clemson football of course! It's Homecoming weekend in Death Valley and I could not be more excited! The Tigers are taking on the Miami Hurricanes and we cannot wait to ROCK THE VALLEY! Bring on the Homecoming floats, good friends, early tailgating, football and solid orange. I found an old Clemson vs. Miami football program from the Orange Bowl in 1951. How precious! I wish they still made program covers like they used to. Where will you be tailgating this weekend?

Happy Fall Ya'll

Tonight is officially the first night of fall! Even though it is still in the 90's here in Charleston, I have visions of crisp, cool air arriving in hopefully the near future. I absolutely LOVE fall. Autumn leaves, pumpkins, Ocktoberfest, football games, boots, leggings, scarves, cool nights, orange, Homecoming, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. Bring it on!

{via Country Living}

"Grey" Matter

ABC's Premier Week is finally here and all my favorite shows are back in full swing! Last night was the first of the two-part premier for DWTS (Dancing with The Stars). I have to say, George and Lacey were my favorite dance of last night. But I think Jennifer Grey (aka Baby from Dirty Dancing) and Derek Hough are going to be a real showstopper this season.

What I'm most excited for this week is the highly anticipated Grey's Anatomy premier! Oh-my-gosh did you see the final episode last season? Total jaw dropper. You will find me glued to my TV this Thursday night to see what happens with Meredith, McDreamy, Yang, and the rest of the Seattle Grace crew (or what's left of them).

And since this week is full of "greys", I wanted to share some of my favorite grey pillows I've had my eye on...

Pillow 1. Pillow 2. Pillow 3.

Elephants Everywhere

Elephants, Elephants, Everywhere! From bangles and cuffs, to brooches and cufflinks. A great elephant statement piece certainly trumpets fun for fall...

Elephants Everywhere by las1020 featuring gold plated earrings

Color Crush: Orange

I've had a major orange crush the past couple of weeks. Blame it on Clemson football, fall leaves, or Halloween right around the corner. Orange is evermore present on my mind and these are some of my favorite picks...

Orange Crush by las1020 featuring boho jewelry

Terrace House Jacket, $138
Tory Burch Tumbled Leather Reva Ballerina Flat - Orange, $195
Kendra Scott - Carlone Earrings (Sun) - Jewelry, $58
Avril's Boho Style Orange & Pink Cocktail Ring, $30
Essie laquer bright tights, 110 DKK
Printed Silk Scarf, $72
Criss Cross Umbrella Stand/Vase - Shop Ten 25
Double Fortune Garden Stool - Shop Ten 25

If I was...

This weekend was definately filled with much fun and excitement. Details to come later. In the meantime, my favorite Buckhead Belle tagged me in this fun questionnaire. Thanks BB!

-If I was a month, I would be October. Fall weather, football, my birthday, AND Halloween all packed into one month!
-If I was a day of the week, I would be Saturday.
-If I was a time of day, I would be late night @ last call. I'm nocturnal, I swear.
-If I was a sea animal, I would be a rainbow fish. They really do exist! I spotted one for 3 quick seconds while snorkeling in Cancun once, and it was absolutely beautiful.
-If I was a direction, I would be South, below the Mason-Dixon line.
-If I was a piece of furniture, I would be a fun, upholstered scroll back chair.
-If I was a gemstone, I would be blue topaz.
-If I was a tree, I would be a Southern Live Oak with spanish moss. They are my absolute favorite tree and I love the natural "canopy" they create all over the lowcountry.
-If I was a flower, I would be a begonia.
-If I was a kind of weather, I would be a cool, fall day in Clemson, South Carolina. (I agree with you BB!)
-If I was a car, I would be a black Range Rover.
-If I was a place, I would be Charleston, SC.
-If I was a fabric, I would be imperial trellis.
-If I was a scent, I would be 'Laila' by Geir Ness.
-If I was a song, I would be "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show..so many memories and definately my all time favorite.
-If I was a pair of shoes, I would be a pair of flat, gold Kate Spades.

I tag: Southern Belle Simple

Bama Bound

Well it looks like my blogging has been non-existant lately...thanks to football season. This weekend I'm off to see the Alabama Crimson Tide battle the Penn State Nittany Lions. I cannot wait to get to Tuscaloosa and divulge in some Dreamland BBQ, yumm! Boyfriend is also going to take me to the Bear Byrant Museum for the first time. For those who are not familiar with the man, the myth, the legend that is Bear Bryant..he is the most "winningest" coach in the history of college football. And his houndstooth fedora inspired Alabama's gameday attire to what it is today. Hope everyone has a wondeful football weekend, Roll Tide & Go Tigers!

