2014 Favorites

ONE // University of Georgia
Leaving UGA was bittersweet. I was really apprehensive to leave and, admittedly, almost tacked on a Masters degree or minor. I grew so much in that sweet small town - from almost quitting school to figuring out where priorities had to lay. There definitely were those not-so-good times, but living with my best friends for a full four years was something that I could and would never change for the world. Living in that gross downtown loft (which included my roommate's ceiling falling in) with paper-thin walls was probably one of the best years. I had a wonderful support system within the journalism school and really came to love the staff. I knew it wouldn't be goodbye as I would come back all the time.

TWO // Spotify Premium
I'm not entirely sure how anyone listened to music before Spotify Premium. I must admit I was a little overwhelmed when I first tried to make my first playlist. And, I'm still a little torn up that Tay Swift took all her music off.

Click here and here to visit two of my favorite playlists!

THREE // Jeni's
Okay, I'm not a sweets person. But Jeni's sold me on ice cream. Their Salted Caramel and Goat Cheese with Cherries are two of mine and Bryant's favorites. If we're over near the Westside, we always HAVE to go.

FOUR // J. Brand Jeans

Hello, your's truly is from a small town in middle Georgia, so did I know what J. Brand jeans were before I went to college? Um, no. But I finally got a pair and let's just say my wallet is cursed forever because MAN! Are these pants comfortable or what?

FIVE // Bean Boots

My poor mother. Every Christmas and birthday for the past three years you could find Bean Boots on the list, and finally my dreams came true last year when a pair showed up on my doorstep for my birthday. They are perfect for cold and gross wintery days. I'm just trying to figure out how many people would judge me if I showed up to the office in them.

SIX // L.L. Bean Totes

Confession: I have a bag problem. I love bags, any kind of them. But my L.L. Bean totes definitely take the cake. They're so durable and go with anything!

SEVEN // Family
2014 rallied both sides of my family like no other. Like every other family, we are not without our faults, but when it came time for me to move to Atlanta my uncle and his girlfriend graciously allowed me to stay in their apartment for 3 months. And since we lost my grandmother I think I have seen my cousins and aunt and uncle more times in the last five months than in the past two years.

EIGHT // Brunch
Should I explain more? Some of my favorite brunch spots in Atlanta are Sun in My Belly, Murphy's, and Rosebud.

NINE // Bear

Lil baby Bear. I couldn't say enough great things about this little guy. When we brought him home he took a few days to show his personality, but it eventually came out. Teaching him how to high-five was one of the best and worst things I could have done, he potty trained quickly, and definitely ruled the roost. We've been without him less than a week now, but I'm sure he's running around in puppy heaven tearing apart many rope toys and chasing many squirrels.

Happy New Year! Here's to 2015!

Budgeting On An Entry Level Salary

I don't make a ton of money, and I don't try to pretend like I do. Although living in Atlanta is arguably a more inexpensive city, living alone isn't cheap and I constantly find myself getting excited about finding a whole 50¢. While in college most of us had the assumption that we would make $50k right off the bat (which is kind of hilarious). With that being said, I constantly get asked how to stay on track with a smaller salary. A little secret?

It's all in the budgeting.

Christmas Explosion

One question: Where did 2014 go?! Can't believe it's already December! I had planned to list my favorite Cyber Monday deals, but today was just so crazy that I haven't even gotten the chance to check out the sales myself!

Christmas, however, did find time to explode all over my apartment this weekend! I'm so in love with my little 4-ft tree that I just can't stand it. I went a little ornament crazy, and when I had a ton left over I decided to pile them into this bowl from Ikea that sits under my coffee table. Bear seemed pretty confused by this, but was a great little supervisor. (He's becoming the best little guy, I swear.)

Have you decorated for Christmas yet, or is it still a bit early for you? 

What kinds of traditions do you share with your loved ones when it comes to decorating for the big day?

An Ode To Thanksgiving

Here's to the bird.

Here's to family time, and the puppy begging for scraps.

Here's to setting the smoke detector off.

Here's to the first holiday without our angel.

Here's not to Black Friday.

