...in the Queen City

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T16:21:00.010-04:00

taken at the USNWC, transformed with Diptic

We went to the US National Whitewater Center to watch fireworks for the third year in a row. Most people fight for space around the water but we run straight for the hill on the back end of the park. There's nothing more magical than to lay down in the soft grass and watch the sky explode above you.

Before the fireworks, we enjoyed a great band called Langhorne Slim. Turns our they're pretty popular.

I liked them so much that I recorded a few videos, enjoy!

Happy 4th of July!

Oh, July!

2011-07-01T05:47:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it's July already?! How is it that half the year is over? There's so much left to accomplish!

My bff recently started a new blog and we must be on the same wavelength because she said, "I love the idea that the best camera, is the camera that you have on hand, whether it’s an iphone, point&shoot, whatever." How true! Honestly, I forgot the last time I took out my Canon s95 because I already had the iPhone in hand.

I have a confession to make, I'm obsessed with my iPhone. It's all kinds of fabulous! One of the greatest things is the ability to edit pictures on the fly, something that a regular camera cannot do.

My all time favorite app is Instagram so my hope is to share a select few favorites from each week.

Here's a handful of my favorites from the past couple of weeks...

fingertips

carnations

fishin'

Happy Friday!

Building a Closet: The Walls

2011-06-30T07:20:00.001-04:00

Originally, we were going to paint the walls of the closet before we put in all the units but after feeling a little lazy (and cheap) about it we decided not to do it.

But a part of me still wanted funky colors to adorn the walls. What's the point of building this beautiful space and not going all the way?

A few weeks back, a friend of mine decided to paint an accent wall in her Uptown apartment. The white walls were driving her crazy. She has never painted and thought it was only $20 or so to do so. My eyes got wide and I went into a 20 minute dissertation on the initial investment and first steps (like locking away her cat for the duration of the project). Another friend chimed in and mentioned that it cost $5000 to paint her tiny condo.

At that point we realized that we killed her dream of a fun colored wall... And then I remembered hearing about "apartment wallpaper" and that she should Google it, also known as temporary wallpaper.

Then I realized that it would be perfect for the closet. No mess to clean up and no need to spend money again to repaint to a bland off white color when it is time to rent/sell the house!

I found a company named Tempaper and fell in love. The following three samples are due to show up on our door step this week:

Marrakesh - Ruby Slate

Edie - Frosted Teal

Edie - Lemon Ash

Which one should I pick?

Wedding Wednesday: t-108 Days

2011-06-29T06:08:00.000-04:00

According to The Knot I'm screwed. I have a 169 items left to do before the wedding.

Proof!!

For some reason I'm not yet freaked out. Part of my day job includes event planning for 20-200 people and I have been able to pull off some crazy things last minute. Granted, this is my wedding and money so I'm a lot tighter with the money and care a lot more.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm addicted to Pinterest and have finally started to form a vision for what I want our big day to look like.

I'm in love with white umbrellas, tent like draping, white pumpkins, lemons & limes, branches and over sized centerpieces.

Craigslist is becoming a friend of mine too. Hoping to find some vintage inspired decorations!

What are some budget friendly decorations did you use in your wedding or are planning on using?

e-session

2011-06-28T05:57:00.002-04:00

(photo by JJ Horton Photography)

Building a Closet: Lighting

2011-06-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Having great lighting can make or break a home... and in my case, my closet. Once we finish putting in the foundation pieces I would like to add a "statement" light fixture. While cruising Amazon.com, my eyes spotted a sponsored link to Light in the Box. I am hooked! So not only do they have amazing chandeliers for decent prices but they also have some nice clothing. (I'm all about some free advertising!)

The following three chandeliers stood out to me as possible candidates for my closet:

16-light Crystal Contemporary Chandelier

3-lights Crystal Ceiling Light

Iron Chrome 8-light Crystal Ceiling Light with Lamp Cover

Now, who wants to help us re-wire the chandelier from a hard wire to a plug-in?!

All images via LightintheBox

Building a Closet: The Foundation

2011-06-26T07:22:00.000-04:00

B has been slowly piecing my dream closet together. The pieces tend to come on holidays and other special occasions and are assembled and hidden from me and revealed in different ways each time. Currently, I have the following three PAX pieces:

There's room for one more followed by two dressers to be placed in the middle of the closet, back-to-back:

We haven't decided how we're going to handle the shoe situation because I'm not a fan of IKEAs shoe holders. May be another wardrobe with shoe racks from Target placed inside. We'll see!

Looking forward to decorating my closet once the foundation is finished.

All images via www.IKEA.com

MIA

2011-06-25T14:25:00.003-04:00

I've been MIA. With a crazy work travel schedule in April, catching up on life and trying to plan a wedding in May, and with volunteering for a good cause and a volunteering for a board position at a local business association in June...I've been busy.

Somewhere in the madness I crossed over to the dark side and got an iPhone. I love it. Best thing ever. I'm obsessed with instagram and Pinterest and think those apps are the reason why I have a clearer vision for our wedding.

Be back soon.

Cheers!

Imagine

2011-06-24T21:47:00.000-04:00

"It's more interesting to have just a picture of a small detail - then you can dream all the rest around it. Because when you see the whole thing, what is there to imagine?" - Dries Van Noten

photos and quote via The Coveteur

Liz Lemon-ism: Spanx

2011-04-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

“God, three weddings in one day; I’m going to be in Spanx for 12 hours. My elastic line is gonna get infected again.” - Liz Lemon

Me on my wedding day? A possibility.

Happy Monday!

