Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide: For The Home Enthusiast

One of the most requested gift guides for the season was a gift guide for the home enthusiast, the lady who loves to zhush up her home at the drop of a hat.

When putting together these gift guides, I always make sure to include gifts that I would 100% want for myself, I feel like those always make the best gifts!

First, I have to share the amazingly talented artist, Ashley Williams. Her "Babes in Baubles" collection at Christenberry Collection is absolutely to die for. I absolutely love how unique each piece is. The craftsmanship on the thick paper with gorgeous gold detailing is the perfect touch to any corner. And how cool are they showcased in these floating acrylic frames?! 





Working with the team at Christenberry Collection is so easy! If you don't already, you must follow their Instagram, which is filled with stunning one of a kind pieces, then you must! Plus, they can work with you to help create the commission pieces of your dreams! Perfect for that lady who just seems to have everything! 




Next up, a favorite from many seasons past (and not only just for the holidays!) is the Nest Holiday Candle.


The scent is truly wonderful and would fit any taste! It has perfect notes that will make your home feel so cozy, without being overwhelming. It comes in multiple sizes, starting at just $16!

Any coffee lover likely knows how amazing a french press can make their morning routine. I use my Le Creuset French Press nearly everyday and swear it makes coffee taste 10x better than a Keurig or regular coffee pot! You can also add your own grounds (which is a lot less expensive in the long run than K-cups!)


This throw is one of those "little luxuries" you likely wouldn't immediately purchase for yourself, but would be a coveted gift to any home enthusiast. Matouk is such a luxurious bed linens brand, and this blanket does not fall short...and that blue color! Just to die for. Best part, its under $100, which truly never happens for Matouk! 



I recently picked up this diffuser and it has absolutely transformed our bedroom! The scent is amazing! The price point is on the higher end for your typical diffuser, but I promise this is not your typical diffuser. When on the fence about purchasing, another woman in the store told me hers had lasted 3 years and was still going strong! One single diffuser! The scent is light and fresh, but still noticeable and I cannot wait to enjoy it for years to come! 

Ya'll know I LOVE a good coffee table book. The newest India Hicks book does not disappoint! I so admire her effortless yet refined style and always look to her gorgeous books for daily inspiration. 

The best part? Amazon is my little secret for coffee table books at nearly half off (or even more if you buy for yourself gently used!)


This vase is truly the perfect size for nearly any bouquet. We received this as a wedding gift nearly 6 years ago and I still reach for it first anytime we have fresh flowers in the house. The price point for classic Waterford cannot be beat! 

Last but certainly not least, the blue and white lover. This planter is the perfect size for indoors or out! We have one on a raised planter indoors and some for outside in the Spring as well! The quality and weight is awesome (especially when you can get with a free shipping code!)


Speaking of blue and white enthusiasts...I may just need to dedicate an entire gift guide to the blue and white loving gal...what do you think? ;-) 







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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Big News!


We've got some big news! 

In case you missed our announcement on Instagram, we are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first child! Baby Smith is expected to arrive late April/early May and we could not be any more excited! 

Many have asked, and we have decided to wait until the birth to find out the gender of our little one.

All you mamas out there, if there are any "swear by" baby products, send those rec's my way! We are beginning the research phase, and I must say, it is quite overwhelming! 

I am so excited to share my pregnancy journey with all of you new mama's to be out there, and get advice from all of you seasoned moms out there! :) 

New look to the blog is coming soon, promise! I'll keep you posted on timelines! 

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Tuesday, October 17, 2017

decorating the homestead for autumn

If you're in the south, you can understand the crazy heat we've had lately. Today was finally the first day where there was a bit of a chill in the air and it had me feeling all of the Fall feels. 

I've been patiently waiting to light my Fall candles until the first sign of Autumn and wanted to share with you a couple of my favorite picks, as well as home decor items to help get in the spirit.
 

Paired with the doormat below, with this wreath you would have the coziest porch on the block!
I absolutely adore these accent plates for an Autumn dinner party
Outdoor pillow perfect for those evenings lounging by the firepit!

