Five on Friday

 Bringing another Five on Friday this week with a few things on my mind as we roll into the weekend.  The biggest thing I am excited about is my mom coming for a few days! 

One:  Girls Tea Party

This weekend I am hosting a ladies tea party at my house.   I am thrilled to have so many ladies who can make it.  It is a little daunting having so many NEW friends in my house for the first time but it's my goal to be extra social so this is a huge step for me.  I've had the best time planning a colorful tea party for the girls.  Knowing pastel loving me, this is a huge step!


Two: Fruit Infused Water

I've been majorly thirsty of late, and have fallen in love with fruit infused water.  I recently got a great new water bottle that has a space for fruit to fit right in the middle.  If you are like me, it is so hard to get my 64 ounces of water in a day.  Here are some great recipes for fruit in your water:
 

Three:White Everywhere

I love all the spring and summer styles of white dresses. I've already snagged two for the summer and can't wait to wear them.   I am envious of all the brides who are buying wedding shower dresses because there are so many great options out there now!

Four: Our New Curtains

 I can't believe how wonderful our cozy kitchen space is now thanks to the new handmade curtains from my mother-in-law.  The space is really starting to blossom with the light and the curtains and I have big plans for that blank wall space you see there.  Stay tuned!

Five:  Excitement for Charleston!

With an approaching vacation in South Carolina   I cannot wait to have a week back in our "first home" and then back with our family for so many days.  It has my dreaming about our visit last year and scheming for all we want to get done this trip.   Charleston is the BEST city in the world.  I can't wait to be there for a week and see all we've missed in these 6 Virginia months away from "home."

Five Things on Friday

1.  Ibotta App

One of my future goals that I am already starting to work on is to become a little bit better with deals and coupons as it relates to our groceries.  The issue is..I hate going to the grocery store, so I have major room for improvement in this area.  But!  I recently discovered a new app called Ibotta where you can get rebates back for the groceries you by!  Just scan the bar code of the item and your receipt and you are close to rebate central!  This week I got $11.50 dollars back!  Interested in how much money you could save? Use the link to check this out: IBOTTA

2.  Biking to Work
 

Rich has my car for the week due to an unfortunate little street accident in our neighborhood with his car, so I am taking the old school route of riding my bike to work.  Living 1 minute from the office has some major perks!  

3.  Blonde for the Summer

 Remember last week when I said I was loving some summer balayage hair?  Well, a few hours at the hair salon later, I did it!  I have never been this blonde and probably will never do this again, but hair is hair and it grows and fades, so for a few weeks I will be blonde for the summer.  So far I think my dogs are still trying to figure out who I am, but I am joining Ellie for a bit on #teamblonde.

4.  Atler'd State

Last weekend I stumbled upon a new store opening in our area.  Atler'd State is a faith-based clothing store for women.  I had the BEST customer service experience there-every lady in the store working called me by name throughout my shopping experience and they were so helpful as I was trying on clothes by suggesting belts and different ways to wear the clothes.   The store had the cutest lace slips you can throw under a tunic to make it a dress.  I also loved that you could leave prayer requests in their notebook.   Here are my favorite recommendations: Great for Summer Days / Love a Great Swing Dress /   Great for Spring, Summer, and Fall

5.  Shutterfly: 50% off and free shipping for Mothers Day

I am scrambling at the last minute to finalize our wedding album as a potential Mothers Day gift for my mom and mother-in-law.  I am not going to miss this great extended Shutterfly Deal! Also, putting together this book is a fun way to look back on photos and memories from our big day like the one above!

As always, linking up with Carolina Charm for this week's Five on Friday!

Five on Friday

 If you all are anything like me, this has been a long week and I sure have earned a nice spring weekend!  It feels like I have so many things on my mind it is so hard to limit them to just five this week!  Check back in next week to see all that our weekend entailed, I sure thing it's going to be a BIG one!

One: Southern Style

All this beautiful weather and memories of beach days in Charleston have me all sorts of nostalgic for the low country.  I am so excited that in less than two months we will be back for a week.  I am already making lists on lists of things I want to see, do, eat, and smell!  I am so grateful that my parents chose Charleston for a family vacation this year and giving us a great excuse to get back here.  So, until we get ready for our visit, I am going to be playing this little jam on repeat and remember sailboat cruises in the harbor in my soul-city.

