friday five + fancies

Happy Friday!! WE MADE IT!
This week was one of those that just drug on... Lately I've had commitments with either after-work events or Junior League but this week was mainly just exercising after work (I need it).

{one}

Tonight Ty and I are hopping on a plane to Houston, TX to visit my brother and sister-in-law. We are so excited to experience Texas for the first time! At the end of September, they are moving back to Rhode Island where my SIL is from, so this will be a great last hoorah for them! We haven't seen them since our wedding in March and are looking forward to a fun weekend.

{two}

We'll be pulling for Clemson Saturday night when they take on the Georgia Dawgs, since Cameron and Tyler are Clemson alums! Hopefully we can round up a few other Clemson fans in the bar! Last night we watched THE Carolina game (and I mean South Carolina Gamecocks) with our new friends and neighbors. We are thrilled to have a new couple 5 houses down from us in our neighborhood! A good time was had by all.... Except for that whole lightening thing... Come on, mother nature... don't you know its football season?

{three}

Here's my outfit for Labor Day weekend! My last bit of white, Clemson orange, and cowboy boots in honor of Houston. Sadly, my boots were left at my parents house, but I can at least pretend! Linking up with my favorite, {av} for Friday's Fancies!

tank // shorts // boots // sunglasses 

{four}

I've really gotten into this "giving to others" thing! Yesterday I paid for the lady behind me's lunch at Chickfila. I had never done it before and had butterflies because I was a little nervous (no idea why) and excited. It made my Thursday much better! Her meal was cheaper than mine (OK only by a few cents!!). 

{five}

White after Labor Day..... What are your thoughts? I've always been an Easter --> Labor Day white kind of girl and I don't think that will be changing, even though I live on the coast. What are your thoughts? No judgement, though, to those of you who wear it year-round or throughout September! I just retire mine and call it fall!

What are you up to this Labor Day weekend?

rodan + fields & a sample giveaway!!!!

A month or two ago I was connected with Alexa, a fellow ZTA and SC girl by a mutual college friend. Alexa is a consultant with Rodan + Fields, a dermatologist- created skincare line by the two Stanford-trained dermatologists who created Proactiv. I'm sure all of us have either tried Proactiv in the past or are familiar with their products.

If you've never heard of Rodan + Fields, let me give you a little introduction.

From their website:

Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields founded Rodan + Fields Dermatologists in 2002 to extend their vision of bringing dermatology-based skin treatment to everyone. Originally available as a top-selling clinical skincare brand in high-end department stores, the company realized the Doctors' vision could never be fully realized when confined to the department store counter.

In an unprecedented move, Rodan + Fields became the first prestige skincare line to exit the department store for the world of direct selling. And today, there are numerous Rodan + Fields independent business owners experiencing the income associated with sales volume that far exceeds what leading department store chains were able to achieve.

The power of the individual, combined with Rodan + Fields' brand legacy, clinically proven products and a proprietary systematic approach to independent business management, makes Rodan + Fields an opportunity like no other. 

Alexa and I were emailing back and forth awhile about Rodan +Fields, and the possibility of me becoming a consultant, but my schedule is just too packed right now to commit to anything else. I really loved hearing about their products and how committed these women are to skincare! Rodan + Fields has a great line of products for all skin types and from everything to fine lines to wrinkles to dark spots to acne. Another great aspect of these products is that there is a 60 day money-back guarantee on all products! 

After talking, Alexa and I decided I needed to sample some of the products myself! I quickly agreed, and agreed to post a review for you all. Alexa sent me a sample of the Multi-Function Eye Cream and Micro-Dermabrasion paste. 

Here's what I thought: 

I'd never used any sort of eye cream, but talked to her about my forehead wrinkles from squinting all day at a computer (guilty). This multi-function eye cream "utilizes powerful peptides to minimize the look of crow’s-feet and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Optical filters visibly brighten the eye area." Though I did not see an immediate difference (what can I say, I like to see things asap! But I realize that isn't the case with skincare!), I think if I were to use the eye cream continually I would see a huge difference!