This apron would be adorable nestled in a housewarming basket!

Such a cute doormat -- and under $50 right now!


This scent is not necessarily specific for Fall, but I just got this candle in and absolutely love it! Its warm and slightly masculine but not overpowering, at all. If that makes sense?! Ha. Bottomline, its amazing. 

The "Spiked Cider" scent is also a goodie, especially if you aren't into the whole pumpkin thing. I love this line for candles all year round. 

My all time favorite Fall scent. Though, there a couple of close seconds this year. More on that in a moment. This also makes the perfect gift! 

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Thursday, September 28, 2017

shopbop sale!

One of my favorite online retailers has always been Shopbop. A couple of times a year, that have killer stock-up sales and today I'm sharing my picks with you! A few of these goodies are in my cart and are perfect for the upcoming cooler weather. 

Use code EOTS17 for up to 25% off your total order! But hurry, only 2 days left!

via -- I must wear these jeans 3x per week!
via -- I got this jacket last year and LIVE in it.

via - I wear this necklace almost everyday! Now just over $40.
via -- these candles NEVER go on sale and last FOREVER.

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via (under $100!)
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Friday, September 22, 2017

weekly roundup


Happy Friday, ya'll! What. A. Week. Here's what's on my radar: 

I got these in the new taupe color and have been living in them...and they're under $20 right now. Done. 

I've been in the process of re-vamping my skincare routine...because, I see you 30. I picked up this moisturizer after the rave reviews and after just a week in swear I can tell a difference. 

Have ya'll seen the incredible pieces Lucy Cuneo launched this week? They. are. stunning. The best part is that 100% of proceeds go towars disaster relief for hurricane victims. 

Raved about these bad boys on my Instagram. In case you missed it, they are the most comfy pants ever. Day or night! 

Healthy & Pizza? Sign me up.

Headed to Virginia Beach this weekend for my best friends bridal shower for the first time! Let me know if there are any must stop restaurants. Because you know this girl loves some food. 
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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

one pot recipes

I'm all for simple cooking, people. I got quite a few questions on the recipe for the dishes below, so wanted to make sure I shared with ya'll! 

White Chicken Chili


1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed of excess fat
1 yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
24 oz. chicken broth (low sodium)
2 15oz cans great Northern beans drained and rinsed
2 4oz cans diced green chiles (I do one hot, one mild)
1 15oz can whole kernel corn drained
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
small handful fresh cilantro chopped
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese softened
1/4 cup half and half

    Add chicken breasts to bottom of slow cooker (we have this one and LOVE it), top with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
      Top with diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth and cilantro.  Stir.
        Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
          Remove chicken to large mixing bowl, shred, then return to slow cooker.
            Add cream cheese and half and half, stir, then cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, or until chili is creamy and slightly thickened.
              Stir well and serve with desired toppings.

              One Pot Lasagna Soup


              1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage
              1 yellow onion, diced
              4-5 garlic cloves, minced
              1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
              1 24 oz. jar Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
              8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
              1 14 oz. can can crushed tomatoes
              2 tablespoons tomato paste
              2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
              1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
              1 tablespoon dried basil
              1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano, salt
              1/2 teaspoon pepper
              1 whole bay leaf
              10 uncooked lasagna noodles broken into approx. 1-2 inch pieces*
              1/2 cup heavy cream,optional**

              1. Heat large Dutch oven/large soup pot over medium high heat. Add beef and onion and cook, stirring occasionally until beef is browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.
              2. Add Prego Sauce, 6 cups chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, spices and lasagna noodles. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until lasagna noodles are tender, stirring occasionally (approximately 20-30 minutes).
              3. Discard bay leaf and stir in heavy cream (optional) and 2-4 cups chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Garnish individual servings with desired amount of cheeses.





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              Monday, September 18, 2017

              prepping your wardrobe for fall

              With the first day of Fall starting this week, I've been full steam ahead on prepping my wardrobe for the upcoming cooler temps. Sharing with you guys some of the picks that I've added to my closet!
              via
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              via (under $50 and free monogramming!)

              via (under $40!) 


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