pumpkin week

This week entailed a lot of pumpkins and fall pretties in general. After a rough day on Monday, Zack made it all better with lots of surprises, including picking out pumpkins. We took our parents a few tiny pumpkins and chose two similar larger pumpkins to carve with our friends. 

We learned a bit about carving pumpkins with children. A child may spend 90% of the time meticulously cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin and 10% drawing a face for you to carve. He may spend 99% of the time drawing tiny black marker lines all over the pumpkin then 1% of the time asking you to cut out a beard (where even is the face?). Each child has his own personality, and they are never boring. How much richer of an experience than just carving my own *perfect* pumpkin at home! I love that my small group includes children. 

Oh yes, these flowers! Hydrangeas are not in season this time of year, but I suppose any flower can be bought for a price, and they are my favorite. I am spoiled, and they made my Monday afternoon so much better. 

Sometime in the last few weeks, Zack found this paleo pumpkin pie recipe and brought over the ingredients for us to make together. I finally got around to making it on Wednesday. It was fairly simple and a decent substitute for the real thing. (Check out the pumpkin muffins that I made last year here.)

I whipped up some cream and sweetened it with honey to make a paleo topping for our paleo pie. My pup sure enjoyed licking the whisk. 

What pumpkin treats have you made this year? How are you celebrating fall? 

Independence Day prep

The last few years, I've enjoyed wearing patriotic outfits for all of July 4th week. Blue and white is my favorite color combination for spring/summer, so it's easy to put together outfits that fit the week's theme. 

This blue floral printed scarf is my favorite hand me down scarf from my mom. Her hydrangeas have been gorgeous the last couple of weeks, and I decided to snap photos with them while I tried out a few looks with the scarf. I had a great outfit and hairstyle in mind (those ideas don't always turn out how I picture them) with a head scarf and my long hair, but I forgot to do it before I cut my hair! Oh well. It looked a little silly, so I tried the scarf some other ways and liked the big bow ponytail. 

What do you like to wear for Independence Day? Do you dress for the holiday all week? 

Loren Hope color play

Loren Hope hosted a contest throughout the month of May with the tag #LHcolorplay. She encouraged putting together a colorful outfit, including Loren Hope jewelry. I love my Loren Hope jewelry, but most of my pieces are monochromatic. I decided to put on a patriotic outfit and use all of my mom's red LH pieces. These were only sold at Monkee's of Raleigh. 

Dan got involved, of course. He ended up eating the berries right out of the bowl. 

Loren Hope jewelry // Ralph Lauren oxford // J. Crew skirt (old) // Sperry Topsiders

white button down and Lilly skirt: part one

I found this Brooks Brothers oxford in my brother's old closet.  I'm not sure whose it is, but it looks like it's never been worn.  I strategically chose a too-short-for-work skirt while enjoying my last few days off.  I usually wear this old (high school days!) reversible wrap skirt on the other side, but the larger floral print appealed to me this time.

earrings made by my mom // hand me down Brooks Brothers shirt // Lilly Pulitzer skirt // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Jenni K bracelet (similar) // hand me down bracelets // Kate Spade sandals

Check back on Monday for part two--the same button down, dressed up a little more.

E's bridal shower

This weekend I got to help with a bridal shower for my friend Elizabeth, who is getting married next month.  E's family friend hosted the shower at her beautiful home and arranged gorgeous flowers.  We used a mix of the hostess's and E's mother's silver.  It was a lovely shower and a breeze to host (from my perspective, anyway ;).  E's sister did a great job coordinating so that people got food and drink and E's gift opening went smoothly.  

I have helped my mom with countless showers over the years, and all that I've learned has definitely been put to use in the last few years.  My contributions to this shower were the fruit, vegetables, and punch.  I made a homemade ranch dip that was delicious - check out this pin for the recipe.  My dad's friend's herb garden supplied fresh chives that really made the dip.  I also pinned the punch recipe here.  

I love this detail of having the invitation framed at the shower, especially because this one was so perfect for E.  

I didn't get a picture with all of the food; here the table is missing E's mom's and grandmother's ham biscuits, which were delicious.  

Yes, that's an ice ring below.  Punch needs to be cold but can't be watered down with ice.  Plus, it's another opportunity to decorate!  Pretty shapes and colorful fruit are musts.  My mom laughed at me when I made ice rings, oh, two weeks before the shower, but the day approached quickly!

While I was mostly concerned about food and drink, the gifts were a huge success also!  

Did I mention how fantastic the flowers were?!

What are your tips for hosting a bridal shower?  You can find my shower ideas pin board here.  

mother's day gift ideas

I just (!) remembered a suggestion my friend Wesley made a while ago for me to do gift guides.  If you shop last minute or are unconcerned about delivering the gift on the actual day, maybe this post will reach you in time for mother's day ;) If not, she'll have a birthday sooner or later.

If your mom is stylish and a little bit preppy, loves button downs enough that she already has every color, and cares about where her clothing is made, maybe you should get her a Kiel James Patrick Scallop Oxford. They come in five colors; personally, I want the green.  Not planning to spend $120?  Check out their bracelets, made in Rhode Island.

If your mom is a little bit trendy and likes fun jewelry, she will appreciate the recently added acrylic monogram earrings from Moon and Lola.  The pair I have my eye on are acrylic crosses with a gold monogram.  Also check out the staple filigree earrings and monogram necklace that Moon and Lola is know for.  These items are all made nearby in Apex, North Carolina.  Take some time to visit their flagship store on Wilmington Street in Raleigh to smell the wonderful soaps, too!

Want to go with something a little more traditional?  Make sure the pajamas you buy her are made in the U.S. like this pretty floral set from BedHead, where they are running a mother's day special for free shipping and a gift box.  Or give a certificate for her next manicure and pedicure; I recommend Tanas in Raleigh.

What are you getting your mom for mother's day?  If you're a mom, what would you like to receive for mother's day?