I haven't done a weekend recap in a few weeks and we had a memorable one, so I thought I'd share! 

The Gary Player Flight winners

Friday night started with a date night for Andrew and me, and it was much needed after a long week. I ordered my usual, the grilled black bean burger with avocado and it didn't disappoint. We ended the evening with ice cream because duh. 

This summer has been so busy with us traveling that I haven't had enough weekends at the pool. I was able to get out there on Saturday and spend time with some good friends and try to keep up my summer tan. Clearly, all I remembered to take pictures of was my food. Surprised? 

That night, we attended the wedding of one of Andrew's co-workers and her now-husband. The ceremony was so unique to them, and the couple was breathtaking. We all danced the night away and I was definitely sore waking up the next day! 

The reception was gorgeous and one of the prettiest weddings we've been to! 

The happy couple cutting the delicious cake. 

Andrew played in our annual member-member golf tournament at the country club this past Thursday though Sunday. He and his partner, Chip, fought hard and made the cut to play on Saturday and Sunday. They played so well and ended up winning their entire flight! There were 7 teams in each flight and 12 flights total. They played a good match on Sunday morning but ended up not getting through the championship. Needless to say, they had fun and brought some pretty hardware home! 

I hope y'all had a fun weekend and are excited for the upcoming holiday weekend…and the football countdown starts! 

Linking up with Biana for Weekendng! 

xoxo

Bath and Body Works Haul

I'm not gonna lie. It has been a long time since I've stepped foot into a Bath and Body Works store. And, to be honest, I didn't even step into the store to make my most recent purchase. I cozily sat in my bed with a coupon code in hand and added items to my cart and checked out while probably eating a bowl of ice-cream. 

I am obsessed with their three wick candles, but didn't end up getting any. I am not quite ready for the fall scents such as my go-to and long time favorite, Leaves, but thought it was too late to get something as summery as Peach Bellini. 

The main reason I even made a purchase was because I received an email saying that they were having a 50% off all aromatherapy sale! I was out of my Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint body lotion, so I wanted to look to see what else I could find. I know it sounds crazy, but this hand lotion really does help relieve my stress. The scent is very spa-like and therapeutical, and I enjoy keeping it on my desk at work. 

I have never tried their aromatherapy body washes and since they were 50% off, I went ahead and grabbed two different scents, Eucalyptus Spearmint and Sleep Lavender Vanilla. 

Their aloe fuzzy socks are some of my favorite socks to sleep in, so I thought these owl ones would be perfect! 

And, because I had a coupon (yes, on top of 50% off), I had to spend $30 to get $10 off, so I threw these pocket hand sanitizers in my cart. One scent is eucalyptus spearmint and the other is Fall Lakeside Breeze. 

What else are you loving at Bath and Body Works? They always have such great deals and I honestly forget about it. I can't wait for their fall candles…they are the best! 

Have a great weekend! 

xoxo

Easy One Pot Lasagna

Remember me? It's been a hot minute, but I sure did miss y'all. After being sick for a few days and having a rough week, I took a little break. But, I am happy to be back! 

Instead of telling you about our extremely exciting weekend of takeout, work and hanging out with friends… I thought I'd start off the week with one of my favorite new recipes.

Damn Delicious has done it again. She has come up with an easy and delicious meal that anyone will love.  I whipped this up tonight and Andrew was right there by my side helping.  The entire meal only took 30 minutes from start to finish, so this is perfect for a quick week night meal. The cleanup was so easy because the entire meal was cooked in one pan. 

I did slightly adapt the recipe because the original recipe calls for Italian sausage, but I'm not a huge fan of Italian sausage. Instead, I used Jimmy Dean's maple sausage. I figured the sweetness of the sausage would offset the acidity of the tomatoes, and it was the best decision I made. If you love Italian sausage, definitely try it, but if you don't, the maple won't disappoint. For some really weird reason, I couldn't find my red pepper flakes for the life of me, so I substituted cayenne instead. Also, I cooked mine about 5 minutes longer than the original recipe calls for but this could have been due to the size of my pasta. 

*Sidenote: Farfalle = bowtie 

For the full recipe, click here. 

Hmm, give me all the cheese. 

For me, I would say this tasted closer to a Hamburger Helper more than lasagna, but whatever you want to call it, it was amazing! 

Let me know if you try this! I should have taken a picture but between my serving and Andrew's serving plus going back for seconds, we still had 3/4 of the meal left! We will definitely be enjoying the leftovers this week. 

I hope y'all have a great start to the week! 

YouTube Beauty Favorites

I could lay in my bed and just watch YouTube beauty videos for hours and hours. And, I have. Totally guilty. 

I haven't really had a chance to watch many videos lately because it's summer, life is busy and I started blogging. For me, I blog at night since I work long days, and this has taken priority over me watching videos. However, I've started watching them again lately (hence the reason I haven't been writing to you as much…sorry!!) I never realized how addicted I was. It's not healthy, and I am fully owning it. I could literally just watch one after another and not realize that 4 hours have passed. I probably started watching them about 6 years ago and have spent hundreds (yes, hundreds) of hours watching tutorials, hauls, empties and so many more videos.

If you are wanting to learn a thing or two about beauty, check out some of my favorite's channels. I can't tell you how much I have learned from them. From learning how to contour to finding the newest drugstore products, or getting inspiration,  I owe most of my experience and passion to them.

Some of these ladies now have their own makeup line or collections in Sephora or Ulta. And, it all started from one place, YouTube. 

In no particular order, here are some favorites:

AllThatGlitters 21

Allison Anderson
Amelia Liana
Carli Bybel 
Casey Holmes

Fleur De Force

GlamLife Guru 

Jaclyn Hill 
Lo Bosworth 
Lustrelux
MakeupByAlli 

Makeup By Tiffany D

Rachel Talbott

RachhLoves
Shades of Kassie

Zoella

I certainly have my favorite girls that I have been watching for years and have recently found some new gurus but I want to know if I'm missing anyone! Who are your favorite beauty gurus? 

Life Lately

I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for the weekend!

I feel like we have been so busy with traveling on the weekends and lots of work during the week and we haven't had a chance to catch up or take a breath!

|| photo by Stephanie, Olive and Tate ||

Let me just catch y'all up on what's been going on around here.

Now that some big events such as planning my sister's bachelorette party, Andrew's 30th birthday, and Charleston Cooks event are all over, I feel like I can finally sit back and relax. Until football season. But, that doesn't take a ton of planning, so I am excited for it! Although, our weekends are pretty much booked up through the entire fall already.

I am about to transition into a new role at work. I'm excited about it, but it's also kind of scary at the same time.

I am also ready for a break.

Speaking of a break, we booked our trip! Thank you so much for all of your comments and advice. We were torn between Mexico and Aruba, and the day that the plane ticket prices to Aruba went up hundreds and hundreds of dollars, we decided to book Mexico. We have never been to either place, but I'm sure we will end up going to Aruba at some point in life. Mexico, here we come!

I am still trying to decorate this house, and even just try to keep it clean for that matter. We are creeping up on being in our house for one year, but I know it will just take time.

What have you guys been up to?

Have a great weekend! I'll be traveling again, but excited to see my family!

xoxo

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger

I had been needing a new shampoo and conditioner for a long time, and just hadn't had the time to find a new collection to try. I went to get my hair cut and my stylist looked at me and said "What shampoo and conditioner are you using?" After slouching down and covering my face in my chair, I mumbled that I had been using $2 Sauve. And, she wasn't surprised. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Suave and most drugstore brands, but my hair has been drying out like crazy. She recommended that I invest in a salon professional shampoo and conditioner, so I caved. She recommended the brand that my salon carries and I sadly can't think of it right not, but it was not Paul Mitchell. I respectfully declined and said that I would do some research. 

The next week, I went on my sister's bachelorette party and one of my best friends was using the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip, Keratin Cream Rinse and Moisturizing Lather Shampoo. The smell is what made me beg her to try it. The smell lingered for hours and is so refreshing. It's kind of spicy (the ginger) but yet so fresh. It is so delicious. 

After using these products for several weeks now, I can tell a difference in my hair. My dark hair is very fine and used to be so hydrated, but the older I get, it has started to dry out. The shampoo and conditioner have brought my dull hair back to life and is definitely hydrating. 

In addition to this, I am trying to only blow dry my hair 3-4 days a week instead of 7 like I have done in the past. If you see me in public and my hair is looking rogue, don't blame it on the products. Keeping the heat off my hair has helped hydrate my hair, but it never really has much volume when it air dries. 

| Hydrocream Whip |  | Keratin Cream Rinse |  | Moisturizing Lather Shampoo |

The hydrocream whip is the softest and most flexible mousse I have ever used. It quickly dissolves into my hair and gives so much volume. It does also help with the frizz, so that is a plus! 

The Keratin Cream Rinse is the conditioner. It doesn't take a lot of product and a little bit definitely goes a long ways. Because I have fine hair, I don't like to weigh down my hair with a lot of conditioner. It hydrates my hair and makes it feel so much smoother. I have noticed that my hair does not tangle as easily anymore!