Save-the-Date: Vintage Postcard

2011-03-28T08:02:00.001-04:00

Thanks to un-spring like weather we had to re-schedule our engagement shoot. It rained cats and dogs on Saturday and the weather on Sunday was not any better. It was a cold cold weekend!

With the weather not cooperating and my travel schedule we had to push the shoot back a couple of weekends which puts us in the red zone for save-the-dates. So it's even more important that we pick save-the-dates that can be printed and sent the moment we have a picture picked out from the shoot.

Honestly, I have no clue what design we should go with other than I want our pretty little faces plastered all over your refrigerators. :)

The only criteria is...

contains a photo of us

no weird shape/size (trying to avoid paying extra postage)

pretty, simple, and DIY (if at all possible)

So then I stumbled upon this pretty, yet simple, postcard sized save-the-date with a place for a photo on The Wedding Chicks:

photo via The Wedding Chicks

Don't you just love it?

I will be spending the next week or so researching save-the-dates and collecting addresses as well as preparing for two weeks of travel. On top of all that I have an intense week ahead at work? *deep breath*

Custom Address Stamp

2011-03-25T07:51:00.002-04:00

Love, love, LOVE this extra large address stamp from EDanae's etsy shop.

Thinking about getting the custom stamp for our save-the-date and wedding invitations.

images via EDanae etsy shop.

No Elephants

2011-03-24T08:41:00.002-04:00

found on oh hello friend.

Happy Thursday!

Dear...

2011-03-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Dear David's Bridal and Dillard's,

You are selling the same dress for almost the same price:

David's Bridal/Dillard's

But that's ok, I bought the dress from one of you. :)

This is one of the dresses that I will be wearing during our engagement shoot this Sunday. My biggest problem is the shoes (a first)! The dress is the perfect length with flats, anything higher than two inches will make the dress look...weird.

What shoes/accessories would you pair with the dress?

Posing

2011-03-23T07:32:00.002-04:00

This Sunday we have an engagement photo session with JJ Horton (thanks to my awesome bff of Sunday Stories fame)!

The closest I've been to a "photo shoot" was my high school senior portrait. I just came back from two weeks in France and was 17 and tan. The photographer hit on me (mom reminded him that she was right there), my hair looked like I got electrocuted, and I was told to prop my chin on my fist while leaning on a fake fence.

Since then, I have figured out that I should let my hair do it's own thing and have gone through the Paris Hilton School of Posing (chin down, smile with eyes, no teeth).

Because research is a specialty of mine, I bring you YouTube's School of Posing:

Ok, ok, so it's fashion posing and only two videos, sue me! ;)

Here are a few real couples and real poses that I love:

via JJ Horton Photography

via Style Me Pretty

via Jasmine Star

via Jasmine Star

via Kristin Vining Photography

Can't wait!

for Japan with Love

2011-03-22T18:17:00.033-04:00

via AP News

It's been almost two weeks since the big quake occurred. Tens of thousands of people are feared dead and the confirmed number is already hard to comprehend.

My mom was in Tokyo the week of the earthquake. That Wednesday, a 7.4 magnitude quake made the buildings sway. Mom said it was a surreal feeling and even more so as she watched other building sway from the twenty third floor of a high rise. There were several aftershocks and everyone thought it was the big one, that it was over.

Unfortunately, it was not. On Friday, "the big one" shook Japan to it's core. But it wasn't the earthquake that destroyed whole cities and killed tens of thousands of people, it was the tsunami.

Japan has always held a special spot in my heart, especially after my first (and only) visit in 2008. The people and their culture amaze me, they are like no other.

I continue to be amazed by the people of Japan. There's order in the chaos...

for japan with love

There are many ways to help. Both Yahoo and Google have links to legit agencies. You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 (it's so easy that a two year old can do it). Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours are running a fundraiser, For Japan with Love, to benefit Shelter Box. Their goal was $5,500 (enough for 5 shelters) but they have exceeded their goal by over 1000%!!! At the time of this post they raised $56,779. Amazing!

This weekend mom and I went to Super G Mart on Independence Blvd. There was a Japanese family outside collecting money for the relief efforts. The only cash I had was one measly little dollar but knowing every penny counts, I put it in the donation box. Multiple thanks and bows later, I wanted to break down and cry. They treated it as if it was a million dollars.

I urge you to help. Whether it's time or money. Local drives or national fundraising efforts... It's going to be a long recovery...

March 8th: International Women's Day

2011-03-08T06:02:00.001-05:00

Today is International Women's Day. This holiday means different things to different cultures. To me, it's nostalgia. Back in the day, we (the women in my family) would receive flowers (usually carnations) and a card from each other and the men in our lives.

Happy Women's Day!

1, 2, 3, 4

Big Sigh

2011-03-06T18:28:00.007-05:00

Today I took a deep sigh of relief. Even though it's temporary and there is still a lot (a lot!) left to do, the biggest puzzle pieces are done.

I'm talking about our wedding...and the fact that my 13-14 hour work days are done, for now.

I have the best future husband a girl could ask for, the best maid of honor ever, a date, a location, a caterer, and an awesome photographer.

Now we have a giant list of "smaller" items to tackle. Save-the-dates, engagement shoot, cake, music...

/sigh

Twenty Years from Now

2010-12-30T10:24:00.010-05:00

Puerto Rico, 2010

Twenty years from now you will be more dissapointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

When the smartflyer blog posted the Mark Twain quote, I giggled. Not because the quote is funny but because I have this friend... He uses the quote daily to push us to live a little more.

Whether its to stand closer to the edge when hiking in the mountains or to take a shot with him during a night out on the town...

