Hosting & Toasting + Chalk House Updates


As I sit on the couch trying to find the energy to begin cleaning up our construction zone, I realize how thankful I am for the past two weekends that have filled my heart with joy and happiness. Even though the weekends seem short and Mondays always sneak up on me, I am grateful for the days filled with friends and family.

A quick glimpse into the past couple weekends -
Last Saturday, I was honored to host a Bridal Shower for a dear friend of mine. Meeting Kayla during our last few years of college was one of the greatest gifts. For the past 7 years and counting, she has been by my side through all of life's twists and turns. We have cried together, laughed until are stomachs hurt, traveled around the country discovering new places, and sat for hours upon hours talking about life while sipping a glass of wine. She is a constant reminder of true and forever friendship.

As her family and friends started to arrive, I took a moment to listen to the laughs and the memories that were being shared about our sweet friend, daughter, co-worker, and sister-in-law. All I could do was smile and remind myself that I am thankful to have the opportunity to share these special moments with the people that make me a better woman.
Bridal Shower Vendors:
Bridal Shower Invitations: Minted
Personalized Signs: Alex & Co. Pretty Prints 
Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins: Picture Perfect Papier
Glassware and Linens: American Party Rentals 

Fast forward and this past weekend was the perfect mix of continuing our #chalkhouseupdates and spending quality time with girlfriends. Friday was spent doing the not-so-glamorous tasks of remodeling...pulling up carpet, removing the endless amounts of tack strips, trying to contain the dust from spreading throughout our entire house and replacing parts of our sub-flooring that had termite damage from many years ago. All of the prep work allowed us to lay the new floor in our dining room and foyer on Saturday and Sunday. We may not be finished yet but we are SO close!
This picture proves that our family farmhouse has been a true labor of love. Inside these walls, there are 126 years of memories that have made this house a home. We find ourselves listening to stories from our family, neighbors, and even strangers that will bring you to tears because you quickly realize how special our home is to so many people.

I was able to sneak away from the chaos on Saturday for a girl's afternoon. Danielle, one of my best friends from high school, flew in from Philadelphia for the weekend so a day of wine tasting and catching up was on the agenda! We had a blast discovering the beautiful wineries in North Carolina. The Vineyards in Yadkin Valley, approximately 30 miles outside of Winston Salem, are a hidden gem and a perfect destination for a day trip or even an entire weekend.  
Vineyard Recommendations:

Now, I am off to begin cleaning and organizing our new space so I can share a more detailed post with you before the end of the week! I hope you have a fabulous week, friends!

26 comments

  1. I have been wanting to go on a winery tour- I will have to look up the one outside Winston- I was born in Winston so we are there all the time!

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    1. I love discovering new wineries and I have to admit that I was very impressed with the vineyards in Dobson, NC! You will definitely have to try them soon. Xo, Stephanie

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  2. What fun you have been having! I cannot wait to see more house updates.

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    1. We have been packing our weekends full adventures! I can't wait to post an update about our home! Xo, Stephanie

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  3. The shower looked beautiful!! So amazing y'all have your group of girlfriends and they're still relatively local. That's awesome your farmhouse is so special and has been in your family for so long. Can't wait to see the floors!!

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    1. You are so sweet, thank you very much! I am thankful every day to have such amazing girlfriends that live close. I can't wait to share a house update very soon! Xo, Stephanie

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  4. Can't wait to see more home update pics!! What a beautiful shower and a sweet friendship <3

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    1. I can hardly contain my excitement for our new floors and can't wait to share an update very soon! I hope you are doing well, sweet friend! Xo, Stephanie

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  5. Sounds like a busy few weekends! Your friendship with Kayla sounds amazing and you threw her a lovely shower! Can't wait to see more house updates!

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    1. It has been a whirlwind but I can't complain! :) I am incredibly thankful for friends like Kayla! Xo, Stephanie

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  6. I can't believe how "old" your house is; what a fabulous renovation on such a piece of history in your family. Can't wait to see the results and I'm loving all the cute shots from the shower!

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    1. I agree, not many people can believe it once we tell them how old our home is but it's amazing what a little TLC can do to any home (new or old)! Xo, Stephanie

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  7. I loove seeing home updates, and so cool the history behind your house. Can't wait to see more of it!

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    1. They are some of my favorites too! I can't wait to share an update tonight on a few projects we have finished! Xo, Stephanie

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  8. This post brought me to tears. I am so lucky to have such a sweet friend who is ALWAYS there for me... and BONUS.. can host one heck of a party! Love you dearly - I am forever thankful for our friendship! xoxo

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    1. You are the absolute BEST, it was such a special day for the most selfless and wonderful friend! I can't wait to celebrate you this weekend! :) Xo, Stephanie

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  9. You did such a beautiful job hosting that shower and I love the bride to be's dress and yours too!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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    1. You are so sweet, I just love everything about planning events and showers! Xo, Stephanie

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  10. Great details to your shower. I will have to add those wineries to my growing list of places to visit in NC. xo, Champagne&Suburbs

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    1. Thank you, girl! You definitely will, we had such a great time and are already planning our next visit! Xo, Stephanie

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  11. Everything looked fabulous! (You always look incredible!) Hope ya'll have a great weekend!!

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    1. This comment made my day, thank you! I hope you are having a wonderful week! Xo, Stephanie

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  12. It is such a blessing to find time to spend with friends... especially at the NC winery locations you went to! Have a great week, gorgeous!

    xo, Stephanie
    www.astyleofherownblog.com

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    1. That is so true, friends that become family are irreplaceable! Nothing beats a day full of wine and your dear friends! Xo, Stephanie

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  13. The shower looked great! Having that kind of friend is the best! Can't wait to see more home updates!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

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    1. It was a beautiful day, wishing we could celebrate all over again! I can't wait to share a few recent projects tonight! Xo, Stephanie

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Thank you for following along! Your comments make me smile. Xo, Stephanie