Showing posts with label Current Obsession. Show all posts

Current Obsessions: Blogger Roundup


The past couple months have been a blur, it's hard to believe that May is here and summer is right around the corner. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Don't get me wrong though, I'm {more than} ready for some fun in the sun, cookouts in the backyard, summer concert series and the change in my wardrobe! With the warmer temperatures upon us and Mother's Day this weekend, I have loved seeing everyone's summer wish lists and gift guides. I've rounded up my top picks from a few of my favorite bloggers to share with you.





Gift Guide: For Her

Oh, Monday...you always come so quickly! TC was out of town this weekend for a golf tournament so I spent Friday and Saturday catching up with girlfriends and browsing my favorite stores in Raleigh. All the shops were decorated for Christmas and were smelling like a fresh Frasier Fir, I was in heaven. With only 39 days until one of my favorite Holidays, I was excited to start my Christmas shopping a little earlier than I typically do.

I'm sharing a few of my gift guides for all those amazing women in our lives that enjoy playing dress up or hostess with the mostest. I will be back later this week with a few more gift guides for him. :)
1. Who doesn't love a subscription box for a gift? Stitch Fix is always a great option for someone that enjoys the convenience of receiving a few new stylish items on their door step.

2. My heart skips a beat every time I see these beautiful Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings online or in a local shop. These are the perfect way to put a little sass in your evening outfit!

3. I can't create a gift guide without including my favorite go-to GiGi Clutch. I'll take one of each color, please! :)

4. Hello, gorgeous! The hand-beaded Roarke scarf was made to dress up a neutral blouse or dress, it is the perfect accessory that is on the top of my wishlist this holiday season.

5. After playing dress up, I find myself counting down the minutes until I can slip into comfy pajamas and curl up on the couch for the rest of the evening. Lake Pajamas were made for Sunday morning snuggles.
1. I have a weakness for any {and every} coffee table book, they are such a special gift especially if you write a personalized note inside so they can always remember the special occasion.

2. A simple yet practical way to present cheese and crackers at your next cocktail party. I love this unique serving board!

3. For the fish lovers in your life, a cedar grilling plank paired with a fish spatula and a sprig of thyme. Easy!

4. The Zodax Fez Cut Tumbler Glass Set is the easiest way to spruce up any bar cart.

5. Treat the Host and/or Hostess to a relaxing date night at Sur la Table with a cooking class and a bottle of wine to enjoy together. This is my kind of Friday night!

6. You can't go wrong with fresh flowers and a beautiful vase. I love, love, love our Vietri Incanto White Pleated Vase.

Happy Shopping, sweet friends! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Current Obsessions + Links

Well hello, September! September has always been one of my favorite months because it means football season is here, fall weather is around the corner, celebrations are in store for our wedding anniversary, and pumpkin flavor food and drinks are creeping onto restaurant menus. As you can tell, I am one happy lady today so bring it on, September...I am ready for ya! 
I don't know about you but I'm ready for the Fall. Is anyone else over the heat and humidity? It's going to be hard to say goodbye to the golden glow that I've acquired over the past few months but everything about these outfits has me excited for the cooler temperatures! 
Is there anything better than treating yourself to a blowout and a glass of champagne at the end of the day? If you live in Raleigh, Parlor Blow Dry Bar is the perfect place to relax and have a little me time!
Ingredients:
8 ounces of Whole Grain Spaghetti
5 ounces of Cherry Tomatoes
3 cloves of Garlic
1 ear of Corn
1 bunch of Basil
2 tablespoons of Mascarpone Cheese
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 Shallot
1/3 cup of grated Parmesan Cheese
1/8 teaspoon crushed Red Pepper Flats

Instructions: 
ONE. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and thinly slice the garlic and shallot. Remove and discard the husks and silks of corn. Cut the corn kernels off the cob. Pick the basil leaves off the stems and discard the stems.

TWO. Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook the pasta for 5 to 7 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.

THREE. While the pasta cooks, in a large pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot and then add the garlic, shallot and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. 

FOUR. To the pan of vegetables, add the tomatoes, half the basil (roughly chop just before adding it) and as much of the crushed red pepper flakes as you'd like based on your level of spice. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is well combined and the tomatoes have softened.

