Bridal Showers Bring May Flowers

I am still having girlfriend withdrawals nearly two weeks after our brief reunion in South Carolina.  I was thrilled to spend the weekend in DeBordieu for an unforgettable Bachelorette Party honoring the Bride-To-Be, Mary Loyal.  Eight of the 10 bridesmaids were in attendance, and considering 7 of us were Wofford alums, I felt like I was back in Terrier-land! On Friday night, we had a very enjoyable dinner at Frank's Outback.  Among the meal's many memorable moments was the presentation of Tippins' Jumbo Sweet Potato Scallop.  Talk about an oxymoron... We then piled into the party bus and headed out on the town.

Tippins holding her not-so-jumbo meal.

The bridesmaids (minus Helen and Lightsey)!

On the way to The Islander.

Next, we danced and sang the night away at Pawley's Island's local dive.  The bar was small which was advantageous to us because we received star treatment.  The band was eager to join the BM's in our quest to make Mary Loyal's night memorable.  Everyone took their turn dancing or singing on stage, but ML's rendition of  Matchbox 20's "3AM" was the ultimate show stopper.  We ended the night back at the house with an impromptu dance party.  We finally turned in our dancing shoes sometime before dawn.

Dancing...I think?

The girls!

The beautiful bride takes center stage!

Looks like a widespread case of Bieber Fever

Saturday was spent relaxing on the porch chatting about the big day.  With a looming thunderstorm, we decided to eat dinner at the house.  Next was the lingerie shower and of course, game time.  We played "Fish Bowl", a combination of charades, Cranium and Taboo.  We all were in stitches, and I have not laughed so hard in a long time.

Laugh Attacks during Fish Bowl

It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.  The next time we will all be together will be for....THE WEDDING!

So happy for the Bride :)

Movin' On Up....The Street

Well, I finally did it.  I signed my lease! After a long and laborious search, I found a one bedroom apartment around the corner for an affordable price.  I have not even been inside yet (yikes?) but I did manage to drive by and snap a picture of the front porch.  It may not be much, but it's all mine, and I am thrilled!

My Very Own Place :)

The kitchen is smaller than my bathroom, but on the bright side, Chef Boyar-ME does not have an extensive collection of cookware...shocking!

Worst case scenario?

The apartment is equipped with the bare necessities, and come May 7, I will start filling the space with my own odds and ends.  I am excited to decorate my very first place.  I have been reading some of my favorite DIY blogs and taking tips from "Design on a Dime".  Hopefully I can find a way to make my apartment look great without breaking the bank.  Apartment Therapy's Small Cool 2011 Contest really gave me some inspiration.  Contestants submit pictures of their quaintly and cleverly decorated apartments some of which are less than 400 square feet!

Great entryway in a 552 Square Foot Apartment

All of this in only 500 Square Feet

325 Square Foot Studio

500 Square Foot loft

Elegant 600 Square Feet

I love this armchair found in a small apartment in Raleigh!

Although I thought finding my new residence would be the trickiest task, I am discovering that my move is far from complete.  I am learning that "utilities" encompasses much more than just electricity and that "basic cable" is actually not as basic as I once thought.  I am still trying to convince myself that the hefty 401K deduction on my recent paychecks is, as Mom so eloquently stated, "most certainly worth it, Concetta.  Someday when you're old and decrepit you'll be thankful for your savings".  Not exactly the selling point I was hoping for, but, I guess I will rely on the one truth I am fairly certain of: Mother Knows Best.  Welcome to the real world!

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

"Darlin' Do Not Fear" Brett Dennen

Consign Me Up

I had a great weekend at home spending time with Mom and enjoying the sunny weather.  On Saturday, Mom and I headed to a consignment store.  I LOVE consignments!  One woman's trash is another woman's (my) treasure.  I was picking through the shoe rack when I spotted some leopard print wedges with two unmistakeable red soles.  I snatched up the shoes and, to my disbelief, they fit and were in nearly perfect condition.  Best of all, they were priced at more than half retail cost- what a snag! I am now the proud owner of my first (and most likely last) pair of Christian Louboutins!  

On Sunday, Will and I passed through Richmond to visit Jessica and her boyfriend Jon.  Jess suggested that we eat at Can-Can, an authentic brasserie in Carytown.  The menu featured all the signature French dishes from crepes to croque monsieurs... Yummy!  After lunch, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and strolled up and down Cary Street window shopping and people watching.  I hadn't been to Richmond in quite some time and had almost forgotten how charming some parts of the city were.  It was a very enjoyable pit stop, and I am looking forward to another double date soon!

Can-Can!

Look at this adorable furniture store!

