Friday Five

// New Books //

I recently burned through an Amazon credit and purchased some of the books you see below.
Little makes my coffee table happier than a stack of new reads.

The photos above came from an estate sale.  I was especially happy to score Mastering the Art of French Cooking - Volumes One and Two for $20!  

// Lo & Sons O.G. Bag //

Probably the best thing to ever grace the shoulders of an organized-obsessed girl like me.  It literally has pockets for everything.  Be on the lookout for a "What's in My Carry-On" post soon.  I'm hopping on a plane next Wednesday and this will be by my side and full of goodies.  

// Metallic Grasscloth Wallpaper //

via

I have a huge soft spot for grasscloth.  These metallic options are such a neat way to modernize the standard, classic look.


// Making Work More Fun //
I'm in love with this eclectic work space.

// Weekend //

My mom's teacher friends are hosting a bridal shower for me this weekend.  We've had a tailgate shower, a bridesmaids shower, another bridal shower, a couples shower... and now this one, the last bridal shower.
I feel blessed.

In preparation for the shower and for my bachelorette party next week... BLONDE!

TGIF!

Friday Five {workout gear}

{1}

GapFit

Side note... I have a confession.  I'm afraid to try on Lululemon.  I've walked in the store and perused their website a handful of times, but I forbid myself from trying anything on or placing an order.  I've admired from afar, but will I try those pants on?  Heck no.  I know myself too well and when I like something, I get it.  Well, when it comes to clothes at least (within reason, of course).  I just can't justify the price for workout gear.  I work out five times a week, but I only wear the pants for a little over an hour each day.  Props to all of you ladies out there who are rocking your Lulu.  I've found some amazing alternates and I'm here to share.  

Gap has created a new line of compression active-wear called GapFit.  Y'all, it really, well... compresses.  I caught a major sale in our local store and racked up big time.  I'm obsessed with these two pants.  Comfy and slimming ...and wait for it... I got mine for $16 a piece.  Take that, Lululemon.

GapFit gFast Pants

GapFit gFast Leggings

Another item I just can't get over is their Full Zip Jacket.  The thumb holes sold me, what can I say?

{2}

Moving away a little from clothes, I have another love... Nike Stability Shoes.

Last spring, I went on a quest to find the perfect workout shoe.  I ran on a treadmill at a shoe store and was tested to see which shoe was best for my foot and stride.  The shoe below (on sale!) was recommended to me, along with the Zoom Structures.  I LOVE them.  Most comfortable workout shoes I've ever owned.

{3}

C9 Champion

Target did something right in a major way when they introduced the C9 Champion line to their stores.  I'm obsessed with their sports bras.  They are only about $15 and hold their shape for a long time.

Seamless Racer Bra

{4}

Murad Hydrating Toner

I usually am able to escape from the office to work out on my lunch break (gym is, lucky for me, across the street!).  Although I can rinse off in the shower after a workout, I don't have the time to remove my makeup and wash my face.  I improvise by using oil absorbing sheets to remove excess oil, but then I'm left with uncomfortable, tight skin.  This is where the Murad toner comes into play.  It calms my skin after a workout and refreshes my skin, leaving it soft and comfortable.  This stuff is also good for a midday pick-me-up after being stuck in yucky office air all day! 

{5}

Under Armour ColdGear

I definitely wouldn't say I live in a frigid climate -even in the winter, but I'm still thanking my lucky stars for these compression leggings.  They have the softest lining and really help to keep you warm when exercising outdoors.  Or, for going to the grocery store or mail box.  I have been living in these this winter.  

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings

So there you have it.  My workout essentials.  

Happy, happy weekend!

Friday Five

{1}

The sweetest bowls you ever did see ...just in time for Valentine's day.

Heart Pad-Printed Bowls

{2}
Dinner with my MOH last night at Al Di La. 
Y'all, it was amazing, which left me wondering what has taken me so long to eat there.
It is Avondale Restaurant Week, so we were each able to choose three courses for $20.  I chose the Bruschetta, Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad for an appetizer, the Strangozzi Spoletina - Housemade Sausage, Pancetta, Cream, Nutmeg and Lemon Zest for my entree, and Tiramisu with Toasted Hazelnuts for dessert.

{3}
How pretty is this tablescape? 
I've really been loving ginger jars lately and think this styling is perfection.

via

{4}

The coziest of blankets.  The middle one is calling my name.

Chunky Tassel Throw

{5}
So true.

TGIF!!

Xo.

Friday Five

{1}

My friends, there is a chill in the air in Charleston.  This means I get to wear my favorite kind of outfit... flats, leggings, a flowy blouse, and some chunky gold accessories.  On Monday, I popped on a black blazer and was ready for a low key day at work.

Colder weather also means some of this.

{2}

A new purchase.

She's really pretty.  

Really pretty. 