Two : Pendant Lighting

Since we bought our house in December the one thing I have been most anxious to do is replace some of the light fixtures in the house.  Nothing in our house light wise is particularly bad I just have been dreaming about some of the great light fixtures I've seen in other houses and felt that were more in line with the style of our house since we've updated it.  Nothing gives a room a great splash of personality like a new paint job and updated lighting.  This past weekend Rich and I had a Lowes impulse buy when we snagged a great clearance deal on a pendant light for our kitchen breakfast nook area.  I am hoping this weekend or very soon Rich can install it to see what the new space looks like! I think it will be an insta-upgrade in making our house new and fresh.  It looks like Lowes is not selling the one we bought online, but I do love this little number they have in stock right now: 

/pendant light/

 Three: Balayage Hair

I know I am a little late in the game on this, but on Monday I am taking a bit of a leap with this old hair of mine and going to a new to me stylist for a little balayage.  It's been three years and two cities since I paid someone to dye my hair, so I feel like I am more than ready for some professional treatment on these locks.  I am loving the fact that this style should be pretty low maintenance.  

Four: Jen Wilkin Led Bible Study

My girls bible study on Monday nights just wrapped up a Jen Wilkin led Bible Study on Judges and I cannot recommend her studies anymore for you Bible loving ladies.  She has amazing work books available for free download (!) or can easily be printed at Kinkos for an entire group at such a low price.  Each week she has a podcast to cover much of the reading and provides great teaching and leadership on the study.  We are launching our Hebrews study Monday night this week and I cannot wait! 

 /Jen Wilkin Bible Study Materials./

 

 

Five: Air Show Weekend Fun

 

I am just thrilled it is the weekend.  It's been a long week and we've got a friend from Charleston coming into visit.   I am hoping we can all go to the air show locally here and see some amazing air power.  It's a free event and includes a Craig Morgan concert, and I am very much in the mood for some dancing in the spring weather!

Five Things on Friday

It's Friday which means it's time for a little Five on Friday.  This week I am bringing you some spring favorites with a sprinkle of national puppy day.  With a line up like that, what's not to love?  As always, I am linking up with Liz.

1.  Easter:
I am SO excited it is Easter!  My parents are coming to spend the weekend with us and it will be so great to show them around town a bit and see our new house. We're hoping to do a nice brunch after Sunday church and later we have a potluck with our Life Group.  

2.  National Puppy Day

I just loved National Puppy Day and a chance to remember my puppy girl a bit.  I am sure this is how parents feel when they look at pictures of their baby, but when I look a little Ellie I can't help but think how did I let her grow up?  She is a terror for most of her puppy years but looking back at the photos you wouldn't know it.  Cheers to puppy's everywhere, you are the answer to the world's problems puppies.

3.  Patio Lights

Patio Lights

A few weeks ago Rich strung the rest of our lights in our back patio.  I LOVE turning them on at night and seeing how magical our back yard becomes.  But why I am really sharing this with you is due to the awesome deal we got at Costco for these lights.  We were able to buy two seats and basically have full light coverage in the backyard.  They are high quality and will withstand most weather.  If you have a Costco membership, you can score these lights here!

4.  Amazon Guest Room Duvet Deal

White Duvet Cover

With family and guests coming more this spring, I finally needed to execute on a cover to the duvet I bought for the guestroom.  Cue Amazon to the rescue.  This beautiful white cover arrived in two days (thanks Prime!) and what a beauty it was!  I was thrilled with the price tag!  If something get spilled or ruined on it-no big deal to replace this guy.  And white bedding is my jam. Did I mention it came with two matching shams too?

5.  Fire Pit  in the Spring Time

One of my biggest wish list items in our new house has been a fire pit for the backyard.  I had a vision for our backyard being a great entertaining space for friends and family for these years and a fire pit was a great next step.  Rich did a great job tricking me into thinking it wasn't going to happen anytime soon when he told me they aren't on sale this time of year, but was so thrilled and surprised to come home to one on a Friday afternoon!  We've tried twice now to get a good fire going but unfortunately haven't had any luck.  Here is to hoping this is the weekend!  you can score this same fire pit at Lowes here. 

Five for Friday: Target Favorites!

With our new house I am all things crazy for Target right now.  I've never considered myself a Target obsessed gal (I never minded a casual stroll through Target, just never found myself ga ga over all things Target) but between some of their new home decor collections,  it is my go to stop for all things house right now.

