wednesday words: worrying vs. caring

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I am a worrier. I try my hardest not to be, but I am. I take after my momma in that way. Lately, you can find me worrying about my work, my wedding, my future, my goals...just so much right now. Worrying really does not produce any good. Just stress, am I right? This quote is so good for me to read at this time. This quote lets me know that it is ok to care about my job, my wedding, my future and my goals, but it not ok to worry about them. I want to be prepared for the next season, adventure, and experience in life that God has planned for me. By caring and learning and researching I can be prepared for my life and my future. Somehow, I do not think worrying will help prepare me for much of anything. I am going to work super hard today on caring instead of worrying. 

What about you? Do you worry a lot? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below :) 

Happy Wednesday, y'all! xo. 

c.wonder

C.Wonder had friends & family over the weekend. It was 30% off and I found it the perfect time (or excuse really) to buy these suede black pumps I have had my eye on for quite some time now. I do not own a decent pair of black pumps. Which is kind of unacceptable.

But, these are very acceptable! I can't wait to receive these beauties in the mail! I, naturally, wanted at least 3 more pairs of shoes....these, these, and these to be exact. But I figured one pair of classic heels was good enough for now! I will just have to add the others to my Christmas wish list ;)

Happy Tuesday! xo. 

the weekend

Hi! How was y'alls weekend? I was battling a cold (sore throat mostly) all weekend, but it was still a lot of fun! I was planning to do a whole outfit post, but it never happened thanks to said cold. I do have outfit tidbits for y'all though! Hopefully I will get some outfit pictures taken this week. If not I will this weekend! Anyway! Here's a little recap....


We went to get our marriage license on Friday and we were so excited!!! It took us a while to get there due to some last minute errands and major traffic, but we made it just in time. Literally 20 minutes before they closed. I wore this outfit to get our license. I just love this statement necklace I got at Loft last week so much. I am a sucker for statement necklaces.

{outfit details: top, denim, necklace: loft; shoes: tory burch; bracelet: loren hope via hattie sparks; sunnies: ray ban, phone case: j.crew} 

Saturday I had a blowout appointment at Dry Bar Bleu. I loved my first experience so much! Each hairstyle is named after a cocktail. I chose "On the Rocks" which is loose curls. I highly recommend this blow dry bar. I already have two more appointments scheduled for upcoming wedding events (bachelorette and rehearsal) and I can't wait to go back! The owner, Emily, is the sweetest too. She offers you champagne and snacks while you are having your hair done. So fun!

On Saturday night Jeremy & I attended a beautiful wedding and had so much fun! I love weddings and this one made me so excited for ours. Just 26 days away! (Note to self: really need to work on my picture skills...sorry for the blurry iphone pictures!)

{outfit details: dress: lilly pullitzer, bracelets: j.crew, loren hope, bag: louis vuitton, shoes (from above): jessica simpson} 

Happy Monday, y'all! xo. 

friday five no.6 (and the weekend)

Hi! Happy Friday...are y'all as excited as I am for this day? This was a long week for sure. Today Jeremy and I are both taking half days at work so we can go get our marriage license ;) Half day at work, marriage license, and it is Friday? Yes, please!

Here are 5 things I have been loving this week...

{1. This pretty wrapped box holds my chalkboards for my wedding. What is in the box is even prettier! Can't wait to share!} 

{2. My bachelorette party is next Friday and I could not be more excited about it! I am so ready to party with my girls! I am loving this print we found on etsy to frame for the party. It is perfect! } 

{3. We are starting to get a lot of wedding gifts in the mail...many of them being my china. This cabinet is the perfect size for the little wall space we have available and would be perfect to hold the china. I love it.} 

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{4. Speaking of china I can not wait to use mine! It has gold polka dots on it and I think I will be pulling it out at least once a week for at home date nights. What do you think?}

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{5. I love this rug from Lulu & Georgia. Jeremy and I currently have a great rug, from Target, similar to this but it is getting very stained and dirty from Jack. The fabric/texture of this rug seems a little more durable and as if it will withstand the wear and tear Jack brings. This is on my wish list for sure.}

