Southern Bourbon Mountains

Facebook Retail Therapy-Smocked Auctions

2012-02-22T08:49:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you have already heard about Smocked Auction's site on Facebook. Besides Pinterest it is the new legal crack for us bubble obsessed mommas.

The first kids clothing site I ever stumbled across on Facebook was Smocked Auctions. When I became a fan there were maybe 7,000 other smocked crazed Moms pounding their refresh key twice a week in the evening. Smocked Auctions is now up to 58,000+ fans and climbing every second. What is the attraction? On Tuesday and Thursday nights SA hosts an "Auction" at 8:30 CST where they will post a photo of a smocked outfit and you have to write Sold, OOT (out of Texas) size and email as fast as humanly possible. I won an outfit last year and it was quite the thrill...but this is back when there were 1/8 of the fans there are now. The clothes are adorable and priced much lower than your typical shops around town. Here is an example of the hysteria...

Yep, in 1 minute 111 people commented on this bubble. Insane!!! I'm not sure I could win again. I have seen husbands and wives act as teams on multiple computers throughout the house. And when I mean "I have seen" I mean through the hilarious banter that goes on during auction nights on SA's wall. Seriously, even if you aren't trigger happy with your keyboard you should at least watch an auction! And yes...I did win once!.......

My Smocked Auctions win back in the summer!

They also do Pre-orders which is great for Holidays. Ford's Christmas Snowman Longall came from SA. I would have done Thanksgiving also but went with Zulily.

Do you SA? Have you won? Do tell!

xoxo

Share the Wealth

2012-02-17T08:51:00.000-05:00

Most Southern women feel that discussing their private finances is taboo. But in this day and age I think women are becoming more open and honest about what their lives are like. Momastery wrote an amazing post about letting it all out and shocking people with the truth behind her perfect soccer mom persona. I would love to divulge all the stesses under this roof but just can't do it. I probably shouldn't tell my friends as much as I do already but I find it cathartic and helpful to know that my friends know why I don't call them all the time or ever look like I have showered.

In the lines of Momastery one of my favorite bloggers needs our help. Do you read Jenny from MFAMB? You should. She is amazing, hilarious and absolutely beautiful. Did I mention quite talented? Her paintings are making their rounds throughout the blogosphere and she needs your help.

Jenny original at Furbish

Head over to MFAMB and read this post and consider buying one of her paintings or donating your weekly Starbucks allowance. Or if you can't donate money, donate your little black book. Tell some glossy magazine or online look book about her paintings. Get her featured. Make her famous. Because she should be. And she makes you laugh for free which is much better than a therapist. Read Awards shows recaps here.

xoxo

Southern Bourbon Mountains loves women that say fuck

Honey, what do you want for Valentine's/Birthday/Anniversary??

2012-02-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

I get this question quite frequently. Its not that M doesn't know what I like...I just am cheap. Horribly cheap. Wait, that sounds horrible. I'm frugal. Ugh, even worse. Example: When M asks what I want I say one of the lame answers:
1. A haircut. (Its been since August ladies....I don't have a person in Charlotte!)
2. An outfit for Ford
3. New dish soap from Williams Sonoma
4. Pine straw for the yard
5. Magazine Subscriptions

Yeah, real sexy gifts there Katharine. So you see why he just gives up and gives me a dollar amount and I go shopping. (For Ford.)

So I thought it would be a great idea (Thanks Natalie!) to post about what I want instead of what I need. M won't join Pinterest so I'm bringing my Pinterest Wishlist Board to my blog!

Barbour Flyweight Calvary

I love my Barbour jacket but this one is a touch more feminine and this color would be perfect year round.

Kai Perfume

I'm a smell person. Ask anyone that knows me well. Candles, perfumes, sachet packets....this perfume is amazing!

Leontine Linens

Oh Jane Scott....one day I will have these in my Master. But not yellow...can't decide.

Lilly Pulitzer Somerset Dress

Cotton throw on dress that hides my arms, doesn't wrinkle, and machine washable? Yes please!

Paddywax Wild Blackberry Candle

I'm in LOVE with this scent!!

PB Teen Pom Pom Throw

White for the Den, because baby and mama love blankets!

Love this!!

Glossy Pretty Magazines

I'm ordering this today through Amazon! $10

Hayfield Oil Painting via At West End

The field where we dove hunt has a view almost exactly like this. Reminds me of sitting with my Dad shooting the sh*t and talking about life.

Williams Sonoma Fleur de Sel

Yes this is lame but have you smelled it? I love having a tiny bit of luxury in the Kitchen

Kate Spade Bond Street Cyndy

I desperately need a new wallet. I love this Kate Spade one but I prefer to have the flip out section for your Driver's License...so still on the hunt.

Longchamp Le Pliage Medium

If this had an outside pocket this would be my summer bag. The huge baby bag is getting to be a little too much and this would be safe from Sippy cups, goldfish...etc!

Goyard Tote

Same reasons as above, would this be a great summer Mom bag?

Framing Gift Certificate

Yes, back to practical...but I have tons of prints to be framed!! And the FW at Carmel Road and Quail Hollow has some of the nicest people ever. Tell them I sent you! Their prices beat everyone in Charlotte hands down.

I hope you all have a very wonderful Valentine's Day! If you want to see more items that are on my Wishlist, follow me on Pinterest!

Fabulous Momness

2012-02-10T08:54:00.001-05:00

Sorry my post is late, I had to run to the store...like my skirt?

via DON

Later I will slip into this saucy number to go to my son's soccer game...

Brooks Brothers....seriously!

I will arrive at said soccer game in the Tesla Model X and serve Bloody Mary's and endive salads out of the trunk with crystal and fine china. Because of course it is pronounced endive. Hottest soccer mom ever, my 6 year plan.

Via Cnet

xoxo

Gotta love the Giants....and Kate Mara!

2012-02-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

Most of you are well aware I'm a Saints fan but in last night's Super Bowl I was obviously rooting for the Giants. And please, who gives a shit what Gisele said...really, who cares! I would like to gag all the press talking about her comments with a Victoria's Secret thong. Eli played a hell of a game and they beat the Pats again! Doesn't Eli seem like the nicest guy in the world? And he is SO LAID BACK. I need what he is on. I'm also very proud of UNC player Hakeem Nicks, Tar Heel with a Super Bowl ring!

This post is really about somebody else close to the Giants. Everyone is talking about Rooney Mara these days but do you know Kate Mara? She is the great grand-daughter of the founder of the New York Giants and used to sing the National Anthem at home games. She also happens to be one of my girl crushes.....behold....

I wonder if she was at the game. I wonder if she reads my blog. I wonder how I would look with that hair color?

Random post...yes. Cold medicine..probably took too much.

xoxo

Bartender for Baby's First Birthday?

2012-02-03T10:08:00.001-05:00

I'm starting to think our parents had it so easy. A cake, some streamers, color coordinated tablecloths, a few cocktails and the perfect birthday party was born. In the age of Pinterest/Etsy/Facebook/Blogging; a birthday party is a mother's creative outlet. (Or an excuse to drink wine in the middle of the day with her friends) Behold a site I discovered through Pinterest......Kara's party Ideas.

Images via Kara's party Ideas

Now let me start off by saying I am not making fun of these parties. If I had the time and creativity I would do this in a heartbeat! But how do you keep a balance between these and a nice backyard fiesta?

Photos from my 1st birthday party-a fabulous backyard get together in New Orleans. March 14th, 1981

What is considered overboard? I am obsessing (who's shocked?) about this birthday party. Do I have a small gathering that is relaxed and casual? Or do I pick a cute theme and go all out? Ford is my first baby and I absolutely love having people over so my mission is to come up with a happy medium.

Just for fun I thought you would like to see some flashback pictures from this girl's birthday parties in the 80's!

My Grandmother Katharine "Kay" Braselman Boylan lighting my 1st birthday cake

2nd Birthday with a Doberge cake! (My absolute favorite from Gambino's)

3rd Birthday in the Mountains. We had just moved into Chipmunk Hill

McDonald's Cake!! Remember those Iced characters?

Trapped in Hamburglar. It started to hail 5 minutes after this picture

This was the norm for me. Pretty dresses, cake, either an Easter or St. Patrick's theme and giggles. (If a March blizzard didn't cancel the party)

What did you do for your baby's first birthday party? Want to come to Ford's? Is a Bartender overboard?

xoxo

Steven Stolman on OKL!

2012-02-01T10:17:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of working for Steven at his Worth Avenue store right out of College. The man is a visionary and if I could I would have an entire wardrobe of his iconic toile shift dresses. My sister-in-law Jackie also used to work for Steven and was quite a model.....see for yourself!

Now Steven Stolman is President at Scalamandre and has a boutique on OKL. Go see the beautiful items he has selected here!

xoxo

Lampshade Winner!

2012-01-27T08:47:00.001-05:00

Congrats to #5! Traci Zeller is our lucky winner!!

But don't be sad ladies, I have another giveaway planned for next week and it involves jewelry!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:5Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Under the Weather

2012-01-23T10:25:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder where that term came from? Well our weather has been dreary and wet. I'm all for getting rain but goodness. I'm stuffy, feel like Shrek could make candles from my ears, and am starting to see the appeal for these outfits:

I hope you aren't having a dreary Monday! For now I will dream of cuddling up in bed with magazines, my laptop and a Bojangles Combo Supreme.

xoxo

All images from my crack dealer...Pinterest

Personalized Baby Board Book!

2012-01-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

If my husband sees me on Pinterest he thinks it is the equivalent of him playing Xbox. What he doesn't realize is that there are millions of brilliant ideas, beautiful pictures, travel spots...etc and that it is close to taking his place as my favorite thing in the universe. (Besides my boys of course).

Reason #2867 that I love Pinterest....Personalized Baby Board books. I think I might make one right now for Ford. He loves to say dadadadada, gagagagagaga, kakakakakaka. Mama? Heck no. He has said it once. So I'm going to take up MAMA with about 7 pages. $21.95 here.

Or maybe Ford is saying Kaka because that is his idol and he wants to be a famous Futbol player?

Lux Lampshade Giveaway! UPDATED

2012-01-17T06:55:00.001-05:00

Okay, I've been a bad blogger so nobody visits anymore, I get it. But I am upping the winnings to a total of 5, 5" Pleated Paper shades and 2, 10" Pleated Paper shades. Giveaway ends Tuesday at midnight! Hop to it!

I learned about Lux Lampshades through a friend that used to work there. She told me she worked for a high-end lampshade company. I was slightly confused...high end lampshades? Mine are white and clean, is that good enough? Well nice lampshades make a HUGE difference in a room.

Enter Lux Lampshades. Lux is run by a local in Charlotte, Chad Smith. His wife, Heather Smith, is a designer for Circa Antiques and they have three beautiful children. And while most companies blog about themselves, Chad has a non-profit that is much closer to his heart. Read his post about Equitas here. I'm sure you have seen Lux without knowing the story behind the company. Some of Chad's biggest clients are Phoebe Howard, Ceylon et Cie, The Kellogg Collection..etc.

Design by Phoebe Howard showing the Square silk box pleat in Snow

Design by Phoebe Howard showing the Shirred in Coconut

So today I am giving away two Lux Lampshade 5" Chandelier shades in Pleated Paper color shell!

All you have to do is go to the Lux Lampshades site, and come back here and comment with what room in your house needs new lampshades! You must be a follower of this blog to win!

I will pick a winner this Friday January 20th at midnight.

Comment away!

Room images via Phoebe Howard

Who Dat? Brees Dat!!!