Here's to arguments, dropping casseroles, and a few tears.

Here's to too much wine.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Drybar

You all know I'm a huge advocate of treating yourself, so when the opportunity arose for my work pal, Rebecca, and I to visit Drybar we hopped on that train in the blink of an eye.

Getting that blow out experience once a month should be a guilty pleasure for every woman, in my opinion, along with a nice gel manicure and a new pair of jeans. Having someone wash and style my hair is something I usually only experience a few times a year when it's time to get a haircut, so if I can have the same experience with a glass of wine and not snipping the ends off my hair its a definite win!

All the products they use smell ahhh-mazing, and their curling iron and hair dryer work like a dream.

I just wish I could have made this blow out last forever!

Get their flat iron, curling iron, hair dryer, or products!

Thoughts? Have you ever been to Drybar?

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Image Via

Image Via

Image Via

Ahhhh Thanksgiving. A time of long-awaited reunions, Friendsgivings, and eating until you can barely squeeze into those skinny jeans (no one will judge you; it's the perfect time of year). Thanksgiving, to me, is like Christmas Eve in a way: there's a buzz in the air that you can't quite explain.

Now, I've always loved looking at interesting tablescapes, as unrealistic they are for my family. Seeing what details others focus on always intrigues me: from centerpieces to name plates (Yeah, right. In our house you sit wherever) to tableware. So just curious, does anyone out there actually go all out for a table setting? I like to think when I have a family I will, but let's be real here.

All of these lovely pictures were taken for Occassions' Thanksgiving Table Styling Contest! Please go vote for Candice and Marilisa of Chancy Charm (two dear friends of my college roommate)!

Weekend Links

Image via

Can y'all believe next week is Thanksgiving already?! Although there have obviously been talks of the holidays already, I am so excited to get things rolling. Bryant and I are planning on visiting my parents' place for Thanksgiving and letting Mister Bear run around their 15 acres for a day or two. Then we're coming back up to brave Black Friday shopping (oh, dear). What about you? Do you already have Thanksgiving plans? I hope you have a happy and quiet weekend before the hustle and bustle begin!

1. Anna Kendrick + Kate Spade

2. Do you know how to spend the holidays like a Town and Country-er?

3. I had my first ever Dry Bar experience today, and I'm so hooked already!

4. Another T+C article for you: plaid, plaid, plaid everywhere.

5. If I could afford it, I would go everyday. But check out a guy's perspective on Pure Barre.

6. It's been so cold outside. Are the vocals or lip syncing more impressive?

7. The Hipster Business Name Generator.

8. Did you know this about cheese?!

9. Italian chefs rate grocery store pasta.

10. Crate and Barrel. xoxo, Olivia Pope

Dine-In 52: Numbers Seven & Eight

Tag-teaming this one, folks. Why? I've got a pair of sister restaurants to tell you about! 

St. Cecilia's dining room (Image via)

St. Cecilia's fun/two-story barscape! (Image via)

King + Duke's rustic barscape! (Image via)

King + Duke (Image via)

St. Cecilia: 3455 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, 30326

King + Duke: 3060 Peachtree Rd NW, W Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta 30305

To be frank, neither of these two beauties are fresh on my mind. But, I will tell you, if you have never been and you aren't afraid to try food that is a bit different (hello, whole fish head on my plate) this place is a must-try.

Both of these are owned by Atlanta (legendary) restauranteur Ford Fry who also owns JCT Kitchen, No. 246, and The Optimist (all three of which I'm dying to go to), and I think he's got it really figured out. St. Cecilia is located just across from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in the Pinnacle building in Buckhead, and is a mix of food between the Italian-based No. 246 and the Seafood-based The Optimist. King + Duke is just down Peachtree and offers some exquisite wood-fired cuisine, I must say. And, if you don't like brussels sprouts or bone marrow, just go to either of these restaurants and I promise you will change your mind. Especially on the bone marrow.

St. Cecilia and King + Duke are great places for date night, dinner out with friends, even great lunch spots! They're also not bad for sighting manly lumberjack-esque waiters. Chef tables and private rooms are also available, but all the fun is really down in the busy dining rooms! But trust me when I say this, prepare to bring your wallet or owe your loved-one a big kiss at the end of the night, because these menus aren't cheap.

