coffee talk

Hello! I decided to skip the scheduled post today and just chat. It's a rainy day and coffee is in hand. There's a lot to catch up on! Since I missed the weekly roundup last week, let's go for it.

Brandon and I have been commuting to Charleston every day for work for the past month. Waking up at 5:15am and getting home from our commute at 9pm, while starting a new job is starting to wear on me. That's why posts have been a little scattered in the last week or so. I'm tired. But it's worth it! We've looked at probably 30 homes in the past 30 days (wish I was exaggerating). We found a few we liked, but they needed some TLC that we weren't sure we were willing to give ...and then we found a home we loved. I hesitate typing this because I sure would hate to jinx anything, but we're being real here and I'm really excited so I'll just say it ...we have a signed contract on it!

These booties are great. I could see myself wearing them everyday once it cools off some. Sam Edelman's shoes just work.

A lot of you were asking what sizes I ordered in the ASOS items I talked about last week. As a rule of thumb, I always look at what size the model is wearing and then order one size up (that info is in the product details). Of course, we are all built differently, but that's what I do!

Don't forget about Holy City Chic! It's coming... soon (-ish). 

My philosophy.

This photo has been pinned on my account for the longest time, but ahh! I keep coming back to it.

I'll likely be picking out paint colors soon to have ready for the house. Name your top interior paint color choices....ready, go! I really like BM Coastal Fog, BM Sterling, BM Horizon, and of course the old standbys Revere Pewter and Classic Gray.

Season 4 of Revenge starts Sunday, Sept 28th and I'm pumped. If y'all haven't watched it, get your free trial of Hulu and binge watch it. Three seasons should only take you a week or so, if you're like me. How sad is that?

If you're in Charleston, there's something you need to know about. Mosaic, a SC-based upscale contemporary women’s boutique, is having a fall trunk show on Sunday, September 21st. Expect brands like 10 Crosby Derek Lam, by Malene Birger, Rachel Pally, Elizabeth and James, and much more. I'm wearing pieces from Mosaic here and here. Here's more information about the trunk show below.

easy updo, explained!

After my honeymoon, a ton of you asked me how I did this updo.

...and I promised I would explain how.

Well, I made a little video on how to do it, but then decided I didn't like the video.  So there's that.  

But thanks to The Everygirl, they explained it for me.  Check out this post on how to do the style you see above... plus many other adorable hairstyles that I'm going to be practicing myself (as best as I can with short hair, anyway). 

when life gives you lemons...

A little over four years ago, I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee and six hours later, the fuel pump went out on it.  So I just sat there, in an empty parking lot at 10:00 at night, staring at my drained savings account, as I waited for a tow truck. 

Over the next four+ years, I became convinced that it was a lemon.  I replaced the fuel pump four times in four years.  Thank goodness for warranties on those suckers, because they ain't cheap!  The car would shut off on me while driving down the interstate or sometimes, in the middle of intersections... it's not picky!  There were constant other problems, too, but nothing quite as serious.  

...but FINALLY! I got a new car! 

Just had to share because I'm a little giddy.

Oh, this is an Acura ILX and if anyone has any bad experiences with them... please don't share! ;)

chop chop

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I cut off about six inches of hair.  It will definitely take some getting used to again -and more patience in the mornings (in my opinion, short hair seems to require more maintenance than when it's longer).  Anyway, just wanted to share!  If you're not following me on Instagram, you can do so here.

{weekend ...a little late}

It might be Tuesday, but since I didn't post about my weekend yesterday, here 'tis. 

We celebrated Brandon's 26th birthday on Friday.  His birthday wishes were my command... a burger and a beer at Rita's on Folly Beach.  My go-to is the Southbound Grilled Chicken Sandwich ...bacon, pimento cheese - can't beat it.  The Blackened Tuna Nachos are also a favorite.  If you're in Charleston and haven't tried those, then do it.  Soon.

The next morning (dark and early) we were at the starting line for the Cooper River Bridge Run.  My work is a feature charity of the Bridge Run, so it was my job to coordinate 100 volunteers to help with the start of the race.  I LOVE the excitement of being in the midst of 45,000 runners and all of the hustle and bustle that goes with it.  Makes getting up at 4:30 a.m. worth it. 