Kickoff!

At last, it's HERE! Football kicks off this weekend with Clemson's first home game of the season. I absolutely cannot wait to get to Clemson, spend time with awesome friends and family, and see the Tigers play! Every year I look most forward to the first time the Tigers run down the hill, it is truly the most exciting 25 seconds in college football and it still gives me chills every.single.time. I love tradition and I love football. Happy tailgating! 

Happy Birthday BB!

Happy Birthday to my bestest friend, AAF! Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with cupcakes as sweet as Strossners. Everyone hop on over to Buckhead Belle and send her some birthday wishes : )

Charleston Eats

A local Charleston favorite, Hominy Grill, hit the big times recently when it's infamous shrimp and grits was awarded one of "America's 10 Best Regional Classics" by the Food Network! I'm a huge fan of Hominy's breakfast and it never disappoints. Check out the article and be sure to tune in on September 20-23 at 9pm. Eat beforehand.

School Days

It's that time of year when all the little ones are lacing up their keds and heading back to school. This was always my favorite part of the year because of..you guess it..school supplies! My very most favorite item in elementary school was my hello kitty pencil case. I actually had "spottie dottie" everything (flashback anyone?). It was so much fun to push the buttons and watch the compartments pop out with your eraser, scissors, pencils, crayons, etc. Mine always housed my personalized pencils that had my name etched in gold. And of course, I had the same navy Jansport backpack..for way too many years. My mom firmly believed in the quality and would not accept me to have anything else, because Jansport "has a lifetime warranty". Unfortunately, pink wasn't an option back then. Looking back, that ol' backpack held up nicely and was a class act. Less is more, right? What were your school day essentials?

Weekend Flood

This weekend was filled with amazing home cooked meals, my favorite flowers, Eat.Pray.Love, catching up with good friends, and lazy Sundays in the rain. And the rains definately came down on Charleston...

{flood warning anyone?}

Freaky Friday

friggatriskaidekaphobia. Say what? Translated it means fear of Friday the 13th. Fewer accidents have been reported on Friday the 13th because on average people are more cautious or avoid mishaps at any cost by just staying home*. Are you feeling superstitious today?

*You won't find me watching any horror flicks in the dark tonight (or ever..)

I Love Lamp

These colorful ceramics could definately light up my life...
Totally loving the rounded curvature and bright colors displayed in each...but I'm partial to that turquoise beauty.

I Love Lamp by las1020 on Polyvore.com

Fontaine Feen

I've been seeing Fontaine Maury goodies everywhere lately. I am equally obsessed with every single one of their adorably preppy products. You all know how I'm a huge office assessories feen, so naturally I would l-o-v-e to have the mousepad and clipboard, along with the cooler tote for packing my lunch! Do you have a fontaine fave?

Bookworm

Two great books that I read over the summer were Sullivan's Island and Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorthea Benton Frank. Both stories were equally compelling and I love reading books that have a sequel. The setting for this series is a family that has lived on Sullivans for many generations in an old house called the "Island Gamble". The story takes you through their lives, struggles, and adventures on Sullivans. What I loved most was being able to recognize all the "local spots" mentioned throughout the books (i.e. Station 22, Atlanticville). If you're a bookworm looking for a lowcountry inspired read, I highly recommend both of these...

Football Countdown

Let the countdown begin! T-minus 30 days until Clemson kicks off their first game of the season. I have anxiously been awaiting football season for months and it's finally so close I can taste it. This season I will be attending 7 Clemson games, 3 Alabama games, and 1 North Carolina game. Whew! I have lots of gameday outfits to plan and I'm on the hunt for houndstooth. For those that do not know, boyfriend attended the University of Alabama for undergrad, so we always plan a couple of trips each year to see the Crimson Tide play! To start the 30 day countdown I've picked out a few of my tailgating favorites essentials...

Tervis Tumblers.Alabama Shaker.Gameday Buttons.Beverage Tub.

RayBans.Corn Hole.Car Flags.Alabama Dreamland BBQ.

Tandem Tendencies

I reallllllly want a tandem. What's that you ask? A tandem is a two-seater bike and my new must have. I picture myself taking late afternoon bike rides through downtown by the Battery on a sunshine-yellow tandem with boyfriend. Add on a basket and it's the perfect mode of transportation for a picnic! briiiing briiiing!

