Life Lately

Man, what a busy, busy summer we've had so far.  I've been MIA for several reasons and hoping to get back to blogging on a regular basis soon.  
I've been very lucky to get to do some traveling with my Mr. He for work, me totally for pleasure, and I hope it's not over!! I've been to Florida, Charleston and Alexandria, VA and I enjoyed every minute!
I hope to get my pictures organized and blog about the little adventures I've been accumulating these past few months.
Until then....

XoXo ~T

Time to Tan

Well, the weather is warming, the trees and flowers are blooming and ladies, It's finally time to start showing our legs. Living at the beach most people think I go to the beach ALL the time and get a tan... WRONG!  I used to do that but now I achieve my summer glow from a bottle. Now saying that I also must say I've used many different kinds of tanning lotions and even ventured into the spray tan booth a few times, but I've found St.Tropez bronzing mousse to be the best for me. 
Now of course there is  always a method to applying lotions and mousses. I thought I'd just tell you how I do it but believe me, everyone must find there own process. 

St. Tropez   Sephora

First thing I do is shower and exfoliate. This removes any dead skin and gives a great base. Don't forget to get a hand mitt, it's worth every penny (about $6-$8) it will save your hand from becoming dark brown, and we all know that's just not pretty. Now, I dampen my mitt just a bit so it's not so dry and the product goes on smoother. I first apply the bronzer with big strokes and then go back and continue with circles.  You need to move pretty quickly or you will see dark spots where you first applied the product.  It dries pretty quickly and has a nice fragrance. I also wash out my mitt after every application just to keep it clean.
There you have it.  It's pretty easy but if you have any questions, feel free to comment or send me a message. I'd love to hear from you.
Hope you have gorgeous bronzed legs this summer!

Xoxo ~T

Baby Baby Baby

Back in March, I traveled to Raleigh for a baby shower but instead I was there for the birth.
My nephew and his wife were expecting in May but Clark Daniel decided to join us a little early, like 8 WEEKS early!  He was delivered on Friday, March 21st, weighing 4lbs 2oz and  spent some time in the NICU at UNC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill.  He is doing well but just needs time to grow and get stronger. 

Fast forward to this past weekend... Clark was able to go home. We were so excited! 
He spent his first Easter with our family and that made my parents, his great grandparents, very happy. He's still pretty small but seems to be doing well and we know he will grow big and strong. I'm so happy for him and his Mom and Dad, now they can enjoy having him home.

He is around 5lbs now and as you can see he's just adorable! I'm hoping to spend some quality time with him very soon.

XoXo ~T

MIA

Yes, that's me, Ms. MIA.  I really don't know what has happened the past month. However, I will try to be present more in this blogosphere and return with some great, and let's face it, not so great posts. I'm new at this and still learning so please be patient.  The weather here has finally turned "spring like" and I'm loving it!  
Hope your week is wonderful.

XoXo ~T

Strawberry Angels

So, the Hubby was home and he requested one of his favorites, Strawberry Angel Food cake. It's soooo easy to make so I thought I would share.

All you need is a Angel Food Cake mix and a strawberry jello mix.  I know easy, right??

Add the dry strawberry jello mix to the cake mix and prepare per the cake mix instructions

Bake per the angel food cake instructions, 350* for about 40-45 minutes.

When you pull the cake out turn it upside down to cool.  I use an old wire clothes hanger and insert it through the funnel in the pan. 

This one was gone in about two days.  My Hubby was gracious enough to let me have a little but most of it was his. 

Like I said, E~A~S~Y!! A great light dessert for Spring and you could add any flavor of jello to spruce up your Angel Food Cake.  Enjoy!

XoXo ~T

Happy St Patrick's Day

Happy St Patrick's Day by sweetsouthernt
 

Hope you have a great start to the week!

 XoXo ~T

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

I took the plunge!  I cut my hair!  I've been thinking about it for months and felt it was time to quit talking and do the deed. My hairdresser was so excited! I was scared I would wake up this morning and regret my decision and I haven't...yet.  
 

As you can see from the picture I didn't take off a bunch, just about 4 inches, but that's a lot for me.  I'll let you know how it goes, until then, Happy Thursday!

XoXo ~T

Hello Hump Day

Happy Hump Day!! I'm very happy today, the Hubby is home! In other news, our showing  went well on Saturday.  Of course we don't know if they'll present an offer but it's nice to see some interest.  I hope to post a Home Tour soon so please keep checking back. 
So, I've been making a wish list lately and here are a few of my favs. I've been trying to do some organizing, doesn't everyone this time of the year, and I'd love to have these from Kate Spade. You can find them here.

 

I've been wishing for warmer weather and hoping spring will come sooner rather then later, so I've been dreaming about these Tory Burch cuties. You can find your size here

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We've had a lot of wet weather this winter, hope it's finished, but if not,  I wish I had these to keep my footies dry.

I just saw this adorable bag from Kate Spade and even though I KNOW I have enough black handbags, I think I may need, really need this one. You can find one for yourself here.

My Hubby gave me these beautiful Maui Jim Baby Beach sunnies for Valentine's Day.  Can't wait to wear them this summer.

Hope your Hump Day is wonderful! The sun has actually been showing it's beautiful face here lately and I've been loving every minute.  Hope to get out and enjoy today with Mr.

 XoXo ~T

 

Life Lately

Happy Friday.  Sorry for the non existence posts this week.  No excuse for my absence just really just haven't been motivated.  I'm hoping when the weather breaks, if it ever does, my demeanor will also break.  Let's hope so anyway.  
I even went to the mall this week. I looked and looked and couldn't get in the mood for spring clothes or home decor, (even Easter goodies and I love bunnies!!) this weather has really got a hold over me and I don't like it one bit! 
Anyhow my only news is we have a house showing tomorrow. YAY!!!! We've had our house on the market since November but with the horrible winter weather there hasn't been much interest. Who wants to look at a beach house when it's 30` outside? I actually have mixed feelings about selling this home, we designed it and we did a lot of the work ourselves. We planned to raise a family here it was going to be our retirement home but our journey hasn't taken us in that direction.  So it's for sale and we are excited about our next adventure! Keep checking back for a home tour soon.
 

So, I'll be clean, clean, cleaning to get this place in shape for visitors.  With animals there's always something to clean. 

Have a great weekend. 

XoXo ~T

Fat Tuesday

Today I will be wearing purple or green or gold, maybe all three, in honor of Mardi Gras. NOLA is one of my favorite places to visit. Not just this time of year but anytime it's a special place.  The Hubby used to travel through New Orleans for work so I've been lucky to tag along several times.  We enjoy everything about the city, especially the French Quarter.  We've strolled the streets during the day and the evening enjoying the sights, and you know there are things you see there you will never see anywhere else.  We really like going on the ghost tours ~A little bit of history, folk lore and ghosts all rolled into one. 

We do indulge quite a bit when we visit, but who can't?  New Orleans is known for their wonderful food.  One stop on our list is Cafe Du Monde.  Each time I've been we've had to wait  just to sit down to get some of those scrumptious pastries, but they are worth every mouthful.

Cafe Du Monde

Beignets

We also love to tour the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.  To me, it's one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the U.S.  

St Louis Cathedral

Of course no Mardi Gra celebration would be complete with out a King cake.  Many bakeries in the area make them and you can even order online. The cakes are a brioche like bread baked and covered with sugar or frosting in the Mardi Gras colors ~ purple, green and gold.  They can also come with a filling like cream cheese, fruit or cinnamon.  A plastic baby is placed inside,  tradition says, whoever gets the slice with the baby is to buy the cake the next year.  Our cake had the baby sitting in the box, not actually in the cake. 

What's a trip to New Orleans without enjoying  a little jazz.  We found the Mutual Legends Park. There are musicians playing there most of the day.  You can barely see it in this picture but there's a little cafe in the back and you can get a nice cocktail and also some great beignets.  In the evening it's so beautiful with the lights and the music, we love to sit and listen.  Such a great place. 

So that's just a small look into to my reminiscing of one of my favorite cities.  There are so many great things I didn't name them all.  Maybe the next time we go I'll make another post.  Hope you enjoy your Fat Tuesday.  Make it a great one!!

XoXo -T 

T. G. I. F.

What a whirlwind of a week it has been.  I'm so thankful it's Friday. Went to lunch today with some of my favorite ladies.  We got to catch up and also enjoy a great meal!

Found this cute ensemble at Ann Taylor Loft. They still have their Spend $50 receive $25 Loft Cash Card (offer good till March 8th) to be used at a later date. I am so ready for Spring and I think this is the perfect ensemble to help transition to warmer weather.  

Loft

 Click Here to Start Shopping

Have a great weekend! Don't forget to watch the Oscars this weekend.  Personally, I can't wait to see what the ladies are wearing. 

XoXo -T

Shopping Tuesday

The warm weather is gone, seems Phil Punxsutawney was correct in his prediction about winter hanging around and definitely wearing out its welcome.  I heard today we may be getting more wet precipitation. WHAT???  When will Spring be here? So while I wallow over the dreary weather it's a great day to dream of warmer temperatures and browse the current events and sales.

Shopbop is having a ginormous spend and save event. Enter code  BIGEVENT14  at checkout.

 Ann Taylor is offering 50% off all Sale styles. 

Loft is also having some great sales right now.  Purchase pants or jeans and you can choose a 2nd pair at 50%.  Another great event running  now - every $50 you spend before taxes you will receive a $25 Loft Cash Card to use at a later date. 

Wow! I think it's time to stop dreaming and grab some cute spring items. Happy Shopping!!

XoXo -T

Monday Smunday

Well it's Monday again, and I have to say I enjoyed a laid back weekend. When the Hubby is gone the weekends and sometimes even the weekdays are very low key.  After getting back from Florida there's always something to do to get the house back in order but that's all I had on my to do list. 
 
The weather finally warmed up a smidgen so I took this cute pooch out for some much needed walking time. She loves any chance to sniff, sniff, sniff. It was good for both of us to get out and get some fresh air.

I also took some time to watch some TV.  I DVR'd a few of the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon shows this past week.  Midnight is a little past my bedtime.  I must say I enjoyed his show, especially Friday with Justin Timberlake.  They are very funny together.  I will be checking in quite a bit to see who he has a a guest.  I also am trying to catch up with True Blood.  I was a follower of the hits, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, so I liked vampires and werewolves before it was ever cool. I get all glamored when it comes to the white pointy teeth.

Yes, that's pretty much the gist of my weekend, very uneventful, but that's fine with me.  We all need weekends where we can really relax, right?
Have a great week.

XoXo -T

Hello Sunshine!!

Yes, I've been MIA but I really have a good excuse. I decided to join Mr. for a few days in... FLORIDA!!!! 
I was so excited!  Well, I was excited until I actually tried to get out of town, then it started to feel like I wasn't supposed to go anywhere.  I left our home here on the OBX on Tuesday (a day early, because it started snowing here) and traveled to my parents.  They were going to keep our dog.  My plan was to leave on Thursday and return on Monday.  Well that didn't happen.  On Wednesday, we received snow, then ice and then more snow.  I was determined to stay positive about my flight on Thursday.  I got up early, had everything packed and was just about to walk out the door when I received the dreadful text my flight was cancelled!! I was so disappointed! What was I going to do? I was on "hold" with the airline trying to schedule another flight and was told my wait time would be up to 5 hours! What the? So, Mr. suggested I go to the airport and speak to an agent in person and see what they could do. So, I did.  I felt I should at least try something.  I was able to get to the airport just fine, talked to a very nice man, he worked his magic and I flew out on Friday.

I arrived in Florida Friday afternoon and when I walked outside the airport, let me tell you, I was in Heaven.  The sunshine on my face and the heat on my skin was exhilarating.  It was Valentine's Day and I was going to spend it with my Hubby!!!  I couldn't be happier!  We enjoyed a wonderful weekend.  Here are a few highlights:

We cruised to the beach for a better view of the gorgeous full moon. 

What a great Valentine's Day evening

We took a airboat tour through the marsh to see some alligators and other wildlife.  We had a great time checking out the large reptiles and even some cute little babies.

Our boat, Gator Bait

Mommy and babies sunning

This guy's name is Hunch Back.

One of the biggest Osprey nest I've ever seen

We went to out Saturday night for a wonderful dinner.  We shared a pitcher of peach Sangria.  It was fabulous!

Of course I couldn't give up the chance to do a little shopping.  With two really nice outlets in Orlando I was more then willing to spend some time browsing the shops.  And, we were walking distance to yet another one at our hotel.  I was in shopping heaven.  Of course I had to visit Tory Burch and Kate Spade at the outlets in Orlando. They are my favorite.