Here are five of my favorite things I am eyeing this week:

One:  Nate Berkus Metallic Curtains:

I LOVE these dreamy curtains.  As of right now all our rooms are curtained, but can't help but think how can I find a way to put these sweet lovelies in our sunroom decor plan.

Two: Double Sconce

I am currently scheming to figure out how I can work these into either our foyer or dinning room for additional lighting.  They have such a subtle luxurious feel that keeps drawing me back to them.

Three: Nate Burkus Square Gold Side Table

Before leaving Charleston we sold off all our side tables so we are in the market for some new ones for our living room.  We are waiting for our new couch to arrive (soon!), but these marble and gold side tables really provide a beautiful elegance to any room.

Four: Bike Throw Pillow

My favorite holiday is so close!  I thought this pillow would be the sweetest addition to one of our many window seats in the house.

Five: Women's Fringed Booties

The second these gals go on sale you will find them in my shopping cart, sorry husband ;)

Five on Friday

This week's five on Friday is a bit holiday inspired.  With all the stores bring out their holiday goodies, I can't help myself but fall in love with so awesome home goods for the holidays.  Take it away:


ONE: DIY Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches


Leave it up to my better half to find a way to make homemade chick fil-a sandwiches.  This yummy treat was the perfect dinner night in and gave us a taste of familiarity.  He even made it spicy how I like it!  You can find the recipe here:

TWO: Christmas Card Design

I'll admit I have been scheming Christmas card designs ever since we got back our wedding photos.  I cannot help but love sending and receiving these seasonal cards.  One of my favorites is this simple design from Shutterfly, who just so happens to be offering 30% off with the code: BOOYEAH

THREE: Pottery Barn Stocking Holders

 I don't know if its too early to be lusting Christmas decor the way I am, but these Pottery Barn stocking holders seem to be an awesome fit for our PB stockings we got last Christmas from my parents.  I love the thought of adding more reindeer across the mantel which is a bit better than using the "Joy" "Love" "Peace" stocking hanger options.

Four: Comfy Pajama Season

 The weather is getting cooler and the pajamas are getting comfier!  I don't know about you but receiving PJs for the holidays is one of my favorite gifts.  I love this cute style from Old Navy right now. but nothing tops my doggie pajamas I was given this past year!

Five:  Happy HOWL-o-WEEN

May you never forget the true meaning of Halloween is the ability to dress you dog up in ridiculous costumes without their consent.  Happy Trick or Treating to your pack-whether they be children or furry children.

Linking up with A. Liz Adventures for this week's Five on Friday:

Five on Friday

It's Friday and I am under the weather.  Thankfully this gives me the perfect chance to "cool my jets" as my dad would say and get some extra sleep  television time.  Let me share my five on Friday for this week:


One: Silas Timberlake: Can we talk about Timber-baby for a second?  He finally came out of hiding on the Jimmy Fallon show when JT shared some adorable family snap shots.  I'm a bit confused how he looks nothing like either of them, but regardless he is one cute baby.

Two: "The Best Yes": I've joined a bible study small group at church (hello August goals: check) and this week we finally began out study of Lysa TerKeurst's The Best Yes. Essentially the book seeks to help women discover how their decision making shapes their lives, namely, how saying too much "yes" can take away our energy and allow us less time for God.  I am really excited to learn more about this study and what it will teach me int he next 8 weeks.

Three: Free Shutterfly Photo Book:  Shutterfly is running an awesome deal right now!  You can create a 8x8 photobook for FREE!  All you have to do is pay shipping and handling!  I was finally able to create a photobook of all the pictures of Rich and I's first year together.  Be sure to use the promocode FREETREAT in the check out to score the great deal.

Four: The Air Force Ball: Rich and I are planning to attend this year's Air Force Ball downtown and we are so excited.  I had so much fun last year in my Rent the Runway gown.  I rented my dress again this year, but can't help but eye google so many beautiful dresses as we get ready.  Here are some of my favorites.

This was last year's dress.

Five: Operation Moving:  We have finally nailed down the dates we plan to travel to look for a new house.  Now begins the fun process of coming up with our top favorite houses to visit!  

Five on Friday

1.  Tassel Everything
I am late on this trend but lately I have been craving all things tassel. How cute is this tassel pillow?

 

You can snag a few great tassel necklace deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale