Friday Favorites

Is it just me or did this week fly by!? I can't believe its already Friday but hey, I'll take it! We've got a busy weekend ahead and I'll be blogging all next week from Florida! Now if only I could fast forward through that road trip...

Today I'm linking up again with Amanda, Christina, and the rest of the Five on Friday crew!

One. Office Update

Gray Harper Dining Chair

This past weekend I finally found a comfy chair in my price range for my office redo, and I'm loving it! I originally bought it in light grey (which is beige online) but realized they had a charcoal grey which is perfect with my rug. (FYI- World Market sells these in a set of 2 online but you can get them individually in the store!) Spray painting that Ikea desk took longer than I thought but I love the way the white looks versus the old darker version. I'll have more photos as soon as I get my gallery wall up!

Two. Fourth of July shirt

Navy Monogrammed America Shirt

Y'all I found this shirt on Etsy and couldn't get it in my online cart fast enough! I think its so darn adorable and obviously I had to get my monogram on the front! I think it will be perfect in the evening after I get ketchup or something ridiculous on my other outfit. ha!

Three. Custom Photo Albums

This week I finally finished going through all 900+ photos from our Europe trip and ordered our photo album! We used the same company, Adorama Pix, to make our wedding album and it was so worth the extra money. You can pick any layout you want for every page and make it look totally professional. Our 56-page wedding album with a leather cover and lay-flat pages was under $80 after a 40% off coupon. They have another 40% sale going on until June 3rd (use the code: PXFB40K) I definitely recommend using them for wedding, travel or baby albums!

Four. Nerd Alert... World Wars on the History Channel

Has anyone watched the new World Wars special on the History Channel, or am I just a total nerd for loving it? It basically gives you a rundown of all of the world leaders during the World Wars. It probably sounds boring but I swear I'm not a history buff, its just really well done!

Five. Weekend Plans

If the weather holds up this weekend the hubs and I are trying something new here in Charleston before packing up the car for the Sunshine State. Even though its not vacation time in Florida, I'm looking forward to seeing a few sunsets on my favorite beach, Siesta Key! Make sure to follow along on Instagram to see what we're up to!!

That's is for me today, I hope you have a fab weekend with lots of sun!

34

Travel :: Packing for Europe

We're already halfway to the weekend y'all! Don't you love short weeks?! Since we're packing up for a little road trip to the Sunshine State this weekend, I've been frantically trying to cross some things off my trusty to-do list.

One thing I've been working on is a photo album of our Europe trip, which is taking me longer than I expected because A) I'm a perfectionist and B) I keep finding myself scrolling through pictures, drooling over the food we ate and wishing I had two weeks off of work again.

I remembered how hard it was for me to pack for unpredictable Spring weather, without completely over-packing and lugging massive suitcases around Italy. I usually lean more toward comfort for trips like this, I certainly wasn't the most fashionable in Paris, but I don't think I looked like a tourist which was a good thing.

Spring Essentials for Europe

Jackets/Blazers: I packed my favorite trench coat and although it was a little thin for the colder days we had in Paris, it was perfect for the majority of the trip! We were so lucky to only have 2 days with a little rain but it came in handy at night when it was a little cooler, even in Italy. If I wasn't wearing my trench, I had a navy blue 3/4 sleeve blazer that was easy to throw on if I was chilly.

Dresses: I love wearing dresses in general so I brought one along for the warmer days. Make sure it covers your shoulders, or bring a scarf to cover them, when you're heading to tour churches.

Pants: I packed two pairs of jeans and two pairs of leggings and it worked great with the Spring weather. I never had to wash my jeans and my leggings were easy to wash and hang to dry.

Tops: I brought two short-sleeve tees, two thin button downs, and two or three shirts with 3/4 sleeves. The longer sleeve shirts were my go-to on most days while we were in Italy so I didn't have to bring a jacket. I also wore a thin sweater around Siena and it was perfect in the morning.

Crossbody Bag: This was the number one thing all of my blog friends recommended and they were so right! I brought one big enough for my DSLR and another smaller one for the evenings when I didn't feel like bringing my camera.

Shoes: I debated taking my boots but was glad that I did because I needed them in Venice and Paris. I saved space in my luggage by wearing them on travel days. Pack a comfy pair of flats and some boat shoes or something similar for a more casual tourist day.

Jewelry: I didn't go too crazy on the jewelry while we were in Europe. I don't like bulky statement necklaces while I'm walking around all day but if you're into that, pack one that matches most of your outfits.

Scarves: These were probably the best accessory I packed! I had 3 scarves that I could mix and match with all of my outfits and with the cooler breeze in the Spring, I found myself wearing one almost every day.

We really got lucky with our weather and didn't need any warm clothes in Florence. Even Rome and Siena were in the low-70s and sunny on some days, so I found myself removing my scarf or blazer after a couple hours.

Camera Equipment: For my DSLR, I just packed my stock lens and the charger. It worked great for me since I'm a beginner and I feel like I captured a lot of great photos with it! I brought three memory cards and switched them out every couple of days. We used our phone cameras for any pictures we asked someone to take for us and my hubby got some amazing panoramic shots with his iPhone!

Don't forget an adapter! We brought two (found here and here) and they worked great in both Italy and Paris. You can use the two-prong adapters even if the wall socket fits a three-prong. Just don't force it and pull something straight out of Just Married.

If you're looking for help on packing your carry-on, make sure to check out my guest post over at Newlyweds:North!

Anyone have anything else to add?! I know some of you are planning trips to Europe this summer, so hopefully this will help a little even though you'll be dealing with much warmer weather than we did!

13

Memorial Day + a Favorite Summer Drink

I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend! The weather here was a bit iffy but the hubs and I managed to cross a ton of things off our to-do list, nothing too exciting but it was a much needed 3-day weekend.

I was looking through my pictures from this weekend and no lie, they were all of food. I don't know whether to be embarrassed that food is obviously a high priority or mad at myself for not asking someone to take our photo at a friend's Memorial Day picnic.

I finally retired Casper this weekend and got some color. My makeup officially matches my skin again (yay!) and I feel skinnier. Does that even make sense? Sometimes a tan can really boost the self confidence. Also I don't normally like strapless swim suit tops but this one feels really secure and gives more shape than the regular bandeau tops. I definitely recommend!

This weekend I also took a page out of my college drinking playbook and put together a favorite summer drink! In college, we had this mixture of pineapple juice, OJ, sherbert, and lots of vodka. We would make it in a gallon jug because everyone loved it so much, we needed large quantities. Anyway, I didn't add vodka this time around (my body doesn't respond well to it after my bachelorette party experience) but it would be a really good addition.

The basic contents are Light Lemonade, two scoops of strawberry sherbert, some berries, and a paper straw of course. Let it sit for a couple minutes so the sherbert starts melting into the lemonade. So refreshing!

We made a festive breakfast before heading to a picnic yesterday, funfetti pancakes and all.

Ruby even dressed for the occasion. This sweet girl had a good report from the vet last week after her ACL surgery. We're halfway through the recovery process (I say "we" because I think its been harder on us than on Ruby) and only 6 more weeks of no jumping, steps, or running. All of which she did this weekend despite our best efforts. 

Obviously she's really thrilled about this picture.

And don't mind her crazy fur. I've had to trim her hair since she got hurt and its given me a much deeper respect for groomers!

Enjoy the short work week y'all!

21

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday! Since we're all excited for the long weekend, I'm going to keep it short and sweet this morning!

I'm linking up with Christina and Amanda for my favorites from the week!

One :: Mail Day

Anyone else get super excited for packages?! I seriously love when a bunch a goodies like this come in the mail! And hell yes to free samples! I got 30 percent off and a free full size product from Ouidad. And if you're wondering what Ouidad is, they sell stuff for girls with curly frizzy hair like me.

Two :: Pineapple Print

Pineapple Print from Made by Girl

I'm loving this adorable pineapple print from Jen Ramos! She is super talented and I've been trying to decide which of her prints I want for my office gallery wall. I'm hoping she comes out with this print in some colors, but nothing says summer more than pineapples right? It would be perfect on a bar cart!

Three :: Asheville Trip Planning

{via}

We've got lots of traveling on the schedule this summer and fall, including trips to Sarasota, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Asheville, and Savannah. But we need some recommendations for Asheville! We're hoping to find a cabin in the mountains with a great view in the Fall. If anyone has recs for places to stay, restaurants, or things to do I'd love to hear them! Also, restaurants in Savannah?

