Giveaway Winner!

Before I announce the winner, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erin for graciously donating a pair of her exquisite earrings!  Erin, congratulations on your success thus far, and I look forward to seeing more of your work! 

I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to enter.  I hope that this is the first of many giveaways that I will be hosting.  Your participation means so much to me!

Here is how the winner was chosen.  Each commenter has a corresponding number next to their name.  I entered numbers 1-36 into an online Random Number Generator and, for verification, I have posted the screen shots below. 

Congratulations, Rebecca! Please send me your contact information so we can send you your earrings.  Thank you again to everyone involved in making this giveaway possible!

Erin McDermott Jewelry GIVEAWAY

Well readers, I am movin' on up in the blogging world and announcing my very first Giveaway.  Thanks to a gracious invitation from the talented Erin McDermott, one lucky reader will win a pair of these Christy Earrings! 

As a fellow school mate of Erin's, I have been admiring her work for ages.  Erin graduated high school a few years ahead of me but her mother, being my French teacher, kept me informed on all of Erin's accomplishments post-grad.  In college, Erin studied jewelry design at NYC's illustrious Fashion Institute of Technology where she perfected her craft.  She is now a successful entrepreneur in Charlotte and her elegant creations have quickly become a favorite of brides and fashionistas alike.  In fact, she was even featured in this month's issue of Real Simple!


Unlike most jewelry, Erin's pieces are extremely versatile.  I wore Erin's Whitney Earrings to a black tie wedding one week, then on a casual dinner date the next.  Erin's impeccable taste and fine-tuned craftsmanship make her pieces a hit with women everywhere.  


Whether you're a bride-to-be or just a lover of stylish accessories, Erin has something for everyone.  To win a pair of these fabulous earrings, browse her site and choose your favorite piece of jewelry.  Then, leave a comment below this post explaining which piece you love and why.  Everyone who leaves a comment will be automatically entered into the giveaway and a winner will be randomly selected next week.  Happy hunting and good luck!


Contest ends Wednesday, June 29th at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Happy Father's Day

Wishing all the fathers of the world a Happy Father's Day.  Whether you are celebrating with your father or thinking of him today, I hope everyone takes time to be thankful for all of the wonderful memories you have shared and lessons you have learned from your Dad.  To my father:  I hope someday my children have a father exactly like George and I had.  You were one of a kind.  Happy Father's Day Foo, we miss you and love you!

If Animals Could Talk

A few weeks ago, Will and I went on a mini-road trip to visit Davidson College where he went to undergrad.  I was so excited to see his school, and although it was no Wofford, I must admit, I was rather impressed.  The campus reminded me a lot of my own college campus, and it made me miss the days of yore...sigh.  

 

 

 

 

Just for old times sake

After touring the beautiful campus, Will said he had a surprise.  We drove about 30 minutes due middle-of-nowhere until we pulled through the gates of The Lazy Five Ranch!  This drive-thru petting zoo was right up my alley.  If there is one thing I love more than seeing animals, it is feeding them too!  Will and I got 2 buckets of feed and spent an hour driving through the makeshift safari.

 

 

 

 

 

I admit, I am a bit "Nerdy By Nature", so, as I scrolled through the pictures, I could not help but think of what the animals would be saying had they been capable of speaking.  Most people might find this a bit delusional, but when Will sent me the video below, I knew I was not alone in my Dr. Doolittle tendencies.  Whether or not you are an animal lover, I think everyone will find this video highly amusing.  Happy Tuesday!

Summer Stay-cation

.....Must Have.....

For a considerable portion of my life, summer vacation meant one thing: no school for three months!  I would count down the days until I could turn in my books and unplug my alarm clock.  I warmly welcomed the change of pace and savored every minute of these precious weeks of freedom.  

As a fairly new member of the workforce, I am coming to terms with the fact that "summer" is no longer synonymous with "vacation".   My alarm still shrills at 6:15 each morning, and while I am in the thick of my workday, a younger generation is just getting out of bed.  It is no surprise that when I began unpacking last year's summer clothes, I could only designate about 10% of my summer wardrobe as "work appropriate".  Sundresses, wedges, linen pants, flowing skirts, sheer tunics all fail to meet the requirements of a professional dress code.

That being said, I was thrilled when I found Shabby Apple. The site offers summer clothes that meet the requirements of my office's dress code and my budget.  Most of the clothes on the site are under $100!  Saying goodbye to summer vacation has been difficult, but, I have enjoyed saying hello to a new summer wardrobe.

Bow Skirt

French Quarter Dress

Tulleries Dress (left) & Gondola Dress (right)

Fifth Ave Dress

Bacciami! Dress

.....Must Hear.....

"How The Day Sounds" Greg Laswell

Mary Loyal & Lash Get Married

This past weekend I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my best friends, Mary Loyal.  ML asked me if I would submit a post on her blog recapping the momentous occasion.  I was elated to be able to share some of my favorite memories and snapshots from the celebrations.  The entire weekend was nothing short of spectacular; from the Bridesmaid's luncheon, to the reception at her family's plantation and everything in between.  I can not say enough great things about the newlyweds and I am so so so happy for them and the journey they are beginning.

I have included some of my favorite pictures here but you can refer to her blog for a more detailed account of the nuptials.  Congrats again to the new Husband and Wife!!!!!