Me and Jess on Cary Street 

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

I made the mistake of visiting the Kate Spade Outlet a few weeks back.  Since then, I have not been able to forget Spade's Washington Mews bags.  The Mews line comes in two styles, the Maryanne and the Marcela.  Spade is known for her playful yet refined taste and her eye-popping color palates.   My two favorite colors in this particular line are the Deep Ochre and Peacock.  Staying true to playful and tasteful form, Kate Spade proves that she can make even the most eccentric accessories fashionably inconspicuous.

With the flowers in bloom, it's time I switch out my neutral nylon carryall for a lighter and brighter shoulder bag.  So, looks like it's out with the cold and in with the Mews.

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

"The Longer I Run" Peter Bradley Adams

Is It April Yet???

My March Mania has yet to slow, down but fingers crossed, I will have more free time come April.  My list of March-Must-Do's includes but is not limited to:

1.   Get a North Carolina License
2.   Transfer my car Title
3.   Register my car in North Carolina
4.   Make a dentist appointment
5.   Finish my taxes
6.   Get an oil change 
7.   Fill out 401K paperwork
8.   Sign a lease on an apartment
9.   Buy a sofa
10.   Buy an armchair 
11.   Replace my brake pads

So far, I have completed just over half of my list, which was no small feat I will have you know.  I was reading this month's Real Simple which devoted several of its pages to ways to relieve stress and stop procrastinating.  I think the writers of this month's issue were channeling my thoughts! One of the tips RS encouraged when tackling that daunting To-Do List was "Do the Worst Thing First", which in my case meant numbers 1-3.  I am famous for having to make multiple trips to the Devil's Waiting Room DMV whether it be for lack of the right paperwork, showing up on a Federal Holiday or failing my driving test.  So 14 months, $496.00 and 2 trips to the DMV later... I felt like an enormous weight had been lifted.  I am finally OFFICIALLY a North Carolina resident!!!!

Taxes were a new experience, and I am sure I could have saved myself a lot more money if I had a clue what I was doing.  However, I did get a refund and the pride of knowing that I did my taxes completely on my own for the first time.  Oh the joys of a recent college grad.

NOT to be confused with the "Easy Button"

Will took my car in for an oil change while I was at work, and I finally got my teeth cleaned this morning.  With half of my list completed, I can sleep a little better at night.  However, if I can't complete #8 by next month, I may have nowhere to sleep...

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

Spring is in the air and you know what they say: April showers bring May flowers.  This week's forecast calls for rain, rain and more rain.  Stay dry and stylish with the accessory that makes even the gloomiest days a little brighter.

Marimekko Silkkikuikka

Cottage Rose

Mod Baltic

So until the flowers bloom, pull on your galoshes, open your umbrella and embrace April showers.  Your new outdoor accessory may even inspire you to look forward to cloudy skies.

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

"Something Good Can Work" Two Door Cinema Club

March MADness

I am experiencing my own March Madness in the form of lease agreements and eager realtors. I have been spending almost all of my free time searching for apartments over the past few weeks.  I have come to find (or not find as the case may be) that apartment searching is much more difficult than I had anticipated.  Should I move to a more remote area closer to work in an effort to limit my commute and gas expenditures? Or, should I opt to stay in the comforts of my present surroundings where the grocery store, restaurants, and boutiques are only a stone's throw away? I cringe at the thought of moving uptown but shudder at the cost of living downtown. I have less than 2 months to make a decision, so until May, my blogging may be a bit sporadic. I will attempt to provide a very brief run-through of the past few weeks.


I was in Tennessee at the beginning of the month and as always, enjoyed the change in scenery. On Saturday night, Will and I went to dinner and were fortunate to have the best seats in the house!  The restaurant we went to was connected to a small music hall that featured up and coming artists.  We were seated behind a glass wall and got to enjoy our meal while watching one of my favorite acoustic artists, Matt White, perform. Good food + great music + wonderful company = the perfect date!

VERY blurry picture of dinner.

On our actual "anniversary", Will had Thai food delivered to my apartment so imagine my surprise when I found another surprise gift waiting for me after dinner.  If you recall from a previous post, I have been hunting for a decanter and recently have been looking for a set of stemless wine glasses that match.  Well, my quest is finally over thanks to Will!!

My very own swirl set!

On Sunday, we went to the Tennessee vs. Kentucky basketball game.  Like the football games, UT's fans packed the stadium, or as I would refer to it, the Super Dome.  Even though Tennessee lost in the final minutes, I was happy to be in the stands cheering with thousands of spirited spectators.

What a crowd!

Fast forward to this past weekend.  I made the short but sweet trip to North Myrtle Beach for one of Mary Loyal and Lash's engagement parties.  The soiree was held at the beautiful Pine Lakes Country Club.  I loved the simplicity of the exterior and the interior was lavishly decorated with sparkling chandeliers, gold dusted accents and tall vaulted ceilings.  Since both the B&G are South Carolina natives, the hosts themed the party "South Carolina Grown".  The party was catered using only locally cultivated crops which were in season during the month of March.   Fittingly, dessert consisted of cookies and a cake in the shape of SC.  I can't believe Mary Loyal is getting married in just over 2 months! 