FIVE. To the pan of vegetables, add the cooked pasta, mascarpone cheese, Parmesan cheese and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes or until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Remove from the heat and divide the pasta between 2 dishes. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and remaining basil.  

A few more of my favorite links this week...
+I am all about being efficient and learning new tips and tricks about blogging. Biana from B Loved Boston wrote this great article. 

+Speaking of efficiency, Love And Bellinis shared a few great time-saving apps and I have already downloaded Matchbook and TeuxDeux. You will have to take a peak!

+Looking to travel abroad soon? If so, Lisa from Lisa Loves John shares her tips for planning a vacation out of the country. 

Current Obsessions + Links

Does anyone else have a case of the Mondays?! I certainly do. I have been dreaming of this past weekend and wishing that we could relive it all over again. After such a fun three days, I made sure to keep my coffee cup full because I needed every bit of that caffeine to get me through the workday.
TC and I made these delicious Three Cheese Calzones a few weeks ago and I'm already craving them again. They were packed with flavor and easy to make, it was perfect for a quick week night meal when I didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen or have a huge pile of dishes staring me in the face after we were finished. 
Ingredients:
1 Pound of Pizza Dough
1 15 Ounce Can of Diced Tomatoes
8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
4 cloves of Garlic 
1/2 bunch of Green Kale
1/2 bunch of Lacinato Kale
2 tablespoons of Golden Raisins
1/2 cup of Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup of Semolina Flour
2 teaspoons of Spice Blend {Italian Seasons and Pepper}
4 teaspoons of Olive Oil 
2 tablespoons of water

Instructions:
ONE. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Peel and thinly slice the garlic. Tear the mozzarella cheese into small pieces. Remove and discard the green kale stems and roughly chop the leaves. Remove and discard the lacinato kale stems and roughly chop the leaves.

TWO. In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium to high until hot. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the spice blend and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the diced tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until warm. Remove from the heat.

THREE. In a medium, non-stick pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium to high heat until hot. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds or until fragrant. Add the green kale, lacinato kale, raisins and 2 tablespoons of water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the kale has wilted and the water has evaporated. Transfer the kale to a strainer and hold the strainer over a bowl, press down on the kale with a spoon to release as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid.

FOUR. In a large bowl, combine the drained kale, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and 1/3 of the tomato sauce. Stir until it is thoroughly combine and season with salt and pepper.

FIVE. Sprinkle half the flour onto a sheet pan. Place the dough on the sheet pan and divide into 3 equal portions. Roll or stretch out each portion into a 1/4 inch think, round, approximately 8 inches in diameter. Divide the filling between the centers of the rounds and fold each round in half over the filling. Using your fingers, press down on the edges of each round to seal. Using a fork, firmly press down on the edges to crimp and completely seal.
SIX. Sprinkle the remaining flour onto a dry sheet pan. Transfer the assembled calzones to the sheet pan and lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the baked calzones in half and serve with the remaining tomato sauce on the side.
I am sure that you have figured it by now...I love a cold, crisp glass of bubbly. I stopped into the new Southern Season store in Cameron Village and was immediately impressed with everything they had to offer. From the wine selection to fresh cheeses that you could try while shopping to the southern sauces and marinades that lined the walls, it was my kind of place. I picked up this bottle of champagne after I overheard a mother and daughter that were raving about it. It is delicious and a great price that I couldn't pass up!
 
I am obsessed with this Lilly Pulitzer strapless dress for the hot {humid}, summer days that we have been experiencing in NC recently. I have worn this to a variety of occasions from a dear friend's graduation party, date night with TC and even to work with a cardigan. Versatility is key for me.    

A few more links that I am loving - 
+I have to admit that I am dreaming of Fall right now and this amazing list of knitwear from Angela at The Sunday Chapter has me even more excited about those cool October nights.

+Ashley from Turquoise & Teal shared a list of the 10 Best Rose Wines for the summer. I can't wait to try a few of these soon. If you have a favorite Rose, I would love to hear any of your recommendations!

+Does anyone else enjoy finding handwritten script fonts for your blog? If so, Sarah from Venus Trapped In Mars shared a great list of fonts here.

Happy Birthday, Headbands of Hope!