2011-12-27T09:35:00.001-05:00

Last night Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's single season passing record with a touchdown pass to Darren Sproles. Even if you are not a huge football fan you have to love Drew. He is just a wonderful person and last night in the locker room he gave the team all the credit saying, "There might only be one name that goes in the record books, but it was all about you guys.". What a fantastic way to clinch the NFC South! Who Dat baby!!

I think I need this sign for my yard. (Definitely ordering this for my dad's birthday)

And I think Ford got the coolest Christmas present gift in the family. My Aunt lives next door to Saints tight end David Thomas and he signed this book for Ford!

I hope you all had a magical Christmas!!!

xoxo

Pure Joy

Golden Graham

Best gift ever!

Brees with Colston the "Ballerina"

Lance Moore!

All images via Times Picayune

Christmas Day Outfit

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

The forecast is looking dreary. Rain Rain Rain and chilly..but not chilly enough for snow. I had planned to wear a cute silk black and white polka dot top with a cardigan and black pants...but I think this is what I really want to wear...

Blair from Atlantic Pacific

I have the boots (green), tights, turtleneck and skirt...I just need the shirt and Hunter socks! I wonder if this would be appropriate at the Christmas Eve Service and following cocktail parties. Probably not! Maybe a Christmas Day outfit? Or an outfit to go up to the Grove Park Inn?

Speaking of stylish women; do you read Atlantic Pacific or Petite Blog? These girls are so fashionable...they make my jeans/boots/turtleneck wearing habits seem quite frumpy. Feast your eyes on these ladies......

Blair

This is one of my favorites!

The beautiful & newly engaged Style me Swanky

The Extra Petite Blog..great clothes reviews!

If only I looked like this at work!

I'm obsessed with check shirts

Please come dress me

And in other randomness...I bought these shoes at the J.Crew factory store in Asheville. They are size 5.5 and I just don't see myself wearing them. They sold in the store for $250. Hmmmmm

oxoxoxo

The Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

Love this party in Love Actually

**Wordy and long post, but its worth it!

Have you heard the stories of the K-mart layaway accounts getting paid off by generous donors? It is happening all over America and I think it is quite possibly the most wonderful thing about this time of year.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn't be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter.

"She told him, 'No, I'm paying for it,'" recalled Edna Deppe, assistant manager at the store in Indianapolis. "He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn't, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears."

Get in Shape Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

2011-11-30T10:48:00.000-05:00

I could break those legs with a paintball gun..look at the chick the 2nd from the right.

Her ass could fit in my cereal bowl

** I know what you are all going to say. The purpose of these women is to sell lingerie and look amazing, which they all do very well. But in this world of bullies, sexting and suicide I think we need to work on what we are selling our kids. I don't want a 12 year old girl buying sweatpants with "Pink" on the ass hoping she will look like these women.

The show last night was beautiful and the women jaw-dropping. They are all amazingly stunning and I understand it is their sole job/purpose to look the best they possibly can. I just wish they all had about 10 more pounds on them. Adriana Lima, who actually looks to be one of the healthier girls on the runway, let the juice out of the bag when she described how she prepares for the show....
"In an interview with the Daily Telegraph that has sent shock waves around the world, Lima was frank about her extreme diet and fitness regimen in the days leading up to the annual televised Victoria's Secret fashion show, set to air on November 9.

In addition to twice-daily workouts, for nine days leading up to the show, Lima eats no solids. She subsists entirely on protein shakes made in part from powdered eggs, and drinks a gallon of water a day. Two days before the show, she stops drinking the gallon of water and just drinks normally.

Then, 12 hours before the show, she has nothing. No food. No water.

Nothing.

"No liquids at all so you dry out, sometimes you can lose up to eight pounds just from that," she told The Telegraph. "

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/11/09/adriana-lima-reveals-extreme-diet-regimen-for-victorias-secret-fashion-show/#ixzz1fChMKz13..

Please girls out there..do not follow this!

I do love to watch the show and try to imagine what their glittered 0% body fat-cellulite free-tanned bodies smell like. Vanilla or Latex? But I miss me some Heidi Klum.

My main point is that I wish this show would do a segment where they put on some Jock Jams and show us some Athletes..they can even be hot athletes! But show us some bodies that are truly 100% healthy and that are toned from busting their booties in the gym and not the juice bar.

A few examples:

Hope Solo- US Women's Soccer

Gretchen Bleiler - US Snowboarding

Jessica Biel

More Jessica Biel..she could ROCK that runway

Misty May and Kerri Walsh- US Women's Volleyball

Allison Stokke- Vault - UCal

Jenni Finch - US Women's Softball

Katarina Witt-So hot. I had a hard time finding a non-topless photo of her

Ana Ivanovic - Tennis Player for Serbia

Any amazing women out there you would like to see on the runway? Michelle Obama?

xoxo-I'm off to Taco Bell

Daniel Radcliffe Rocked the Thanksgiving Day Parade

2011-11-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Rockettes are always stunning, the floats are timeless and all the stars...oh wait....

This year as I was watching the opening credits I thought..who in the world are these people!? Disney stars? It seriously made me feel ancient. But there was one star who totally rocked it out; Harry Potter AKA Daniel Radcliffe danced his precious heart out in a piece from his play "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".

Here is the video. For such a big movie star I think it is awesome he showed up and brought his "A" game.

Do you watch the parade??

PS-Ann Curry drives me bonkers.

$5 Shiny Beautiful Magazines!!!

2011-11-22T08:49:00.001-05:00

I have an addiction to magazines but I have absolutely no time to read them. I let my House Beautiful expire...SHAMEFUL!

So..look what Amazon has today!!! 3 Amazing Magazines for $5.00 each!!!! Sign me up!

These are great Christmas gift ideas! But just make sure you cancel the auto-renewal or your Christmas gift gets charged at the regular price the following year! (I learned this the hard way!)

xoxo (And you are more than welcome to order these for me!)

Cooler Contest Winners!

2011-11-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

Sorry for posting this so late! Things have been crazy over here!

Here are the winners! Katy, Fran and Natalie please send me your address!

Another Awesome Cooler Giveaway!

2011-10-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Remember my Polar Bear Cooler Post?? I have three more coolers to give away! This time with a Hawaiian print!

Here is my original post!

So its 10:00am at the beach (the acceptable time to start drinking beer in my opinion..or at least bloodys) and you go prepare the beach cooler. You lug all your towels, chairs, toys, magazines out and place your cooler in the middle as a nice cocktail table. And two hours later and four sunscreen applications you realize your beer is warm. Conclusion:

1. You aren't drinking fast enough
2. You are vacationing in the Sahara Desert
3. Your cooler isn't up to snuff.

If you are a friend of mine I'm assuming its #3. My husband's good friend introduced us to the team that makes Polar Bear Coolers and I wouldn't promote anything without completely testing the product first. We have the 24 pack size and while vacationing at the beach toss a whole bag of ice in the sucker and it lasts an entire day! That's right..an entire day sitting on a hot porch at Pawleys Island in 99 degree temps. That comes in handy when its 4:00 and you need to make Pinas and nobody is sober enough for an ice run.

So I have an amazing giveaway today!

I have 2 Red 12 pack sized coolers (With white Hawaiian Flowers)

and 1 Navy 24 pack cooler (with White Hawaiian flowers)

Head to their site to learn more!

All you have to do is comment on this post and become a follower of my blog! Just leave in your comments that you think I'm awesome even though I don't post enough and that you are a follower. I will draw a winner out of a crystal bowl on Tuesday November 1st at 6:30 pm. (Cocktail hour)

I am a huge fan of the 6 pack size for lunches, field coolers for Hunting Season, and.......hauling around breast milk. Yep, I said it. And if you order the camo one nobody knows there is breast milk in there. They think you are hauling around dove breasts. Looking for something a little more girly? They monogram!

Happy ~~Summer~~ Fall Drinking!

Living Room HELP!!!

2011-10-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

Everyone's favorite double desk image...anyone know what the rest of the room looks like?

Okay, we have a situation over here and we seriously need some help. Several months ago a friend helped me rearrange my Living Room so my husband's desk could relocate out of the soon-to-be nursery. Now I work from home at least once a week and between blogging/editing photos/work computers I need a desk area too. There are no other spots in the house and this is the perfect room to take over since it rarely gets used. (Please excuse Iphone pics- they are messy b/c I have been home alone the past few weeks!)
And I'm in love with the paint color..its similar to a Juliska Blue but a little greener..so I'm not changing that!

Here is the Living Room looking in from the hallway

Ignore baby jumperoo and cheapo decorator side tables and mess in general

I could relocate the bar to in between these two windows in the Dining Room..but it will make it tight for people getting up and down from their chairs. So I say no. (This room is going to be painted the same as the Living Room...one day.)

My desk...currently our tailgate table..so pathetic.

M's desk. Random empty corner

View from the other side

Main staples in the room:

BAR-I love this bar and do not want to move it. I guess it could go in the dining room (shown below) but I would love to leave it in here and consider this room a Study/Lounge/Parlor. Didn't a blogger say the other day we should bring the word parlor back?
Sofa-This was given to me by a wonderful decorator. It is cream chenille and oh so comfortable. And retails for more than all our computer equipment.
Coffee Table-Same fabulous decorator gave to me. Brown Jordan? British Khaki? I know its too big but I LOVE it.
Swivel Chairs-Also given to me by a friend. I had reupholstered before I threw a Bridal Shower and they are so cozy!

What we need:
2 Desks..that can house 3 monitors on one, and 2 monitors on the other. Yes, we need ALL those monitors.

What I was thinking...
Doing built-in cabinets on the far wall? (Where M's desk is now) My desk on the left and his on the right? I have 4 huge tupperware bins in the attic of all our books that had to go away when the nursery was set in place. Maybe put a TV in the middle of the two desk areas so when the main TV room becomes a cartoonfest adults can come in here to watch Anderson Cooper?
And hardwoods...how I long for hardwood floors...

Ideas:
This is where I need your help!

Imagine the 2 ends of this are desks, the cabinet doors open and can be pushed in on the sides so you can slide under..and the lowest shelf is removed so your monitors could fit.....crazy?

Love this, but where are their computers?

Ah, what a nice simple Mom nook. Not techy enough for me.

Link Dump

2011-10-19T11:15:00.000-04:00

I have a million blogs saved on my favorites and I'm trying to do some fall cleaning and whittle that list down. I bet I've been deleted by some readers because I don't post often enough...I'm trying to remedy that!

Here are some miscellaneous links I have saved and figured you might be interested!

Blackberry Smash c/o Bless her Heart

The Blackberry Smash is minty and refreshing and just the right amount of sweet and sour. This drink reminds me of sipping on the porch or a night out with my mama-friends swapping stories about all of the ridiculousness that has ensued since the last time we were together.

Heart Wrenching photos from the BP Gulf Oil Disaster via Boston Globe here

Go view the entire slideshow...

Dry Greening

Isn't this brilliant? Instead of all those horrible plastic bags you have a reusable one!

I would love to get a portrait of my parents' old Boykin Roux

Story from Southern Living here

This site is great! I print some of these off for my stepson to do over the summer/spring break

This is my ultimate wish for a to-do project around here. We cannot tackle this but I wish we could!

Full story here

So do you have any links to share? Any cool fancy tid-bits?

xoxo

Confession Tuesday: I Can't Cook

2011-10-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

Oh Giada..kitchen skills and beauty!

