Life Lately

It's been a few weeks since I've posted.  Life has just been busy...  And, to be real, I wasn't feeling like blogging.  I've had a funky few weeks for varied and surprising reasons and I am not one to pretend all things are perfect when they are not.  This has been one trying year for us and at times it just can really weigh you down.  But, we had a really good and relaxing weekend and started to vibe well again (it's tough when you're always stressed to vibe).  For that I am very thankful.

So just a few life moments to share.

 

This was taken the precious weekend at my cousin's wedding!  Michael and I were dressed to the nines in threads we borrowed from Jill and Chris!  Lucky us.  Those balenciaga shoes may not of been comfy but boy did I feel cool!

 

This Pup was pretty excited to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a BBQ at Lauren and Evans (it was so freaking delicious!!). Lauren got the pups some adorable patriotic stuff and I'm kicking myself that I didn't get a photo of the two of them!

 

Hanging out in uptown with our friends Carl and Caitlin who just got a place up there!  Was super cool to walk to a rooftop bar for an after dinner drink.

Piper, Michael, and I hung out by the pool

And chilled out yesterday.  We had an easy simple day grilling at home and watching the bachelorette after dinner.  Sometimes simple is all you want.

I feel like I try to fit a TON of cleaning, errands, and organizing in on the weekends and it wears me out!  All in all it was nice and relaxing though.

Five on Friday! It's been a few weeks

I haven't had tons to post about lately but am happy to link up with Liz again for my five!

{ONE} Noda Brewery Cavu

I've become such a beer girl lately!  I spotted this at whole foods and was super psyched noda had a new brew!  It's light and perfect for summer and the can is super cute I think!  Noda Brewery is a local brewery here in Charlotte.  Their IPA "hop drop and roll" has won tons of awards and is the top rated ipa in the country.

{TWO} Piper's Patriotic Accessories 

Thanks to auntie Lauren Piper was decked out!  We had to snap a few photos of her cuteness!

{THREE} Havianas

I picked up a couple pairs at J Crew and am in love.  So comfy, so much better than old navy flip flops.  I'm ready for more colors!

{FOUR} Laughter

On a philosophical note... I've lately learned how important it is to laugh, to joke, to smile, and to feel happy around the people you choose to be with.  We all need friends that can make us laugh daily.  You find yourself becoming funnier--flirtier...it's a far better way to interact with the world.

{FIVE} feeling good

And on a similar note... I've also learned the importance of feeling good about yourself.  We all need compliments, we all need to feel attractive.  It helps us feel confident and who doesn't want to feel confident?  I had definitely forgotten how to just enjoy feeling good.  Now, from yoga, and some good influences in my life I've noticed how much it helps me.  I can be so much happier all day long now--and more energetic.  My advice is to give yourself a little attention.  Find a work out you enjoy, get your nails done, buy a new outfit.  Just don't forget yourself.

Happy Weekend!!

Five on Friday!

Happy Mother's Day weekend folks!  Linking up again with Liz for my Friday Five!  If anything I love how these posts help me remember my weeks better!

{One} being more social and mid week dinner date with my bestie Lauren!

This week I did more.  I did yoga twice, I ate out twice.  I was just more social and it rocked.  Best of all, Lauren and I grabbed dinner at a fave spot mid week at Zio!  Over wine and Italiano we chatted and had a great time (as always).  I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a great friend but boy am I so thankful.  Very few people make me feel as happy and at peace as she does--she also has a great perspective on life and gives the best advice.  Lauren, I love you like a sister!!

{Two} an unexpected sweet surprise 

This card and pedicure gift certificate was the sweetest and most unexpected surprise from the grandma of the munchkin I nanny.  I totally teared up!

{Three} Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer

This beer is seriously so refreshing and delicious!  I am completely obsessed.  It's not a girly fruity beer--it's just delicious and perfect for warmer weather!

{BBQ!!!} 

Tomorrow our friends Heather and Matt are breaking in their new backyard with a fun BBQ with a great group of friends!  I can't wait!  I'm bringing that hell or high watermelon to share with Lauren!  Just can't wait to be outside and loving life with some of my favorite people.

{Mothers Day}

I have a new appreciation for moms (especially mine) this year.

This little cutie pie has taught me a lot--and shown me how not easy the life of a mom is.  She's also a total joy and I love her like she's my own.  

Happy Friday folks!

Five on Friday: Happy May!

Linking up again with Christina and Liz for five on Friday!

-One- Golf!

The hubs scored us some club house tickets to the tournament this Saturday and I am pumped!  I haven't been since 2010 and am really looking forward to it!  It's so cool to have this event in Charlotte, and we live close by to the course so we often see the players out and about over the weekend!

