knuckle-duster

After spotting this gold Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster clutch on Pinterest a few weeks ago, I cannot seem to get the idea out of my head. The perfect balance of girly, dainty elegance and toughness. Want/need/have to have.

Who would have thought that skulls could be so chic? Ob.sessed. Shop them here.

python

I don't know what is it about snakes that makes them so creepy, but I simply cannot stand them. No really... hate them. Just looking at a picture of one makes my skin crawl. As a result, I have never really been a fan of anything snakeskin or python-print. This morning, though, I saw this article on Refiney29 and it has me rethinking my stance (on the print, not the frightful creature.) Here are a few snake-inspired faves that I just might be caught slithering around in this fall...

via Asos 

 via Asos

Malene Birger via Refinery 29

p.s. this scarf is the closest I will ever get to pulling a Britney and letting a constrictor coil around my neck...

calm before the storm

With Irene scheduled to make landfall right here in coastal Carolina within the next 24 hours, things are starting to feel a little frenzied as final preparations are made. This afternoon we will batten down the hatches and make final decisions regarding evacuation, but for now a deep breath, a latte (or two), and the calm before the storm. Stay safe, kittens! 

 [Hard to believe that the threat of a hurricane is so imminent with such a glorious sunset last night. (via iPhone, not edit/filter)]

[And I know the aerial shots of my breakfast are becoming borderline excessive, but this morning I toasted a slice of pound cake and topped it with cinnamon-dusted peaches. Per-fec-tion.]

Snapshots... last day of summer

The house is extra quiet this morning, as Janie and CJ headed back to school bright and early. The excitement of the first day of school is always a little bittersweet, and although I know it will be a wonderfully exciting year for them, it is sad to see my buddies leave (and even sadder to see them growing up so quickly.) We spent yesterday having a proper "last day of summer,"  filled to the brim with all the foolishness that entails. 

We took the pups for a nice, long walk. They seemed to enjoy it, but they were clamoring for water as soon as we got back.

On a whim, I purchased a seafoam green beach cruiser (it seemed like the appropriate thing to do.) We had a time fitting it in my car and CJ dubbed it "the reject bike." I find it quite nice, though.

 Of course we stopped for ice cream...

and let our silliness get the best of us!

Happy first day of 8th and 10th grade, kittens! You are smart and silly, strong and kind. But most of all, you are His and you are mine. I couldn't ask for better people to spend my summer with.

The Help (part 2)

In addition to being moved by the story, I was endlessly inspired by the music and fashions of The Help. I've always loved the 50s (soda shops and poodle skirts, oh my...) but the 60s have been taking their rightful place in my heart (big hair, even bigger cocktails...) Ever since my mom surprised me with the soundtrack these two tracks have been on repeat...


And bless my southern heart if this first little number is not to die for...

p.s. Sissy Spacek's character was my fave... total diva status. 

The Help (part 1)

The weather was a little dreary last Thursday, so my favorite 13-year-old agreed to lunch and a matinee. I spent $10 on candy at the drug store because I felt a little guilty over forcing him to see The Help (which I wrongly assumed would be overtly chick-flickish)

 [I had to change purses to fit all of our treats... my Kate Spade Stevie was just big enough for all our candy, and the cheery red provided the perfect dose of color for a dreary day]

[we like to save free movie passes for rainy day matinees]

We both loved the film. I found it to be the perfect balance of lighthearted and humorous while maintaining historical authenticity.  The Civil Rights Movement is not an easy thing to talk about, but the filmmakers did so candidly and openly. Many people fear that talking about such topics can have a polarizing affect, further widening the gap between races. I wholeheartedly disagree.