Tory Burch outlet store, Orlando, Florida

Vero Beach Outlets next door to our hotel

Sunday, we had lunch in Orlando at Crave with some friends that live in the area. The Hubby decided to have their famous Sunday brunch with never ending Mimosa's...Yum.  Lunch was nice but catching up with our friends was by far the best part.  We've actually been talking about moving back there, (we both lived in Orlando in previous lives) and it's still on our wish list. 

It was a very lovely weekend.  It's always nice to get away with the one you love.  I was able to extend my stay another day since I lost a day on the front of my trip.  After being stuck for three days I didn't want to even leave the sunshine state but it was inevitable I had to go back to reality.

XoXo -T

Snow Again???

Snow, snow go away!! I am so tired of the white stuff.  We have certainly endured our fair share of the fluffy and all too messy stuff.  So, in my desperate need to stop whining and think about something else I've started to think about Valentine's Day.  My Valentine will not be home for this year's sweetheart's day.  It's ok, we are definitely used to celebrating birthdays, holidays, and even anniversaries on days other then their assigned calendar day.  We've been doing it for years. It doesn't mean I don't miss him bunches but I've learned to accept it. Que sera sera. 
Anywho, here are a few things to brighten my mental attitude.  
Hope your Tuesday is terrific!

Follow Your Heart

XoXo -T

Watercolor Wonder

 Happy Monday friends.  Going to keep it short today. We enjoyed a great weekend having dinner with friends on Friday, lunch with the girls on Saturday and then The Walking Dead finally came back last night. eek!! If you follow me on Instagram, I finally caved and purchased the new Waterlogue app (I only download FREE apps) and I'm so glad I did.  This is a picture I took with my phone of our sweet Chloe sleeping.  Now I have a great watercolor.  I plan on doing the same with some pics of our sweet Sam and Ellie ( we lost them both last year) and print and frame.  I'm so excited!!  If you haven't already, check it out.  

Have a great Monday!

XoXo - T

This Week's Highlights

Just a quick look at my week. We were finally able to celebrate several birthdays for the month of January. My Dad, Hubby and brother all celebrate their BIG day in January.

Hubby is home, which is always a treat, so we've been working on another DIY project. This time we are taking on a lingerie chest.  I'll post pics once were finished but here's a preview of how it looked when we found it.

I'm hoping to travel some this year, soooo, I really need a passport holder, right?? I found this by Kate Spade on Poshmark for $40 so I snagged it.  I can't wait to receive it!

With the Hubby home this week we went out with some dear friends to one of our favorite places, Kill Devil Grill. If you're ever on the Outer Banks you should make sure to visit.  Their Cheese Steak Eggrolls are scrumptious and their Apple Crisp is the Hubby's favorite.  They are located in Kill Devil Hills, so check out their menu here.

That just about sums up my week.  Have a great weekend.  We are so excited about the winter Olympics starting this week, I'm sure we will be glued to the TV. 

XoXo -T

Happy Tuesday

Another weekend over and we are home again.  I do have to share just one more thing regarding the snow last week. I promise I will stop over sharing after this!!  Living on the sound is truly amazing in that I've been very lucky to see many furry friends I had never seen. OK, I said all of that to tell you this... When I get up every morning I look outside to my beautiful view and over the past few mornings there has been a thin sheet of ice covering the water.  When I opened the blinds on Saturday, this is what I saw:

This cute heron stood on the frozen sound for at least two hours. We thought maybe he was stunned by the fact he was actually STANDING on the water or his talons were frozen to the ice. Poor little guy. We did see later he had left but didn't get to see his departure.  OK, I'm finished talking about the snow. 

In other news, according to Punxsutawney Phil, (Punk-sit-taw-nee), that cute pudgy groundhog, we are in for six more weeks of winter. Hmmmm, I am not excited about that.  Even the local celebrity furry groundhog in Raleigh, Sir Walter Wally, agrees with Phil in his acclamation of cold weather continuing. Brrrrr.

Such sad news came out this weekend saying Philip Seymour Hoffman died, apparently from an overdose.  Another talented actor consumed by drugs.  I read today the investigators found heroin in his apartment in Manhattan, so sad.  He was a great actor and he will be missed.  Prayers go out to his family and especially his three children.

I just realized this post has been kinda depressing.  I'll try to be more positive in the next one. 

Have a great week.

 XoXo -T