But she's heavy ...and it doesn't help that I could survive for a week solely off of the items in my purse.  I tried to downsize the amount of things I carry around, but it's still slightly uncomfortable.  Heavier than my Speedy at least.  

 Sorry for the low quality photos, but what should I do?  I haven't used it yet... just in case I change my mind.  Do I put up with the heavy purse or send it back for another one? 

Tell me, tell me!

{3}

A really filling, pretty darn tasty nutrition bar.  I ate this while under the dryer at the hair salon yesterday.  I always get hungry when I'm under that thing and this time, I came prepared.  It has 20g of protein and, if I remember correctly, only 230 calories.  I bought mine at Trader Joes for a buck or two.  Oh yeah, and it's covered in white chocolate.  

{4}

Dinner with the MOH last night... and these were our fortunes.  She opened her cookie first (the top fortune) and we laughed and laughed.  There was no way mine could be any worse!  

Then I opened the bottom fortune.

I am a happy man. 

 {5}

THE WEEKEND IS HERE.

Brandon and I are joining two of our dearest friends at their beach house in Edisto.  Looking forward to a weekend of no TV, no internet, just "us" time.  Can't wait to soak in some salt air and wear the hair on my makeup-free head in a bun all weekend.  It's the little things. 

Friday Five

{1}

OOTD 

(please excuse my crooked bedding)

J. Crew Blouse & Necklace, Banana Republic Pants (similar), Sam Edelman Heels

{2}

The cutest wallpaper downloads for your iPhone.  Oh yeah, they're free.

 

{3}

Look what arrived... Bridesmaids' dresses!

squeeee!!

{4}

Did this pop up in your email this morning, too?

Tory Burch Friends & Fans event

Oh, and if you live in a state like SC that doesn't have a Tory Burch store, your order is tax-free.  Holla!

797 Large Satchel, I love you.  I really do.

{5}

Brandon and I are both Clemson Tigers fans, but we're joining his parents at the University of South Carolina vs. University of Georgia game tomorrow.  They have a great tailgating spot (best part of being at a football game, right?) and the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. For all of you who aren't Carolinians, USC and Clemson are each others biggest rivals.  It's so funny that Brandon went to Clemson and cheers for them, but his parents have always been big supporters of USC and never miss a home game.  House divided!

Tonight, we're going to a big dinner with Brandon's dad's side of the family.  They are all in Charleston for a reunion weekend.  Hitting the road to Columbia first thing tomorrow morning.  Busy weekend ahead!

Happy Friday!

Xo-M

Friday Five {Beauty}

It has been one long week for me.  Work has been busy, but great, and I've had a lot of commitments in the evenings.  I'm so looking forward to some down time here in Charleston this weekend -no travels, no huge plans, just relaxation and seeing some old friends.  Oh, and watching our Clemson Tigers play.  Anyway, as I prepared my Friday Five post, I realized that all of my photos are unintentionally beauty related!  Happy Weekend!   

{1}

Sugar Lip Treatment

This makes your lips feel insanely hydrated.  I apply it every night before bed.  It's the best.  Hands down.

{2}

Gave my brushes a good 'ol cleaning this week.  You know you should do this at least 1-2 times per month?  I spot clean my foundation and eye liner brushes after every use, but deep cleaning all of them is so important.  You would be amazed how dirty they get!  Without washing them, all of that bacteria is just being wiped all over your face.  Clean your brushes!

{3}

I got my nails painted with Essie No Boundaries and I LOVE it.  Perfect rosy fall shade without being too dark.  As much as I love my way dark polishes, it's nice to have a little transition.

{4}

My new favorite moisturizer...  Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer

I had a deluxe sample of this and waited forever to use it because it didn't look like anything special from the packaging, but I was amazed at how wonderful it made my skin feel.  I have combination skin and it made it feel hydrated and soft, but not super shiny.  Honestly, I don't know if my skin has ever felt more comfortable than when I put this on.  It's awesome.

{5}

Fresh & light face of the day.

Olay Tinted Moisturizer, Makeup For Ever Full Cover Concealer in #6 (for around nose, lips, and any blemishes), Maybelline Age Rewind (under eye concealer), Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Sand, Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad to the Bronze (amazing), Clinique High Impact mascara,  Victoria's Secret bronzer in Goddess (surprisingly my new favorite), and Benefit Coralista blush

That's all I've got.  #TGIF

Xo-M

Friday Five

{1}

new coffee table deliciousness

{3}

dinner last night with Brandon at 82 Queen

top // jeans

{3}

Our engagement announcement is in the paper! 

{4}

Completely. Wildly. Obsessed.

with this bag

{5}

this quote

ER has some great quotes.  She knew what was up.

P.S.  There's a Stella & Dot giveaway going on at my girl, Tiffany Ashley's blog, Delightfully Chic.  Those teardrop earrings are in my weekly rotation.  You need them.