The Moisturizing Lather Shampoo definitely lathers. I love it when shampoo suds up because it makes me feel like my hair is actually getting clean. I don't use a ton of products outside of the hydrocream whip and dry shampoo, but it makes my hair feel squeaky clean. 

I wash my hair everyday, I know...so bad for my hair, but I'm not to the point where I can skip days yet. I'd eventually like to be able to wash my hair every other or every three days, and hopefully I can use these products to train my hair to get to that point. 

Again, even if the products didn't really work, I'd still buy them for the smell. But, they do work and I'm now obsessed so I will be repurchasing! 

Have you tried any of these? 

** This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts are my own and were purchased on my own. 

Linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday 

July Favorites

I know, I know, I'm a little late on this one. We are nearly halfway through August already. How did that happen?

This is my first monthly favorites post but I always enjoy reading them so I thought I might as well do my own! All of the items listed below were all discovered in the month of July and just so happen to be items that stand out and ones that will be repurchased!

| Trader Joe's Truffle Marcona Almonds |

Holy moly, these are good. They are so potent that they only require literally a handful. I love playing the guessing game with other people and make them try them and guess what flavor they are. I usually get "garlic" as an answer. These are a great addition to a meat and cheese plate or on top of a salad.
So, so good. 

| Maybelline Baby Lips Gloss |

You might remember this post, but I am still loving this gloss. It is a perfect color for summer and makes my lips much smoother. 

| Maybelline Lash Sensational |

This mascara has been all over YouTube, so I am blaming YouTube for this purchase. You all know that I will never give up my favorite mascara. But, you also know that I use two mascaras for layering. I usually use a less expensive (cue in the Lash Sensational), as a base coat, then top it off with my favorite. This is a very wet mascara, which I love, and does a great job of separating and lengthening my lashes. 

| Target Lamp |

I was on a search for what seems like eternity for a lamp for our living room. We have been rocking Andrew's college floor lamp for years and years, and it had to go. I love how this brings a modern twist to our rustic living room. 

| Stella and Dot Renegade Bracelet |

I went to one of my friend's Stella and Dot trunk shows a few weeks back and sadly only walked away with this. Again, a cult favorite and wouldn't necessarily be something I thought I'd ever purchase, but I love it. It has quickly become a daily piece of my arm candy and looks so good stacked with this and this. 

| Three Tier Jewelry Stand |

I have been searching for a new jewelry stand, and this happened to be on sale at Target, so in my red basket it went. It is perfectly feminine and has sweet touches of gold throughout. All of my staple items that I wear daily live on this stand such as my Tory earrings, watch, wedding bands and bracelets mentioned above.

| Necklace Stand |

Like the favorite above, it was on sale and so feminine with a touch of gold, so in my red basket it went. My necklaces no longer get tangled and are nicely layered so that I can see all of them.

| Face Wipes |

I am not a huge fan of using face wipes as my only source to take off my makeup and try to use my Clarisonic a few times a week. However, there are many nights where I am lazy so a face wipe is a must. I have used these in the past, but kind of forgot about then and recently tried them again. They will be a repeat purchase because they smell nice and do not dry out easily.

| Yeti Rambler |

So technically, I got these for Andrew's 30th birthday, but I love them. I haven't used it for coffee yet because Andrew doesn't drink coffee and doesn't want the cup to smell like coffee, so there. It literally keeps ice overnight. It doesn't sweat with condensation and keeps your drink very cold! I might just have to buy one for myself and use for coffee because apparently your coffee will never get cold!

Do y'all like these kinds of posts? I think it's a great way to see what's new and what other people like…at least I know I am speaking for myself!

I hope y'all have a great day! I've been sick so hopefully I can kick this sinus infection into next week!

xoxo

A Weekend of Celebrating Baby Lucie

Why do weekends always go by so fast? We arrived back home just as slowly as we got to our destination. Remember our drive to Virginia on Thursday? Well, we made the exact same drive in the opposite direction today and it was so sad leaving our friends behind. 

We had the best time celebrating baby Lucie and the mama to be, but it made me realize how much I miss not having Caroline and her husband close to us. We soaked up every second we spent with them and made many memories. It was also the first time I've seen Caroline since she announced she was pregnant, so I loved on both of them and cannot wait to meet Lucie within the next few months! 

Stephanie and I spent the day together and went to one of my favorite restaurants in Williamsburg and it has quickly become a traditions of ours. And, I mainly just love it for their french onion soup. After lunch, we jammed out to some Whitney, Mariah and Celine at the nail salon while getting much needed pedicures. 

