Friday, October 5, 2018

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!!  Talk about a long week.  My goodness this one has dragged on and on. I think after being out of town for fall break for 10 days coming back to reality then going straight into a busy week just about did me in. Never been so happy for a Friday!  Today we're linking up with some of our favorite bloggers to share Friday Favorites!




First up I wanted to introduce y'all to my childhood best friend, Kristen!  We made it our mission to spent every night together one summer when we were kids, were roommates in college and she was my maid of honor in my wedding!



She is a doing something amazing for October's Breast Cancer Awareness month.  She and a friend have partnered with a group at Northside Hospital in Atlanta to donate care packages for breast cancer patients and survivors. Each pre-made package includes high-performing and safer beauty products in an eco-friendly canvas pouch with some dark chocolates and a note of encouragement.  She is making NOTHING on this and in fact she is covering part of the costs of the packages herself.  She's looking for individuals or companies that would like to sponsor a package. $50 covers one and $25 covers half of one, but honesty, any amount would be appreciated.  We sponsored one and hope that you will, too!


More information from Kristen and the service project can be found HERE!


The beginning of our fall break last week, the Mr. and I went to Key West for our annual trip. It's always a great time with lobster diving and snorkeling, but my very favorite part is always the gorgeous water. I mean, it's just so beautiful!!!


I also love exploring Fort Jefferson! This amazing coastal fortress built in the 1800's has the most amazing architecture and it is crazy to think it is in the middle of the ocean. I didn't write about our trip this year, because it is really the same trip each year, but it was still just as fun!



After we got back from Key West we turned around and left for Wilmington, NC for my brother's wedding. Because of the recent hurricane we weren't able to really enjoy the water or the beach the way we had planned, but we did spend a little time out there.  I bought this swimsuit for both of the trips and I am telling you all, I wish I hadn't waited so long to purchase it. It is, hands down, my favorite bathing suit and worth every penny.  It is comfortable, fits great, and makes me feel stylish while not having to worry about my stomach in a two piece.




One of my favorite moments of last week was seeing my little brother get married. 




They did a very small ceremony on the beach and then a big reception that evening.  I had never been to a wedding on the beach and it was so nice and laid back...perfect for their personalities.  I'm so happy for my brother and my new sister-in-law!!!  







Last, but not least, is one of my favorite times of year for decorating my home!  I just love pulling out all of the pumpkins and getting ready for fall. It still feels like summer here with temps around 90 degrees, but it looks like fall in my house!





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Thursday, October 4, 2018

Laurie Louis Atlanta Event Recap

Earlier this year we were introduced to Laurie Louis Designs. We just adore Laurie's shop filled with party planning and entertaining goodies. Her style leans towards a southern coastal vibe, and we are all about that! 

Last month, after we hosted our End of Summer Soiree, Laurie let us know she was coming to Atlanta, and wanted to see if we would help her host an event with other influencers. Of course we said yes! We couldn't wait to meet the Laurie Louis team and as well as the brain behind it all! Not to mention, we were going to jump at any chance the be around Laurie's fabulous items and get a sneak peek at her latest lines. 


THE LAURIE LOUIS ATLANTA EVENT

Tuesday night, the day finally arrived! Laurie is a huge Braves fan (that's our girl!), so she wanted to stay close to where the post-season action was happening. She and her team rented a gorgeous suite on top of the Omni Battery, and it gave way to stunning views not only to SunTrust Park, but to the entire Atlanta skyline. 





If you follow Laurie on Instagram or on Facebook, you know she likes to throw a good party. She left no detail un-thought of. From the layout of the suite, to the gorgeous spread of southern style food, to the yummy cocktails. All donned with her signature designs themed in red stripe and blue stripe (because Go Braves!) gorgeously displayed. 





Laurie wanted to keep the soireĆ© intimate so that she would have time to individually chat with each and every person. We loved this because not every blogger event is run that way, and rarely do you get one on one time with the figurehead themselves in such an intimate setting. It goes to show how much Laurie truly cares about every aspect of her brand, and her customers. 





We had a small group because a handful of people cancelled at the last minute, but even though those individuals were missed, the event was a blast. Personally, we were able to get to know fellow Atlanta bloggers a little more and we really enjoyed that. 

| Carrie Beth's Jacket & Dress | Jen's Jumpsuit & Pink Heels |


SNEAK PEEK

We also loved getting a sneak peek at some of Laurie's new fall and holiday lines. 


She displayed these adorable apple themed goodies from the Laurie Louis fall line. 


And this super cute deer design from the Laurie Louis holiday line (coming soon online!). 


Laurie, being a true southern hostess, wasn't about to let everyone go home with out a little gift. She packaged up these adorable little boxes for everyone filled with fun goodies. 


How cute are her gift tags?!


We were all so excited, and we can't wait to show you what was inside. Check the hashtag #LaurieLouisDesigns on social media to get a peek at what everyone received and how we are using them this fall and holiday season! 



A huge thank you to Laurie, her team, and all of the individuals who took the time out of their busy schedules to have a fun girls night with us! Stay tuned because we have so many fun things on the horizon with Laurie, and maybe a surprise or two for you as well (wink, wink). 


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Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Kitchen Confessions: Simple Sheet Pan Supper

It's no secret I don't love to cook. It's not really that I don't like to cook, but that I usually don't have the time. Between running kids around, helping with homework and getting everyone to their practices and games every evening, I'm usually rushed to figure out something for everyone to eat.

I finally found something that is an easy week night dinner and one that makes *most* everyone happy.  Simple Sheet Pan Suppers are my new go-to.


Literally you just chop up some vegetables, add some meat and seasoning, and bake.  One dish, one healthy meal, one less night to have to worry about dinner.


Plus, it's so very colorful that makes me feel good about feeding my family!  There are so many variations of this meal. Just by swapping the vegetables, meat and marinade you can come up with a ton of different meals!



I'm sharing this recipe and a few ideas for switching it up over on Savvy Sassy Moms. Be sure to head over and check it out!

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Monday, October 1, 2018

Book Club: October

Happy October everyone! 

Oh, how we love this month!! And we're kicking off one of our favorite months with one of our favorite topics...


Wine and books! Well, unless it's early when you're reading this. Then grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and let's chat! 


We saw this graphic (via pinterest) and it made us smile. There is nothing we love more than snuggling on the porch, fire going, and curling up with a great glass of wine and a good book. There's just something about those little moments that's heaven. 

Throw in something pumpkin spice and we'd be a total clique right? 

WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH

I had quite a whirlwind the past week or so.  First the Mr. and I were in Key West for our annual trip and then we came home and turned around for another trip with the family for Fall Break. I was excited to get to sneak in some reading while we were gone.


While we were in Key West we spent most of our days on a boat. While the Mr. dove for lobsters, I sat and read my book. There was something pretty fitting about being in the middle of the ocean while reading a book about finding something in the middle of the ocean.  Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman kept me flipping the pages and wanting to know what was going to happen and how things would end. The couple finds something in the middle of the ocean while on their honeymoon and follows their decisions that end up changing their lives forever.  It was really good and I would definitely recommend it!


After that I started on a book I've had for a while now, A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams.  I read half of it in one day sitting on the beach in North Caroline over fall break.  Then, we got word that we shouldn't be in the water because of high levels of bacteria due to hurricane flooding so needless to say our plans for the week drastically changed and instead of lounging on the beach I was taking my kids to do other fun stuff and my reading time got nixed.  However, I am so anxious to finish this book. I'll be sure to report back next month!


JEN

Free time to read somehow alluded me this month. Even with a trip under my belt I was only able to sneak in two books in September. But those two books - oh so good! 

Next Year in Havana book review

First up was Next Year in Havana. A few friends recommended this book, and then I saw it was part of Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. Reese never does me wrong. The story follows freelance writer Marisol as she travels to her grandmother's homeland of Cuba to scatter her ashes, and learn more about the mysterious land Elisa called home. The story weaves past and present together, and has a ton of Cuban history intermingled into it. All wrapped up into a double love story. I loved the book (and learned a ton). I loved all the characters and was a huge fan of how it ended. If you like chic-lit with a little more meat behind it, this is definitely one to put in your to-read pile. 

Good Luck with That book review

The second book I read in September was Good Luck with That. I grabbed this book on a whim while I was prepping for my trip. I had a few other books already ready to go, but wanted something lighter to read. Well, I totally mis-judged on the latter. Good Luck with That had way more depth than that - in a good way! It follows three best friends in their life after fat-camp. As adults life has thrown them many ups and downs, and when one friend loses her battle with obesity, the others try to fulfill their friends dying wish - to complete a wish list they made years ago at camp. The books touches on love, friendship, body image, and - most importantly - self acceptance. It had humor and romance mixed in, but overall it was a read with a little more behind it. I walked away from it with a smile, and I would definitely put it on your fall reading radar. 


WHAT'S UP NEXT...

CARRIE BETH

I have heard so much praise and chatter about Reese Witherspoon's new book, Whiskey in a Teacup that I plan to read that next!


Lots of southern stories, tips, southern style, traditions and recipes.


JEN

Starting off next month with...


An Unwanted Guest looks like the perfect way to start off October, right? Well at least it's on point for the theme. I am typically not one to pick up a thriller. I really enjoyed The Couple Next Door, so when my friend M gave me An Unwanted Guest and said it was really good too, I decided this was the perfect book to start off the month. I mean, what's one more reason to not get enough sleep at night? #holdme


What else should we put on our to-read lists this month? Share your suggestions with us! 


BOOK CLUB 2018

| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September |

Follow along with us on Goodreads!


HAPPY READING! 


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