Five on Friday: stocking stuffers for men!

This Christmas, hubs and I have decided to just do stockings for each other. We both have Fall/Winter birthdays and our anniversary is December 28th so we don't need to spend a lot of money on Christmas presents. I have been thinking for the past few months about things that my husband would really love in his stocking. Since we aren't doing presents, I wanted to fill his stocking with thoughtful gifts, not just candy. Here is what I have come up with so far:

1. Tovolo ice mold. A few months ago when hubs and I were in Charleston we went to an amazing restaurant and his whiskey drink had a huge ice cube in it. He LOVED it. The next day we were in J. Crew and they were selling the exact ice cube molds!! When hubs was in the dressing room I bought it and slipped that bad boy in my pocket book and have been hiding it ever since. It melts super slow so it doesn't water down the whiskey... and it makes you feel extra fancy ;) If your man is a whiskey drinker, I guarantee he will LOVE this in his stocking!

2. Ted Baker socks. My hubs looooves these socks! He loves to add a funky touch when dressing up in a suit. He already has a handful of patterns but I got him some new fun patterns that I know he will love. They are $15 or 3 pairs for $40 at Nordstrom with FREE shipping! Get them!

3. Meat thermometer. My man loves to cook, grill, etc. but he doesn't have a meat thermometer. I think he would love this in order to get meat to the perfect temperature without over-cooking it. My in-laws have one and he always uses it when we go home!

4. Beats earbuds. They are expensive for earbuds, I know, I knowwww. But your man will love you if he finds these in his stocking. I got these for G for our 3 year anni and he uses the heck out of them... at the gym, at work, at home, etc. They play music SO clear, stay in your ears when exercising, and are so much better than any earbud I have ever tried.

5. Monogrammed flask. Just the other day he was saying he needs a flask for football games, wedding, etc. [do not judge us]. Then I found this gem on Pottery Barn, on sale for $20 which INCLUDES a monogram!

Guys are HARD to shop for! I hope these things give you ideas for the man in your life! What are you filling you man's stocking with??

Stitch Fix

I have known about Stitch Fix for a while but had never really looked into it until today. About a year ago my SIL told me she signed up for it and had received her first shipment and LOVED everything she had received. I pushed it to the back of my mind until recently. You see, I start clinicals in a month and I have to dress "business casual" every day. Yet I only have 2 pairs of dress pants and a few skirts [insert panic]. Problem #1: Greenville doesn't have J. Crew, Banana Republic, etc. Problem #2: I have NO TIME to shop. It is super rare that I have a free afternoon to go from store to store looking/trying on clothes. Especially now that all my free time between now and clinicals is going to be spent Christmas shopping for my family.

So, today I went to the Stitch Fix website and bit the bullet. You fill out a detailed survey about your style, preferences, sizes, etc. Then you tell them what you want to receive each month and what you don't want them to include. Personally, I don't really need any more accessories so I chose to receive mostly clothing with a few accessories every now and then. You can choose how often you want shipments and you can even choose to only receive them when you request it. You pay $20, they ship you 5 items, you can keep them all or send them all back or anything in between! If you send them all back, you lose your $20. But if you keep anything, the $20 goes toward your purchase. Also, you can cancel at any point! Sounds like a great deal to me!!

I think it's super cool that for each shipment you can write your "stylist" a note and let them know if you have a wedding that month and want to be shipped only cocktail dresses, if you want to receive only tops, only jewelry, etc. I am already super impressed with the website!

I have heard nothing but GOOD things about Stitch Fix. I can't give my personal opinion [yet] but wait a month and I will fill you in! I can't wait!

My favorite things link-up!

Let's get this straight, I would NEVER ask for all of these gifts! To be honest, I don't really need anything for Christmas. I would be perfectly content opening one present and giving presents to all my family. There is nothing better than giving someone the perfect gift and watching their reaction and happiness. However, these are a few things I would be super happy with if Santa placed them under our tree ;)

1. Tory Burch clutch. I have this beauty in black and I use it all.the.time. Totally worth the money. It has a long strap so you can wear it as a cross-body bag or you can take the strap off and use it as a clutch. I would LOVE a brown/tan one!

2. Nespresso coffee & expresso maker. Hubs and I are coffee lovers snobs and we have been talking about getting one of these for a while. The second my alarm goes off in the morning I head straight for the coffee maker. I feel like this expresso maker might make me a more happy person in the morning ;) Has anyone tried one?! Is it worth the money??