The Help showcased a very important time in our history as a nation without villainizing or pointing fingers. It showed that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights. I left feeling thankful for the men and women, black and white, who had the courage to stand up for human rights during the 1960s. I also felt empowered to be one of those people today. The issues we face now may be entirely different, but I hope to always be a person who is willing to stand up for life.(see here and here)

late summer

It really is a terrible thing, temperatures soared above 100 and I started feeling hot, tired, and ungrateful. But this past week we finally received a break from the disparaging heat (the first sign that autumn is on the horizon, perhaps?) The highs have hovered around 85 and temperatures dip into the 70s each evening. The sweltering, stifling heat is gone and golden sunshine takes her place. Early spring has obvious appeal, but I'm beginning to think that late summer could give her a run for her money.

[my view via iPhone, no filter/edit, just lovely]

grey matter

Taylor calls me a girl of extremes. I'm either starving or stuffed, exhausted or wide-awake, there's seldom any in-between. The rule applies to nail polish too. During the warmer months I tend to favor bold, sunny shades of orange and coral. But when my nails aren't brightly-hued, I'm a sucker for a chic, monochromatic grey. Here are a few of my favorites...

[From Top: 1. OPI "You Don't Know Jacques" 2. Essie "Playa Del Platinum" 3. Butter "Fash Pack" 4. OPI "French Quarter for Your Thoughts" 5. Zoya "Kelly"]

Snapshots

Celebrating, traveling, and general adventuring, as of late. Highlights include...

Easy mornings, lattes, dozens of donuts and farm-fresh eggs.
My favorite 12-year-old turned 13.
Brother and I have been wearing the original Ray-Bans that mom and dad purchased 20+ years ago! Classic.
Loving everything at Trader Joe's... From ciabatta bread to cheap wine to big bundles of fresh blooms...
A fun, little roadtrip to Salisbury that ended with a visit to the Cheerwine plant. As for me, I can't be converted. Must admit I'm still not a fan. (I'll take a fountaindietpepsiplease)

watch it

I never was much of a watch girl. I swear, it's my generation. As I've mentioned before, up until the Michael Kors craze, cell phones did the job a timepiece once did. But then, my parents gave me a Citizen EcoDrive for Christmas and I just love it. 

Adore, in fact. And my Timex is a gem, although it needs a new battery. But lately I've been longing for another (slightlybeyondmypricerange) watch. I have been feverishly searching for vintage watches by Rolex and Cartier (and diligently watering my money tree daily). Here are a few faves...

A girl can dream...

Worth Repeating...

via SundayInBed

Bon Voyage...

Hello hello... Hope your week is off to a delightfully beautiful start! Roadtripped up to Raleigh yesterday to say adieu to my cousin as he sets out for Texas this week! Saying goodbye is always sad, but I couldn't be more proud of him.

We had drinks at Boylan Bridge Brewpub last night and if you're in the area, I'd highly recommend checking it out for the view alone! Drinks were great too... The boys sampled some of Boylan's craft beers (their house summer and golden ales) I opted for the strawberry balsamic martini. Yum

Guilt-free Friday!

Some days are diamonds

Some days are rocks

Some doors are open 

Some roads are blocked

-Tom Petty ("Walls")

Happy Friday, lovey loos. It has been one of those weeks. You know, good and bad, ups and downs. Through it all though I find myself feeling revived and exhilarated. You know the funny thing about doors? Sometimes it takes one closing to make you truly realize how many open ones are out there. Right now my life feels a lot like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book. And I like it, I like it a lot. Until we meet again.


Hey! It's ok...


....if you plan on taking full advantage of tax-free weekend, even if you're not headed back to school in the fall


...if you're already longing for boots, scarves, and sweaters


...to enjoy your "Kid Cuisine" with an adult beverage. Bon appetit!

mar·vel

mar·vel (verb) 

to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity.

I drive over this bridge nearly every day, but oddly enough, I am always overwhelmed by the breathtaking views. Sometimes, the sun melts into the sunset like a bowl of orange sherbet. Other days, the water sparkles like a treasure chest filled to the brim with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. And even still, on days when the clouds hang low and you can actually see the humidity in the air, I marvel at the fact that this is where I live. I hope I never lose that- the ability to marvel. When you are intimately aware of your Creator, the creation takes on a whole new wonder. 

won·der (noun) 

the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary