love is in the air

Last Friday afternoon, I got off work and headed to the airport to meet Zack. We were planning to fly to the beach to spend the weekend with our friends, but a couple of hours before I left work, Zack's sister texted to ask if we could fly south to take her some things she had left in his truck, on our way. 

Little did I know, Zack was painting this giant sign while I was at work, and his sister was in on the surprise. 

Zack had scoped out his friend's field from the air earlier in the week, and he spent Friday picking out paint and supplies and painting the sign. 

We took off and headed to look at my workplace, which is close to the airport. We had never done this before, but I didn't think anything of it. Then, Zack turned and started descending rather than climbing and heading toward his sister. I was a little confused until I saw the sign. 

I asked, "is that for me?" and Zack pulled out the ring and proposed. I said "yes," of course (!!!), and we circled the field taking pictures of the sign and watching his mom, dad, and friends wave to us. 

On the way back to the airport, he let me know that my mom was going to meet us at the airport along with our family and friends who had been waiting, guarding the sign, in the field. 

Since it's impossible to get down on one knee while flying our plane, Zack got down on one knee once we'd landed and taxied. 

Torri was "hiding" and taking photos of us. 

We took a few photos then spent the evening celebrating with our families. We are so happy to be engaged! 

J. Crew chino shorts: red and blue

Last Wednesday, my mom and I went to the farmer's market to eat lunch and search for a plant like the one she had last year (seen here). I've looked a few times this summer, and we haven't been able to find one. 

We had an (always) delicious #notpaleo lunch at the NC Seafood Restaurant and picked up some peaches. 

Dan will eat anything. 

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic sunglasses // HMD earrings from Mom // Polo shirt // HMD scarf belt from Mom // J. Crew 3" chino shorts // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

patriotic walk to the lake

I hope there's nice weather wherever you are on Independence Day. Dan and I are learning to love walks and jogs together, usually in the early mornings since it's so hot. 

This outfit is entirely hand me down and yet another red, white, and blue ensemble to celebrate Independence Day. I am thankful that we have religious freedom in our country; I can gather with friends and pray and read my Bible. I can keep as many copies of the Bible as I want to, give them to anyone, and tell anyone about it. I am even more thankful that my true freedom is in Jesus. The Bible says, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians), and I grasp hold of that freedom whether or not my country gives me permission. 

hand me down scarf from Mom // HMD Brooks Brothers shirt from brother's closet // HMD Anne Cole bathing suit from Mom

waking up in red, white, and blue

Continuing my tradition of wearing red, white, and blue all week before July fourth, I jumped at the chance to buy these Sleepy Jones pajamas (Alex tank, Tauba short) on sale recently. My mug is a hand me down, stamped with the Carolina Aero Club logo. Three generations of my family have been involved in the club, which played a large part in my parents meeting. 

I'm so glad to have patriotic pajamas that are made in the USA! And below is what our mornings actually look like. 

Happy Independence Day!!!

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

a whirling

gifted scarf from Allison // HMD sweater from Granny // Anna Sui for Anthropologie dress // Michael Kors small Layton watch // HMD bangle from Mom // Gap tights

weather you like it or not

I dressed up this sweater a little for some photos downtown last weekend. 

Then on Wednesday, I couldn't resist shooting in the falling snow when I got home. I had worn this outfit to work, playing a little game I like to call "how many layers can I fit under my Harris tweed?"

Moon and Lola acrylic Stanford monogram earrings // HMD Harris Tweed coat from Mom // HMD Ralph Lauren sweater from Granny // J. Crew Factory chambray shirt // J. Crew leggy denim // Hunter Original Tall rain boots

heart

Happy Valentine's Day! 

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.  1 John 4:10-12

I plan to celebrate by hosting a small dinner party with chocolate cake. In years past, I have had quiet dinners at home with my boy and watched movies and eaten pizza with my best girl friends. It's been fun every time. 

I just love Valentine's Day! It's the perfect excuse to mix red and pink, eat chocolate, wear red lipstick, and carry a heart balloon. I hope that you enjoy the festivities today and reflect on true love. 

Sweet Lulu balloon // Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Firecracker // Premier faux pearls // hand me down sweater from Granny // Kayce Hughes dress // Christian Louboutin pumps