Because, twenty years from now, you may regret not taking that chance. Because, twenty years from now, you will look back on this moment and wish you did.

Because, twenty years from now, I'm going to look back and wish I did a lot more but I will not regret doing all the things I was not afraid to do.

I urge all of you to take chances in 2011 and beyond, because twenty years from now I don't want you to look back and regret never taking that chance.

Happy New Year!

Travel Tips: Packing Tips from DVF

2010-12-29T09:19:00.003-05:00

There's no doubt in any ones mind that Diane von Furstenberg is a style icon! Her wrap dresses are legendary and I wish to one day have a closet full of every pattern ever made.

While I dream about the (almost) impossible, I leave you with Diane's Holiday Travel Tips:

1. mix primary colors
2. don't forget the big tote

3. roll up your basics and put them in stockings
4. jersey dresses are key

5. bring a "go anywhere" top

All images via DFV website.

Tech Tip Tuesday: Accessing Multiple Gmail Accounts at Once

2010-12-28T07:06:00.003-05:00

One of the coolest (in my opinion) tools that came about in 2010 from Google is the ability to sign in to multiple Gmail accounts at the same time. Now I spend less time switching accounts! :)

Follow the steps below to do the same:

1) Sign in to Google/Gmail with your main account and then go to http://www.google.com/accounts
2) Go to the Multiple sign-in (last option under Personal Settings) and click on Edit
3) Select On, read through and check-off the boxes explaining how multiple sign-in works and click on Save.
4) Ta-da!

Now, you too, can flip between multiple Gmail accounts without logging in and out!

More details can be found on the Gmail Blog.

Looking Back on 2010

2010-12-27T08:07:00.003-05:00

It’s difficult to sum up 2010. There were ups and downs and new life lessons learned…

I’ve spent the most nights in hotels this year than ever, even earning a gold status with Marriott and coming close to reaching a silver status with US Airways. I’ve traveled to the Caribbean (via cruise), Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Charleston, Chicago x2, Nashville and Louisville. All but two for work.

I’ve never been more confused about my career path than I am right now. All I know is what I want to be when I grow up, it’s just a matter of getting there.

I’ve joined great Charlotte bloggers for MeetUps, met amazing new people at TweetUps, felt at home at the Social Fresh conference, participated in the Purrsuit and the #NoFizzCLT challenges.

In March my boyfriend and I purchased a house. In October we became engaged.

As always, I found out who my real friends are and I’m fighting to keep the good ones in my life.

But enough looking back, it’s time to look forward to 2011!

The first five weeks of 2011 will be a repeat of what happened in 2010: 80 hour work weeks, no social life, pure exhaustion.

Wedding planning, saving money, paying off debt, and a possible career change (hopefully within my current company).

More blogging, more Tweeting, more networking, more picture taking.

I hope to visit my BFF in NYC and go on a fabulous getaway for my honeymoon.

2011 will bring change and I am both ecstatic and petrified at the same time.

Back on Track

2010-11-01T18:54:00.008-04:00

(photo via we heart it)

I know, I know, I have neglected my poor lil' blog. Over a month of no new posts, my apologies.

It was a quick derailing. First I got sick, then I traveled for two weeks for work, then I had to get into the routine of daily life after travel... and then... life continued to happen.

Every weekend and most weekday nights planned. High priority items first, things that keep me sane last.

Will I get back to updating everyday? Probably not. Will I try at the least two posts a week? Yes.

I'm unpacking my bags and staying a while...

Pictures in Bed: Marilyn Monroe

2010-09-14T08:28:00.004-04:00

Marilyn Monroe in Bed
(via I just want to be wonderful)

xoxo, Gossip Girl

2010-09-13T10:03:00.001-04:00

There are not that many shows that I get excited about anymore. There is a handful of shows that I hate to miss: The Daily Show, The Soup, and Conan. But there's one show when my Blackberry is set on silent, the door is shut to my room, and bathroom breaks happen only during commercials. That show is Gossip Girl, my guilty pleasure.

The writers left us hanging at the end of season three: is Chuck dead?! I guess we'll find out tonight, when season four premiers. Honestly, I can't wait!

Until then, I have the preview to drool over:

Do you love Gossip Girl as much as I do?

xoxo,
mo.

Baptiste Viry: Bow Tie Necklace

2010-09-09T10:31:00.002-04:00

How amazing is the Baptiste Viry Leather Bow Tie Necklace?! Even more so, how fun is the whole collection?

(All photos via Baptiste Viry)

Photojojo: Purchases

2010-09-08T10:07:00.001-04:00

This weekend I partook in a little bit of online shopping, what else is one to do when camping? ;)

Not surprisingly, my shopping was centered around photography. I have not purchased any new lenses or accessories for my Canon Rebel in over a year so it was long over due.

I discovered Photojojo, one of the cutest and well edited websites for gear and gifts for photographers. I purchased the following two accessories:

Tokyo Dream Strap

Color Lens and Flash Filters

And on Monday, Groupon had a great deal for a 20 page 8x8 inch photobook for $10 (plus shipping) from Shutterfly. It will make an awesome Christmas present for someone this year...!

Can't wait to use my new accessories and creating my first photobook!

(All photos via Photojojo.)

Asheville: Downtown

2010-09-07T10:16:00.002-04:00

Asheville is more than just the Biltmore Estate. There is a lot of beauty and history there that I wish I knew about earlier. To have lived in Charlotte for 15 years and never exploring such a wonderful city is a tragedy! But, no more! I am officially adding Asheville to my top three local day trip destinations and will plan to visit more often.