St. Cecilia Facebook // Twitter // Yelp // Menu

King + Duke  Facebook // Twitter // Yelp // Menu


"I want to create restaurants that strike a timeless emotional cord. Restaurants that don't pander to trend, but draw generations of family together" - Ford Fry

GIFT GUIDE (FOR FIDO)

How could we forget our fur babies during the holidays?! Bear may or may not be getting most of these. Again, going along with the Gift Guides for Him and Her, everything is under $50! Enjoy!

(1) Over Under Leather Collar (2) Doggie Cigars

(3) Bumi Tug Toy (4) Polar Fleece Blanket (great for the crate!)

(5) Good Dog Bucket (6) Canines for Veterans Rope Toy

[Side notes: aren't those Doggie Cigars just the cutest? Also, the Bumi toy is indestructible and has a lifetime warranty! The best dog toy I've ever bought. No joke.]

Coffee Table Books

one - two - three

Aren't coffee table books so fun? If there is one thing I love when stepping into someone's home it is seeing a nice little stack of coffee table books just waiting for me to sift through. They can always tell you so much about a person. For instance, my grandmother always had gardening books perfectly stacked on the table. She was a master gardener. My co-worker has a book of Maddie on Things, and he's a total goofball. 

What are your favorite coffee table books and what do they say about you?

A couple of my favorites and some that I'm lusting after are below. Some of them are also on sale right now at One King's Lane!

Private Gardens of Georgia - Kate Spade Things We Love

Slim Aarons Once Upon A Time - Maddie On Things - French Interiors

Tiny Food Party - Conde Nast Traveler Photographs

Impact - NYT: 36 Hours - Emerald

The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook - The Handwritten Letter Project

Lately...

[Media Planners by day, Cards Against Humanity by Night.]

WEARING // Tommy Hilfiger riding boots (they're on sale!), GAP Always Skinnies, Columbia vest, Bean Boots, Vineyard Vines cap (no shame in covering up nappy hair on Saturday!)

WATCHING // How To Get Away With Murder, I'm hooked!! But really, who killed the husband?! I guess we'll find out next week.

WONDERING // if my neighbors can hear me jamming to Spotify through the walls

LISTENING // speaking of Spotify...

TRYING // less sweets; early morning runs

READING // Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn; She Reads Truth

OBSESSING OVER // Dotted Tusk Jewelry; this jacket; this Tori Burch bag

REMEMBERING // "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:3-6; Been having more quiet time lately, and I'm loving getting to know God's word again.




P.S. You can now follow my blog with Bloglovin!

GIFT GUIDE (FOR HIM): UNDER $50!

I don't know about you, but the toughest part of my holiday shopping is for the men in my life (my dad and brother in particular!). This was a really fun list to make though, and hopefully you will find this useful for the men in your life, too. Oh yeah, everything on this list is also under $50; ENJOY!

(1) Baxter of California Travel Kit (2) J.Crew Flask

(3) Jack Spade "Nice Parking" Cards (4) The Essential Bar Book

(5) Over Under Key Fob (6) High Cotton Seersucker Bow Tie

(7) Jake Spade Good Grief Glasses (8) A trip to the Painted Pin!

BONUS:

(1) Great Bear Wax Co. Campfire Candle (2) Aviator Leather Travel Mug

Dine-in Check-in: Number Six

Can I just say how much I loved Nuevo Laredo? I always say I could eat Mexican food every day for the rest of my life, but wow. The walls are covered in timeless photos of legends that have dined there just like you and me, and the food was just absolutely killer. And, I accidentally may or may not have started a mini debate on my Instagram on if it was the best Mexican joint/had the best margaritas in Atlanta. Oops.

Check out their Facebook and Twitter!

GIFT GUIDE (FOR HER): EVERYTHING UNDER $50!

I'm really excited to be rolling out this year's gift guides! Let's face it, buying gifts for your entire family builds faster than always anticipated. Giving nice gifts without breaking the bank is definitely doable. I'll be featuring a few other lists in the days to come! So keep your eyes peeled. Without further ado, everything under $50...