I love supporting a good cause so when I read about an opportunity to share the amazing things that Headbands of Hope is doing for childhood cancer research, I was over-the-moon excited!
Jessica, the Founder and a NC State Graduate (Go Pack!), launched Headbands of Hope in April 2012. In just 3 years, they have donated over 30,000 headbands to girls that need a little hope and sparkle to brighten their day {and they have recently started a boys line of buffs}.
For every headband purchased, one is given to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to a childhood cancer research organization of your choice! I am in awe of Jessica's passion and determination to make a difference in these children's lives.

Who doesn't love a reason to celebrate?! On Saturday, April 25th, Headbands of Hope will be celebrating their 3 year anniversary but what makes this anniversary even more special is that they are SO close to donating to every single children's hospital in the United States. Let's make it happen!

Visit their website to browse all their different collections for adults, kids and baby. From April 25th to May 1st, when you checkout use the promo code "happybirthday" for free shipping.
A few of my favorites:
Happy Birthday, Headbands of Hope!

Current Obsessions

Happy Wednesday! Sharing a few of my current obsessions.

TC and I are HGTV junkies. If we aren't watching Football or Baseball then there is no doubt in my mind that HGTV will be the channel of choice. We absolutely l-o-v-e watching Chip and Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper, their sweet relationship that is captured while filming plus their interior design style are a few reasons why we adore their show. I recently watched this powerful and inspiring video of Joanna as she shares God's truth so publicly. It gave me goosebumps.

Speaking of their style, how beautiful is their home?!
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I have to admit that I am guilty of misusing a handful of these common phrases. Take a peak and see if you find yourself using them correctly {or incorrectly like me}!

Laura from Tiny Toes, Little Nose recently shared her favorite new gadget and I can't stop thinking about it. I need one immediately. :)

Charleston Food Bloggers recently published the first county by county list of the best restaurants in North Carolina. The selection of each restaurant was based on taste, experience and uniqueness. I can't wait to try some of these as we travel around the state. Thanks to my dear friend, Kelsey, that sent this list to me - she clearly knows that I love a good restaurant.

Now that the warm weather has made its appearance, I always enjoy making seasonal salads. I have added this recipe to my grocery list for next week because who doesn't love watermelon and feta?

Five on Friday: Raleigh Blog Society + Alex & Ani

It's Friday! It's Friday! It's Friday! I am hoping the rain stays away so we can tackle a few outdoor projects this weekend.

I am linking up with AprilChristinaNatasha, and Darci for Five on Friday.

ONE:
Raleigh Blog Society hosted Ladies' Night Out in Downtown Apex last night and it was fabulous - It was an evening full of sipping champagne, chatting and shopping! Having the opportunity to mix and mingle with many local Bloggers was lots and lots of fun.

TWO:
Ladies' Night Out also helped to promote local businesses in the area because lets be honest, who doesn't love to shop local if you can?! If you haven't been to Downtown Apex to shop or dine than I highly recommend that you venture down there soon. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
THREE:
Moon & Lola was our first stop! I had never been into a M&L shop until last night because I had always shopped online but this has quickly become one of my new favorite stores. They have everything from their signature jewelry to coffee table books to home decor.

FOUR:
After M&L, we walked down the street to Stylish Living! It is one-stop shopping at its best. They have something for everyone and every occasion. The people are incredibly friendly and go above and beyond to help you find the perfect gift.

FIVE:
I have received Alex and Ani bracelets as gifts from 2 of the most thoughtful, inspiring and supportive women that I am incredibly lucky to call my dearest friends. Every time I wear them, all I can do is smile. If you are looking for a special gift and a good price point, these are a great option.

If you live or have visited Raleigh, have you been to Downtown Apex? If so, what are your favorite stores or restaurants? Cheers to the weekend!

Current Obsession: Living Room Addition

1. Light Fixture: Brittney Pendant from Joss and Main
2. Picture:Brittle Stars Framed Picture from Joss and Main
3. Table: Safavieh Cindy Console Table from Target
4. Plant: Fiddle-Leaf Fig from Lowe's Home Improvement
5. Coffee Table Books: Elements of Style/ Vogue Living/ The Perfectly Imperfect Home from Amazon

What are you currently loving?! 

With as much snow {and ice} that NC has received over the past week, I have been online shopping more than usual but what else is a girl to do when the freezing temperatures keep you snuggled up inside all day {and night}? I hope everyone is staying safe & warm!

Five On Friday

It's Friday & I have a 3 day weekend...hello relaxation! I am linking up with April, Christina, Natasha, and Darci for Five on Friday.

ONE: It was a good mail day today! I received this beautiful print from Lindsay Letters and I can't wait to find the perfect frame this weekend so it can find its way on our gallery wall in our bedroom. I am excited to see her Spring & Summer collection which will debut before Easter.

TWO: I was in Cameron Village last weekend doing a little shopping for a few upcoming events and came across an amazing deal that was supporting a cause close to my HEART. February is American Heart Month so from February 1st through February 14th, you could take your same-day receipts totaling $250 or more to Parlor Dry Bar, Hayley's Boutique or Bailey's Fine Jewelry to receive a gift plus a certificate for a free total and HDL cholesterol test and blood pressure check at WakeMed Hospital. I opted for the gift at Parlor Dry Bar and got to enjoy a bit of relaxation, a glass of champagne and a gorgeous new 'do {for free}.


THREE: My sister's Bridal Shower last weekend was gorgeous, stunning, and absolutely fabulous. She was so happy to be in Chapel Hill {she graduated from UNC so she likes that Carolina Blue color, I prefer Red} surrounded by family and her closest girlfriends from all chapters of her life. It was amazing to see her so happy - she was truly smiling from ear to ear. Wishing she was here again this weekend.

FOUR: I snagged this beauty for a steal during the Kate Spade Surprise Sale this week. Hurry up, UPS! This is one of my favorite sales each year because the discounts are unbeatable. Did anyone else participate?

FIVE: How perfect is this? YES to all of the below. I need this somewhere in my house!

I hope everyone has a special Valentine's Day weekend!



Valentine's Day Outfit + Lindsay Letters Print

10 days until Valentine's Day, is anyone else as excited as I am?! This is my excuse to do a little online shopping to find the perfect {and festive} outfit for a special evening with my Husband.

If you can't tell, I am loving anything and everything that is blush or neutral right now. But I did come across a classic, black jumpsuit that I would love to dress up with a fun pair of heels.
1. Tahari A-Line Dress in Blush from Nordstrom
2. Drapey Jumpsuit from Banana Republic
3. Diane von Furstenberg Leelou Dress from ShopBop
4. Small Tassel Earrings from J.Crew
5. Vince Camuto Carlotte Pointy Toe Pump from Nordstrom
6. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac from Piperlime
7. Keepsake Dress from Piperlime (currently on sale)
8. Kate Spade Licorice Heals from Piperlime
9. Savannah Studs in Sparkling Clear from Mollybeads

That Kind Of Love Print from Lindsay Letters
What do you currently have your eye on for Valentine's Day?

Current Obsession: Flywheel Sports

Phew! It has been a busy week but I am back and excited for the weekend.

Many of you have asked about Flywheel so I am here to share my thoughts! Flywheel Sports is my current obsession right now. If you have one in your area and you haven't tried their classes then I highly recommend you give it a shot. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

You may be asking, "Why Flywheel?" or "What's so special about it?" because I asked those exact questions before I signed up for my first class. But I can honestly say that the environmentthe instructorsthe challenge, and the feeling {after the class} have me coming back every week.

The Environment:

The music is key. Each of the instructors choreograph their own class by syncing the ride to the beat of the song. Not a single ride is the same and I love it.

The Instructors:

They are high-energy and keep you motivated during the entire 40+ minute ride even if your mind is telling you to stop {I have been in that moment a few times}. The Instructors will suggest target resistance levels and RPM's to strive for or give you alternatives if you are new to Flywheel.
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The Challenge:

It is all about YOU - your experience, your workout, your performance, your results. The technology that is used will allow you to challenge yourself but also compete with other riders in the room.

The Feeling:

Your legs may feel like jello and your arms may be sore for a few days - I am speaking from experience :) - but the results that you begin to see after a few rides are amazing. It is one of the most rewarding workouts.

While you are there, you should also try FlyBarre. This is a completely different workout - it blends light weight training, dance and core strengthening exercises all together. The environment and Instructors are just as fabulous and most of them teach Flywheel and FlyBarre.

Have you tried Flywheel or FlyBarre?! If so, I would love to hear your thoughts!