On Sunday, I met a dear friend for brunch at Fleet Landing.  The weather was perfect for sitting next to the water.  We both ordered the same thing... how can you go wrong with creme brulee french toast? (seriously good)

Other shenanigans throughout the weekend (that you've already seen if you follow me on Instagram)...

Organized my Essie polish.

Proudly wore my new J. Crew bangles.

Did some Friday evening cleaning while enjoying a glass of wine.  Who says those two don't go together?  By the way, this is the Shark Vac & Steam.  My mom bought it for us for one of my bridal showers and it's nothing shy of amazing.  You use the vacuum feature, then add on the mop attachment.  Add in a little water and boom - it's ready to steam your floors.   Trust me, you don't know a clean floor until you've walked on a freshly steamed one.

The countdown is truly on for the wedding - 18 days!

I'll be sharing our wedding invitations on the blog tomorrow.

Xo-M

a really long-winded story about beauty pageants

via

As a former competitor in pageants, I felt that this would be an interesting topic to bring up.  We all seem to have opinions on the subject and I thought I'd share mine.

Growing up, I was never a "pageant girl."  I competed in my first pageant when I was in sixth grade.  I had the stomach virus the whole week prior and was still sick on pageant day.  But I was determined to wear that dress we found on the sale rack at David's Bridal (it was definitely a flower girl dress), even if my face was sickly and had the same pale, white shade as the dress.  Mom and I really didn't know what to expect.  I think I had my hair curled at the JC Penney salon and we put on a dab of blush, some lipstick, and I was set to go on stage.  Needless to say, I didn't win, but I didn't care by the end of the night... all I cared to do was get my nachos and coca-cola and get home in bed.

Two years later, I tried it again and won both of the small, local pageants I competed in.  And the next year I tried again... and won both of those pageants too.  At the incredibly awkward ages of 13 and 14, getting on stage with the spotlight centered on you wasn't the easiest thing, but it was a huge self esteem boost that girls this age often need.  

 Fast forward about six or seven years later, and I, for some reason, got interested in pageants again.  I was a college sophomore and thought it would be something fun to do.  Mom and I went to Columbia to pick out a -get this- real pageant dress, not something picked up off the racks at Dilliards.  I also picked out a pageant swimsuit, heels, and jewelry ...all in one fell swoop.  I was told about an upcoming pageant called the "Carolina Queen Pageant."  This was a whole different deal than the local pageants I had competed in ...the hair was bigger, the dresses tighter, and there was a swimsuit portion.  Without any experience in this realm of pageantry, I braved it and ended up placing first runner up to the former Miss SC Teen USA, Caite Upton.  You know her.  Remember?

 

The pageant was even nationally televised.  We didn't know it at the time, but it was used during the first episode of TLC's "King of the Crown" TV show that aired back in 2009.

Then I was introduced to RPM Productions, Inc.  For more than 30 years, RPM has partnered with the Miss Universe Organization to produce premiere statewide events.  There are local preliminary pageants across SC that lead to RPM's Miss South Carolina USA pageant.  So, I tried my hand at two.  In November of 2009, I ended up entering the Miss SC USA pageant "at large."

Competing in the state pageant yet again took pageants to a whole new level for me.  I still felt new at this and was "thrown into a pack of wolves" ...so to speak.  My expectations on the whole experience were so different than the reality I experienced.  It was harder in many ways, but I gained so many rewards that I didn't expect.  We all hear that pageant girls are catty, rude, and two faced.  In reality, you become part of a sorority of women who leave a legacy that impacts communities through charities and other causes. You make new friends and enjoy an atmosphere of glamour and fashion, while developing poise, confidence, and career-enhancing skills.

I experienced this.  

Through the handful of pageants I competed in, I walked away with dear friends, role models, and mentors.  I tested my abilities and surprised myself in many ways.  I stood on a stage in a bathing suit with the spotlight on me in front of thousands of people for goodness sakes.  Not just stood on the stage...but you gotta work it, you know. ;)

Another great reward of pageantry is the adrenaline you get from high amounts of determination and motivation.  The best I've felt in my life was during the months that I competed in pageants.  Everything I did was with the pageant in mind.  Not to where it was an obsession, but I watched everything I ate, exercised regularly, got plenty of sleep, and really worked hard on the white-strips, hair masks, face masks, etc.  Taking care of yourself pays off and it's nice to have that extra motivation to do so every once in a while. 