Four :: This week is over

This is how I felt when I had finished four huge projects at work and my coworker was halfway through one. I honestly might have lost my mind if I didn't have my sweet husband around to vent to about this. (Sorry babe!)

Five :: Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you all have a great weekend with lots of good food, friends, and shopping! And if you're me, lots of sleep too. I'm excited to recharge the batteries and plan out some fun blog posts that I've been slacking on!

33

Summer Party Planning: Red White & Blue Style

We're almost through the week! Things have been crazy around here due to long work hours (they still suck even when you work from home) so blogging has taken a back seat. To top it off, I woke up yesterday and it felt like I got hit by a freight train or ran a marathon, neither of which happened obviously. Needless to say this long weekend can't get here soon enough!

I've been really looking forward to Memorial Day this year because it marks one year for our little family in Charleston. It's also not just about the three-day weekend or awesome sales at your fave stores, but its the one day of the year set aside to thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Though we'll be the guests rather than hosts on Memorial Day, I suspect we'll have some friends over for some BBQ, brews, and Bags (cornhole) at some point throughout the weekend. I'd much rather be casual and comfy for picnics, especially since our Bags games can get intense!

Shorts. Sandals. Top. Earrings. Sunnies. Straws. Sangria.
You can find more inspiration for Memorial Day\July 4th and party planning here and here!

It's been a while since we hosted a party which is probably why I'm so excited for the next festive weekend... the Fourth of July!

We'll be partying it up at my parents' casa to celebrate the 4th and my Dad's 60th birthday, so I'm helping my Mom with all of the party prep. I'm thinking of making it a "vintage Americana" type theme, with a mix of kraft food + drink labels, my burlap flag banner, mason jars, drink tins, and navy and red paper straws (of course!) I shared some of my inspiration above!

What are your plans for the weekend? Anyone else counting down the days until July 4th BBQs?!

13

Weekend in Photos

Ah Monday, you come too fast. Anyone else ready for the 3-day weekend coming up?! I know it's totally cliche to talk about how fast the time goes but this was one of those super busy weekends for us where, if I didn't document it in pictures like a good blogger (ha!), it would have felt like it didn't happen!

Strawberry and Nutella Crepe. So messy, but so worth the chocolate and powdered sugar I got all over me.

Arthur Ravenel Bridge on a gorgeous day

Nadeau Charleston furniture store. This place has the most interesting furniture pieces painted in all different colors.

Gorgeous window on our way to Husk for brunch

Wood fired french toast with berries and pecans. SO delicious. Husk is my new favorite.

One of the homes South of Broad

The most gorgeous peonies that remind me of our wedding and make my office smell amazing!

I hope y'all had a great weekend!

25

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! I hope you all have lots of good stuff planned for the weekend. Summer is already in full swing here in Charleston so I'm excited for a lot of grilling, sun, and hopefully some beach time! 

Also I wanted to thank you all for the love on my DIY scarf camera strap, I don't intend on opening an Etsy shop (at least in the near future!) but you really know how to make a girl feel loved!

Today I'm linking up with Amanda and Natasha for some of my favorites from the week!

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter

Am I the last to hear about this or have y'all missed out on Cookie Butter too?! It's the texture of peanut butter, but its made from cookies and tastes just like the Biscoffs you get on the airplane. I took one giant spoonful and realized this stuff is dangerous. Like... "half of the container is gone in a week"-kind of dangerous. Eat it with apples or top your ice cream with it. Mind blown.

Gift Cards from my Boss

Nothing beats a surprise envelope in the mail from your boss with two gift cards and a thank you for working your butt off. Oh wait, a well-deserved raise does. Working on that... but in the meantime I'll take some free food and caffeine.

E-Bates 15% Cash Back

Has anyone taken advantage of the 15% cash back offer from E-Bates this week? I'm pretty psyched after saving over $20 on my Nordstrom order, which included this cobalt maxi... here's hoping everything fits! Or not, because I don't really need any of it. But who can pass up a good deal?