3. Kendra Scott earrings. As I mentioned in a previous post, I got a pair of these in hot pink a few months back and got SO many compliments on them. I am dying for another pair!

4. Kate Spade watch. I really need a neutral, everyday watch to wear during clinicals next year. I'm thinking this one would be perfect!

5. Moscow Mule Copper Mugs. I had my first Moscow Mule in Charleston a few months ago and fell in love. These mugs are so fun and can be used for so many different, fun cocktails.

6. Kendra Scott Rayne necklace. May or may not be obsessed with this jewelry [obviously]. I want a necklace too!! It would go with EVERYTHING!

7. Clarisonic skin cleanser. I have heard amazing things and to be honest, I need to take better care of my skin. All I do is wash my face 2x a day and apply Oil of Olay lotion. I feel like I need to clean it better. Any advice about this product?!

8. Gold Aviator Tory Burch sunglasses. I only buy one nice pair of sunglasses every 2 or 3 years and it's about time for a new pair! I have never had aviators but always love them when I see them on other people.

What are you hoping Santa brings you this year?!

Weekending...

SO SAD to see this weekend come to an end! It was definitely a good one. Friday night we all arrived at my friend's lake house just before dinner. She cooked us a delicious meal complete with a cookie cake for me and my friend that had a birthday a few days before mine! Then it was time for drinks and catch phrase. Y'all, things got preeeetty intense. We may or may not have been yelling at the top of our lungs during that game. What can we say, we are competitive.

Saturday morning I was the first one up [as always] and I prepared breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, and coffee for the girls. We headed down to the dock to relax and enjoy the view. It was so chilly but sunny... perfect if you ask me!

We spent the day on the dock, in the hot tub, and just enjoying hanging out. Then we got ready and headed to Rosemont Winery in Virginia. It was the cutest little winery that looked like an old plantation home. We got to taste so many delicious wines, both red and white. After enjoying a few glasses we headed back to the house for dinner, relaxation, and more games.

 Sunday it was back to reality bright and early to study for a week full of exams :( My heart is so happy that I got to spend an entire weekend with my best friends of 20+ years! Love these girls so much!

Five on Friday: birthday edition!!

TODAY is my birthday!! Honestly, I don't really celebrate or look forward to my birthday very much. Sometimes I even forget how old I'm turning :) But I will admit, birthday wishes make me feel extra loved! This is what my birthday weekend looks like:

[O N E]

First things first, I am going to kick butt on a huge practical exam I have today. Saving [fake] lives on my birthday, duh. 31 days left until the end of the semester... not that I'm counting.

[T W O]

Heading straight to the lake with all 8 of my bff's after class! I CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! My group has been best friends since we were toddlers. Literally. All our moms are best friends so we were forced to become friends before we could even walk. Now that we are semi-grown ups we live all over NC and we don't see each other nearly as much as I wish we did. However, that makes our get-togethers even more amazing.

[T H R E E]

I plan to drink a few glasses [bottles] of champagne. It is my birthday, so I'm allowed, right? Birthday + girls weekend= champagne.

[F O U R]

The temps are supposed to drop in NC this weekend, like into the 30's and 40's! We will be taking full advantage of the hot tub and fireplace on the deck at the lake house. Sounds amazing doesn't it?!?

[F I V E]
I am having my "family" birthday dinner next week. I feel sad that I'm not spending it with my hubs and pup and family but that just means I get 2 celebrations!

I'm going to be an aunt, AGAIN!

Eeeeek, I can finally spill the beans! I am going to be an aunt AGAIN! My heart could burst!!! A few weeks ago I got home from school and this munchkin was sitting on my front steps waiting for me. It took me a minute to realize what her shirt said, then I slightly freaked out! I am praying my sister has a boy this time, but as long as baby is healthy I will be happy. Here's to more spoiling, and being able to send them home when they start crying ;)

Weekending: a weekend at home!

This was the first weekend we have been home in 6 weeks! It was much needed!! The Fall is always so busy with weddings and weekend getaways [that are so much fun!] but it is always refreshing to spend a weekend at home to re-charge. Friday at school we got to learn suturing techniques on pig's feet! After I shed a tear or two over these poor piggies, I had a blast learning how to suture 5 different ways. I am all ready for my surgery rotation! Anyone have a cut they need sewn up?!?