Competing in pageants opened many doors for me.  I signed with a modeling agency here in Charleston.  I hate to say "signed" because that makes it sound big time.  So, to re-word... I was under a contract with an agency and was able to do some modeling projects on the side while I was still a student in college.  This began because I won a photo shoot as my prize in the Carolina Queen pageant.  Without that shoot, I wouldn't have had the photos in my portfolio to be able to meet with the modeling agency.  I wouldn't have had that extra push to pursue it either.  On the same note, numerous Miss USA contestants have gone on to do much bigger things, like launch careers in entertainment by appearing on E! Entertainment, CMT Insider, MTV, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, The Bachelor, and countless television shows and movies. 

I realized that I have a passion for communication, specifically public speaking, through the many instances when I had to speak in front of large crowds during pageants.  I then went on to change my college major from Health Promotion to Communication.  I enrolled in various advanced public speaking classes.  Sounds corny, but those classes really molded me as an individual.  Facing a fear changes you...especially when you end up excelling at it.  I can honestly say that if it wasn't for pageants, I wouldn't be in the career field that I am today.  I would have graduated in Health Promotion and gone on to be a nutritionist or something directly health related.  My life is different because of the rewards I gained through competing.  

 

If you're interested in competing and live in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, or Louisiana, you can contact RPM to find out how you can compete in this year's state pageant.  

You can find out more on their website, www.rpmproductions.com, or by visiting them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rpmproductions, or simply by calling the office: (803) 648-6220.

Miss SC USA, Megan Pinckney, and Miss SC Teen USA, Tori Sizemore

I think the whole summary of this post isn't specifically why competing in pageants is something you should do.  The point I am trying to make is that testing yourself can cultivate many rewards.  Whether it's sky diving, training for a race, getting certified in something new, or really, anything that challenges you.  

There are many bounties to be developed through weighing your limits!  

Wedding Wednesday - Feeling Good

I've felt it and I know you all have too.  While that cupcake, glass of wine, and extra handful of chips tastes so good, it leaves you feeling a little, well, blah later.  I've felt that blah feeling for way too long, despite my regular workout routine.  I seem to always forget the saying, "Abs are made in the kitchen!"  To try to put an end to that feeling, I've been eating better to get ready for the wedding.  Although I haven't seen much movement on the scale, I feel so much better.  My head is clearer and I just feel lighter.

Here are some of the steps I take to "feel good."

For breakfast, I would LOVE to have a couple cinnamon rolls -and yes, on the weekends I will splurge a little and have some.  But, having fresh juice is the perfect way for me to start my day.  My favorite juice combination has been a green apple, a handful of carrots, a tiny sliver of ginger, a handful or two of spinach, and maybe a few strawberries if I have them on hand.  Yesterday, I had an orange, some cucumber, spinach, and a banana.  Yes, I've been told that juicing a banana doesn't work... but it does in my cheapo juicer.  And it's good. 

For lunch, I try to stay away from anything that has an abundance of carbs and sodium.  Turkey sandwiches with a side of baked chips is perfection.  Sometimes I'll opt for a salad.  Sometimes it's leftovers from dinner the night before.  I try to keep it light.  For dinner, I may not eat quite as clean, but my portions are small.  Which brings me to my next point... I snack.  A lot.  I watch the clock and make sure to eat something every three hours (Fiber One bars, rice cakes, and organic granola are some recent favorites).  

I try to work out five times a week.  My recent obsession has been pilates.  Wow, the transformation is amazing -my core is so much stronger.  No, I'm not showing a six pack, but I can hold my planks longer, do more sit ups, and my posture is better.  I try to combine my pilates with enough cardio.  My schedule usually looks something like this: 

Monday- Pilates with Ball

Tuesday- 30 minutes Zumba, 20 minutes of walking/running combo on treadmill, 10 minutes stretching

Wednesday- Either Pilates Mat or Tae-bo

Thursday- 20 minutes treadmill, 10 minutes elliptical, 25 minutes free weights, 5 minutes stretching

Friday- Pilates Foam Roller (all time favorite)

 On top of that, I move whenever possible.  I try not to look at running errands around our hospital's campus as a chore, but as an excuse to move and soak up some vitamin D.  I don't waste time searching for a parking spot near the door of the grocery store ...I park near the back and walk.  I take the stairs.  