(Finally) joined Twitter @HomeSweetRuby

I finally broke down and made a Twitter account. I figured I didn't need another distraction but I was only delaying the inevitable. Feel free to follow here (or click the birdie icon to the top right!) to watch me attempt to navigate social media in 140 characters or less.

Summer Sangria

Photo and Recipe {here}

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and I'm totally putting it on our Memorial Day picnic menu. I'm a sucker for sangria and this strawberry/peach combination sounds so refreshing! I'll probably switch up a couple other things in the recipe, so I'll let y'all know how it comes out!

This weekend I'm getting a much needed haircut and mani-pedi. Oh and I'm also really excited for a trip to Whole Foods. Is that weird?! Hope you all have a fab weekend!

31

Easy Greek Salad

Good news, we're almost through the week! It's been a busy one for me with work, which usually translates into me snacking throughout the day and eating at my desk rather than taking time to make myself a healthy lunch. Anyone else do that?! When I worked in the Capital I always ate lunch at my desk while doing a million other things at the same time, so it's a bad habit I can't seem to kick.

I find that if I don't step away from the computer and eat something other than chips or pretzels for lunch, my energy level plummets and I start getting cross-eyed. It's no good. Anyway, on to the real point of this post which is a super easy greek salad you can have for lunch without feeling bad!

I love this salad. It's delicious and gives you a bunch of veggies topped with feta. I mean, what could be better? You can even bring some pita bread and use it as a dip. Storing it in a mason jar also makes it so easy to grab and go for lunch!

Ingredients
Adapted from La Petite Fashionista

Dressing
1/3 cup EVOO
2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Fresh Parsley, chopped
Pepper and a dash of Salt

Salad
1 Cucumber, cut into small cubes
1 Red Pepper, cut into small slices
1/2 can Black Olives, sliced
1/3 Sweet (or Red) Onion, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 pkg. Feta Cheese

Whisk your dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Add your chopped vegetables and toss. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. So easy!

What's your go-to meal for a quick and healthy lunch? I'm always looking for more ideas!

10

DIY :: Scarf Camera Strap

Today I've got what might be one of my favorite DIY projects ever! This project is especially for those of you with DSLR cameras who hate the uncomfortable stock camera strap like I do. I've been wanting a Bloom Theory scarf camera strap for so long, but at $80 I can't really rationalize it. So, here's the next best thing!

The good news is you can do a no-sew version with a hot glue gun if you don't have access to a sewing machine. I can't vouch for how sturdy it is but I can imagine it would work just as good.

What you need:
Scarf = Owned
Leather Remnants = About $6 (I got them from Joann's but I think Hobby Lobby might have better prices)
Swivel Clasps = $2 (with 40% off coupon)
12 mm Split Rings =  $1.50 (with 40% off)
Thread = Owned

If I hadn't bought a bunch of the wrong sized d-rings and hooks, this would have cost me less than $10. Not bad compared to $80!

First, measure your clasps and draw the shape you want your leather on paper. Since my leather was black, I traced the shape with chalk and then cut them out. From end to end, each piece was 4 3/4" long and almost 2" wide.

I found it easiest to sew the bottom and secure the clasp before fighting with the scarf. You can see I screwed up a bit on one of them, my sewing machine pedal has a life of its own...

Measure how long you want the scarf based on the length of your original camera strap and cut the scarf. Fold the ends like an accordion (I pinned it until I was ready for the next step).

Place the scarf into the leather and stitch a square, starting next to the first row of stitches. (Does that wording make any sense?!)

Sew an X in the middle of the square to hold the scarf better and make it look more professional.

Hook your straps onto your camera and you're done! My clasps didn't fit on the camera hooks, so I added some split rings and it feels really sturdy. I may try to find black split rings but that's just because I'm a perfectionist!


Things I was not expecting going into the sewing portion of this project:
- I don't suggest putting a pin in the leather unless you really need help holding everything in place because it might leave a mark.
- Leather doesn't move very easily in the sewing machine, so you might end up stitching quite a few times in the same place before you realize you need to help the leather along.
- No matter how hard you try to keep the leather in place while stitching, you will probably have to trim some of the edges because it moves around. Unless you're awesome and this doesn't happen to you!

Sewing the leather was a little tricky but if I can do this with my crappy beginner sewing skills, y'all can do it too! Anyone up for the challenge?!

23