This weekend is pretty jam packed for us. Saturday I am finally able to make it to an Xtend Barre class. I have not been in weeks due to really busy Saturday mornings lately. But this Saturday morning I made it a point to fit class in. I am craving it!  After class Jeremy and I have pre marriage counseling which we are both looking forward to. After counseling, I have a blow out scheduled at Dry Bar Bleu. I am super excited about this. Dry Bar Bleu just opened in Old Metairie and I have been dying to try it out after hearing great things about it. And finally that night, we have a wedding to attend at New Orleans Country Club. I am still debating what to wear. I am pretty sure I will end up in this Lilly. It is so classic and I love its flattering fit. Sunday is coffee, church, and an after church coffee/lunch date with friends to discuss exciting plans we have in the works! Told ya our weekend is jam packed!

What are y'all loving this week? What are your weekend plans? I would love to hear! Leave a comment below...

Enjoy your weekend! xo. 

fresh paint

Hi! I know I usually do not post on Thursdays but I wanted to share this with you! Sooo, we painted our front door over the weekend. By "we" I mean Jeremy painted while I watched with a glass of wine (obviously).  We used Valspar "Aqua Quartz" from Lowes. We really like the difference it made in the appearance of our little cottage. It truly brightened the place up.

At first, I was worried the color was a little too bright, but it is really pretty. I am enjoying looking at it! It is amazing how something as small (and inexpensive, too) as painting a door can make SUCH a big difference. We are renting so there is not much freedom Jeremy and I have with our place, so I am happy our landlord allowed us to make this change. It makes me happy and that is always a good thing!

Happy Thursday! xo. 

wednesday words: follow your own path

Happy Wednesday, y'all! xo. 

homestead

Homestead is a new uptown shop that just opened up last week that sells "superior quality goods for  your life and home". Jeremy and I made a visit there on Saturday and it's safe to say it is now one of my new favorite places. Most of their inventory is made in the USA. There were Loomed NOLA kitchen towels, perfectly scented Pommes Frites Candle Co. candles, vintage finds, Stanley Thermoses (for the manly man in your life), The Grove Street Press cards, and much more! I could have spent half my day in there looking at each item and chatting with the sweet owner (who is truly so sweet, by the way). I ended up buying a gift for my friends bridal shower with a card and a candle for me. Homestead is located on 1022 Lowerline Street, Uptown New Orleans. It is nestled in between houses and is the cutest! Go check it out and treat yourself.

{store front}

{navy blue dipped wooden spoons and loomed nola kitchen towel for my sweet friend} 

Happy Tuesday, y'all! xo. 

finally fall

{outfit details...jacket: j.crew, top: j.crew (old), skinnies: loft (on sale extra 40% off!!), booties: old navy, bracelets: j.crew (old)} 

Saturday was truly the first chilly day in New Orleans. It rained in the morning and the sun did not come out all day. It finally felt like fall! So naturally I broke out my favorite jacket that I have been waiting to wear. Chilly and rainy? This jacket is all over that kind of weather. Jeremy and I ran lots of errands all day so I wanted to be comfortable. Enter my favorite distressed skinnies (I have sung there praises here) and my booties. This was the perfect outfit for hopping in and out of Jeremy's truck all day and walking around uptown and the mall. This outfit is a keeper. 

And that big black beast above is our Jackie Doodle (or boodie or doodle or boo boo). He thinks he is a beast, but he is actually the biggest scaredy cat/sweetie you will ever meet! Jeremy and I love him so. Just not his black hair that sheds everywhere ;) 

**Also, we have painted our front door since these pictures were taken. Can't wait to share later this week!

Happy Monday, y'all! Hope y'all made it a great one! xo

friday five no. 5

Happy Friday!! Once again I am so thankful it is Friday...weekends are just the best! Here are five things I am loving this week...

