Birthday Inspiration Board

I seem to be hard to shop for because when my birthday rolls around, most of my family gives me money. Who am I to argue? It's always the right size and it matches everything!

Today I turn 26 and my gifts are already burning a hole in my pocket! I whipped up a little inspiration board to help me decide what to buy for myself.

Black Flats - I have already told you guys how much I like my gray flats, and I am definitely going to get a second pair in black.

Ceiling Fan - Our living room already has a ceiling fan, but it is not my style - contractor standard brass and white, yuck! I guess I complained a lot about it because my mom offered to buy me a new fan for my birthday and I am loving the industrial feel of this one.

Leather Boots - At 26, it's time for me to invest in some black leather boots. I've had several faux leather pairs in the past, but I need to step it up a notch. These Frye boots are out of my price range, but a gal can dream.

Shower Head - I recently spent a few days with a friend and she had a rainfall shower head. I loved it and have been dying to get one ever since I came home.

Bralette - As a nursing mom I have worn nothing but boring nursing bras over the past 3 months. I want this sweet little lace bra to make me and my girls feel feminine and pretty. Plus, at $20 each, I might get more than one!

What would you buy for your birthday?

This Is Why I Am Always Covered In Cat Hair

There is no point in ever buying a cat bed because he (and my other cat) would rather sleep on piles of clean laundry. Also, please note the cream sweater that was perfectly folded until he kicked it out of the way.

At least he has good taste. He's sleeping in between by 'NC State' and 'I Love Lamp' hoodies. Tacky, maybe, but I love a good hoodie.

Gray and Fleecy

I went home to Wilkesboro over the weekend to visit with friends and family. The cooler temps gave me a chance to wear 2 of my favorite purchases for fall.

First, I brought my new casual jacket from Old Navy. It is soft and comfortable like a sweatshirt but has the structure and styling of a jacket. I have the gray one, but they don't carry it anymore. I snagged a pic of the brown one, so you'll just have to use your imagination.

pretend this is gray

I also packed the new Self Esteem flats I picked up from DSW. The grey wool looks super cute with jeans and skirts. But most importantly - fleece lining - I have found cute shoes that feel like bedroom slippers! The are so toasty I don't even need socks. I admit wearing socks with cute shoes can be a wee bit dorky, but my feet are always cold so comfort usually wins. In fact, I love these so much I'm probably going to go back and get the black pair.

What items are getting heavy rotation in your fall wardrobe?

Calendar Swap

I just signed up for a calendar swap, hosted by the Lovely Lady-Bloggers behind Design Crush and Greedy Girl.

It seems like such a fun and simple way to bring some beauty to my life. You guys should join the fun!

Build Your Own Biscuit

I don't normally post things I find on other blogs but, come on, this is too adorable not to steal. A wedding with a biscuit bar instead of a wedding cake! Frickin' awesome, I tell ya!

It's true, I love cake like a fat kid loves cake.* But, I am Southern and I have the highest respect for a good biscuit. Especially if said biscuit is accompanied by real butter and fresh jelly. Perfection.

*Because I'm a fattie, obv.

Happy Friday!

[ via 100 Layer Cake ] [ Photos by Anna Robin ] [ Biscuits by Baked ]

My New (Old) Necklace

Look at what my grandmother-in-law sent me!


She found it at an estate sale and thought of me. Wasn't that sweet of her? I am loving long, textural statement necklaces for fall and this piece is perfect. Unique chain, gorgeous leaf detailing and a semi-precious stone (malachite, I think). I can't wait to wear it!

Hooray for Fall!

I love fall. Love, love, love it! As soon as the temp starts dropping I run to my boots and scarves. Oh boots, how I've missed you!


I will wear my boots any way I can: under slacks, with skirts and tights or over jeans. There's just one problem. I hate how jeans, even skinny jeans, bunch up inside my boots.

Remember stirrup pants? Weren't they awesome for wearing with boots? Yes, but, did you ever try to get some extra mileage and wear them with other shoes? Yeah, awkward. Don't you wish there was a way to get the function of stirrup pants without the goofy side effects? Well, now there is.

This morning as I was getting dressed I grabbed some scrap elastic and a handful of safety pins and within minutes I had be-stirruped my jeans.

Sorry for the funky picture. It is quite awkward to photograph your own foot.

In the future I might rig up some more permanent hooks and eyes, but for now the safety pins are working just fine.