Let me rephrase that...I don't even try to cook. You see, I grew up in a house with a father who was an amazing cook. And while he whipped up his masterpieces in the kitchen my mother and I set the table, lit candles and made the house pretty. So I can make my house look appetizing...just not a meal. Then I married a man who is an amazing chef. His father was a chef and taught him all his tricks of the trade. So once again I am lighting candles and creating playlists for dinner parties, but never contributing anything significant to the calorie index besides my microwave cheese dip. (It's pretty damn good cheese dip)

I have cooked amazing dishes twice. I cooked Grillades and Grits for my cousin's day after wedding brunch, and I have cooked my Dad's Red Beans & Rice recipe..but that's it. So my issue is not with cooking itself but where to begin?

My husband is out of town (again) and I am left staring at the kitchen. I am embarrassed to say I don't know how to use the grill and have no idea where to begin to cook for myself.

Do you have easy recipes I could start with? I would like to be able to cook 10 meals by Christmas. And not 10 Rachel Ray meals...10 good meals.

Until he returns I will have Knorr pasta in a bag meals (or the frosty I found in the freezer last night)

xoxo

Steve Jobs has died

2011-10-05T19:57:00.000-04:00

You changed our entire world with your technology...and my entire life with this phone.

Breastfeeding-Bourbon Edition

2011-09-27T12:01:00.000-04:00

I would post a picture of myself nursing but thought you would prefer this

I realize this post is not about the latest from Boden or a review of Lonny, but I feel it is such an important topic and I really want to tell my story.

Before I had Ford I read lots of blog posts on the subject of breastfeeding; some horror stories, some extremely militant, and some that painted a magical booby world. I feared for the worst but didn't make the smart decision to take the class.

Before I headed to the hospital I made sure I had an artillery of products to make me prepared for this task: bras, lotions, tank tops, easy to wear shirts, brestfriend, pump, pump parts, dark beer...etc. And as soon as the first nurse asked, are you planning to breastfeed? I emphatically said YES!

I will save my birth story for another day but my water broke at 2:45am and Ford was delivered at 2:36pm. Epidural-yes, Pitocin-yes, Bourbon afterwards?-yes. All joking aside I had a wonderful birth process and really thank the nurses at CMC Main for the amazing job they did.

After consuming the entire room service menu they brought Ford to me around 3:30pm to try to nurse. This was highly unsuccessful.**Too much information alert. I don't have good ole eraser nipples. There I said it. So he didn't have a good surface to latch on to. This was slightly frustrating. A very nice stranger is forcing your crying new baby onto your huge swollen tatas and he can't latch, your husband is watching slightly confused..and you are exhausted. This goes on for awhile before my lactation consultant tried a Nipple Shield. And BAM, it worked. Now he was only getting colostrum so poor guy was sucking hard forever for a drop, but I guess that is what is supposed to happen. What nobody told me is once they nurse you get HORRIBLE cramps. Just like menstrual cramps but much worse. Thanks for the heads up! Luckily my nurse walked in with an Ibu800 and I was fine for a bit.
My 2nd night in the hospital was absolutely dreadful. I should have taken a class b/c nobody told me how long to nurse. And being worken up every 2 hours (a first for a new mom) was jolting and awful. So I let him nurse for 40 minutes on each side..insanely painful. Finally my Dr. came to see me on my checkout day and said, heck no, give him a pacifier..and all was good.
They load you up with lots of Formula samples at the hospital and again at the pediatrician so we put them away in the pantry because I was superbreastfeeding mom. But his first night home was a disaster. I was still only producing colustrum and he was HUNGRY. Queue up Enfamil 2 oz lifesavers. I had to do it. He was starving and I had nothing and had already fed him the syringe full of colostrum i had pumped at the hospital. I have to admit there was a fleeting moment where I was like..okay, milk don't come in. Let's just do this formula thing, anyone can feed you and I won't have to suffer. We went to the Pediatrician the next day (He was 5 lbs 7 oz when we brought him home so they had to monitor his weight) and they sent me over to the Lactation GODDESS. (If you live in CLT and want to know her info, email me!) She watched me breastfeed and pump and then gave me a million tips on both.
Once we got home I was sitting on the couch pumping out my 1 mm of colustrum an amazing thing happened..my milk came in. I looked down at the snapable and it was FULL of light yellow/white liquid gold. I cried I was so relieved! And then my boobs expanded into another zip code...
Ford was a one side eater, he wanted nothing to do with the other side so I would nurse on the left and pump out the right, etc. My advice to all new moms is pump early and often. I know it will make you produce a little too much but I wish I had double the freezer stash I ended up with.
In a little shamless self promotion, I tracked all of this through a handy Iphone app my husband wrote. You can find it here. **Disclaimer, it is not fancy and has some bugs..but works for what I need it to do.

Milk Coma nap on the Brestfriend

And that is how my breastfeeding story began. Fast forward to when I had to go to work. I would pack up pump, pump parts, bags..etc. and walk through Uptown Charlotte. You have to go to the "Mother's Room" on the 13th floor of my building with all this gear and get leary side eye from all the men in the building. I did this three times a day..it was miserable. And I was not pumping nearly enough compared to what he could put down in a day. I love how Tina Fey calls this thing a "Williams Sonoma Tit Juicer" b/c that is exactly what it feels like. And I hated it. I felt I was always pumping. At the beach I had to go disappear to pump, when we had company over I had to go pump..I was pumping all the time.

My setup. Yes, I borrowed an old pump. Get over it. They cost more than Tory Burch flats.

Seriously? 3.5 oz?

My supply had already dwindled due to Mastitis (awful) and now it was dropping due to stress/using the pump so much. At 5 months he would nurse in the morning and I would pump the rest of the day (6 times) and only produce 2 bottles. I had made a promise to last 6 months breastfeeding and well...here we are.

I think my wake up call about how stressed having enough milk makes me came when someone at work punctured my cooler and my milk bag burst. I cried and lost my sh*t. And I had to step back and say....a happy mom is worth more than a milk crazed psycho mom. I now only pump enough for 1 bottle and that has caused me to use up my freezer supply. I have filled my birth control and am staring at the package not wanting to admit what is next. I'm not sure it is me having a hard time giving up breastfeeding, or is it me not wanting my baby boy to be in the next stage of his life. He used to just gaze up at me and nurse so calmly but now he is alert and curious and wants to look around the room. He is sitting up and cutting a tooth and I know it is time to hang the boobs up to dry. **I know you pro-nursers out there will tell me to continue but to pump all day and make one bottle is hardly worth it. And yes, I took Fenugreek, it was great...I smelled like pancakes. Its just that breast milk is so easy to deal with. I can sit out for hours and you can pre-make bottles and freeze it and it smells better and I could go on and on and on. And not to mention the health benefits for baby.

How do I get past this guilt that I am stopping something so healthy and free and loving? I'm having a hard time. But I have promised my pump to a friend and I believe that is a blessing in disguise. **Yes, sharing pumps is a no-no...but you buy new parts so please don't lecture me. If they really wanted all women to breastfeed they would make pumps cheaper!

That is all...sorry for my lengthy personal ramblings but I have loved breasfteeding (although it is a pain in the ass) and I just need some kinds words to make saying goodbye easier. (just took the birth control).

xoxo

Blog Love Friday: Michelle at Dessert First

2011-09-16T08:16:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I worked for a great company in South Charlotte.....and I got laid off. It was one of the hardest things I think I have ever dealt with professionally. It wasn't just me, there were a bunch of us that got the pink slip, but I have never felt so worthless. I had made so many amazing friends at that company and truly loved what I did and I just could not understand why they picked me.

The silver lining is that we stayed in touch with most of the people I used to work with. One particular couple is the G Family. When my water broke at 2:15 in the morning we knew we could call upon this family of one awesome mom and 4 boys to come help us with my stepson. (Yes T, I just called you a boy) They started as our tailgate buddies but we really consider them close friends.

So after baby Ford came home this is what supermom Michelle brought us.....

Insane right? ALL homemade!!! If you have a friend that is expecting or just brought a baby home you should seriously contact her to do your drop off dinner. So I'm so excited she has started a blog!!!! Please go check her out immediately. She is an amazing mother and fabulous cook. Plus she just posted about Fall which is by far the BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

Michelle if I was your neighbor I would come steal these!

xoxo

Confession Tuesday: Missoni Confusion

2011-09-13T20:42:00.000-04:00

I must not be a stylish person. I like pretty things but I would not be classified as someone "in the know" when it comes to fashion. So when the world melted down today and crashed the Target site for Missoni I was left speechless.

People went nuts...

For this shit...

Okay, I give you this and only this...the above dress paired with black tights and boots or flats would be cute. But that's IT! (Well maybe the flats, my co-worker got them and they are kind of cute)

Mostly I think it all looks like this!

Did you shop? What did you buy? Email me pics of your outfits and prove me wrong!

xoxo

Pics via google & ScoopCharlotte

Gameday

2011-09-08T17:40:00.000-04:00

Is here! It has been like Christmas today....WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!

Should I Gallery Wall it?

2011-09-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

I know.....I know, they are so overdone. But I don't care....I really want to do a gallery wall going up my stairs. It's just that I have so many family pictures I love and I've covered every possible table with silver picture frames and I think its overkill. If they were huge and blown up going up my stairs I might be able to tone down the photo-montage around the house. I'm sure a pro would tell me its a little absurd but my family knows how to have a good time and I love reminiscing.

Remember the one from the Movie Life As We Know It? I think it is a little too uniform, but I LOVE the rest of the house....

My dream house has a room like this. We would use the hell out of it. Just add a fireplace. (And a flatscreen..yes I said it..but this would be a great football watching room)

Amazing back yard for entertaining. Ours looks pretty terrible these days due to the excessive heat/lack of gardening/dog poop.

But back to gallery walls...

All images via Pinterest (And don't you want that runner?!)

Nerd Alert-Weather Watcher

2011-08-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

Whatcha doing Irene?

I have a confession....I'm obsessed with watching the weather. This all started back in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo was headed towards Charleston, SC. Several family friends and my brother came up to Asheville to ride out the storm with us and I was glued to the news. I had no idea about the awesome powers of mother nature and what she could do. I mean, how amazing is it that during a certain few months out of the year the chemistry of the atmosphere and the ocean come together to create something so terrifying and destructive? Yes...I see the dork-meter rising.
After College I moved to Florida and in 2004 we encountered Bonnie, Charley, Frances, Gaston, Ivan, Jeanne, and Rita. Frances wrecked West Palm Beach, left a coconut dent in my Jetta and tore apart my back house at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Gaston came to Pawleys Island where we were watching Frances on the news during our Vacation and caused a little excitement there. Ivan took out all the trees at my parents house in Asheville and chased them to Nantucket, and Jeanne convinced my boss at the time to fly me up to New York for a week. (I can't complain about the latter). It was quite the summer.
In 2005 Katrina left her mark on my family in Louisiana, and as Forrest Gump says... that's all I have to say about that. Wilma came to FL late in the Summer and left us all without power or groceries...when the new Whole Foods opened off PGA Blvd it was a frenzy to buy meat.

Anyways..

Spaghetti Models

My favorite two websites to peruse all things Hurricane are NOAA and Spaghetti Models. And just to tie in the fact that I try to blog about decor; how wicked would these 4 look as prints in a kids room? You heard it here first. I'm going to print these bad boys off and put them in Ford's big boy room...but I'll probably color replace the pink in photoshop.

Upper Air Time Section Analyses Images (what you say?)

These graphics provide time-height (pressure) section analyses of upper-air soundings.Data includes observed and anomalous wind speed/direction, relative humidity, and theta-e (θ_e) for meteorological stations in the southeast US, Central America, Caribbean, and western Africa.

Minus the hairy little black marks these are awesome! What I wouldn't give to study weather data all day....

Powder Room Prints? Come on...these are fascinating!