 Aside from eating right and exercising, there are a few other things I have been doing lately to feel good.  I've been drinking tea.  I used to HATE tea, but crave it now.  I drink a chamomile tea at night before bed and add a few drops of lemon juice.  I drink a detoxifying tea during the day.  First thing in the mornings, I'll sometimes drink a mixture of warm water and lemon juice -- this is incredibly simple and cleansing.  

Also, I've started taking baths with Epsom salt.  I found this one at Harris Teeter for five dollars.  It smells like a spa and I'm obsessed.  Epsom salt helps to draw impurities and toxins out of your body.  It's incredibly relaxing... but then again, when is a hot bath not?

Finally, SLEEP.

I could stay up all night.  I get a second wind around 11pm, but I know how important it is to get at least eight hours every night.  My goal has been to be ready for bed at 10pm each night.  By doing this, I'm usually in bed with my eyes closed by 11pm.  This is a huge accomplishment since I used to go to sleep around 1am.  The extra two hours have made a tremendous difference in my clarity, mood, and overall health. 

What do YOU do to feel good? 

By the way, I had my bridal portraits yesterday!  It was cold and overcast, but I think they are going to be amazing.  My photographer is the absolute best and I LOVED my hair and makeup (huge surprise because I'm super picky).  My photog shot all in film and I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait to see the photos.

Here's the venue where we did the portraits (Lowndes Grove):

 Happy Humpday, Loves!

happy happy

 

Brandon and I had our first date on Valentine's Day ...nine years ago.  We always keep this "holiday" really low key and usually enjoy a nice dinner together, exchange cards, and call it good.  I hope you all enjoy this day and use it simply as a sweet reminder to appreciate those you love most. 

Blessings! xx

Thursday Mixed Bag

I've been juicing with my Big Boss Juicer every morning this week.  I thought I could drink a juice in lieu of eating breakfast, but I am just too hungry for that.  So, I'll have a fresh juice first thing and a breakfast "snack" about two hours later.  My juices this week have all had the same common ingredients, but I've tried to switch things up a little each day. 

 My favorite combination has been one green apple, 1/4 cucumber, a handful of baby carrots, a handful of spinach/kale mix, and a sliver of ginger.  Pretty darn good, but looks gross.

 

I don't know if it's my frantic facial masks and peels that I've done this past week or if it's the juice, or maybe both... but I have noticed that my skin is looking much more clear, even, and balanced.  Another thing that could have influenced this change is that I switched up my evening moisturizer and am now using Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair.

 

Here's what the website says:

It's a new era in anti-aging. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer contains Accelerated Retinol SA, the fastest retinol formula available. Accelerated Retinol SA combines the highest concentration of Neutrogena's Retinol SA with glucose complex, an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin's surface quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling smoother and younger-looking. Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night is so effective, 100% of women had noticeable results in just one week. It's clinically proven to help fade the look of stubborn deep wrinkles, including crow's feet, forehead, and cheek wrinkles; brighten skin's tone; and smooth fine lines and texture.

 

After a facial at Urban Nirvana, my esthetician recommended I start using a retinol cream.  I just couldn't justify $100 for the cream she wanted me to purchase, so I did some research and found that this Neutrogena product has received much applause for it's retinol properties.  I've only been using this for three nights, so I'll keep you updated.

 

Last weekend, my mom and I went to a little antique store that was going out of business.  I scored these gorgeous chairs and am in the works of recovering the cushions and putting a thin layer of stain on them.

I also got three of these little trinket bowls from the same store.  The store owner gave me the chairs and the bowls for $50!  The fourth bowl -the pink one on the bottom right- belonged to my great great grandmother.  I plan on using these in my vanity to store lipsticks and maybe some pieces of jewelry.

 

Ok, one last thing.  I rarely post about recipes and food I make on here, but I made a chicken recipe the other night that was so good.  I hesitated putting up a picture of my meal because I am not a food photographer by any means, but here it is.  Cheesy potatoes au gratin, roasted broccoli, and jalepeno popper chicken.

Brandon and I love jalapenos, so when I saw this recipe, I knew I needed to try it.  Oh, and it's easy.