-Two- LUSH

Oh my LORD!  I cannot believe this store is opening at South Park mall here in town.  I have been obsessed with LUSH for about two years and could only order it online which, was a little pricey shipping wise!  This company is super cool and fun, natural, and also cruelty free (which is why I found it originally)!  I'm right down the road (can walk to the mall) and I have a feeling I may buy out the whole store... 

-Three- Wedding Cake!

Okay, so Michael and I were very doubtful that our cake would survive a whole entire year in the freezer...but guess what it did!  It tastes just as good as it did at our wedding and we've been enjoying a small piece nightly all week!

-Four- Yoga!!

Tuesday night my friend convinced me to attempt my first yoga class.  I was nervous but excited too... I don't work out much and have been wanting to find something I enjoy.  Plus, there's a yoga studio right by my house!  The hour long class flew by and I honestly really loved it and can't wait to go back!

-Five- May!

Now that it's may it's really beginning to feel like summer!  I am excited for warm days ahead and fun summery weekends!  This month we've got two BBQs to go to plus my cousins wedding!  I can't wait.  Tonight we are headed to a cookout at our friends house and I'm ready to relax and unwind.  Happy Friday!!

Weekend Notes

The hubby and I had such a lovely weekend I just had to jot down a few notes!

The celebratory tone began Friday afternoon.  Michael finished up an extremely important interview and headed over to my "work".  The dad of the little munchkin I look after was home and possibly as anxious as I was to see Michael.  Have I mentioned how much I love this family?  I may have the worlds best job...they rock.  After chatting about the interview we all had wine and gin and tonics in the yard while more and more neighbors stopped by to join in.  He did an awesome job helping Michael relax, seriously he is the best.

 

Saturday morning we started our day by grabbing the best breakfast Sammie's at Laurel Market to enjoy by the mint museum.  The morning was incredibly gorgeous and the setting was beautiful.  We then went to pick out our family stationary at Paper Twist (to cover the paper portion of the first anniversary gifts since we certainly got each other non paper gifts).  I am so excited about the beautiful stationary we chose!  I'll be sure to post further about it once it's picked up!!

We spent the day relaxing, hanging by the pool, shopping a bit and enjoying some wine.  That evening we headed out to The Fig Tree in uptown Charlotte (after the family I work for told us it was in their top three favorite resteraunts).  Oh my lord it was incredible!

                   (The carpaccio)

      (Such a delicious bottle of vino)

              (My dinner: trout piccata)

    (Michael's dinner: halibut and lobster)

      (Absolutely amazing creme brûlée)

The meal was the best meal I think I've had since my trip to Italy back in 2009.  The attention to detail and each individual flavor was just incredible!  Truly it made for a great evening and a great memorable anniversary meal.  I'm so pleased with how we spent our day down to going through our "wedding box" when we returned home.  I'm

Just so amazed year one flew by so quickly!  I am truly blessed!

Happy Weekend Folks!

Five on Friday!

Linking up again with Christina for five on Friday!

-one- My Dad!

My dad (and his dog) came to visit Wednesday night and it was wonderful as usual!  My dad is pretty awesome and I just love getting to spend time with him.

-two- The Best Chardonnay ever!

Trethethen Chardonnay from Napa Valley was a sweet gift from my boss and boy was it so oakey and buttery!  I couldn't get enough!  It was quite a treat to be give such delicious wine!

-three- Pipers training progress!

This cutie pie has been improving by leaps and bounds and I am so proud!  She walks beside us on the leash regardless of leash style and has stopped being so vocally expressive!  It's been really great to implement a few things and see her behave so well!!  I've learned so much with Piper, on what works and what doesn't work through tons of trial and error.  Ultimately I've realized that each dog is an individual and just like kids what works for one may not work for another.  I'm glad she's been patient with us and thankful for such a sweet pup!

-four- My Sweet Husband

I just have to give my awesome hubs a shout out.  I am super proud of him right now, he has been working his tail off studying, networking...you name it.  He has been so dedicated and driven to succeed in his career and it's amazing to watch.  Also I love him a lot and he is way nicer to me than I ever deserve!

-five- OUR ANNIVERSARY!!!!

On April 26th 2013 I married the love of my life.  We had been together five years and had no clue how much more incredible marriage would make things!  This first year has been wonderful, there have been ups and downs and life has changed A LOT!  We've made new friends, have our sweet fur baby, changes jobs and grown a lot!  I can't wait to spend the day celebrating and dreaming of all that is still in store!  Happy Friday!

Happy Easter!

Our first Married Easter was a lovely day. Church in the morning and then lunch at our place for the Mazhari clan!

                   {Easter Spread!}

       {the Easter Puppy came to visit!!}

(My FIL, MIL, and BIL along with me and the hubs!)

                {poor Easter Puppy!}

I hope it was a lovely day for you and yours and that you enjoy this Easter season!