So who agrees? Weather watching is exciting! Who's with me? (Crickets...Crickets)

xoxo-Bourbon Dork

House Beautiful September Favorites

2011-08-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

My final House Beautiful arrived last night. I have received multiple reminders to renew my subscription but I'm just not sure what to do. I typically love at least one or two homes and find several sources to earmark but I'm having a hard time carving out the space in my day to go curl up and spend the bandwidth required to immerse oneself in a glossy. I did a quick flip through while breastfeeding (thanks brestfriend!) and here are a few of my favorites from this issue:

The issue is called the "Art of Color"...but this room seems rather neutral to me. I can't ever decide if I'm a neutral or color person. This bedroom looks absolutely serene to me though! Master Bedroom by Betsy Brown

Love the colors in this kitchen by Rhoda Payne...I'm too chicken to paint my cabinets.

Precious Powder room by Mona Ross Berman

I would have to upgrade from drugstore makeup if I had this bathroom!

Bath by Pierce Allen

Photos via my Iphone of House Beautiful.......b/c I'm too lazy to scan.

The Nursery Reveal (Finally!)

2011-08-03T07:01:00.002-04:00

Well, its about time right?! Now that my little baby boy is 4 months old I'm finally starting to get the hang of things! Plus I'm a perfectionist and I can't get the pictures right...something about the blinds and the curtains being squashed most of the time but what the heck, here it is! The pics look fuzzy b/c they are each over 5MB and blogger is smushing them.

I went back and forth on color choices and I really wanted my curtains to be in the Circusy fabric you see on the Pillow shams (on daybed) but it was a little $$. So I took the advice of my G-town girlfriends and headed to Mary Jo's. THAT PLACE IS AMAZING! It was between the red and this chocolate brown that I loved but I went with the red! I had originally wanted to find red and blue fabric but I figured I could still paint the walls blue. Real original right? Baby blue walls? My husband called me at work and told me I had to pick a paint color within the hour b/c the painters were there. So I just said eff it and picked the lightest blue I could google. And.............it worked.

I took the most boyish Norman Rockwell's out of a book I found at the Tobacco Barn in Asheville and had them framed above the crib.

Lovies trying to escape. That frame was an awful faux-marble so I went a little nuts with red spraypaint. I wanted a bookshelf that was more of an etagere and found this one at Tobacco Barn! It was also updated with some glossy white spray paint.

Curtain Fabric is Robert Allen's "Cat's Cradle" from Mary Jo's. I have the BEST curtain source. She is in Atlanta and you just mail her your fabric and she mails back perfect pinch pleat lined curtains. Less than $80 for a pair.

The charcoal painting is of my grandfather Bob Boylan. I wish I could have known him but from the stories I hear he was quite the character. My dear friend MOS gave me the red lamp for my baby shower and the rest of the table contains pictures of everyone in baby's family .

The oil painting is from Post & Gray. Should I have it framed? I guarantee every one of those frames are from Homegoods. The steamboat piggy bank and silver brush were mine.

I really wanted the Pottery Barn glider but I bought this lovely off Craigslist. Not as comfy as PB but works just as well! I had it upholstered in a white matelasse.The little red table is from Homegoods and it got a quick red spraypaint. The shelves are from Exposures and also were doused with red spraypaint. Let's just say at 7 months pregnant I was outside for a day with a mask on and red/white hands.

The dresser is from Tobacco Barn, and the mirror is from a booth at Market....looks just like the ones in Restoration Hardware right? I think I need something on each side of the mirror. What about one of those leaning ladders to hang all his blankets on?

Another shot of the glider side. My crib is Craigslist Jenny Lind from my newly made friend Kristin! I should have done a cribskirt in the material from the curtains or shams but just ordered the pique Pottery Barn.

This Tole chandelier was purchased from Bamboo's moving sale. It was hot pink so I sprayed that puppy white! YHL gave me the idea to put it on a dimmer and I'm so glad we did. Mr. Bourbon Mountains went one step further and put the dimmer on a remote.

Cute knobs for the dresser from World Market.

I don't love this daybed but needed a place for me to sleep. You can't tell but the Shams are in a Circus print from Calico Corners. I need a better duvet to cover the gaps between the bed and the floor. Any ideas? Oh wait, I have a close-up of the shams....

I mean...how cute is that?

So I'm no professional but not too shabby right? I love it. My husband didn't understand why I would do all this for a baby's room but this was really for me. Honestly it was mostly done with items from Craigslist, Tobacco Barn, and pieces from our home. And honey....just consider it my push present. ha!

Daycare.................

2011-08-01T09:09:00.000-04:00

I have lots of feelings about dropping Ford off at his first day of daycare...I just cannot articulate them right now. Last month I shared a nanny with a friend and it was a wonderful experience. The stark contrast between dropping him off at her house with Nanny C, and dropping him off at a daycare center with cubbies/personalized cribs/used toy gear....etc..is mind blowing. I know he is fine and they will do a great job but I think I'm allowed to feel a little blue today.

That's all.

xoxo

Dress Sale!

2011-07-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

I'm selling two dresses I do not ever see myself fitting in again in the near future!

The first is a beautiful Milly dress in size 4. This dress is perfect for the Fall and looks fabulous with Turquoise accents. Priced at $75.00. Here is a (horrible) pic of me wearing it:

The second is a Lilly Pulitzer dress in size 2! I would keep this dress forever but this post baby figure is not going to fit back into it! Priced at $55.00!

Please comment if you are interested and I can send you a Paypal Invoice!

Thanks!!!

Cooler Contest Winners!

2011-07-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

Too me forever right?! I've been a little crazy. I found my phone in the fridge at work..that kind of crazy.

I googled how to do a random drawing and this website popped up. Here you go!

Congratulations Elizabeth, RattBooks, & Hinchy Adventures!

Please email me your shipping address! The closest winner wins the largest cooler! ;) Unless you would prefer the smaller.

Thank you to Polar Bear Coolers! I will probably be placing a Holiday order soon!

xo

Too Early?

2011-07-28T07:11:00.000-04:00

If it was game day I would say absolutely not (to the too early question).

But since it is a Thursday and I'm headed to work I guess it is. Sigh

Image here

Butch Davis Fired

2011-07-27T18:06:00.000-04:00

What a crazy day in Football news.....

Amid all the Pro trades & rumors now Twitter is blowing up with news that Butch Davis has been fired. I can't find much info about it but here is what I could dig up via ABC News

CHAPEL HILL (WTVD) -- Butch Davis's run as head football coach at UNC Chapel Hill has come to an end.

The news came after a meeting Wednesday of the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Holden Thorp.

"To restore confidence in the University of North Carolina and our football program, it's time to make a change," said Thorp in a statement released by the school. "What started as a purely athletic issue has begun to chip away at this University's reputation. I have been deliberate in my approach to understanding this situation fully, and I have worked to be fair to everyone involved. However, I have lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution. Our academic integrity is paramount and we must work diligently to protect it. The only way to move forward and put this behind us is to make a change."

UNC's problems began last year when the school announced it was looking into academic misconduct and allegations that players got perks from professional sports agents.

In all, 14 players missed at least one game because of the probe with seven being ruled out for the entire year. An eighth was cleared to return at midseason but decided to redshirt.

Last month, North Carolina received a notice of allegations from the NCAA outlining numerous "potential major violations" in the football program, including unethical conduct by a former assistant coach as well as failure to adequately monitor the conduct of a former and current players.

Very curious to see who we get next!

Lance Moore staying a Saint!

2011-07-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

Wide Receiver Lance Moore is staying a Saint!!! WHEW! Let's see what else shakes out the rest of the week...

Wide receiver Lance Moore confirmed on Twitter that he has agreed to re-sign with the Saints.

“Well, it’s been real New Orleans … but let’s make the next five years even more real, I’m coming back baby. Whodat?’’

As one of the many targets in Drew Brees' arsenal, Moore caught 66 passes for 763 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Moore will turn 28 in August, and even though he is not a No. 1 target, New Orleans is a good situation for him. Moore knows the system, and he's playing with a great quarterback.

Why ruin a good thing? Moore saw no reason to. Via here

Have no idea what I'm talking about? Here are some highlights!

WHO DAT!

Blog Love Monday: Pawleys Island Posh

2011-07-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

I am headed down to Pawleys Island this weekend. FINALLY! And for you robbers don't even try, we have the world's best dogsitter staying in our home!

I have never met Julia, the gorgeous mom/photographer/decorator who is behind Pawleys Island Posh, but I email her like she is an old friend. She is a mom to a beautiful little girl, has a stunning home in Pawleys, and is quite the amazing photographer. I am trying to convince my family to get Julia to take our family pics while we are at the beach! I'm also trying to convince Julia to come drink some wine with me...I promise I won't make you hold the baby!

If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Posh, here are a few snippets!

Her living room...I WANT that painting!

Her entrance, I love how her home is light & airy!

One of her amazing shots...I want pictures of baby Ford soo bad!

More of her photography!

Her posts are always must reads...this is brilliant.

And I always love her finds! I want one of these swing/beds on my non-existent covered porch.

Head over to Pawleys Island Posh! You can thank me later!

xoxo

California Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

2011-07-09T18:46:00.000-04:00

They're here! Well at least in the US..I would love it if they came to the South. Kate is absolutely gorgeous...but is she a little too skinny? Probably from all the wedding stress! She makes me feel better about not being blond this summer...but doesn't make me feel good about lingering baby weight. Come to the South Kate! We will fix y'all up with some BBQ, Shrimp & Grits, Red Beans & Rice, Firefly Vodka, and Cheerwine!

I hope she gets an In-n-Out Burger!

I think she has claimed the #1 hair spot over Jennifer Aniston.

Polar Bear Cooler Giveaway!!!!!

2011-07-08T11:48:00.000-04:00

So I have an amazing giveaway today!

I have 2 Red 12 pack sized coolers:

and 1 Navy 24 pack cooler:

Head to their site to learn more!

All you have to do is comment on this post and become a follower of my blog! Just leave in your comments that you think I'm awesome even though I don't post enough and that you are a follower. I will draw a winner out of a crystal bowl on Tuesday July 12th at 6:30 pm. (Cocktail hour)

I am a huge fan of the 6 pack size for lunches, field coolers for Hunting Season, and.......hauling around breast milk. Yep, I said it. And if you order the camo one nobody knows there is breast milk in there. They think you are hauling around dove breasts. Looking for something a little more girly? They monogram!

Happy Summer Drinking!

Casey Anthony Not Guilty

2011-07-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

Even if she didn't do it, she was the World's most horrible mother.

Bourbon & the 4th of July

2011-06-30T15:33:00.000-04:00

Garden & Gun just facebooked this old article by Roy Blount Jr..and this paragraph reminded me of a 4th of July a few years ago...

BY ROY BLOUNT, JR. | HOLIDAY 07 |

Ode to Bourbon

Sweet Reflection on a Sour MashI like Wild Turkey, and this Bulleit isn’t at all bad, and, by the way, the Bulleit comes in a flask-shaped bottle that is pretty cool. Jack Daniel’s, however, is just eighty proof, whereas the Bulleit is ninety, and this Wild Turkey I have is — whoa — 101. So you can drink more of the Jack Daniel’s. How much more? Well, I never said I could drink and do percentages.

You see....I'm a Jim Beam girl. Good ol' White Label Jim Beam. And yes, I mix it with Coke Zero. I can typically knock back 4-6 in an evening and be primed for putting on a typical Boylan show. But several years ago my dear friends Josh & Sarah Eaves brought up something a little fancier. After our Annual 4th of July debauchery at the lake we decided to break into the liquor to begin the evening's festivities. I ran out of Beam after an hour so Josh offered up the Rip Van Winkle. I was too buzzed to appreciate the grandeur of the bottle so the fact that it was 12 year and 107 proof fell on drunk ears.