Then we celebrated mom's birthday! After dinner, hubs and I decided it wasn't too soon to watch a Christmas movie. We are both slightly obsessed with everything Christmas. 

[Sis and her hubs on the left, me and my hubs on the right... people always ask if sis and I are twins!]

Saturday morning bright and early we heard a knock on our door [my sister, niece, and brother-in-law live right beside us]. The cutest 2-year-old I know wanted to come cuddle and watch Mickey in bed. Ok, fiiiiine, I will cuddle with you ;) Her uncle Garrett made her breakfast in bed and little miss princess was happy as could be. [look at that bed head... that is some serious morning hair!]

Then sis and I left the boys and baby at home and went to the Holiday Show. Every November there is a huge weekend show where people set up booths to sell everything Christmas. It was huge!! Took us about 2 hours to make our way through. I bought a few Christmas decorations and it got me in the Christmas spirit!!

Saturday night mom cooked a yummy dinner and we hung with family. Sunday was for church, naps, football, bike rides, and school work. I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the [crazy] week ahead. P.s. it's officially my birthday week!!

And I will leave you with the face of a spoiled rotten pup that got caught eating candy off the table. Her face says it all.

Five on Friday... why I love November!

Happy November!! My very favorite month [December is a close 2nd]. Here are my top 5 reason why this month is the best month:

[ONE]

November in NC is the month when the weather finally starts staying cool. This month is perfect for my favorite outfit: dress + boots. Sweaters, scarves, PSL's, apple cider, boots, leggings, etc. I love cool weather! It is so nice to not walk out the front door and begin dripping sweat by the time you reach your car [hello, NC summers]. 

[TWO]

Birthday month! TODAY is my momma's birthday. I love this woman so much. She is my best friend. She does so much for me and my sisters.

Last night was all about celebrating HER! We went to a wine tasting/Christmas decoration show then to a delicious dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville, Starlight Cafe. On Thursday night they let you bring your own wine/Champagne in and only charge you a "corking fee" so we took total advantage of that [in case you haven't figured this out by now, I am champs obsessed]. Aaaaand a week from today is my birthday! November has so many birthdays and let's be honest, who doesn't love birthday cake??

[THREE]

Thanksgiving! My faaavorite holiday ever! Christmas is my #1 favorite because of all the decorations and Christmas cheer, but Thanksgiving is basically Christmas without the ridiculous amount of presents + amazingly good food. I wish Christmas wasn't all about presents these days. That's why I love Thanksgiving... it's all about gathering with family and enjoying time together without focusing on material things.

[FOUR]

Fall nail colors. I am slightly nail polished obsessed and my favorite colors are dark. When the temps start getting cool I can finally feel like it is acceptable to keep my nails in grays/blacks/browns. My very fav is OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques". Try it... you won't be disappointed!!

[FIVE]

Crock pot meals. Need I say more? My two favorites are homemade chicken noodle soup and chicken chili.

chicken noodle soup

chicken chili

Weekending... best friend's wedding!

This weekend our best friends Greg and Morgan tied the knot! It was so much fun to be in a wedding with my hubs. The whole weekend was such a blast. It was like a big college/baseball reunion. Friday night was the rehearsal dinner at Tanglewood, such a neat place! I am dying to go back when all the Christmas lights are lit up!

[sorry in advance for the picture overload]

Saturday morning we were up bright and early to start the wedding day! The bride picked me up from the hotel and I was constantly reminding her that rain is good luck on your wedding day :) We spent the morning drinking mimosas, getting hair and make-up done, and enjoying time together before the festivities began. Morg was so relaxed and calm!

 Right when we got to the wedding venue the rain cleared and the sun came out! It was freeeeezing cold, but no rain= happy! Morgan did ALL the wedding/reception decor herself. I was blown away. Over the past year she would send me pictures of projects but I had no idea how much she had actually done, and it all came together perfectly. It was absolutely beautiful! I have to say, one of my favorite details was the Texas Pete party favors. The groom is obsessed with Texas Pete so it was only fitting to give mini bottles away to their guests! Aaaand Morg painted that Texas Pete sign!

 My sweet friend was absolutely stunning. She wore my veil as her "something borrowed" which was so special to me.

We spent the night dancing and celebrating! Would it be embarrassing if I said my legs are sore from dancing? Woops. It's a good thing weddings like this don't happen every weekend. I am still recovering.

Hope you have a great week!