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{1. The Steven Bailen Ombre Heel Booties. I love the color, the heel, the toe...the whole shebang. These would look great with flares, skinnies, skirts, dresses, anything really! I want/need these booties! Too bad I am trying not to shop and practice self control. I know I have will power somewhere! Sooo since I am not shopping you should...so get to it!} 

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{2. This cookbook is so, so, so good! Healthy, delicious, and easy...sign me up. Jeremy and I do not  eat Paleo, but we have been trying some of these recipes at dinner time. Danielle is super cute and has such a great story that she shares in the cookbook explaining why she eats the way she does. This book is a must if you eat Paleo or if you just want great recipes to cook! She also posts recipes on her blog.} 

{3. This is my bridal luncheon invitation. I love it so much! Scriptura does the best invitations, y'all. We put these beauties in the mail Thursday. I can't wait for all the gals to receive theirs and I can't wait for the luncheon! } 

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{4. Marais Fancy Bow Slipper. Aren't these the best? I have been searching for a navy flat and these are beyond perfect in my book. A slipper with a bow. I am seriously contemplating biting the bullet on these...but I think I'll be good and just add them to my Christmas wish list ;) Jeremy, are you reading? } 

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{5. Heather at paper please studio has been customizing so many wonderful elements of my wedding. She is ah-mazingly talented. She has created our super cute save the dates, our wedding programs (that I can't wait to share with y'all), and is currently working on our marriage certificate. I can not wait to see the finished product. I also had the pleasure of meeting Heather a few weeks ago at the Camilyn Beth show. She is a doll!!} 

Happy Weekend, y'all! xo. 

wednesday words: good thoughts

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These particular wednesday words make me smile. Just thinking about having good thoughts and sunbeams shining from my face and looking lovely is enough to make anyone smile though, no? 

I think it is so important to have good thoughts...good thoughts stem from what we believe in and what we expose ourselves to. It is so, so easy to get caught up in negativity and worrisome thoughts. I know I fall victim to it all.the.time. 

The not so good thoughts always show on my face, whether I realize it or not. It is amazing how much our own thoughts can effect us so much. So, I try to replace these thoughts with thoughts of truth...or I simply pray when I am feeling a little bit too anxious/worried/negative. Praying always helps. 

I certainly want people to look at me and see loveliness and sunbeams! This here quote is sure to be added to my list of favorites. Thank you, Mr. Dahl for your words!

happy wednesday. xo. 

two outfits, one day

{outfit details- dress: maison jules at macys, bag: rebecca minkoff, shoes: tory burch, necklace: stella & dot, bracelets: j,crew, forever 21}

I wore this denim dress for Saturday errands and shopping. It was really comfortable and kept me cool for this not so Fall weather we are having. When I saw this dress at Macy's a few weekends ago I fell in love. I love the a-line skirt and the short sleeves. It is also the softest denim I have felt. It was also on sale. Can't beat that! 

(Excuse the Whole Foods bag in my hands. I told you we ran a lot of errands!)

{outfit details: dress: hattie sparks, bracelet: loren hope via hattie sparks, bag: rebecca minkoff, shoes: bcbg (old)} 

I apologize for the grainy iphone pictures...they look a little cool, maybe? Annnyway...this is what I wore Saturday night to cocktails and dinner with Jeremy. I love this maxi. Love it. The print and dark colors make it perfect for those warm fall nights when you really just want to wear a sundress, but want to look season appropriate. This dress is always the answer. 

Have a great day, y'all! xo. 

the weekend

Hi! How was y'alls weekends? Mine was super busy, but fun! I felt like Jeremy and I were go, go, go the entire time. Friday night our "plan" was to stay in, make nachos, rent a movie...ya know relax or something. Instead my sister and her boyfriend invited us to a last minute dinner at The Velvet Cactus. As if I could turn down Mexican at my favorite spot. Margaritas and queso with my favorite couple to double with is always a good time!