Fast forward several hours later and I was pole dancing on the dock trying to choreograph a routine that went with the $1000 SC fireworks. My husband had to throw me on the golf cart (thanks honey for the bruising) and get me home. My own mother wouldn't even let me sleep upstairs with her, they laid me on the drunk chilling cold tile of my parents' bathroom.

The moral of the story? Take a damn minute to honor the bottle you are about to consume. Its the patriotic thing to do.

Stay Safe this weekend!

Pinterest Addiction

2011-06-23T12:20:00.000-04:00

I pitched a tantrum fit for a 3 year old when I realized I couldn't just access Pinterest and that I need an invitation. Well after begging for a login they let me in!

Have you checked it out? It is a magic world of images. Similar to doing a google image search but with all the fancy bells and whistles bloggers like.

Example: Type Yellow Lab and you get the following images..(and hundreds more!) Expect to see lots of Pinterest photos coming your way...

I love lazy dogs

Yes, ours sleep in the bed with us too...lots of hair in the mouth.

OKL photo?

This looks like Mary Baker's home in FL

I want this!!! One of Boudreaux and one of Naya!

This looks like my parents' lab Dewars

Soaps anyone?

Are you on Pinterest? Follow me!

Vineyard Vines coming to Charlotte!

2011-06-07T11:45:00.000-04:00

I know some of you are rolling your eyes at the WASPy Clothing company with the big pink whale but I honestly do love their clothes.

What started out as a great spot for ties has developed into some of my husband's favorite shirts, and my absolute favorite sweaters in the fall.

So I'm ecstatic they are opening a store in Southpark Mall this June! I was not impressed with the postcard though..why not throw a huge store opening party? Free Cheerwine, BBQ, 10% off...etc. I know when Banana Republic had their Chick-fil-a and Champagne shopping days I was always spending $$. Retail stores take note: free food & alcohol always makes a girl drop the cash. And the men won't complain b/c they can eat and get a buzz and forget what limit they told their spouses.

Here are a few items I would purchase if I wasn't spending my life savings on diapers and mother's milk vitamins...

Items left to right @ Vineyard Vines

Courtside Tennis Dress $98.50

Seersucker Ruffle Skirt $98.50

Golfers Helper Printed Tie $75.00 (Father's Day!)

Girls' Tortuga Trench (my niece would look so cute in this!) $79.99

Flagler Stripe Breakers Polo $69.50

Montauk Plaid Board Shorts $79.50

Golf Balls Bow Tie $45

Shep Shirt $98

Saints Classic Tote $95

Lobster Chappy Trunks for D! $55 (would love him to match his Dad)

Twill Club Shorts (M will never wear these) $69.50

Little Boys Beach Ball Stripe Jersey Polo (For Ford when he is older!) $35

Newhall Gingham Murray Shirt $98.50

What do you like from VVines?

Preaching Reese

2011-06-06T14:13:00.000-04:00

I watched 20 minutes of the MTV Movie Awards last night and it immediately reminded me that I am now 31 with a 10 week old and not 21 with 10" heels.

The highlight of this 20 minutes was Reese Witherspoon lecturing all these hussies and hoochies that plague our otherwise news appropriate shows..THAT'S YOU TODAY SHOW. Stop covering these sluts.

Reese says, "I get it girls, that its cool to be a bad girl. But it is possible to make it in Hollywood without doing a reality show. When I came up in this business, if you made a sex tape, you were embarrassed about it and you hid it under your bed. And if you took naked pictures of yourself on your cell phone, you hid your face people! Hide your face!" (That's you Blake Lively)

Then she adds "For all the girls out there, its totally possible to be a good girl, I'm going to try to make it cool."

It is people like Reese, Emma Watson, and Tina Fey that make me proud to be a woman. How about you all? Growing up I wasn't the popular girl. But I like to hope that I was known as the smart cool girl.

And Kristen Stewart as best actress? Not only are kids naked these days...they must be ignorant also!

Wedding Attire AKA Spanx Wanted

2011-06-03T10:50:00.000-04:00

I haven't been to a wedding since 2009 and we have 6 this year! Needless to say, having all these fabulous parties to attend is a little bittersweet. I'm so excited to get dressed up and consume free liquor and dance the night away while watching beautiful brides experience the happiest day of their lives...but I wish I was 20 pounds thinner....

My post baby wardrobe is minimal to say the least. All my cute summer dresses just hang silently in my closet hoping that my fat ass will get my rear in shape and hopefully slip them on again before they are banished to the attic for Winter.

Here are a few beauties I would love to wear (If I hadn't eaten those 500 Zebra Cakes while pregnant) next weekend to our first stop on the Wedding circuit...

Elle Tahari-Not jaw dropping but pretty and simple

Kay Unger-Pockets!

Milly-Would need a tan for this one

Milly-Not my color but love the dress!

Halston...would hide the arms and huge milk factory tatas

Shoshanna-Love this

Instead I will be wearing a Nicole Miller version of this (not as swirly). Not hot...but camouflage for fatty Mc.Fatterson

oh...and this

Spanx I-just-had-a-baby-and-am-not-Bethenny-Frankel-suit

And totally unrelated..

How cute is this bag? Ridiculously overpriced for what it is but cute regardless-Trina Turk

Beach Cheese

2011-06-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

I love Pimento Cheese, and I will be at Pawleys Island in 6 weeks! Here is a video about Palmetto Cheese & the Sea View Inn!

Hear the cicadas in the background?? Love it!

Hydrangeas

2011-05-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

This post is an ode to my favorite flower...the Hydrangea. Yes, they are a little grandmaish...and I do love a Peony (husband thinks I'm saying Panties), but nothing is more beautiful than a Carolina blue Hydrangea. Here is a picture of my Wedding bouquet including the both:

Bridesmaids Bouquets were all Hydrangeas

My BFF from College threw me a Bridal Shower back in 2007 and gave me two beautiful pink Hydrangea plants. While we were on our Honeymoon my green-thumb parents decided to start a Hydrangea garden for us in our front yard and planted the two plus one.

Fast Forward to summer 2010 and here is what those three bushes grew into....

That's right, and when a hail storm was headed our way I decided to cut as many as I could so they wouldn't get damaged.....

So, needless to say I don't spend too much $$ on fresh flowers! They have gotten too leggy but I don't know how to cut them back! (Nor do I want to!)

I love that they are pink, blue and purple but I am thinking I will turn them all blue. Here is the how-to taken from here:

To obtain a blue hydrangea, aluminum must be present in the soil. To ensure that aluminum is present, aluminum sulfate may be added to the soil around the hydrangeas.

Authorities recommend that a solution of 1/2 oz (1 Tbsp) aluminum sulfate per gallon of water be applied to plants (which are at least 2-3 years old) throughout the growing season. Important: Water plants well in advance of application and put solution on cautiously, as too much can burn the roots.

To make the aluminum available to the plant, the pH of the soil should be low (5.2-5.5). Adding aluminum sulfate will tend to lower the pH of the soil. Another method for lowering the pH is to add organic matter to the soil such as coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings etc.

If the soil naturally contains aluminum and is acid (low pH) the color of the hydrangea will automatically tend toward shades of blue and/or purple.

The choice of fertilizer will also affect the color change. A fertilizer low in phosphorus and high in potassium is helpful in producing a good blue color(25/5/30 is good. Potassium is the last number). Super phosphates and bone meal should be avoided when trying to produce blue.

After stating this with much certainty, I hasten to add that it is virtually impossible to turn a hydrangea blue for any length of time if it is planted in soil with no aluminum and that is highly alkaline (chalky). One would have to be very diligent in keeping the soil properly conditioned as stated above.

What do you have growing in your garden?

xoxo

Can I Clone Myself?

2011-05-13T13:38:00.000-04:00

First of all...FAIL BLOGGER! I finally had a few minutes to whip out a post and you deleted it and the other 4 drafts I was working on.

Here is the post I wrote yesterday..

I have 1 million things I want to blog about but the following sequence of events take place whenever I even think about hopping on the internet...

1. Upon opening my laptop I go to tiny prints and fine stationary and obsess over baby announcements
2. I have an internal debate on photo vs non-photo announcements
3. I create multiple announcement proofs...order none
4. Put Ford's pacifier back in his mouth
5. Open blogger
6. Ford starts crying....get baby out of napping area
7. Grab brest friend, nipple guard, burp cloth, paper towel, baby.
8. Feed Ford, Burp Ford, Change Ford's diaper, soothe Ford, hold Ford
9. Ford falls asleep...put in swing or vibrating chair, or pack n play
10. Finally get back to computer...battery is dead.

When do you amazing moms have time to Blog?? When I have any free time I pump, clean, do laundry and MAYBE take a shower!

And did I mention my house is a disaster?

Miss all of my blogger friends!

xoxo

Get $50 spend $25 at Interiors Marketplace!

2011-04-16T19:11:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a good deal? And now I can finally buy that D.Porthault candle without feeling guilty!

Click here to get $50 to spend at Interiors Marketplace for only $25!!! Deadline is tomorrow April 17th at midnight!

Bathing Suits vs. Breast Pumps

2011-04-13T13:10:00.000-04:00

While y'all are out getting bikini ready and looking for that perfect summer suit...

Tommy Bahama at Nordstrom

I am considering buying this:

Yeah. HOT. I even tried it on over my dress in Buy Buy Baby....I got a few stares. Welcome to Motherhood Kat!

At least I could blog more right?

xoxo

Photography: Kristin Sobieski

2011-04-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

I will be posting the final nursery pics soon but in my design process I met a new friend! And....she just so happens to take pictures of Newborns!

I scoured the Charlotte Craigslist for a Jenny Lind crib beginning in November. They were either all too beat up, missing parts, or too expensive. I would have purchased a new one but I think the blogger explosion of Jenny Lind cribs in baby rooms created a shortage!

And then I emailed Kristin Sobieski! Kristin was selling her daughter's crib and it was in immaculate condition. We drove down to her home near Lake Wylie on a Sunday afternoon and when I walked in the door I was blown away by her family pictures.

I am obsessed with taking pictures. I started out with a Canon Powershot and now have the Rebel Xsi. I am in dire need of better lenses but even though I am without stellar equipment I absolutely love taking pictures. I harass my family for group shots, annoy my girlfriends for their copies of photos if I miss some, and agonize over whether I should read a magazine on the beach or run around and snap photos of my family.

So when I met Kristin I was insanely jealous of what she was starting. She also loves taking pictures and is turning her hobby into a business. My dream job would be to be a photographer. I have met so many wonderful people that have made this their life and I couldn't imagine anything more rewarding.

Here are some of Kristin's beautiful images! She is having an Easter special so hurry and book while you can!

Book her here or kristin@kristinsobieskiphotography.com

All images from Kristin Sobieski Photography

Baby Ford has arrived!

2011-04-04T15:49:00.000-04:00

Just like his momma, baby arrived early! 3 weeks early!!!

Ford arrived March 25th at 2:36pm weighing 5lbs 14 oz and was 19 3/4" long! He is already up to 6 lbs 2 oz and I'm starting to adjust to 3 hours of sleep!

I cannot believe that he is here and is already 10 days old! I will post more about my "birth story" later but wanted you to all know the news!

He is my little snuggle bunny and M and I couldn't be happier!

xoxoxo

Proud Mama

Bad Bad Blogger

2011-03-20T17:38:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry for not blogging for almost an entire month. Oh wait..it has been a month plus. This trimester is kicking my butt and I am extremely impressed by all you bloggers with other jobs who are preggo and still manage to post everyday. I do wash my hair everyday, does that get me bonus points?