Polka Dot Bicycle Bell; Bicycle Basket; Schwinn Bicycle

Useless Umbrella

Saw this e-card and just had to laugh. If you live in Charleston (esp downtown), then you know how true this rings. There have been several occasions this year that when it rains, it literally floods. No, i'm not even joking. If you drive a sedan, forget about getting in your car. The rain mixed with the high tide causes the water to rise above car doors and people are wading down the street. Rainboots required. Being one of two people in my office that lives and works downtown, we are the only ones at work for the first few hours on these torrential downpour days. I guess we'll hold down the fort, if we don't all float away...

My American Dream

Thanks to Charleston Girl for sweetly tagging me for this award! This one definately got me thinking.

Describe where you will be in 10 years...

In 10 years I hope to be happily married and living in either Upstate South Carolina or North Georgia. I will be in my mid-30's and therefore, hope to have some "fratlings", or some on the way. I will drive the ultimate mom fratmobile. If I have girls, they will wear huge hairbows every single day, just like my mom made me. My house will be impeccably clean at all times. I will have obtained tons more sewing experience by then and would love to have my own interior decorating/sewing business. I'd also love to re-upholster furniture. And if time permits, I'd love to get into dress making. My husband-to-be will be amazingly successful and we will be building the lake house of our dreams. He will clean the house, cook dinner, AND do the dishes (pshh..yeah right). Therefore, I will have plenty of time to sit on the front porch sipping a glass of wine every afternoon while reading a good book. I'll spend the other half of my time planning theme parties and get togethers for our family, friends and kids. Now that's the American dream, right?

I'll pass this along to any of my followers that would like to share their future dreams for the next decade. I'd love to hear about it!

Pickin' & Grinnin'

Happy Friday! I'm off to Lake Rabun (again) for an action packed weekend on the water. With the annual Beach Music Bash* tomorrow night, I'm sure there will be plenty of shagging on the boulevard with mr. sixty minute man. Oh domino, here's to another weekend of making memories. And not wrecking golf carts...

*formerly known as "pickin' & grinnin"

Weighing Me Down

Alas, it has been one crazy, hectic, busy, stressful week at the office. But don't get me wrong, I'd rather be a busy bee than a bored betty any day of the week. If only I had one of these oh so precious paper weights to grace my stack of papers...

RedStamp

Fine Dining

I could be swept out to sea with this lovely Waterford Seahorse Ocean piece set. Loving the calming blue and white palette, accented with that adorable silver seahorse. What's your favorite fine china?

Tell It All Thursday

Sending everyone a big Happy Thursday from the lowcountry! Charleston Girl was so sweet to tag me for this questionnaire earlier this week.

1. Favorite color?
GREEN. I've always been drawn to kelly green, apple green, seafoam green, jadeite, etc. My favorites include my green ipod, green MyAgenda, and distressed green nightstand.

2. Favorite restaurant?
82 Queen. It's secret garden atmosphere and delectable food are to die for. Such a romantic little restaurant tucked away in the heart of downtown Charleston. love it.

3. What does your room look like?
Shabby Chic with distressed accents. My bed is pictured below. One of these days I'll actually get around to posting pictures of my distressed furniture...

4. If you could have dinner with two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
My grandfather and great grandmother on my dad's side. I was too young to remember my dad's father, Clayton, but have heard countless stories about him. He was the milkman back in the day when they still delivered milk to your front porch. I've also been told that I resemble my dad's grandmother, Katie. I would love to get to know them. 

5. What is your favorite quote?
"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." (insert need for tidy green MyAgenda here)

6. Anything else you would like to share?
I swear I must have been a fish in my previous life. I swam competitively for 13 years for both summer leagues and year-round teams. I absolutely loved the water and the thrill of the race. I will never forget that 5 second feeling of stepping up on the blocks, taking "my mark", listening for the start gun to roar into the sky, and sprinting through the cool water. Oh how I miss those days of being a "pool rat". But...my hair sure doesn't miss turning green every summer.

Nautical Nautilus

As soon as I saw this nautilus pillow from Pottery Barn go on sale - two clicks and it was sold. The colors just so happened to be perfect for my living room and with a $12 dollar price tag, it was a no brainer (not to mention the..gasp!..free shipping).  Want some fun nautical pillows that design on a dime? Go check out Pottery Barn's end of summer sale before they're all gone. Who says outdoor pillows can't be used indoors?!