Saturday we took our beloved black pup Jack for a long walk around the neighborhood. We ran into a pumpkin patch...Jack and I were thrilled! As you can see in the photo below. We then did some typical Saturday errands (groceries, furniture shopping, etc.) and walked around uptown popping in and out of boutiques. Jeremy even bought me some goodies from Hattie Sparks...so you know I was a happy girl. Shannon Kirsten, ban.do, and The Grove Street Press...I love you all! We lunched/snacked at Dat Dog and caught some of the LSU vs. Florida game. Dat Dog has the best fries ever. End of story.

We celebrated my birthday Saturday night with happy hour cocktails at Oak Wine Bar, dinner at Peche (my new favorite restaurant), and a nightcap at Tommy's Wine Bar. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  If you don't believe me here are some iphone pics to prove it...enjoy!

{at the velvet cactus}

{jack and me and the pumpkin patch}

{ban.do mini pom pom (perfect for saints games), shannon kirsten print, the grove street press "congratulations" card and walker percy print}

{dat dog's colorful patio}

{oak's interior that i am obsessed with}

{cocktails!}

{peche}

{baked drum with crispy rice for him. grilled tuna with olive salad + greens for me. squash, bacon and rice casserole to share. it was amazing y'all. i can't wait to go back!}

{my handsome guy who i get to marry in just 40 days!} 

I will be back tomorrow with an outfit post! Happy Monday, y'all! xo

friday five

Happy Friday, y'all!! I don't know about y'all but I have been waiting for this day all week. My week was long and busy. I am looking forward to relaxing tonight and to continuing my birthday celebration all day tomorrow and tomorrow night with Jeremy! Anyway, here are 5 things I have been loving this week...

{1. I am loving my new asos scalloped edge bag. It is structured, but roomy, and keeps all of my things in their proper place. I love its slim and sophisticated lines...even though Jeremy calls it my briefcase.} 

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{2.  Y'all, I just love Shannon Kirsten's work so much. I have quite a few of her beautiful prints and have used her pretty cards for various occasions.  I just ordered this skull print and I can't wait for it to arrive!! Jeremy and I have been on the hunt for a cool skull illustration since we saw one in an art gallery back in August. He deemed this particular one "too girly" for his taste, but he does like it and approved of it hanging in my closet room. I mean...where else did he think it would go? I am not sharing! This beauty is all mine, y'all!} 

{3. Fall flowers are making me happy. And pumpkins too.} 

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{4. J.Crew is 40% off final sale items online (code: EXTRA40) and in stores through October 12. So far, I purchased this tweed front merino sweater (that is not for sale online but is in store!!), a grey jeweled sweatshirt (also bought in store...I can't find it on the site), and these pajamas. I am trying to be good and not go back for more. Although, I do have a few items for Jeremy sitting in my online cart...even Jeremy appreciates a good J.Crew sale. It's the only time he will shop and the only time he won't fuss at me for shopping. So, it's a win win!} 

{5. My sister gave me this ILY Couture sweatshirt for my birthday (after some heavy hinting on my end, ha) and I am obsessed with it! I tried it on and it is the softest sweatshirt around, in my opinion. Too bad I can't wear this baby for another 43 days. But y'all better believe I will be rocking this come November 24 en route to our honeymoon and I can't wait. I just can't wait to be Jeremy's wifey!} 

Hope y'all have a fabulous Friday! xo. 

wednesday words: wedding invitation

Today's "Wednesday Words" post is not typical with an inspirational or motivational quote. It is quite simply just "words"...because I wanted to share my wedding invitations with y'all! We put them in the mail yesterday and I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it!

I love, love, love how our invitations came out. I chose for them to be larger than a standard invitation and for the type to take up the majority of the space. I think they are just gorgeously done...simple and classic (with a little touch of gold on the edges). Perfect!

I can't wait to share the bridal brunch invitations and wedding programs with you in future {wedding} posts! I love those just as much as I love my wedding invitation. I am such a sucker for pretty type, invitations, and paper. I love browsing online paper shops and shopping at my favorite local shop, Scriptura. Do you love pretty paper? What are some of your favorite stationary/paper shops?

happy wednesday! xo