You see, I have been somewhere in between this chick

And these two lovelies...

Let's hope she dances her way back to Cheers weight

Gilbert Grape's Mom

My OCD + Nesting and being off my meds is an extremely dangerous cocktail. And the fact that I cannot work out anymore..not even nice walks...has blown my nice weight gain plan.

I'm slowing down my OT at work and will start working from home more so maybe that means I will have more time to post! HAHAHA

Baby is due 3 weeks from this Wednesday. I'm dilated 1 cm and Dr. said..."He's way down there" AKA I'm going to have a conehead? The verdict is that he will probably come early.

Good news? Nursery is done!! I will do a post on it this week. I promise. OR I will eat McDonalds and Girl Scout Cookies.

xoxoxo

Please submit Hospital Bag Ideas!

2011-02-15T07:11:00.000-05:00

I first have to apologize for not posting recently. This third trimester is kicking my butt and what I thought were Braxton Hicks seem to be some sort of Lactic Acid build up (They think). Also...I'm very petite and have the shortest torso in the planet and she suggested maybe he is just running out of room! Brilliant....32 weeks this Wednesday and no more room. I have an appt on Thurs but until then the nice nurse told me to rest. REST??? She did NOT put the word bed in front of it but told me to put my feet up and relax in the afternoons. Um, my cube doesn't have the configuration for an ottoman.... AND going to Charleston for SEWE involves walking.

So, to make me feel better I am asking all my friends & followers to please suggest good items to bring in my hospital bag! I am hopefully ordering a set of the LL Bean (they currently don't have Carolina blue) or Lands End totes with baby's initials (or his name?) this week (please honey, or at least the Large!!??).

Pretty please with a cheeseburger on top leave a comment with your favorite items you brought, items you didn't need, and what in the heck I can leave the hospital in. Oh, and maybe something cute for babyfu to wear too. I will compile a fancy list with suggestions for next week!

xoxoxo

Stay Puft Preggo

Nursery Progress- Warning Very Messy!

2011-02-04T08:33:00.001-05:00

Looking into the Nursery from the hallway

I cannot believe we are 10 weeks from my due date. The Honey-Do list now has exclamation points, death threats, and other scary notations all over it. If you are reading this I love you M! The good news is we have crossed off the following:

The room is painted
New Carpet has been ordered
Exciting Water Stain we found while removing old carpet is being taken care of
Crib has been purchased (Craigslist) and Bedding is in place
Chandelier has been spray painted..thank you 65 degrees last weekend!
Curtain fabric is off at the seamstress
Glider has been purchased (Craigslist) and is off at the Upholsterer
New Windows have been ordered

So all in all I feel like we are making major progress. Which make me feel better than McDonalds. Wait..no, that's a toss up.

Here is a brief embarrassing (not complete!) tour of the Nursery. I still have lots of small things to decide so please leave comments with your suggestions, opinions, or just really really nice things about what I've done so far. If you tell me you don't like something I will wish voodoo on you.

We bought this trundle bed from Pier 1 Kids several years ago. The Matlassee is from my Niece's nursery! I think we will need to replace it with all white. What do we do about the duvet? Tuck it in? Get a faux down comforter & coverlet so it lays nicer? And if I tuck in should I get a dust skirt? Don't say do it in the red squares..there is no more fabric!

The red square fabric is my curtain fabric. I need more yardage but I bought out Mary Jo's! I will be posting on the amazing curtain source I am using; she is doing soft pinch pleats to frame the window. Maybe swap the brown bamboos for white matchsticks? Yes it is very bright in this room but I don't want to feel that I am required to close the curtains for baby to sleep. The elephant fabric is my other FAVORITE. I would have done the entire nursery in it but it is $15/yard more than the squares. I have 2 yards so I'm thinking 2 standard pillow shams for the bed? Which would be an all white bed with these two fabulous shams popping out?

Yep, the 2 corners of despair. I want beautiful tall etageres in red or white but I will probably go with bookshelves from Ikea. Or one bookshelf and one of those round cheap decorator tables to display rattles, pictures...etc.

MOS gave me one of the greatest Baby Shower presents! Aren't you jealous over my new red lamp!!?? He will live on the decorator table, changing table, or the bookshelf. Thank you Sarah!

PINK??!! This smashing tole chandelier was sprayed white last weekend. I know what you are thinking..whoa fancy schmancy...but Young House Love had a good point. You want one light source that is controlled by a dimmer so when you walk into the baby's room at 2:00am for a feeding you don't blind the poor child. And I got him on a STEAL!

So goodbye Mr. Ceiling Fan...you will have a beautiful chandelier in your spot in the near future! I really almost painted the chandelier red but chickened out.

Jenny Lind is sold out everywhere-unless you order it new off the internet and I didn't want to shell out $200 when I knew I could find a perfectly good one around town. I did! I also scored this Pottery Barn bedding on sale before Christmas. Its a little blah color wise so I might spring for a blue crib sheet or a red one with stripes.

These 4 Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post Covers will be framed in Red and hung above the crib. You like? I bought a book for $15 that has tons of them!!

My Glider! Thank you Craigslist. And thank you to the security guard at our office building who yelled at me for shady deals with men in minivans. Love her. She said next time she is bringing back up. (The guy was in a business suit) I'm not going to use the ottoman...that would require more fabric and more $$ at the upholsterer. I have a special project for a footstool. What? You want to send me a red pouf? Done!

The little pillow for the glider is the only other thing in the room I could squeeze out of my red square fabric.

At this very moment the glider is being reupholstered in this matlassee!

What do you think of the Mirror? Leave it natural? It looks just like the Restoration Hardware ones but I bought it at High Point Market in 2009 for $45. We have had the Dresser for some time, it was a steal from Tobacco Barn in Asheville-I just need to change out the knobs. (And get the changing pad/changing pad cover/diapers/butt paste...etc.)

All of this fun stuff will be moved over to the bookshelf/decorator table corners. Do you like my little painting? Post & Gray here in Charlotte for $40!! Should I frame him? I found the tole catchall to the left for $6 at Sleepy Poet, should I paint stripes?

So that is where we are Nursery wise! It has all been moved out so new carpet can be installed.

xoxoxo

Craving a Master Bedroom Redo

2011-02-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

With all this nesting going on I am starting to wonder...what about my room? I don't spend much time in there, I'm out of bed by 6:15 in the morning and don't get back in bed until 10:00pm. The only other times I visit my lovely boudoir is to change out of my work clothes and toss on workout/lounge gear.

I have a feeling once baby comes I will be upstairs quite often either nursing (hopefully), sleeping, or changing diapers. And since babyfu's room is right next door to ours don't we deserve a little eye candy?

Maybe I need to hang more wall art. I definitely need curtains and some patterned pillows. Do we ever stop wanting to redo rooms in our home? I think this sudden discontent with my master bedroom is from me wanting a secret sanctuary I can retire to when I 'm covered in spit up and still wearing my maternity clothes at 6 months postpartum.

Feast on these beautiful bedrooms I dug out from House Beautiful:

Images via House Beautiful

Blog Love Friday-MoS Girls!

2011-01-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

I started reading MOS over a year ago and ADORED the blog. These two ladies loved antique stores such as the Sleepy Poet, they knew all about Dixie Highway and they also knew a thing or two about fashion. What I love about this blog as while both of their homes are stunning they also admit that there is nothing wrong with a little Home Goods action or a can of spray paint.

So imagine my surprise when I go to our first book club meeting and 1/2 of the MOS blogger team is there! I probably dorked out a little and she might have put up stalker shields but Sarah has become one of my closest friends in town.

Besides teasing you with eye candy of beautiful fashions and interiors, Sarah and Allison provide you with step by step directions on some of their best DIY projects as well as have an amazing Marketplace. I sold some leftover fabric I had around the house and trust me when I say I could have spent it on some of the lamps they are selling.

Another shocker? I subscribed to Charlotte Magazine through Groupon and while I was flipping through one day there they were! Great article ladies!!

Here are a few of my favorite DIY projects they have done.

Who knew paint and some molding could transform an entire living room!

I bet they could come up with 100 lamps after visiting Tobacco Barn in Asheville! Love this horse lamp for the bar.

How many Floor lamps do you see and wish you could have one from Wisteria instead? Ta-da!

Love her chandelier in the foyer. And the stripes? Yes please! It was on my project list until I became the size of Humpty Dumpty...maybe 2012.

Please go over and peruse Matters of Style! Allison you need to come visit soon!

Images via MOS

Matchbook Magazine=Sprees

2011-01-27T07:34:00.000-05:00

Matchbook's January Cover

Matchbook magazine is the newest in "online lifestyle publications" (I guess that is the formal terminology-I jacked it from their site) and I just finished taking my first sneak peak. I'm starting to get all these lovely world wide web eye candy clickers confused so I made a little chart:

Lonny = X Domino

Rue = Almost my favorite

Matchbook = A little sugary...I'm going to give them a second shot

Who else am I missing?

Haley Boyd standing in front of my 2 dreams.

But what am I dying over?? I NEED THESE SHELVES!!!! Does anyone know where i can find knock-offs? Or does anyone want to sell me some that I have to paint? These would be PERFECT in the Nursery. Yes, I know that is all I talk about. But I want it done by my birthday b/c I'm afraid this sucker is going to come early. (And my OCD is in hyperdrive)

But back to Matchbook.....Here is what they say a Matchbook girl is:

views the world through rose colored glasses • loves to throw dinner parties, but has been known to burn the roast • values eccentricity over convention • is the first to laugh at her own bad jokes • knows the cha-cha, the charleston, and the tango • paints her nails bright coral when she's feeling blue • is infinitely curious • could happily live off of red velvet cake • pens hand written notes to her grandmother • has a signature shade of lipstick • secretly thinks she may be babe paley reincarnated • received an iPAD for her birthday, but will never give up her library card • has a bucket list a mile long and dreams a dime a dozen • is smart, but never a show-off • listens to the day's forecast, but trusts her own intuition • never says no to a Sunday matinee at the theater • is quick to blush, but never short of a witty reply • has a skip in her step and a twinkle in her eye • always shares her last piece of gum

Here is a little about me:

1. I don't burn the roast, my husband is an amazing cook so I just make the house beautiful and fix cocktails.

2. My jokes are never bad.

3. I would love to pen cards to my grandmother but she is up in Heaven drinking bourbon toddys.

4. I love technology but I'm not buying an Ipad.

5. Twinkle in my eye? Only after 4 cocktails.

6. I never share my last piece of gum.

So a cute idea from Matchbook..but a little Mary Poppins for me, anyone else agree? Almost like they took a Kate Spade ad, set it on fire, and snorted the ashes right off an antiqued mirror. But please don't take this as criticism....I love my online mags and they are ALL a treat no matter what. Plus I'm moody and pregnant so I might become more chipper once baby boy has arrived.

Case in point? I want everything from the following 2 pages:

I need all of these items for the beach. Seriously doubt I will have all baby fat gone but I could wear the LL Bean bag as a cover up.

I'm DYING over those boots. I have searched high and low for awesome flat boots and I want these..of course I do..they cost as much as a breast pump.

xoxoxox

Images here

Red and Carolina Blue

2011-01-26T07:33:00.000-05:00

No I'm not talking UNC vs NC State...

After seeing this image on The Designer's Attic I knew I had made a great choice with Babyfu's colors! So far the baby room is pale blue with red and white on the curtains, white furniture + bedding, and then I plan on placing red accents around the room.

But I LOVE the red and blue fabric on the inside of the bed. And what do you think of the carolina blue with red grosgrain looking accent pillows? I think I have seen that bedding before at Restoration or Pottery Barn but I can't seem to find it now.

