Friday Five

After a somewhat unintentional two and a half month hiatus, I'm back! So much has happened since my last post, including moving into an amazing new apartment! Now that I'm for the most part settled into my new place and the holiday season is winding down I hope to be a more diligent blogger. This week's Friday Five is devoted to some of my highlights from this Christmas season!

1. Cookie Baking Marathon

At the beginning of December I took a weekend road trip to visit one of my best friends. We spent all day Saturday baking Christmas cookies with her mom and sister. It was so much fun and we made at least 10 different kinds of treats- including sugar cookies, jelly cookies, peanut butter blossoms, iced ginger snaps, chewy lemon drop cookies, peanut butter balls, and Oreo truffles. I especially loved learning how to make the Oreo truffles- I have made a couple batches on my own since our cookie baking exravaganza!

2. Vineyard Vines Christmas Pajama Pants

My family has never really done the special Christmas pajamas traditions, and I have admired families who do and thought it looked so fun. So this year I decided to treat myself to a pair of Christmasy flannel pajama pants at the Vineyard Vines outlet to wear on Christmas Eve. I like the snowflake print because they are festive for Christmas but I can still wear them throughout the winter.

3. My Christmas Tree: 2014 Edition

I had so much fun decorating my cute little Christmas tree in my new apartment. The second picture shows a few of my favorite ornaments. The Clemson paw print ball and the panda are new to my collection this year. I cross-stitched the candy cane when I was in 6th grade and I still enjoy looking at it each year.

4. Starbucks Gingerbread Latte

Gingerbread lattes from Starbucks are one of my favorite things about the holiday season, and this year was no exception. In fact, I think I had more than usual this year because Starbucks was doing these promotional cards where you got a sticker each time you purchased a holiday beverage, and once you got five stickers you could redeem your card for a free grande espresso beverage. This was in addition to earning stars when using your Starbucks card to pay. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread latte that I enjoyed at home in another pair of Vineyard Vines pajama pants, while enjoying the Christmas tree lights and watching a Christmas movie!

5. Manger Scene Canvas

One of my dearest friends gave me this beautiful manger scene canvas for Christmas and I will always treasure it because it came from a special friend who is like a second mom to me, and it portrays the true meaning of Christmas.

Hope y'all had a Merry Christmas!

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end." -Isaiah 9:2,6-7a

-Liz

xoxo

Friday Five

I'm back with another Friday Five! Lots of exciting things are happening in my life lately! I'm linking up with the following lovely ladies this week: April, Darcy, Christina, and Natasha.

Here are just a few things I'm loving:

1. Kate Spade Bag for a BARGAIN!

I found this beautiful perfect Kate Spade bag ON CLEARANCE at Marshall's a couple weeks ago. I had been looking for another large neutral colored leather handbag to add to my collection. This bag is roomy but lightweight, and it fits perfectly over my shoulder. I also like that it zips up, making it ideal for travel. This definitely exemplifies the Marshall's slogan I saw in an ad: "Designer fashion at prices that make it easy to say yes." 

2. Kate Spade Pens 

I was in the Lilly store in Wilmington a couple weeks ago and they had some of the Kate Spade stationery items too. I couldn't resist this adorable Kate Spade pen set. Each pen has a different idiom: So Well Composed, From The Desk Of, Yours Sincerely, Whats The Word, and To Whom It May Concern. The other side of each pen has the signature Kate Spade New York logo. They write really well and are really fun to use at work. I love the bright colors too. You can buy them here.


3. Krispy Kreme K-Cups

I saw these Krispy Kreme K-Cups at Bed Bath & Beyond a few weeks ago and had to try them. I had never seen them at Target or a grocery store before. And since I have more Bed Bath & Beyond 20% off coupons than I know what to do with, I was able to get them for even less than if I bought a box of Donut Shops K-Cups at Target.

4. Free Chick-fil-a Breakfast

The Chick-fil-a calendar offer for September was a free breakfast entree and large Coca Cola beverage. I enjoyed these free Chick-n-minis with a large Diet Dr. Pepper for breakfast on a September Saturday. They were delicious!

5. Clemson Game Day

Last weekend I visited friends in South Carolina and had the pleasure of attending my first ever Clemson tailgate! I was able to get tickets for the game too and had a blast getting to witness all the excitement first hand. I attended a small liberal arts school in SC, and the first weekend of my freshman year we played Clemson, so a group of people from my hall made the trip to Death Valley. However, I don't really consider that a true Clemson game experience because we were pulling for the visiting team, we didn't tailgate, and I can't even remember if we got there in time to see the awesome pregame festivities. So I was so thrilled to be able to experience my first true Clemson game last Saturday. Watching the players rub Howard's Rock and run down the Hill onto the field before the game gave me chills! It's not known as the most exciting 25 seconds in college football for nothing! I am a lifelong UNC fan, but our football games and tailgates are not nearly as fun! I will always be a hardcore UNC basketball fan, but I'm starting to become more of a Clemson football fan.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

-Liz

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Elephant Ears

Here's another Labor Day weekend outfit that I wore out to breakfast and to grab coffee at the beach. That's it for summer outfit posts on the blog until next year- but I just had to share this one before we got too far into Fall as well!

Top: Lilly Pulitzer Leila Top in Sky Blue; Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer Hayden Beach Skirt in Elephant Ears; Shoes: Tory Burch Miller Sandals; Bag: Tory Burch Amanda Crossbody; Necklace: J.Crew Factory; Watch: Michael Kors; Sunnies: Kate Spade

-Liz
xoxo

Featured Outfit: It's A Zoo

Before we get too far into Fall, here's another favorite summer outfit I wore during Labor Day weekend at the beach! I love Lilly's It's A Zoo print because it has elephants and pandas all in the same print!

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer McCallum Dress in It's A Zoo (Spring 2014 line); Shoes: Tory Burch Miller Sandals; Pearls: UNC Spirit Pearls; Bracelets: J.Crew bangle and UNC Spirit Pearls; Earrings: Kate Spade; Watch: Michael Kors; Bag: Tory Burch Amanda Crossbody

Back of the dress

-Liz

xoxo

Friday Five

Happy Friday y'all! I'm looking forward to a weekend at home with zero plans except to squeeze in some final warm weather pool time and watch college football. Hoping both my Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers can pull off wins! Here are a few things I'm loving this week:

1. Lilly Pulitzer Tusk Tusk Cuff Bracelet

I had been eyeing this gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer elephant cuff bracelet for the past month, so when they had their Lucky In Lilly promotion last week I finally gave in and got it! As y'all know, I am obsessed with elephants and can't get enough elephant items- whether it's clothes, jewelry, stuffed animals, figurines, etc! 

2. New Karen Kingsbury Book

(see #3 for pic)

I am super excited that my favorite author, Karen Kingsbury, recently released her newest novel, Angels Walking. It's also the first book in a new series. I've only read the first two chapters so far because I haven't had a ton of time to just sit and read, but I hope to change that this weekend! I have yet to read anything by KK I don't like!

3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Return

Pumpkin Spice Latte season is here and I've already had two! (Will probably bump that number up to three after the weekend.) I order my PSLs with just 1.5 pumps of pumpkin syrup and no whip or topping. I like that the flavor is a little less overpowering this way, and makes me feel good about it being healthier. I recently spent some time on my lunch break enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte and reading a little bit in the newest Karen Kingsbury book (see Item 2)

4. Fall into Pink & Green

It has unofficially been Fall for over two weeks now, but Fall really officially begins next week. I thought the September cover page in my Lilly Pulitzer Agenda was absolutely precious. It incorporates the Elephant Ears print (one of my favorites obviously) with this cute saying.

5. Forgiveness

One of my friends recently posted this quote about forgiveness on Instagram, which spoke to me really strongly. This year I have learned more about forgiveness than ever before, both in confessing my sin asking others to forgive me, as well as forgiving others who have sinned against me. Forgiveness is so important because as this quote points out, when we fail to forgive we are only harming ourselves. Most importantly, we need to forgive others who have hurt us because God forgave us first by sending His perfect son Jesus, who was completely without sin, to die a painful, humiliating death on the cross to atone for our sins. What helps me to forgive others is reminding myself that my offenses against God are FAR greater than any offenses someone has committed against me. I don't deserve the forgiveness of God, yet He freely extends it to me through Christ. Therefore, when I fail to forgive others I am denying the seriousness of my sin against the Lord. My pastor taught a whole Sunday School lesson on this last fall and it was so powerful! I have also learned that humans don't always forgive perfectly, because we're well, human. Yet I can always take comfort and find the joy in the fact that I serve an amazing God who not only forgives perfectly, but continues to pursue me relentlessly despite my brokenness!!!

Hope y'all have a great weekend! Go Tar Heels and Go Tigers!!!

-Liz

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Crazy Cat House Liz Shift

Here is another favorite outfit I wore out to dinner during a girls' beach weekend this past summer:

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Liz Shift in Crazy Cat House; Shoes: Tory Burch Miller Sandals; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Kate Spade Idiom Bangels; Pearls

(And you can't see them super well in this picture, but I also wore my Tory Burch gold logo earrings.)

I love the Liz shift not only because it's a Lilly dress that shares a name with me, but it's such a classic style and the fit is very flattering. I love the lace applique trim and the pockets! 

-Liz

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Stripes

Before we get too far into Fall, I want to do a few belated Featured Outfit posts on some of my favorite outfits I wore this summer. First up is this fun striped cotton knit dress. I just love the color combination!

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Caleb Dress; Shoes: Tory Burch Miller Sandals; Sunnies: Tory Burch; Bag: Tory Burch Classic Amanda Hobo; Watch: Michael Kors; Pearls

Close up of my stack: Mint green and white Kate Spade Idiom bangles and a Lilly Pulitzer elephant bangle

-Liz
xoxo

Friday Five

Here are a few things I'm loving this week:

1. Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Shorts in Multi Lioness Patch

This is another one of my prizes from the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale. The patches feature some of my favorite prints from Lilly's Spring 2014 collection, including Sunnyside, It's A Zoo, and Crazy Cat House. I look forward to wearing them next summer!

2. Mini Golf at the Beach

I went to the beach with one of my best friends over Labor Day weekend, and we played mini golf. For some reason it is more fun at the beach than anywhere else!

3. UNC Bell Tower on Game Day

There's nothing like seeing the Bell Tower against Carolina blue skies playing UNC fight songs and the alma mater on Game Day in Chapel Hill. I got this shot last Saturday.

4. Tory Burch Silver Revas

I had been wanting to add some gray or silver Tory Burch flats to my collection, because they will go with everything and work with black or gray tights in the winter. So when I saw that the Tory Burch website had these beauties ON SALE I jumped at the opportunity. I'm very pleased with my purchase and their arrival makes the end of sandal season in the not-too-distant future seem a little less sad.

5. Roarrrrange by Essie

This orange nail color by Essie is perfect for Fall, and for Clemson! The name of the polish makes it even more appropriate to wear in support of the Tigers!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

-Liz 

xoxo

LONG OVERDUE Featured Outfit: Kentucky Derby Attire

I have been so bad about blogging this year that I realized I never posted my Kentucky Derby outfit back in the Spring. So before summer and seersucker season comes to a close in a couple days, I'm going to share it now. Better late than never, right?!

Outfit Details

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Adeline in Hotty Pink Lucky Seersucker (Spring 2012), Hat: Lilly Pulitzer (Gift with Purchase from Spring 2013), Watch: Michael Kors, Handbag: Tory Burch Classic Amanda Hobo, Shoes: Jack Rogers Bronze Navajos, Pearls

-Liz
xoxo

Friday Five

Happy Labor Day weekend y'all! Can't believe the end of summer has arrived. I'm soaking up one last weekend at the beach! Here are a few things I'm loving this week:

1. Lilly Pulitzer McCallum Dress in Its A Zoo

I ordered this dress from the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale and it arrived this week. It fits great- and I love that the chest area is padded. Its A Zoo is one of my favorite Lilly prints ever because it has elephants and pandas (two of my favorite animals) in the same print! I already had the January Skort in this print, and for the amazing sale price I had to add a dress in this print to my collection! I'm also obsessed with the tie and exposed zipper in the back!

2. Chick-fil-a Surprise

When I went to redeem my free large soft drink, which was my Chick fil a calendar deal for August, they gave me a card for a free grilled chicken sandwich! As if I needed another reason to love Chick fil a!

3. Lilly Pulitzer Hayden Beach Skirt in Elephant Ears

This fun pull-on linen mini skirt is also part of my Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Haul. I admired this skirt when it first came out back in the spring, but couldn't justify paying full price, so I took advantage and ordered it during the sale. This print contains elephants as well (hence the name), even though you have to look a bit harder to see them. I look forward to getting a little bit of wear out of it this weekend before I have to put it away until next Easter- I'm a stickler on the no linen after Labor Day rule! This skirt is perfect for lounging around or for casual summer outings.

4. Dairy Queen Chips Ahoy Blizzard

Dairy Queen's Blizzard of the Month for August is Chips Ahoy. I tried it when I was at the beach last weekend. I'm not sure how long it's going to stick around so get it while you can. It's amazing!

5. Watermelon on the Beach

I love watermelon, but haven't eaten nearly enough this summer. I remedied that issue last weekend by enjoying some on the beach.

Hope y'all have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend filled with sunshine and college football!

-Liz

xoxo

Friday Five

I'm back with another Friday Five! It's hard to believe summer is almost over- it has flown by!

1. Another Gorgeous Summer Sunset

This picture was taken about 10 days ago when I had ice cream with some friends at a dairy farm out in the country. They have this awesome covered porch with rocking chairs where you can sit and eat ice cream, chat with friends, and watch the sun set. 

2. Lilly Pulitzer Maddie Fleece in True Navy

I ordered this navy Lilly Pulitzer fleece jacket for more than 50% off retail during the After Party Sale (formerly known as the Endless Summer Sale). I already have it in pink and in black, but was really hoping to add the navy to my collection since I definitely have a handful of fall/winter clothes that the navy will go better with. I'm so excited it has already arrived! 

3. World Elephant Day

August 12 was World Elephant Day, and since I  haven't posted since then, I wanted to share this collage I made in honor of the occasion. This collage only captures a small portion of the number of elephant items I own. It would be an interesting project to figure out the exact number sometime. I'm just a bit obsessed!

4. Fried Pimiento Cheese and Fruit Salad

Last weekend I went to go visit one of my best friends and we ate dinner at this local restaurant where I got this AMAZING salad! The fried pimiento cheese is perfection! It looks like crab cakes on the outside, but when you cut it open it oozes pimiento cheese. There are also candied walnuts, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese. The fruit and lettuce balances the fried pimiento cheese to make it healthy, right?!

5. Lilly Pulitzer Liz Shift in Sunnyside

Ever since I got the Lilly Pulitzer Liz Shift in the Crazy Cat House print for my birthday back in the spring, I have wanted it in the Sunnyside print. Not only do I share my name with this dress style, but it is so classic and fits me really well. I couldn't justify paying full price though. When I was in Hilton Head a month ago, the Belk there happened to have it for 50% off. There was only one left and it was MY SIZE, so it was totally meant to be! I went for it then because I didn't want to risk not getting it in the end of summer Lilly online sale. The pink and green lion print is adorable!

Hope y'all have a great weekend and soak up these final days of summer!

-Liz

xoxo