I wish I had taken more pictures on this trip...

(All photos by me.)

Glamping: Banyan Tree Madivaru

2010-08-31T10:21:00.002-04:00

This weekend B and I are planning on going camping. I am looking forward to it but at the same time the city girl in me is cringing at the thought of "roughing it." Thankfully, there are resorts that cater to the city girls and those seeking a luxurious camping experience.

The Banyan Tree Madivaru resort in Maldives is one of the few resorts in this world that take "camping" to a whole new level.

One day! Until then... I will suck it up, pack up my water shoes, bug repellent, and lots of baby wipes and spend some time in the "wilderness" right off I-40 in Asheville.

Resort pictures via Banyan Tree website.

Pictures in Bed

2010-08-30T10:06:00.002-04:00

(photo via pictures in bed)

I have been in the process of editing my photography in hopes of creating a portfolio. One of the many themes are pictures taken in bed, of people in bed, people sleeping, etc. Thanks to Jacob Pritchard, I don't feel so weird. One of his projects is taking aerial shots of people in bed. Check them out all the photos over at his tumbler page.

Cole Haan Air Talia OTK Boots

2010-08-06T12:05:00.002-04:00

This has been one hot and muggy summer and fall cannot come fast enough! While Mother Nature takes it's sweet time cooling off I've been taking steps in updating my wardrobe for the colder months.

My first stop was the Nordstrom semi-annual pre-season sale where I found the most amazing shoe: the Cole Haan Air Talia OTK boot.

(photo via Cole Haan)

Aren't they gorgeous? They're made out of soft suede and have Nike Air technology in them so they're uber comfortable. They're also very versatile and can go from office (scrunched)to night with one simple tug over the knee.

Have a lovely weekend (and think "cold" weather thoughts)!

Tasty Thai & Sushi

2010-08-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

I was lucky to have stumble upon Tasty Thai & Sushi on my trip to Charleston because the restaurant really did live up to its name.

(photo via Tasty Thai & Sushi)

I ordered two rolls:

Thai Maguro

Sliced tuna wrapped around spicy tuna, crab, mango. Topped with jalapeno, cilantro, black tobiko.

Fire my Roll

Sliced Albacore tuna, jalapeno,and siratcha masago on top of spicy tuna, cucumber, and tempura.

Yum!

All photos taken by me.

Fourth of July

2010-08-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

I realize that it's been a month since the holiday, but...

I didn't exactly have a fairy tale month after my 26th. It felt like I lost complete control of my life, nothing was going "right," people I thought were my friends hurt me, etc. Fourth of July weekend was the "climax." It was also the weekend when I realized that it's all about attitude, I don't need negativity in my life, and that it's not as bad as I thought it was.

It all happened when I saw the children playing and felt the lake wind blow through my hair, making all the self pity wash away.

(All photos taken by me)

Found: Himalayan Salt Block in Charleston

2010-08-03T12:05:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was in Charleston for work and decided to stick around one more day to explore the downtown area.

Charleston is by far one of my favorite cities for many reasons: food (post on that later), history (start with Wiki and see where it takes you), and of course shopping!

It was hot and humid but I did not care. I took routes I have not taken before and stumbled upon a little gem of a store called The Spice & Tea Exchange located on 170 Church Street.

This is where I was introduced to this beauty:

...a Himalayan salt block! It's so versatile and pretty that I could not help myself. The possibilities are endless! Sushi, curring meats and fish, etc!

Here are a few more images from the store:

All photos taken by me.

Charlotte Blogger Meetup

2010-08-02T12:01:00.005-04:00

(photo taken by me)

Last Thursday I attended the first ever Charlotte Blogger Meetup and met some amazing people and learned a lot of new tricks that I will definitely apply to my blog.

When it came time to introduce myself I babbled, ha! It happens when I'm absolutely exhausted...

Prior to the meetup I met up with the organizers of the American Cancer Society's Tin Cup Golf Tournament to drop off donations already collected and to talk about what still needs to be done.

The last two weeks have been exhausting but rewarding. Cheers to an even better August!

Local Etsy Shop: Eclectic Orchid

2010-07-19T22:16:00.013-04:00

Oui - I Do Vintage Locket Necklace

Blossoms of Summer - Set of Ruffled Flower Pins

In a Kingdom Far Away - earrings

I love the whimsical jewelry and pins created by local jewelry designer Marcy (follow her on twitter @EclecticOrchid). She uses a combination of vintage, new, and re-purposed parts to create unique pieces. Check out her Etsy store, Eclectic Orchid, you won't be disappointed with what you see!

(Marcy also blogs @ Ramblings of an Eclectic Orchid).

All photos via Eclectic Orchid.

I Left My Heart in... Charleston

2010-07-16T10:26:00.003-04:00

Charleston, SC is one of my favorite cities to visit. The food is amazing and so is the shopping. There's history on every corner. It's charming, it's Southern, it's unique.

I was there for work this week (off-site meeting) and decided to take a day off after all was said and done. I'm glad I did! I walked around the historical downtown in 90+ degree weather with even high levels of humidity. There's so much to discover!

Pictures and amazing discoveries will be posted in the next couple of days/weeks. For now I leave you with a picture of myself from three years ago walking down the street on the way to an amazing dinner at Cypress.

Sunday Suppers: Lavender Lemonade

2010-07-12T11:12:00.002-04:00

(photo via sunday suppers)

Gorgeous and amazingly simple! Recipe can be found here.

I'm off to Charleston for (almost) a week for a business trip and will try to post if time allows.