 

...and wait for it, this is how it's SUPPOSED to look:

For the recipe, click here.  Trust me, you want to make this.  Side note, I didn't exactly follow the recipe very well.  Instead of putting 2 tsp of taco seasoning in the panko crust mixture, I put the whole packet of seasoning in.  Oops!  It turned out awesome though and when I make this again, I will put the whole packet in again for the extra flavor it provided.

 

oh, ps!  My Stella and Dot Trunk Show did NOT end yesterday.  Oops again. 

Here's the link.  Place an order by tonight for your chance at winning a Julep Bangle.  They have some amazing spring/summer items that are brand new. 



ready to juice

I've been wanting to try a three-day juice cleanse for a while now, but always seem to make an excuse as to why I shouldn't.  They're expensive.  I'll be hungry.  I have an event or dinner planned mid-week.  Not good for my metabolism.  Some say it isn't healthy. The list goes on. 

Then I went home to see my parents one weekend and saw a huge box had been delivered to their doorstep.  It was a juicer.  Throughout the weekend, I saw my dad juice carrots, celery, wheat grass, brussel sprouts, cabbage, ginger root, apples, spinach, kale, cranberries, cucumbers, and a ton of other good-for-you-foods.  He put all of those together into one juice.  

Well, I'm not that extreme, but it did inspire me to start juicing myself.  I learned in my nutrition classes in college that juicing is the absolute BEST way to get nutrition from a fruit or vegetable because the juice of the plant is so rich in nutrients. By drinking it, your body is immediately absorbing these nutrients into the bloodstream for quick utilization by the body.

I am no nutritionist by any means, but here are some things I've learned by doing a little research:

- By eating fruits and veggies, we absorb 30% of the nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals).  By juicing, we absorb 90%.

- Fruit and vegetable juice contains enzymes that are important for your digestion.  These enzymes are destroyed by cooking fruits and veggies.  

- Juicing is a GREAT at detoxifying your body because the antioxidants will help carry the toxins that come from the fat cells that have been broken down.

- Nutrients from raw juices have the ability to correct imbalances in the body's cells that come from eating unhealthy and unnatural foods.

- Since fruit and vegetable juice is easy to digest, it leaves more energy for the body to fight off diseases and heal itself.  (Many doctors recommend it for those fighting cancer and other diseases.)

For anyone interested in purchasing a juicing machine, I found a Living Social deal this morning for a $130 juicer...on sale for $59!  I watched video reviews and it seems to do the job just as well as the more expensive ones.

Happy Juicing!

...and on a more exciting note, HAPPY FRIDAY!

new year reflections

Well hello there and happy new year!

I'm really not the best at keeping resolutions, so I don't make them too often.  This year, I do have a few.

1.  I started a new initiative for myself called "Eat Clean 13."  My resolution is to make healthier choices when it comes to my diet.  No, I'm not going on a "diet."  This is a lifestyle change.  

2.  Thanks to the word on the street (and Natalie's recommendation), I'm going to pick up this book and read it.  Not just the first half.  The whole thing.

3.  Get more sleep.  I usually don't close my eyes until midnight, often later.  This has to stop!  

4.  Worry less.  Make mistakes and not care.  

5.  Learn how to use my DSLR!  This is big.  I don't know what half of the buttons do, and no matter how many blog tutorials I read, I need to have hands on interaction with a professional to really grasp the idea. 

We spent our New Year's weekend in Blowing Rock, NC with a group of friends.  It was COLD, but we did get snow on Friday night and all day on Saturday.  We ventured to Sugar Mountain for some skiing on Sunday.  I was so worried that my body wouldn't remember how to ski, but thankfully it did!  I ventured to the tip top of the mountain with Brandon a few times and made it down with no falls, and most importantly...no broken bones.  

The rest of the weekend was spent eating and relaxing! 

We went to a small restaurant/bar called Twigs on NYE.  They had a fun band and the Clemson game on (We won our bowl game against LSU -yeah!!).  

The Deputy Sheriff, who was off duty, let his girlfriend drive his truck and she ran into a frozen pond.  Brandon had to take a picture in front of the disaster, naturally.  A firetruck, multiple 4x4 pickup trucks with chains, a few cops, and a HUGE crowd later...they got the truck out. 

Happy 2013! 

Xo-M