Pine Lakes Country Club

Carolina Cake

More pictures to come!

On a more somber note, my thoughts have been with Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.  While browsing New York Times website the other say, I came across these unbelievable satellite photos comparing the landscapes of cities before and after the natural disaster.  My thoughts are with all of those affected by this misfortune.  I can only pray that we all can continue to offer support to Japan during the difficult days, months and years ahead.


Here are some ways to lend your support:

TEXT:

If you would like to donate to the American Red Cross for Japan Earthquake Relief, just text REDCROSS to 90999. Each text will provide $10 towards the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts.

FACEBOOK: 

The Red Cross has also launched a campaign on Causes to raise at least $25,000 for relief efforts. By logging in to Facebook, you can donate anywhere from $10 to $500 to help Tsunami victims and their families.

The people over at Explore.org are donating $1 for every “Like” of the “Dog Bless You” Facebook page, up to $100,000.

ITUNES:

Apple is also dedicating resources to the crisis in Japan. They have created a simple donation page in iTunes[iTunes link] that makes it simple to donate anywhere from $5 to $200 to the Red Cross with just a few clicks.

This day last year...

I am really not doing so hot on my resolution to be more efficient with blog posting!  The weekend before last, I was thrilled to have my college roommate Bethany in town.  On Friday night, Bethany and I went to a restaurant near my apartment.  Upon arrival, we realized we were not as young and hip as we once were.  Apparently, we did not get the memo that Friday night was "wear your shortest skirt and highest heels" night.  We spent the night avoiding the loud speakers, slurring frat boys and short skirt stiletto stampedes on the dance floor.  We never thought dressing so modestly would make us feel so exposed!  Despite feeling like Golden Girls, we managed to have a great time catching up and people watching.  We dragged our old bones home around 1AM, took out our dentures, and crashed.  Suffice it to say, we just can't keep up with the college kids like we used to...sigh.

The next day we met up with Bethany's sister Ryan, mom Beth, and stepdad Jim.  The sun was shining, the lawns were perfectly manicured, and the boutiques had their doors propped open, beckoning shoppers to browse their brightly colored spring additions. After a late lunch,  I served as tour guide to Bethany's family and took them to some of my favorite places in Raleigh.

North Hills Mall

Five Points

My favorite home in Raleigh

Cameron Village

I dropped Miss Beth and Jim off at their hotel, and Bethany, Ryan, and I headed to my apartment to get ready for dinner.  I made reservations at my favorite restaurant in Raleigh, Caffe Luna, and we all enjoyed a tasty dinner downtown. It was great having old friends in my new town. I was so thankful for the visitors!

Luna

On an unrelated note, one year ago today I was in South Beach with Jessica browsing a dinner menu on Ocean Avenue.  I glanced up and saw a group of guys walking by and one in particular caught my eye.   After 15 minutes of begging, Jessica agreed to leave the restaurant with me in search of the boy in the blue button down.  She said we could walk 10 blocks and if I didn't see him we were giving up and turning around.  Nine and a half blocks later, I sat down at a table next to the boy in the blue shirt, who now happens to be my boyfriend.

So, although I would never condone "chasing" after a boy (Yes Mother, I did technically chase him), I must say this act of insanity spontaneity was one of the greatest and most rewarding risks I have ever taken.   So to Jessica and Will, thank you for putting up with my craziness.  I sure am a lucky girl ;).

March 8, 2010

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

I am loving Milly's Spring 2011 Ready To Wear Collection by founder and designer Michelle Smith.  Gone are the days of psychedelic swirls, abstract angles and shapeless frames.  Smith's line focuses on bright colors and geometrical shapes while adding her signature feminine touch.  Although the label is fairly new (11 years young), Smith has made quite a name for herself by consistently producing preppy yet professional pieces.  With so many designers trying to reinvent themselves in an effort to be fashion forward, it is refreshing to see that Smith's sense of style has stayed true.  Milly has proven that the classic silhouette still reigns supreme.  

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

"The Luckiest" Ben Folds

No KK, No

Has anyone else heard Jam? Kim Kardashian is trying her hand at "singing".  This is bad...I mean really bad.   In Kim's defense, her song was debuted on Ryan Seacrest's radio show in an effort to raise money for St. Jude's.  But is a techno song that includes lyrics like "Buzz got me high in the sky" and "5 more shots of tequila, I'm thirsty" really an appropriate way to represent a Childrens Hospital?   

I'm not quite sure why Kim is famous in the first place but one things for sure, she won't be adding "professional singer" to her celebutante resume.