New Beginnings

 I know it's January 23rd, but it feels like New Years Day for our family! It's a new start. A new adventure. A new beginning. As you may have heard on our radio show, we have decided to throw caution to the wind and hire an Aupair! 

You may be asking yourself, "What exactly is an Aupair?"An Aupair is a young person from another country who lives with you and helps with childcare responsibilities in exchange for room and board. 

    The reason I say we threw "caution to the wind" is that, before your Aupair arrives at your home in the US, you have never officially met face to face! Sure you have Skyped a million times and asked eight thousand get to know you questions, but you never REALLY know how someone will fit into your family until you cohabitate together.

   I can't begin to tell you all the things going through my head Friday afternoon as I drove to Charlotte Douglas International airport to pick up Elena. My palms were sweaty, my mind raced, and my heart fluttered. I couldn't place what I was feeling.

   As I walked into baggage claim holding my "Welcome Elena" sign and matching balloons, I was greeted by a thin blonde Italian girl with a warm smile. She gave me a huge hug and almost immediately my nerves subsided and transformed into excitement.

   On our drive home, Elena and I caught up over her week spent in NYC at Aupair training school where she was emergency and CPR certified while learning about life in the US. 

   Once Elena settled into our home we introduced her to baby Cash. He was instantly intrigued by her. This was especially relieving since Cashton doesn't always take to new people. 

   As the weekend continued on, Cash seemed to favor Elena. They chased each other, colored and watched cartoons together. Elena graciously jumped into her responsibilities as our new Aupair. She was eager to learn feeding and bathtime routines and even cooked for our family Sunday night. 

   After a weekend of bonding with our family, I am confidently hopeful that Elena will love Cash and life here in the US. I know things will not always be easy as there will be a learning curve as well as times Elena will feel homesick but we will try to work through things together, as a family. 

   Now that you have heard the tale of our weekend, here are the details to a fun look to get you through the week! I have received many messages about this pink fringed sweater from Vici and I've thoughtfully paired this vibrant look with a pair of dark skinny jeans and white booties. To polish off this ensemble I went with a pair of earrings from Fabrik Birkdale and my favorite Valentino bag.  

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Weekend Warm & Fuzzies

If we think warm thoughts, will spring get here sooner? At this point, I'll try anything!

It seems like we're in for another week of gloomy weather but after that, it looks like sunshine and puppy dogs! (Here's to hoping!) 

In the interim, I wanted to share this adorable faux fur jacket from She + Sky! I'm been meaning to post about this fuzzy shaw for a while now and you may have seen it from time to time on my Instagram but now is the perfect time to snag this look for spring transition.

Obviously, Mother Nature hates us and she isn't done wearing it out. Thus, why not be cute and prepared for a 30-degree swing in weather!?! I pair this chic jacket with everything and I know you will love it! 

The suede lace up top is also another piece I'm pretty fond of and it's on SALE! Whether you wear them together or as separates you'll be right on trend! I threw on my favorite Valentino pumps and handbag with these pieces. Great for girls night out in Charlotte or NYC!

Flag Update: Dallas's flag was found! I feel bad because I pretty much harassed Fedex until someone could help me. 

If you know me, you know my motto. If the answer is "no" I'm either not asking the right question or you're not the right person. 

Unfortunately, there was some pretty extensive damage to the flag upon delivery. I assume that happened when the box it was shipped in fell apart. Never the less, I am grateful for the two women from the Fort Mill distribution center who went above and beyond to help me locate the package. 

I have a call out to the manufacturer this weekend to see where we go from here. I'll keep you posted because it is a BEAUTIFUL piece and I can't wait to share photos of it with you once it is fixed. 

Until then, Happy Shopping! 

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Sundress Sunday

 Happy Sunday! I hope you are ponied up to a good Bloody Mary Bar and Sunday Funday is in full force. We're in the middle of March Madness so there is beer to drink and (friendly) bets to make.

March Madness has been one BIG heartbreak for me this year. My bracket was broken before it even started. My Virginia Tech Hokies lost to Alabama in the first round and now that the University of Virginia and the University North Carolina are out my whole bracket is busted. 

I know I wasn't alone by taking UVA all the way...and they burned us! 

That's where a cute pair of shoes and a great sundress come in. They will always make you feel better! Sadly though, this look still reminds me of my broken bracket since it's Gator colors and the University of Florida is also done. I'll choose my colors more wisely next time!   

Regardless of color, this sundress really is the perfect look. Vertical stripes always elongate and pockets are definitely a plus! It is true to size (TTS) as I am wearing a small. Bonus points because it is still long enough for someone 5'8" like me. 

Normally, I'm not a big fan of "kitten heels" but who can say no to a pair of Valentinos? I feel like this heel height with the block heel and strappy Rockstuds straps read more of a "gladiator sandal" anyway. 

This style/brand runs 3 different versions of this dress. All of which are available below. 

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#TIMESUP

The sun has set on this year's Golden Globes but it is an award ceremony we will be talking about for years to come. The 75th annual Golden Globes was the microphone for a different kind of initiative this year, it was a moment in time where Hollywood not only stood up for itself but for women (and men) around the world who have fallen victim to sexual assault and harassment. 

Once a sea of color, the red carpet this year was a statement of black dresses (and suits) from wall to wall. The lack of color was accompanied by a simple pin on each lapel that read, "Times Up". 

Times up on the Harvey Weinsteins of the world. Time is up for sexual harassment and assault. Time is up on gender bias. This simple pin, although small means big things, and the pin itself is sold out. 

What do the names Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Sara Jessica Parker all have in common? Not only are all of these women at the forefront of this initiative but they are also (along with the Me Too movement) raising money to help people pay their legal fees who have fallen victims to sexual harassment and assault. The program has already raised 15 million dollars. What an accomplishment! 

Although I may not be on board with what all of these ladies decided to wear to the award ceremony, I am definitely in love with what they stand for! With that being said I do what to talk about the fashion of the night! 

My best dressed of the evening goes to Kate Hudson in a stunning sheer Valentino gown that was void of rhinestones or sequins. The illusion netting was the perfect amount of "look at me" and sexiness for the red carpet. 

My worst dressed of the night, unfortunately, goes to a woman who is usually a style icon for me. She took a chance but it seemed to miss the mark this time around. Sara Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana. Our very own Carrie from Sex in the City was channeling her inner style diva a little too hard Sunday night. 

Sara wore a tea length dress complete with a belt, and a flared skirt, and 4 different textures of fabric and sheer sleeves... do you see where I am going with this? It was just too many gimmicks on one dress. Again I LOVE what she is doing with the Times Up movement I just wish she would have done something a little more "classic" for this event. 

If you have an event coming up that has you wanting to channel your inner celeb this year, I have put together a list of black gowns that are sure to be showstoppers below! 

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Cyber Monday Fun

Good Morning! Of course it is! It's CYBER MONDAY!!!!!

I am sure everyone is sitting in front of their computers today with a cup of coffee searching for the best deals on the internet. 

Well while you're trying to get the best deal on that 65" TV you've had your eye on grab yourself this cozy sweater too! 

We are in the best part of sweater weather! It's chilly enough for a cozy sweater but not cold enough yet where we are covering it up with a puffer coat! 

You need a sweater like this in your closet! It might be the softest sweater I have ever owned, and this whole look (minus the purse) is from Page 6 Boutique. The jeans are true to size by Just Black and the Sam Edelman heels are a great neutral to mix and match throughout any season. 

Plus Page 6 is celebrating Cyber Monday with 25% all day! Of course, they ship so shop online or call the store! 

Photo credit: Cindy Lauren Photography 

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