boudoir, bandeau

To say that my bedroom is girly would be an understatement. It is clean, romantic, and feminine... creamy peachy hues, glittering gold, and a boatload of candles. It's more than a bedroom, it's my boudoir. It makes me feel like a fabulous French woman as I'm getting ready. I find myself traipsing around in my silk robe, swiping on a little lipstick and twirling through an extra spritz of perfume. Another girly touch? Lacy bandeaus. 

I've been wearing them under pretty much everything, but I'm especially fond of the look under sheer blouses. The lace peeks out a slight bit, and when the light hits just right you can see the faint outline. Sexy in a subtle sort of way...

[the only problem with my girly room? it's almost too conducive for playing dress-up... my sister came over & we ended up with the entire contents of my closet on my bed.]

I find they work well under camisoles too, sparing you the trouble of an unintentionally exposed bra...

p.s. similarly, my rules for exposed bras here...

[all tops: CAbi, pink shorts: forever 21, all bandeaus: american eagle]

Lessons, lately...

Go ahead and chill that second bottle. Worst case scenario: you've got a second bottle chilled. (And when is that ever a bad thing?)

If it's bad to begin with, it doesn't usually get better.

Make a day of it.

This idea of "saving it" ... don't. The adorable dress you cannot wait to wear, the bar of dark chocolate you have stashed away... wear it while it fits, eat it while it's good. Preferably wear the dress first, and then eat the chocolate (or else fit could become problematic.)

If you like the song, don't feel bad for playing it. Over and over and over. That's what "repeat" is for.

Never underestimate the power of clear nail polish.

Do you really want to be the girl on her phone? Put.it.down.

Don't be afraid to try new things, especially if your friends recommend them. Sometimes you'll be pleasantly surprised (almond milk!) and other times you'll have the satisfaction of saying "I told you it would be terrible!" (hi-low... ugh please go away)

You can choose to be a critic or a fan... Our little secret, being a fan is much more fun. Seriously, when was the last time you heard of a Critic Club? Doesn't happen.

If you don't ask for it, the answer will always be no.

Give (genuine) compliments.

[image via Pretty Stuff]

Peach Tea Shiner

Things have been pretty boozy around here lately. Not to sound like a total lush, but yesterday I accidentally said "ABC Store" in conversation instead of "ATM." In my defense, the recent spike in my alcohol consumption (see what I did there?) is entirely work-related... well, almost entirely. I've been working on a new drink list for the restaurant, a much greater undertaking than I originally expected. Don't get me wrong, the entire process has been delicious, and you won't find this girl complaining about a cocktail here and there (the things I do for the sake of research and development... #dedicatedemployee) One of my most favorite libations we've created so far? Our Peach Tea Shiner. And since I love you so... here's an exclusive sneak-peek! 

Peach Tea Shiner:
1.5 oz North Carolina moonshine
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
Top with Southern sweet tea. We are serving it on the rocks in a highball glass, but a mason jar would be just darling too. 

The new drink list should be making an appearance next week (Lord willing...) be sure to swing by RuckerJohns & taste one of these delicious concoctions. 

Shameless Saturday

Guys, I'm tired. Do you ever get that way? It has been a busy week and by the time I got off work last night, covered in sweat & sweet tea, I was exhausted. I slept in late today & have every intention of being shamelessly lazy until I go to work tonight. I hope you're relaxing a bit this weekend & that it's sunny and beautiful wherever you are. xoxo

Hey! It's ok...

... if you never got into The Bachelor. Or The Bachelorette. Or Bachelor Pad. But you've seen every episode of Everyday Italian.

... if you're already thinking about what you're going to wear/eat/drink on Wednesday's night out, but to not know what you're doing this afternoon.

... if "adverse weather" justifies drinking coffee, painting your nails, and watching SATC reruns all morning.

...if the zesty Kraft guy wants to make me a salad... make my day, buddy.

cool as a cucumber

I was a child of the sun, spending most of my formative years with sandy toes and red shoulders. This is in no way an indication of improper parenting, my mom tried her best to slather sunscreen on my little body, but I resisted. I hated the way it would burn my eyes as I splashed in the waves, the way it made the sand stick to my tan skin, the way the application process cut into my play time... It's worth noting that I also had an aversion to bathing suits. I would literally strip down the second my feet hit the shore. Fortunately, my feelings on swimwear have matured, but the distaste for sunscreen remains. All too often it's heavy and greasy, but knowing what I know about sun damage, I have no choice. 

Fortunately, last month's Birchbox included this fabulous organic, American-made sunscreen from Coola. Days after receiving it, I saw that J. Crew was featuring the product as well. It's fantastically lightweight and smells like cucumber. Perfection, if I do say so myself. I've used every drop from my sample and am promptly purchasing the full-size. 

Now & Later

I'll admit to having shopaholic tendencies, but I must say I'm very practical about it. I tend to stay away from pieces that are overly trendy and items them I can't wear a a few different ways. On second thought... that's not entirely true. I shop for bargains on pieces like this. I'm always willing to spend a little more on the things I know I can wear year-round though, like this fabulous scarf top from the current CAbi collection. I wore it all February with rockin' red pants and ankle boots. 

[Top: CAbi Pants: J. Crew Boots: Target (I know, right?!)]

Now that the weather has warmed up, I'm channeling more of a boho beach babe vibe. Did I mention that the front of this shirt is the most creamy, delicious silk? Yeah. To die.

[Top: CAbi Shorts: Forever 21 Shoes: Zigi Soho]

How are you transitioning some of your favorite pieces into the warmer months?

happiness

Well how was your weekend? Mine was kind of perfect. You know those weekends where you just get it right? You achieve that elusive balance of work and play, family and friends, challenges and victories. Those are the weekends that leave you feeling empowered, ready to take on the world (or at least the week ahead.) 

(Brief) Recap:
Friday- kick-butt boot camp, beach with an old friend (that I hadn't spent time with since before college) work at the restaurant (busy.)
Saturday- slept in 'til 9 (!) spa time with my momma (pedi/facial) my sweet sister helped me with some blog stuff (exciting stuff coming, guys) dinner in New Bern with family & friends (champagne & lobster... what's not to love?)
Sunday- church, brunch, errands, housework, Sunday night dinner with my favorite couple

See what I mean? In a word: happiness. Exciting changes and new opportunities. You know I hate holding out on you but... soon! Speaking of happiness, these are 3 songs that are making me happy right now. 
1. Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

2. Come & Get It by Selena Gomez (because I'm 12 years old)

3. Without Me by Fantasia feat. Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot

What have you been listening to lately?