(1) C. Wonder Cheers! Cocktail Shaker (2) Kiel James Patrick Archer Bracelet 

(3) Mark & Graham Colorfield Zip Pouch (4) Diptyque Baies Candle 

(5) West Elm Hometown City Pillow Cover

(6) Kate Spade Garden Drive Jewelry Box 

(7) How to Be A Parisian Wherever You Are & Top With Cinnamon 

(8) Alex and Ani Bangles (9) Dry Bar Gift Certificates

Gimme More Guac

Is anyone else's guacamole obsession going overboard (answer: NEVER!). I could eat Mexican food quite literally everyday. I found this little recipe below a little while ago for homemade guac, and followed those guidelines for my own little recipe. It was great; however, I made my own little tweaks. It ended up delicious.

Instead of:

Hot Sauce: Siracha. Yes, I said it. Use your own discretion.

1 TBS White Onion: Use 1/2 TBS white onion, and 1/2 TBS of green onion

Add:

1 Roma Tomato, diced

Extra 1/2 TSP Salt

1 TSP (ish) Pepper

Bob and Mambo

Today my heart is so full.

The end goal seems simple: raise and train a puppy into adulthood, teach it basic social skills associated with a service dog, and eventually, after a little more formal training, they will go off to do big things. Seems simple, but once so much time and effort goes into spending with these animals its almost impossible not to realize the impact they will have on someone's life.

Meet Mambo. He is the littermate of my sweet Rumba. Mambo's story is a little different than most of the dogs raised through the foundation. He was actually selected to be a VetDog, a service dog that assists disabled veterans. However, when his time came to go to formal training in New York there were no more VetDog spots and, thus, was placed in the Guide Dog program.

"I think the switch happened because he was meant to be the dog for Bob," Megan Williamson, Mambo's puppy raiser stated. Bob Gold, a visually impaired gentleman, had specifically asked for the "biggest and best" GDF had to offer. Conveniently they knew that Mambo was a gentle giant that has always been willing to work, so when the time came for a dog to be matched with Bob there was no question it would be Mambo. It was a match made in Heaven.

Bob lives with his wife in Tampa, FL. He doesn't have a dog of his own and says that having Mambo means more freedom, love, and independence for both him and his wife.

If you have never heard of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. or America's VetDogs I strongly encourage you to check out their website and learn more. As you can see this is a wonderfully selfless group, and ensures those with disabilities live as close to normal lives as possible.

Visit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc:

Facebook | Twitter | Donate | Volunteer | Raise a Puppy | America's Vet Dogs

Dine In 52: Muss & Turner's // Atlanta Fish Market

If you had asked me where the last two weeks have gone I wouldn't have been able to tell you. Lots of exciting things are headed this way though! Because I've been slacking I'm doubling up on this Dine In post, and I have many, many more to come!

NUMBER THREE:

Where: Muss & Turner's

Address: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE #309, Smyrna, GA 30080

When: end of August // beginning of September

The Scene: Casual Tuesday evening dinner

Sometimes we like to discover new things in Bryant's neck of the woods. My cousins that live in the area strongly suggested this homey dive, and it didn't disappoint! Everything on their menu was delicious. I settled on their Swifty's Dream sandwhich (pulled pork), Bryant had the Gobbler, and we split a large huge order of fries.

What makes Muss and Turner's even better? Their desserts and Elenor's. You'll have to go to see what I'm talking about.

M&T Insta // Facebook // Twitter

NUMBER FOUR:

Where: Atlanta Fish Market

Address: 265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

When: September 10, 2014

The Scene: DATE NIGHT!

He spoils me. That's all. My personal opinion? The hype makes it seem overly fancy, but they can whip up a helluva fish plate. Pick whatever fresh fish they have to offer and get it prepared however you like - or get the lobster. Everything on that menu rocks.