Russian Comedian Yakov Smirnoff

2010-07-09T11:24:00.003-04:00

As I have mentioned before, I'm fascinated by "my people." Yakov Smirnoff is no different. Ok, so technically he's not from Russia but this Ukrainian-American comedian is hilarious! Today he is performing year round in Branson, Missouri, sometimes teaching at local universities, and is a featured writer for the AARP Magazine.

The video above is from 1985 when he performed on the Johnny Carson show. What a country!

Wishing you a weeked full of laughter. My bff, and the girl behind Sunday Stories, is in town this weekend. Can't wait to see her tonight! :)

Farmer's Market Loot: July 3, 2010

2010-07-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

(photo by me)

Above is a picture of my local "loot" from the following:

Pickles Farmer's Market - (NoDa)
Atherton Mills Farmer's Market - also on Twitter (SouthEnd)
King Street Farmer's Market (Myers Park)
Amelie's French Bakery & Cafe - also on Twitter (NoDa)

All the veggies came from the first three locations listed above while the French bread (fresh out of the oven and better seen under the greens in the picture taken with my Blackberry) and French macaroons are from Amelie's.

Catbird: Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands

2010-07-06T23:07:00.012-04:00

Bittersweets NY

Twig Ring with Aquamarine

Bittersweets NY

Twig Ring with Marquise Diamond

Katrina Lapenne
Old World Ring - white diamond

Bittersweets NY
Twig Ring with Black Diamond

Yayoi Forest
Twist Band (unisex)

Love love LOVE these rings from Catbird. They're inexpensive but still precious, simple but unique. The rest of the collection is just as unique and beatiful as the rings above.

As featured on Refinery29, all pictures via Catbird.

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-02T10:01:00.003-04:00

(photo by me)

Wishing all of you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Thankful Thursday: TOMS

2010-07-01T11:22:00.002-04:00

I'm thankful for companies that choose to give back, like TOMS.

The boyfriend helped me decide on a pair of ash canvas classics:

Can't wait to try them on!

All pictures via TOMS.

D&D Tie the Knot

2010-06-30T10:30:00.004-04:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a wedding of two dear friends. Their wedding was 100% them and was absolutely wonderful.

There were LEGOs, bubbles, and plenty of BBQ...

with this ring...

the joining of a LEGO heart (instead of sand/candles)

center piece: a bowl of LEGOs

LEGO wedding cake

the owner's "puppy"

first dance

handmade hair piece

friends performing

sparkly lights everywhere!

The property included an old house from the 1700's, a large backyard, and goats.

All photos by me.

Charlotte Food: Price's Chicken Coop

2010-06-29T12:39:00.003-04:00

Located on 1614 Camden Road

the menu

mmm, fried chicken

The box that holds the greasy goodness!

My "small" dinner plate.

Price's Chicken Coop is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte. The concept is simple: Southern fried chicken, country fixins, and rot-your-teeth sweet tea. Price's also serves fish, shrimp, BBQ, and sandwiches. The food is seriously amazing but what amazes me everytime I go there are the people (see Tweet below). They're all amazing human beings and that's what makes Price's even more special.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you go to Price's:

Cash only! (gift certificates are available and so is a small ATM hiding behind a soda machine)
Get off your cell phones! (if you screw up your own order because you were distracted they're not responsible)
Closed on Sunday & Monday (the two days I crave it most)

Price's is located on 1614 Camden Road, Charlotte, NC 28203

All photos taken by me.

Local Etsy Shop: studio k

2010-06-28T10:01:00.010-04:00

Charleston

(handcut map)

London

(notecards)

Charlotte

(art print)

aspiring to replace the common with something more beautiful

Check out Karen Moleary's hand cut maps and city prints over at her Etsy shop. Some of the cities available are NYC, London, Sydney, and of course Charlotte! Her blog can be found here.

Click here for more Charlotte artists on Etsy.

Don't

2010-06-24T21:56:00.001-04:00

(photo found via milk)

Sotheby's Poloroid Auction

2010-06-23T22:34:00.008-04:00

The Tetons and Snake River
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
(Ansel Adams)

Migrant Mother
Nipomo, California
(Ansel Adams)

Andy Sneezing

Japanese Sky I
(From the Bleacher Series)
(Robert Rauschenberg)

Ultra-Large (Hands)
(Lucas Samaras)

Chicago (Trees in Snow)
(Harry Callahan)

"Having been through the dissolution of the company, not only is my work in the collection and I can't get it, and a lot of it was my best work, at certain periods of my life, but I also saw people who were incredible people who made this film and made Polaroid a great company, lose their jobs for no good reason really. So the auction is almost the funeral in a way, because it is the last act in the dissolution of Polaroid." - John Reuter

These Polaroids, and many others, are being auctioned off at Sotheby's as part of the company's bankruptsy court order.

Quote and images via NPR article.

Can't

2010-06-22T22:59:00.001-04:00

(picture found via milk)

Polaroids: Andrei Tarkovsky

2010-06-21T21:55:00.002-04:00

I'm attracted to the following:

Polaroids
"My People" (aka Russians)

This collection of photos by Andrei Tarkovsky covers both attraction photos. These pictures were taken between 1979 and 1984 and remind me of my home land (the people and the landscapes).

All photos from АНДРЕЙ ТАРКОВСКИЙ (Andrei Tarkovsky's) website.

Leave My Drink Alone

2010-06-18T23:09:00.000-04:00

(photo via Corks and Caftans)

How clever! Wish more restaurants/bars had something like this.