How beautiful is this venue for Caroline's baby shower? The blue skies opened up as soon as we got there, and the hostesses couldn't have done a better job!

The four of us. 

Pound cake french toast, cheese grits, bacon, potatoes and mushrooms…need I say more? The perfect baby shower menu. 

One of the sweet burp cloths I gifted Lucie. I adore seeing her little name written out. 

After arriving back to Steph's parent's house, her parents cooked the most amazing meal consisting of freshly caught fish and shrimp…and so much more! 

How happy do our husbands look to be around each other? Ok. Maybe only Reid looks excited, but they are secretly holding in their excitement. I promise. 

Caroline, Lucie and Reid - we are so excited to meet baby L and love y'all so much! 

Steph and Justin - thank you for your wonderful hospitality and sharing your parents with us for the weekend! 

We are already planning our trip back up to VA! 

xoxo

Coming To You From Virginia

Happy Friday, friends!

I am coming to you from Steph's parent's Colonial Williamsburg's dining room table today. Clearly, it is still too early for showers, but not too early for a Starbuck's run in our pajamas.

We made the 7.5 hour trip from Greenville yesterday and Tate was obviously more well behaved than us girls.

And you ask, why are y'all in Virginia? So glad you asked. Well, we are here to celebrate and love on one of our dearest friend's in honor of baby Lucie. 

Today will consist of absolutely no plans, and that to me, is true vacation. We'll get lunch and pedicures and hang out with some of the coolest parents ever, and celebrate Stephanie's birthday tonight.

It's been way too long since I've seen Caroline, so I am so giddy to see her and her bump tomorrow. It will be a full weekend of catching up with our favorite group of friends as one of the last weekends before sweet baby girl arrives to this world.

Hope y'all have a great weekend and catch up with y'all next week!
xoxo

Charleston Cooks Participation Class

Y'all know my passion for cooking, so cooking classes are right up my alley! Not only do you get to learn how to cook some fabulous recipes (and eat them), but I always learn new techniques from the chef. You might have noticed, but my coworkers and I came here a few months ago and had a blast.

For the past few years, some of my girlfriends and I have been meeting together for a monthly supper club. One person usually has their own month to pick out an activity or dinner selection, and I had the month of August. I wanted to do something different from what we usually do, so I thought this would be a fun event we could all enjoy together. 

Tracy cutting our flank steak after letting it rest.

Erica and Kimberley working very hard on our corn fritters! 

Our chef taught us how to professionally plate a dish. 

Leslie torching our herb butter to melt into our marinated steak.

Ashley is doing a great job supervising! 

Corn Fritters with tomato relish, Grilled Steak with Roasted Garlic Herb Butter

Chipotle Crab Cakes with Peach and Mango Chutney and Grilled Summer Veggies with Pesto Vinaigrette 

And last but not least, my personal favorite, the Peach Up-side Down Cake with Schnapps Whipped Cream

The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I look forward to seeing these ladies every month and cherish our friendship! 

Linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday!

Bachelor in Paradise Premiere

Y'all know I love wasting my time watching The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad and yes, even Bachelor in Paradise. I was so excited for this previous Bachelorette season, but ended up not loving it. I was glad that Kaitlyn was the bachelorette, but honestly skipped a few episodes during the middle of the season then picked it back up towards the end. I was not really a fan of either Shawn or Nick, so that didn't help. 

I think this season of Bachelor in Paradise will be very dramatic and interesting. They are even bringing back some previous contestants from much older seasons…who remembers Tenley? Loved her. 

Who are your favorites so far and who are you pairing together? 

And, does anyone else think it is kind of weird that Ashley I.'s sister is on the show? If you thought Ashley was crazy…there's now another just like her!

Happy Tuesday, loves! 

xoxo

Birthday Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Ours went by wayyy too fast, but don't they all? 

We celebrated Andrew's 30th birthday this weekend with his closest friends and family and he had such a great time. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate this old man turn another decade, especially those traveling out of town. We both felt the love and couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate. 

A little pre-game at our house before heading to dinner. 

Chocolate peanut butter and sweet potato cake. His favorites. 

Our family came up on Sunday and his mother made his favorite Reese's and Butterfinger Cheesecake! 

Andrew's little brother sure does love his big bro! 

This is a short week for me and I can't wait to travel to Virginia to help celebrate one of my favorite mamas-to-be and shower her and baby L with love! 

xoxo

Linking up with Biana today! One of my favorite bloggers so check out her blog!