AFM Facebook // Twitter

**Muss and Turner's photos via Muss and Turner's Instagram account.

Treat Yo Self

I'm going to be frank here. Things haven't been going so great for the last couple weeks. I want to enjoy this time, celebrate growth, and embrace new opportunities... not become so concerned why things aren't the way I pictured them turning out to be. Changing mindset isn't easy, and it's a constant work in progress. 

I'm a huge believer that you should celebrate little victories (and mini growth spurts). Things have been tip-toeing their way to the brighter side of things. I think I'm starting to become a little more confident at my work, my living situation may be changing soon, and I bought a more reliable car. Therefore, I decided to treat myself!

I've had my eye on a few things from Kendra Scott, so instead of heading straight home after work I stopped in the Lenox store to see if anything would grab my attention. This necklace and these earrings struck my fancy, but with fall rolling in I decided to get a little something that can go with everything.

Isn't this necklace just the perfect piece to add to your collection? I think the Elisa Pendant Necklace is the perfect mix of simplicity and elegance that could dress up any outfit. I already have my eye on the indigo one I found in the store! 

Atlanta-based Pi Beta Phi's are having an event at the Kendra Scott Lenox store on October 2 from 6 to 8. If you're an alum in the area please stop by!

Digital TV Week

Image via

To me, there's nothing better than coming home and relaxing in front of the television and vegging out. I like to image one day I'll have a nice little wall like the one shown above, but last week I did my best to stray far, far away from my living room.

Have you ever thought how you would react if all your regular television was taken away for a week? Kind of sounds like a nightmare from middle school, right? The Bloomin' Brands Team was challenged to gear up their Apple TV's, Roku's, Google Chromecast, and laptops and leave traditional team behind for an entire week. Let's just say the struggle was real.

Dine In 52, Number 3, Petite Auberge Restaurant

Where: Petite Auberge Restaurant, Oil & Vinegar Boutique

Address: 2935 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

When: August 4, 2014

The Scene: Granny Vee's 95th birthday dinner

Last month my family got together for a little birthday gathering for my great-grandmother's 95th birthday (wow!). I had intended on writing this post and taking better pictures when we visited again this month for my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary (wow, again!). However, sadly, my grandmother lost her battle with lung cancer, so I am just going to leave this post at this: my grandmother's favorite, an amazing memory with loved ones, and a craving for more olive oil than I could ever consume in my lifetime.

I ordered the veal marsala with asperagus as well as a spinach salad as the starter. Of course I had to pair it with a glass of [white] wine.

Decatur based Petite Auberge sits nestled in a strip mall, but don't let that take away from the French delicacies that await inside. It's knowledgeable staff, ambiance, and delicious food & drink make for a a wonderful special occasion destination.


MENU | THEIR STORY

Weekend Browsing

image via

Woof. What a [short] exhausting week. I need a nap (and wine). Enjoy, friends!

01 | My Jimmy Fallon obsession is grinning from ear to ear this week. Check out Adam Levine rocking (no pun intended) impressions of Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.

02 | I used to wear the highest, tightest pony tail up until middle school. What does your pony tail say about you?

03 | A few of my favorite Atlanta/Athens blogs: The Broad Collective; Kathryn McCrary; Jess Grave's The Love List

04 | Essie's Fall Collection. I see 'Style Cartel' in my near future. 

05 | It's about to be that time of year. Half my team at work is already falling ill (myself included). This thermometer is a must for the months ahead!

06 | This is an old blog post from my favorite brewery in Atlanta, Monday Night Brewing Company. But I'm definitely going to have to keep this event in mind for next spring. Who's with me?

07 | I see a new lipstick making its way to my collection.

String Lights

Ever heard of Oh Happy Day? Well if you like bright colors and need a couple of home decor or party ideas then go on over. Jordan Ferney, the blog's creator, just launched Bright Lab, a sweet line of string lights. So hold on to your britches and brace yourself for the cutest little string lights you ever did see.

You can order their signature color sets, or you can customize your own! My favorite color sets?

Metallic Mix and Party Girl.

Okay, they're even adorable in kids' rooms.

When I was young I had an obsession with string lights. When I move into my new apartment I'll probably have to fuel my inner flower child and treat myself to a strand (or two!) of these.