TGIF, everyone! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sunday Suppers: Martini Bar

2010-06-17T21:24:00.001-04:00

(photos via sunday suppers)

Beautiful. Gorgeous. Clean. Love this build your own martini bar featured on sunday suppers!

...do something

2010-06-16T21:08:00.001-04:00

(picture via ffffound)

Every once in a while I can't fall asleep because my brain is going 1000 miles per hour with wonderful ideas. Sleeping feels like a waste of time when I could be writing, crafting, planning, painting, etc.

TOMS

2010-06-15T21:45:00.002-04:00

Ash Canvas Women's Classics

Natural Canvas Classics

Yellow Bridgeport Linen Classics

Light Blue Bridgeport Linen Classics

Initially, I did not understand why TOMS were so popular (other than their mission to provide a pair of shoes to a child in need everytime someone purchases a pair for themselves) but after a touch and feel moment at Neiman Marcus this weekend I'm craving a pair. They're casual and comfortable and can be worn with just about anything. Now, the hardest part is deciding which color & style to choose.

Do you own a pair? Which pair would you choose?

Local Etsy Shop: WingedLion

2010-06-14T21:50:00.003-04:00

POMEGRANATE

silver and bronze garnet pendant

THE BIRTH OF VENUS

silver and gold pendant with pearl

Check out Natalia Moroz and her collection jewelry and linocuts at her Etsy shop.

The two pieces above stood out to me and are definetely on my wish list but there are many other amazing pieces and prints to see.

IKEA re-imagined

2010-06-11T20:57:00.000-04:00

(all photos by Lo Bjurulf, via Love.Obsess.Inspire.)

Amazing styling from the new IKEA catalog! These images inspire me more than the previous catalogs ever could. Having recently purchased a home with no concrete design plan (something about a budget) this helps a lot. I'm looking forward to many more visits to IKEA with a fresher outlook on their offerings.

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

(photo by me)

Today I'm thankful for the rain and shine that is helping my first (ever) tomato plant grow!

#thankfulthursday

hipster puppies

2010-06-09T20:15:00.001-04:00

no, penny, does not have the new anthropologie catalog, why do ask?

the summer after his senior year, mr. chow traveled europe by train for a month, and now aggravatingly insists that “it’s barthelona.”

bernie moved to san francisco because it was more “laid back” and “anti-consumerist” than new york, but still manages to drink two cups of starbucks a day

All photos & text from hipster puppies.

Ruelala: MICHAEL Michael Kors "Hudson" Leather Shoulder Bag

2010-06-08T22:26:00.001-04:00

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Hudson" Leather Shoulder Bag

(photo via Ruelala)

My MICHAEL Michael Kors bag from last year is on Ruelala till Thursday morning (unless it sells out before then). I cannot rave enough about this bag... it fits my DSLR with a handful of lenses, a notebook, my huge wallet, and a boat load of unnecessary items I insist on carrying around with me. Get it before it's gone!

birthday wishes

2010-06-08T21:17:00.000-04:00

(photo via The Blushing Bakeshop)

My bff @erinapindar posted a beautiful birthday post (located on her brand new blog Once Upon a Sunday). We go back, way back and it's a wonderful feeling knowing that there's someone out there that knows you and more than you know yourself. I love you dear and look forward to seeing you this summer (bring the boy)!

#26

2010-06-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

photo taken by my mother in 1984

At 26 my mother gave birth to me and was considered, by Communist Russia in 1984 standards, a high risk & "elderly" mother. I turned 26 yesterday and am no where near having children myself. Times have changed.

In the past couple of months I've realized that it's time to start crossing off bucket list items... silly things such as dancing till the sun comes up (check) and hiking in the rain forest (check) to traveling to foreign lands I have yet to see (too many to list).

This has pushed me to start doing more with my life. Not that I wasn't doing anything prior to yesterday but there's so much I feel like I should have done by this age that it's time to catch up. The fire has been lit.

Etsy: Vintage

2010-03-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

(photo via Sally Jane Vintage)

In love with the two pieces above from Sally Jane Vintage on Etsy. Her blog can be seen here.

In other news, we still haven't closed on the house. Seriously can't wait to.

just because I'm busy...

2010-03-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

(found on little reminders of love)

J. Crew to the Rescue

2010-02-25T20:10:00.001-05:00

(photo via jcrew)

I continued my search for the "one" today at lunch. The Lotus dress wasn't doing it for me for the particular occasion that I needed it for.

Too short, too bright, to party-party.

I ventured into J.Crew land. I love J.Crew but the sizing has always been off for me (just like the Gap), the 8 is too small, the 10 too big. Nevertheless, I decided to give them one last chance and it paid off. A simple one shoulder cotton dress in soft purple that I can dress up with crazy costume jewelry and bright colored heels.

Did I mention that it was on sale?!

I finally feel excited.

Zac Posen for Target

2010-02-22T20:01:00.001-05:00

(photo via fashionista)

Be still my heart! At least until April 25th when this piece of red ruffle love hits stores.

found!

2010-02-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

After trying on 60+ dresses I have found (sort of) the one. A short fuchsia number at Civilian (Lotus). Now comes the fun part... accessorising!

...starting with the ring below from Target:

If all of a sudden I wake up on the day of the wedding thinking that a short and brightly colored dress is inappropriate then I will have to fall back on the dark navy beauty that I bought in Biarritz a few summers ago.

Cruisin'

2010-02-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

In less than two weeks I will be sailing from the sunny Ft. Lauderdale down to the Bahamas on a 7-day cruise. This is my first time on a cruise lasting more than three days and I am struggling to figure out what to pack.

The longer the trip, the longer it takes me to pack.