Yes I have the nesting crazies. xoxoxoxo

Image here

Who is the King of Cakes?

2011-01-25T07:37:00.001-05:00

Since I was old enough to remember my Dad would order me a Haydel's King Cake so I could bring it to school and throw a Mardi Gras party for my class. I carried this straight into College but I wasn't into sharing then so I would hide it in my room at the Pi Phi house and eat the entire thing myself. Package below.

And to continue with tradition I now order one to wherever I am working and throw a mini Mardi Gars Party complete with beads and cups. It has always been a Haydel's and I love routine so I have never broken from this tradition.

But my Uncle sent us a Randazzo's Christmas Candy Cane Cake and it was quite spectacular. Thank you Uncle Barlow! I ate 80% of that sucker on Christmas Day!

What is your vote? Haydel's vs Randazzo's? Are there others I don't know about yet? Yes..I know all about Gambinos....best Doberge on the planet. Too bad you have to make the cake your birthday present at $69.00!
I'm not totally biased, I would totally inhale a King Cake sold at a Grocery Store down in Nola...sh*t who am I kidding. I would eat one sold to me by a homeless man. But NO CREAM CHEESE OR FILLING. I like mine just good ole' cinnamon.

Here is a quick history of the King Cakes from Randazzo's site:

History of KingCakes

The Mardi Gras or Carnival season officially begins on January 6th or the "Twelfth Night," also known to Christians as the "Epiphany." Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means "to show." Jesus first showed himself to the three wisemen and to the world on this day. As a symbol of this Holy Day, a tiny plastic baby is placed inside each King Cake.

The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A King Cake is an oval-shaped bakery delicacy, crossed between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. It's decorated in royal colors of PURPLE which signifies "Justice," GREEN for "Faith," and GOLD for "Power." These colors were chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. In the past such things as coins, beans, pecans, or peas were also hidden in each King Cake.

Today, a tiny plastic baby is the common prize. At a party, the King Cake is sliced and served. Each person looks to see if their piece contains the "baby." If so, then that person is named "King" for a day and bound by custom to host the next party and provide the King Cake.

Mardi Gras Day has a moveable date and may occur on any Tuesday from February 3rd to March 9th. It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and always falls 46 days before Easter.

So who do I order??

http://www.haydelbakery.com/

http://www.mannyrandazzo.com/

If you would like my address to ship me one I will gladly provide!

Images here, here, and here

Worried

2011-01-20T07:21:00.000-05:00

I should order a truck of Guatemalan Worry Dolls

Do you wish you could make yourself stop worrying? I worry all the time. About really stupid stuff. And I know that worrying is "like a rocking chair", it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere. And I'm very aware that worrying about something doesn't make it better or go away..but I still do it. My usual remedy? Bourbon.....I worry much less when I have a bourbon.

So just to get it out on paper to make myself feel better here are a few of my current worries:

1. That work will not want me back after Maternity leave. (AKA Short Term Disability for 6 weeks)
2. That I won't be able to Breastfeed
3. That this adorable little Baby is going to outwit me
4. That this baby is going to have a birth defect
5. That we won't get the creaky floors upstairs fixed in time
6. That I have gained too much weight
7. About finding babysitters for the 6 weddings this year. (I'm soo excited for Weddings. Our 2010 = 0 Weddings) Oh yes..I timed being preggo right! Payback is hell honey!!!!
8. That M will be driving back from a visitation weekend and I will go into labor and have the baby before he gets home.
9. Worried if I picked the right child care.
10. Worried you all will find this post lame

Is this all ridiculous?? Yes! But just to put it in writing and vent about it is like a free shrink visit. Thanks Dr. Followers! And yes, I'm aware it only gets worse as a parent. But for right now tell me something else, like stop worrying and eat a cupcake. (Except I'll do it tomorrow after the glucose test)

PS-I did spell check and one of my "worrying" wanted to be "whoring". LOVE IT.

xoxoxox

Boden Virgin

2011-01-19T07:29:00.000-05:00

Show me the I'm-wearing-a-cardigan-but-still-a-slutmuffin look

I have never ordered anything from Boden but always love 99% of their catalog. (Some of the florals can read a little Grandma) Their style isn't super trendy or hot..but so put together and beautiful. Maybe this is the 30 year old in me talking. Has anyone out there ordered Boden?? All of these dresses look super comfy and give the illusion I could pull them off without losing all the baby weight.

I think the bottom line is they are what J.Crew was before it got all weird and funky. Yes...I love J.Crew but come on....aren't you over tissue tees with satin cargos and 3" heels. Who wears that? Here are just a few favorites...the commentary is not mocking the clothes, just merely mocking my strange obsession with them.

I would attend Church more with dresses like this in my closet. I LOVE shift dresses. I think living in South Florida did that to me, you just toss them on with a pair of sandals and you are done. Again..not sexy or something you will see at Luna, but I still love it.

Me shouting at the Garden Center...."Yes, I'll take three more blue Hydrangeas. No, not the damn lacecap you f*cking fool...the mophead. Jesus, must I do everything?"

How cheery and fun is this skirt? This could be Worth Avenue.

You see frumpy. I see a post-baby body needing to make a run to Harris Teeter & Target. But I would just throw on Rainbows and not gladiators.

Erin and I at Pawleys "Penis Coladas!" (that is what my mother calls them) I do have a friend that has a beach tunic like this and it fits her like a glove..I prefer the blue though.

Very DVF-ish, and again..easy to toss on and hide fat post baby arms.

Silly M, he thinks I'm the designated driver after Brunch.

1 Shift + Big Sunglasses = Complete Outfit. So easy!

All Images via Boden

Hunting for a Tiny Accent/Side Table

2011-01-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

I stayed in my pajamas all day Monday...BUT I did accomplish cleaning out the guest room closet, boxing up all our books (until we can get built-ins), and finally getting the Nursery laid out in its final floor plan. Of course this has made me realize I need ANOTHER piece of furniture!

My Glider is between a wall and the crib. There is not much room at all for a side table..I mean MINIMAL space here. But I really want a tiny side table for a bottle, book, pacifier, my glasses, a glass of wine...etc.

What do you think of these choices?

Pottery Barn-I could spray one red? The additional tiers are handy

Home Decorators-I'm afraid this is too short

Home Decorators-Not too bad

Home Decorators-too trendy? Would have to spray red or white

Wisteria-Too fancy for Nursery..but the size is perfect

Ikea-This is perfect but UGLY.

Pottery Barn-Probably too big

And on another note, looks like I should put a bookshelf in the corner.

Wisteria-I really really really want this. I could spray red or keep white and it would fill the space magically! Anybody see something similar but cheaper???

Can't beat the price at IKEA. But this poses the problem of what wall do I put it on. The space is a pain so the Etagere is a better option, this will cause me to have to pick which wall. Decisions Decisions!!!

Martin Luther King Jr. and Chris Colfer

2011-01-17T13:52:00.002-05:00

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.” - MLK Jr.

"But mostly importantly [a thank you] to all the amazing kids that watch our show and that our show celebrates and are constantly told 'no' [by] people and environments and bullies at school, that they can't be who they are or can't have what they want because of who they are," - Chris Colfer

What do these two quotes have in common? They both believe in a higher purpose. I do not watch Glee but Colfer's speech at the Golden Globes seemed similar to what Martin Luther King Jr. fought for. He didn't let bullies get in the way of his dreams. He didn't do what was popular or cool. He fought for what he believed in and sang it from the rooftops.

On this day we remember you Martin Luther King Jr. May you continue to inspire us to ignore the naysayers and bullies and fight for what we believe in.

Images here and here

Bourbon Globes Awards + Deep thoughts by Myself

2011-01-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

1. We listened to horrible commentary from Kelly Osbourne and whoever that guy was standing with her for an hour. You think that when someone finally gets their 5 seconds at the microphone you could HOLD OFF ON THE FREAKING MUSIC. If you are really that short of time cut the beginning segment or put the girls on one of those Airport Walkway systems. I love to hear what these people say. Maybe not so much at the Oscars but they are tipsy at this party and if I had to listen to "who is your dress" for an hour couldn't you at least have the decency to let those guys who made the documentary "Carlos" have their say? RUDE RUDE RUDE. I mean you cut off Steve Buscemi? Notice they did NOT cut off Annette Bening. Beatty would have gone all Bonnie & Clyde on them if they had.

2. Elisabeth Moss looks like Jodi Foster.

3. Halle Berry. Wow. Didn't love the dress but who cares about the f*cking dress when you are Halle Berry right?

4. Best line of the Evening "If I could, I'd give it to all five of you" - Robert Downey Jr. RDJ is a good time. I've emailed his publicist to try to get him over for one of our dinner parties.

5. Jane Krakowski is tan. And adorably pregnant. But tan. Is that okay? Because if so I'm going to get sprayed or lay in a bed. You think that makes me vain but I'm broken out, huge, and almost purple. A little sun would make me feel light years better!

6. Favorite Couple Award - Hamn & Westfeldt

7. Least favorite couple Award - J.Lo and Skeletor. I try, but I just don't like J.Lo.

8. Best Dressed and Hottest Award- Mila Kunis

9. Cannot believe it was not nominated - 24

10. Aaron Sorkin nailed it in his speech to his daughter "Smart Girls have all the fun". Stay in school! Don't get pregnant before marriage (Unless you are RII$$CH like Natalie Portman) And Natalie. The dress. I love you, love the dress...LOSE THE FLOWER! With the flower it looks like a Disney Princess Dress. But you are still cute and pregnant so I love you. Call me if you need Zebra Cakes, I have a stash.

Images here, here, and here.

Blog Love Friday: Blue Chickadee

2011-01-14T07:43:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better than receiving comments on your blog. It means people not only read what you have to say but they took time out of their insane day to comment.

Way Way Allen of Blue Chickadee commented on a post about Nursery art and I just had to go check out her blog. LOVE LOVE LOVE her work!!!! It is fresh, original and just downright adorable. Sidenote: have you ever noticed the amount of blog friends that are from the Southeast? Gotta love the South!

Elephant Print at Sugar Snap Pea

I will start with my absolute favorite. I had something similar to this stacked elephant print (mine was definitely not this cute as it was 1980) in my nursery. I'm sure mine was polyester stretched over a frame but it had rows of animals all stacked on top of eachother...I'm searching for an image but afraid you will laugh at my orange and yellow baby room with R2-D2 in my crib. Are you not LOVING this canvas? And I love that it is all blues...It is so simple and perfect for a nursery but doesn't give up the funky quality. This would be so cute in BabyFu's room!!!

LOVE her canvas bags. I'm sure these would come in handy with all the stuff I will be toting around!

The Green Alligator is speaking to me. And the bloomers are so cute. I asked my sister-in-law if I could put those on a boy and just remove the ruffles..she said no. But if I find out any of my friends have a girl....look what you will be getting!

Still loving Mr. Alligator. Maybe that is b/c I grew up with Audubon Zoo posters in my room.

Here is her work at Sugar Snap Pea in Charleston. The set of 4 animal silhouettes is a huge contender for my favorite. Perfect over a crib?? YES Please! Or on each side of the curtains...hmmmm

If I could add this to my registry I would!

And last but not least Mr. Turtle. I know a certain someone who has a thing for Turtles so I know a perfect home for you!

Blue Chickadee has a shop on Etsy. Please go check it out!

Thanks Way Way for being a blog friend! Yes, that is her and don't hate her b/c she is beautiful.

Images via Blue Chickadee and Travis Dew Photography

Does Expensive Make-up fix your Face?