One day? Easy!
Two days? A breeze!
Three days? Totally doable!
Seven day cruise? Lord help me!

Ever since I entered the corporate world cute summer outfits are no longer a necessity. My current wardrobe can only handle a three day weekend trip to the beach so for the past week I have been to forever21 more times than I can count on one hand... different locations too. I made the decision to go with cheap, cute, and disposable. To be honest, I found a lot of cute, versatile, and not so disposable in the process. Lots of white, navy, and stripes.

I shopped my closet for the dinner dresses, including one for one of the formal nights. But one question remains, what do I wear to the semi-formal day wedding on a cruise that can go into the night for a formal dinner?

Last week I found a Vera Wang Lavender label dress on Gilt that is adorable, shinny, perfect, and ... ivory. B told me nothing in the white family and I must agree. But it was perfect!

So I continued my search in the "premium" wing of South Park mall. Nordstrom had nothing. My always go to Anthropologie had nothing. Nieman Marcus had something. A Milly dress in the most gorgeous sea foam green ...in one size smaller than what I needed.

Below is a picture of the dress in ivory:

(photo via shopbop)

It was the last dress, out of 30, that I tried on last night and it was the only one that felt right.

So the question is, do I keep looking? Or do I call up Jane, the awesome sales person that helped me and provided me with a look book and a copy of WWD (because I complained about life getting in the way of fashion and being completely clueless about SS 2010), and tell her to charge it and send the dress my way?

P.S. If you ever decide to search for "cruise wedding attire," don't be surprised if almost all of your results are for Tom Cruise + family.

Garlic

2010-02-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

(photo from we heart it)

Taking a sick day and working from home today.

...and eating lots of garlic!

Sometimes I love working from home... no interruptions from co-workers, no need to shower, and a lot more work gets done when I'm wearing my super Snuggie!

lens obsession

2010-02-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

(photo found on Amazon)

My new lens obsession is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, currently selling for $357.29 on Amazon. I have the kit 18-55mm that came with my Rebel and a 70-300mm IS I received two Christmases ago so I need an in between that will make the 18-55mm obsolete and be more versatile than my 70-300mm.

I'm absolutely drooling over here!

I'm back!

2010-02-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

(found on di fabulous)

The last five weeks have been crazy busy, challenging, and exhausting but at the end of the day I believe it was all worth it. Now I'm back and look forward to blogging as often as my social life (yay, welcome back social life!) will allow.

work work work!

2010-01-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

(via we heart it)

The next five weeks are going to be crazy. Sixty to seventy hour work weeks, plus weekends. Will it all be worth it in the end? God, I hope so! Posting will be pretty much non-existent, not the way I wanted to start out the year but work comes first, play second.

As long as I get to explore my creative side, whether it's painting to keep my sanity or just reading my favorite blogs, I will survive.

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

French Bun

2009-11-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

(photo found on A CUP OF JO)

After a disastrous haircut back in April I am growing my hair out and can't wait till it's long enough to do a messy French bun.

Shopping in ATL

2009-11-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

(photo via bebe)

Yesterday, my girlfriends and I drove down to Atlanta to do some shopping. It's only a 3.5 hour drive from Charlotte and we've been itching for a day trip for a while. The drive to and from was miserable, it rained the whole way, but the company in the car made it wonderful.

We did our best with a very aggressive plan and only 7 shopping hours. Our first stop was Zara at Perimeter Mall. When I visited the Zara store in NYC this past September I was not inspired, at all. This time around I wanted to buy half the store. We spent over two hours trying on arm fulls of clothing and ended up getting lots of staples and necessary classics. We continued to shop around the mall and stopped by Bebe. I do not shop at Bebe for multiple reasons, one of them being fit. Everything is too tight and too short for me so I usually pass the store without giving it a thought. My friend Liz loves the store so we spent over an hour looking around. Sash and I stood around waiting and she saw the coat pictured above hanging on display and tried it on. Next thing you know I'm asking for it in my size. It fit great, even the arms were long enough! The coat runs around $260, which is a lot more than I would pay for a coat at Bebe but surprisingly, I was in their loyal shopper database so I got $50 off of my purchase which made it that much more desirable. Now I'm just waiting for it to get really cold outside!

After the mall we made it over to the Container Store where I had to, well, contain myself from buying everything there as well. I behaved and walked away with a handful of Christmas gifts and half a dozen ideas for other people. With time running out, Sash refused to leave Atlanta without boots so we spent the last hour at DSW where she walked out with three pairs of boots.

Overall it was a successful trip. Next time we have to make it to Loehman's and H&M and some local boutiques as well.

crayon people

2009-11-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

(photo by Diem Chau, found via ...and i like you)

More at Diem Chau.

post-it love

2009-11-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

How sweet is this video?! I'm so happy I was able to find it again.

Does anyone know where I can find some cool Post-It notes?

hunting for color

2009-11-20T20:48:00.000-05:00

(photo taken by me)

(image via color hunter)

In the process of designing a look/theme for this blog I am finding some really neat tools such as color generators. I've discovered Color Hunter and Color Palette Generator via Our Designed Life and haven't been able to stop uploading new photos for color palette ideas.

I have taken all of next week off and look forward to taking lots and lots of pictures, playing with Photoshop, designing this blog, reading, relaxing, and anything else that tickles my fancy.

Oh, and can't forget eating crazy amounts of food!

Etsy love: artLAB's Oversized Wool Wrap No.4 Charcoal Gray

2009-11-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

(pictures via artLAB)

I am absolutely in love with artLAB's wool wrap! You can wear it as a scarf or as a wrap and because it's made out of wool it's bound to keep you warm on a cold winter night.

diamond in the rough

2009-11-11T22:21:00.000-05:00

(image via onestonenewyork)

I love love loooove this ring from One Stone New York. It's simple, it's rough, it's beautiful! This ring is definitely making it on my Holiday Wish List. And the earrings too...

under the weather

2009-11-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

(found via we heart it)

I don't know if it was something I ate or an allergic reaction to aspirin but I've been hugging Mr. Toilet all day. Not exactly my idea of fun. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to eat more than just saltine crackers. One can only hope.

back to life

2009-11-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

I've brought in the Queen City back to life but keeping the Pavot Bleu content. New content, graphics, etc coming soon (if I can ever get a day off).

Google Wave + Analytics

2009-10-07T21:07:00.000-04:00

(found on twistimage via @rthurmond)

Above is a video of Google Wave explained. Now I kind of want an invite. It's a crazy thought that e-mail has been around for 40 years!

In other news, I have added Google Analytics to my blog. :)

2009-09-18T21:46:00.000-04:00

(photo by me)

And we're off!

the fifth sense

2009-09-14T23:06:00.000-04:00

(found on scene360)

This video was created by BYU design students & faculty for the 5th Typophile Film Festival. It's inspiring me to cut my veggies and sausage into letter shapes and fry them up in oil, yum!

NYC: T-4 days

2009-09-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

(photo by me)

Nothing excites me more than a trip to NYC, a city that feels like home (even though I've only visited less than half a dozen times). The attitude, the museums, the overall beauty and romance of a big city. B will be joining me on this trip and we will be staying with my best friend who I am more than excited to see!

Packing for this trip is already proving to be difficult, especially when I'm restricting myself to a carry on and there's shopping to be done!

Unless I take the advise on packing light or packing for a weekend using only a purse and bring an empty carry on... it's only four days. I can do it!

My first fall in NYC, cannot wait!

tie the knot

2009-09-09T21:25:00.001-04:00

(photo by me, using RoundPic)

This past weekend B and I went to a wedding at The Point on Lake Norman. It was beautiful and classy and made me mushy inside.

Open Forum

2009-09-09T19:54:00.000-04:00

(image via OpenForum)

How cool is this?! AMEX offers an "idea hub" on their small business site. Articles like "How to Go on the Offensive on Facebook" teaches you how to use your Facebook profile to your advantage, it's convincing me to create a separate business minded profile. Another article, "Just Blogging Isn't Enough - You Have to Blog with Purpose," provides great advice that I can apply to my personal blog and carry into it into my professional blogging as well.

A few more standouts:

Apologies for the information overload. :)

There's an endless supply of advise and articles on the Open Forum page.

email =

2009-09-03T20:02:00.000-04:00

(found via paper tissue)

Are you there fall? It's me, Mo!

2009-09-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

(photo via redbubble)

The past couple of days and (especially) nights have been absolutely wonderful! The temperature has cooled down to a comfortable range of 75-85 degrees during the day and 55-65 nights. It is supposed to warm up to high 80's again this weekend.

Fall is knocking and I'm ready to welcome it back!

petals

2009-08-27T21:20:00.001-04:00

Speaking of shoes...

(picture via A Girl's Guide to Shoes)

Once upon a time, in the not so distant past, I walked by Bob Ellis' window display at least once a week drooling over the CL's pictured above. And then the semi-annual sale came around and they were marked down to $260ish, what a steal! And they had my size! And then I tried them on... they were disappointingly uncomfortable.

Still, I find them absolutely beautiful!

Citisoles

2009-08-27T20:03:00.000-04:00

(pictures via Citisoles)

There have been many nights when my girlfriends and I would have to call it an early night because none of us could survive our shoes. We'd all but crawl out of the club and pray we can make it to the taxi several feet away. But a fellow victim of uncomfortable shoes has come up with a brilliant solution! These ballet flats fold up to fit inside your evening bag in a neat little pouch. When the time comes, you can take the flats out of the pouch that then unfolds into a tote to carry your heels in. Unfortunately, these do not accommodate a size 10+ shoe size.

(via Charlotte Shop Talk and A Girl's Guide to Shoes)

why everything sucks, according to Craig Ferguson

2009-08-26T22:15:00.001-04:00

Which Douche Bag Are You?

2009-08-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

(via GQ)

Let GQ help you figure out what type of douche bag you are. America's 25 Douchiest Colleges is a hilarious guide to ivy league douchebaggery. There is no surprise that Duke is in the top three. Duke = Puke, go Tar Heels!

(via @erinapindar)

tour

2009-08-24T21:09:00.000-04:00

Dear world, I got my first cool phone. It's not an iPhone but it's still pretty nifty and it allows me to blog and tweet and a million of other cool things!

I will be returning to a normal blogging schedule shorty, stay tuned...

cheer up, love

2009-08-11T21:53:00.000-04:00

(picture via Ginger Anyhow)

It's a wonderful feeling knowing that no matter how much life can suck outside of our relationship, my love is always there for me, even before I realize that I need him...

stretch!

2009-08-11T21:43:00.001-04:00

(picture via Ginger Anyhow)

While everyone is trying to keep their heads low and their mouths shut, I'm stretching my neck out to see what's going on...

the true cost of discount airlines...

2009-08-10T22:49:00.000-04:00

the PEN story

2009-08-10T22:47:00.000-04:00

Veggie love!

2009-08-10T21:27:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful story!

TP on the plane!

2009-08-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

This is all kinds of amusing.

I <3 TJ's

2009-08-10T21:13:00.000-04:00