2011-01-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

There is nothing worse than being broken out. I have been broken out most of my life. I went on Accutane (mistake) in 9th grade and while my face was clear for maybe a year the Zombie like appearance and nose bleeds really were not worth it. You could have cast me as an extra in Zombieland. Plus, I think it stole some of my marbles...

Before my Wedding I worked with someone who gave me their entire stash of Proactiv saying they were allergic. This stuff worked! Besides the occasional pop-up from stress or wearing a hat (stupid) I had a pretty clear face for all the pre-parties, the Wedding, and all Honeymoon.

During all that time the winning combo for me was Proactiv + Trish McEvoy SPF Oil-Free Lotion + Lancome Teint Idole. Does Trish still make this lotion? And has anyone used the new "light from within" Lancome stuff Teint Miracle?

These days I'm just a mess. I 'm sure it is the pregnancy but I haven't had a real clear face in ages. Or maybe the truth behind a "Pregnancy Glow" is the fact that your face is an oil-slick.

NEVER NEVER NEVER USE

I do love to try new products and everyone suggested Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer...NEVER AGAIN. That stuff is terrible, even the Oil Free. I actually have 3/4 of a tube if anyone wants to buy it. Which is another thing that ticks me off, that was a good $40ish I spent on that stuff and it blew. Is selling half used make-up on Ebay gross?

This Neutrogena seems to be helping and I added Oil of Olay to the mix because besides the blemishes I also need to knock out some wrinkles. And like I said...I'm trying to be cheap.

So...sorry for my morning rant but what are your good combinations? I'm tempted to head to the mall this weekend and pick up the Proactiv/Trish/Lancome trio and hope it works. But I seriously hate dropping $150 on stuff for just my face. My face shouldn't cost that much. I won't even go into the breaking out that is going on around my neck. I pray that is just pregnancy.

Any advice? xoxoxoxo

All images via google image search

Uggs. Fuggs. Let's discuss

2011-01-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

I started googling images of Uggs and this article from the Daily Mail popped up. Hilarious.

I see women wearing Uggs all over Charlotte and they do look like they have Happy Feet. But being a realistic shopper if you wore those outside right now as our ice turns to slush won't your feet get wet? In the 9" of snow my parents received over Christmas wouldn't they just get soaked? Do your feet sweat? Do you wear socks just to make sure you don't get foot smell? Do they look like a fancier pair of Snooki slippers?

I have never wanted a pair. I'm an LL Bean boot kinda girl and have Wellies for snow. Not exactly warm but throw in a pair of awesome wool socks and you are golden.

HOWEVER....being 7 months pregnant and cold and large and irritable has made me rethink the Uggs. And now? They look like HEAVEN. I have seen two pairs on friends lately. My friend had an ornament swap and she had a cute attendee in a brown dress, brown tights and uggs..and it was completely adorable. This same friend then came over for dinner last week and had on a gray pair with jeans...again completely stylish. And I have to say that my frozen toes in ballet flats were slightly pissed at me for questioning the furry shoes in the first place.

And to make a horrible admission....my mom had a pair of Faux Uggs (FUGGS) in her closet that I have stolen and have been wearing around the house to protect my preggo feet from the tile.

If Reese wears them it must be okay!

So what is the vote? If I get a pair will I look like all the 16 year old girls in size -2 jeans at Southpark Mall with their Louis Vuitton bags? Or should I not give a #$;^*% and just do it b/c they are so luxurious? Maybe this is the same argument as the Velour Jumpsuit. Not pretty, tacky even, but if it is comfortable who cares?

Do you have Uggs? Did the price make you feel guilty for buying tall slippers? Please do tell!

Images here, here, here, here, and here

Don't give a &^%$ about this Bieber Kid

2011-01-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Vanity Fair,

I'm 30 years old and I pay good $$ for a subscription to your magazine. I don't give a crap about some 16 year old singer that wears terrible shoes and has money coming out his tighty whities. Cover FAIL. This ranks right up there with your Lohan eff up. I would rather see a McDonald's Large Fry gracing the front of your glossy magazine. You put some crap like Snooki on here and I'm canceling my subscription.

Lonny Review = Hillary Thomas Obsessed!!

2011-01-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

I usually flip through my new Lonny pretty quickly just to see if anything jumps out and grabs me; but when I came across the spread of Marlien Rentmeester's home decorated by Hillary Thomas I stopped dead in my tracks.

I ADORE every room in this house. It is preppy, clean, organized, beautiful, and just stunning. I lived in West Palm Beach from 2002-2006 and wish I had taken advantage of Dixie Highway then. The Dixie world (Some call the area South of Southern SoSo) was just coming into its own with shops like C Bell opening and my tiny apartment in the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens couldn't fit one more piece of furniture.

I will let the photos speak for themselves but I'm sure you are all drooling too!

Chandelier! Lattice Chairs! Mirrors! Rug! BEAUTIFUL!

This room is your view from the gorgeous Dining Room. What I love is the colors aren't picked from some generic set up match card. You know what I mean, this plaid goes with this stripe and then use this as an accent. Each piece fits into the room perfectly without being an exact match to the color scheme. I'm trying to learn how to do this but I'm failing miserably. You know who is a pro at this? Markham Roberts. But I digress..

Yes! Love a dark sultry painted powder room. And adore it when the walls are filled with something funky. My powder room is Navy with old liquor advertisements...need to add more. But I do require a mirror, I'm mirror obsessed.

Crisp clean bed with something that appears to be Leontine Linens? Yes please. On my wish list. If Leontine ever happened to my bed I think it would kick the dogs off for good. Ask me how that is going. Oh, and the fabric on the Roman shades? Flying ducks....M would absolutely love and approve of that purchase.

So much inspiration would flow out of my mind if I was sitting at this desk!!! I finally have a new spot to blog (pictures soon) but now need a work area for my 9-5. This belly is getting so large and I'm working from home my 3rd month of maternity leave. Where to set that area up?

Grasscloth - My ultimate wish to put in the Nursery. I wish someone would photograph some of the homes Pauline Pitt has decorated in Palm Beach, she uses grasscloth and it ALWAYS turns out beautifully. I spy another beautiful clean crisp white bed. Perfection

Hillary, you are such a fantastic designer and now I'm off to go stalk you through your website! Oh Lord, I just peeked at her site. I'm dying. That will be this afternoon's post. Want a teaser?

xoxoxo

Images via Lonny and Hillary Thomas

Bamboo: Moving to Manhattan Sale!!

2011-01-07T08:46:00.001-05:00

This desk is only $225! I would snatch it up in a second if I had the space!!!!

One of the best things about blogging is the friends you make. I have made one of my best friends in Charlotte this way! Sarah of MOS fame (and in Charlotte Magazine this month!!!!) and I met through a book club but our blogs and love of all things decor has brought us closer!

Sarah introduced me to her friend Emily when we went to see Eddie Ross at Mrs. Howard's. Emily has a beautiful booth in Sleepy Poet and she is moving to Manhattan! Here are the details of her sale:

MOVING TO MANHATTAN SALES!

bamboo is sadly relocating to the Big Apple. Because of this, I have very little room for all my furniture and accessories! If you have been to Sleepy Poet recently, you may have noticed that I have drastically marked down all the items in my spaces. Please take some time to look at everything and maybe even pick up a little piece of bamboo!

I am also planning to have a large sale at my home this coming weekend. I will be selling everything that I can’t fit in my booth or my new tiny apartment. This includes everything from furniture, accessories, other houseware items, outdoor furniture, & 2 storage sheds of goodies! Please stop by. You might even find a treasure or two! Feel free to spread the word!

Moving to Manhattan Sale

417 McAlway Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

Friday, January 7- 12:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday, January 8- 9:00am-2:00pm

Here are some pictures of her one-of-a-kind items!!!

All images via Matters of Style post here

Vegetarians age this well??

2011-01-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

Okay, she is having a banner year....when I first saw Gwyneth on the cover of Vogue I was blown away at how amazing she looked. She looks 20.

But now I'm seeing pictures of her and I'm just a little curious if she has had any retouching?? I have no issues with people wanting plastic surgery but I hope she isn't saying her glowing skin is because she eats fish and snorts goop. That stuff is junk.

Thoughts?

Images via Google and People.com

Taking down the Tree

2011-01-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

I'm dreading taking down all of our Christmas Decor. I cannot believe the next time we drag it out of the attic I will have a baby in the house! Here is the TV Room all set up for my 4th Annual Ornament Swap. Yes, our TV is huge and (the horror)above the fireplace and I know you are cringing..but we LOVE football. So there.

By far my favorite ornament this year was given to me by my BFF from College. Thanks E!

Goodbye Christmas Goodies and on to the next season......MARDI GRAS!

Au Revoir 2010!

2010-12-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

2010 was a year of growth for this family. Growth in our marriage, growth in our jobs, and physical growth with this huge pregnant belly! Marriage is one of those amazing things that can morph and twist and turn and I believe it not only gets better every year, but we rediscover ourselves through our relationship with our spouse. And on that note I can admit that I am so excited to be having a romantic dinner tonight with M at Ruth's Chris just the two of us! Yes, I will miss my intoxicated house parties with my friends and Mr. Jim Beam but as next year approaches I feel these dinners will be few and far between.

So here is to you M. Thank you for helping me through the stressful parts of our life....We have been through so much together and I can't wait to experience everything 2011 has in store for us with babyfu on the way. I love you!

And to all of you out there having bubbly don't forget about AAA's Tow to Go Program. From the Sun Sentinel....

"If you're at a bar, a restaurant or even a holiday party, you can call 1-800-AAA-HELP and basically we will send a tow truck driver to your location. And, they'll give you a free, confidential tow and ride home," said Jessica Brady, a public relations manager for AAA Auto Club South."

Lastly, thank you for reading my blog! My New Year's resolution is 3 posts a week! Happy New Year to you all!

xoxoxoxoxo

Southern Bourbon Mountains

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Honey, what do you want for Valentine's/Birthday/Anniversary??

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Steven Stolman on OKL!

Lampshade Winner!

Under the Weather

Personalized Baby Board Book!

Lux Lampshade Giveaway! **UPDATED**

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Christmas Day Outfit

The Spirit of Christmas

Get in Shape Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Daniel Radcliffe Rocked the Thanksgiving Day Parade

$5 Shiny Beautiful Magazines!!!

Cooler Contest Winners!

Another Awesome Cooler Giveaway!

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Link Dump

Confession Tuesday: I Can't Cook

Steve Jobs has died

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Daycare.................

Dress Sale!

Cooler Contest Winners!

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Butch Davis Fired

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BY ROY BLOUNT, JR. | HOLIDAY 07 |

Ode to Bourbon

Pinterest Addiction

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Wedding Attire AKA Spanx Wanted

Beach Cheese

Hydrangeas

Can I Clone Myself?

Get $50 spend $25 at Interiors Marketplace!

Bathing Suits vs. Breast Pumps

Photography: Kristin Sobieski

Baby Ford has arrived!

Bad Bad Blogger

Please submit Hospital Bag Ideas!

Nursery Progress- *Warning* Very Messy!

Craving a Master Bedroom Redo

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Who is the King of Cakes?

Worried

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Martin Luther King Jr. and Chris Colfer

Bourbon Globes Awards + Deep thoughts by Myself

Blog Love Friday: Blue Chickadee

Does Expensive Make-up fix your Face?

Uggs. Fuggs. Let's discuss

Don't give a &^%$ about this Bieber Kid

Lonny Review = Hillary Thomas Obsessed!!

Bamboo: Moving to Manhattan Sale!!

Vegetarians age this well??

Taking down the Tree

Au Revoir 2010!

Lux Lampshade Giveaway! UPDATED

Nursery Progress- Warning Very Messy!