She also sent me the micro-dermabrasion paste which I thought was great! I usually don't use any type of product, face wash, or scrub, just because I have fairly sensitive skin and using products makes me break out. For some odd reason, I noticed a new bump or two on my face after using the paste, but I honestly think they were forming before I ever used the product. It had a great minty smell and made my face feel so smooth afterwards. I actually need to order some of this!!

All in all, I would highly recommend these products, especially if you are concerned about your skin (you should be!!!!) and want to get ahead of aging and damage. I think we can all agree we need to take care of our skin! And remember, I only used these samples for about a week! Things take time!!

And now on to the exciting part for YOU, my readers!!! Alexa has graciously offered samples of Rodan + Fields products to the first 10 readers who fill out the solution tool (it is seriously SUPER easy and takes maybe 1-2 minutes). You can find the solution tool HERE!!!!!. Once you fill out the tool, it sends an email to Alexa letting her know which type of products best suit your needs! She'll then mail you a sample, and we hope that you love them and fall in love with Rodan + Fields! 

In addition, please leave a blog comment letting me know you filled out the tool, and also let me know what kind of skin products you use, I'd love to know!!

Alexa is so passionate about these products and I really enjoyed getting to know her and talking about what Rodan + Fields has to offer. If you have any questions about Rodan + Fields, please let me know and I can direct you to her!

Thank you Alexa for this fun sample giveaway!

Good luck to the first 10 readers! 

Wedding Reminiscing

Hi everyone! I'm Whitney and I blog over at The Observant Turtle. I started following Charlotte's blog after I realized that she's also from SC and I couldn't resist. Since then, she become one of my best blogging friends. I know she will be a beautiful bride!

I wanted to share with you all my reception from my own wedding! Even though the day was a total blur, I love looking at the pictures to help me remember all of the special details.

The venue for our reception was the Indigo Hall in Spartanburg, SC. I cannot say enough good things about this place! My husband, Nick, and I both really wanted a venue where everyone could see each other, the food, and the dance floor, all while having the option to enjoy themselves outside. I fell in love with the exposed rafters in the ceiling, the brick walls, and the large staircase (where the photo was shot).

This is another one of my favorite shots from the wedding. I love the colorful dresses in the background (thanks ladies! haha) and the look that Nick and I both have on our faces. One thing that I did NOT want to happen was to have the super sappy and depressing dances at my wedding. I made sure to pick songs that would not bring me and the rest of the crowd to tears for a good fifteen minutes. Nick and I danced to Little Big Town's "To Know Love." Nick actually chose it!

Did I mention how much I loved the wooden floors?! The rustic yet classy feel to the place was perfect. Let me mention, make sure you can dance in your dress! I will expand on that a little later. My dad and I danced to "My Girl."

I am so proud of the way our centerpieces turned out! Everything here was either purchased or made by me or my mom. I bought the square vases, candle holders, and tealights at IKEA for very cheap and the table number holders from Hobby Lobby. (We spent quite a lot of time and money at Hobby Lobby-- most of the time their wedding stuff is 50% off!!) The table numbers were actually printed off of Martha Stewart's website and there are a few variations. My mom made the flower arrangements with flowers and moss purchased from Garden Ridge. I think she did a great job!

For our guest favors, we decided to do a candy bar. We had mints, gumballs, skittles, sixlets, and an assorted mix of candy. Everyone loved it and kept updating their Facebook pages talking about the candy, haha! I made all of the labels myself and the vases were either ones we already had or purchased from IKEA. 

Here I am with my beautiful bridesmaids (the maid of honor was missing! She went to buy car paint!). Nick and I got the idea from our awesome DJ that the first real "dancing" song should be started by the wedding party. By the time the song had ended, the floor was packed and everyone was dancing! It's a great way to break the ice and not put the pressure on someone to be the first one dancing.

We did have a wedding cake for the ceremonial cutting, and a few pieces for eating, but we also had a cheesecake bar! This was such a smash hit with everyone. We had plain cheesecake and toppings to add. It wasn't that much more and everyone seemed to enjoy it much more than simple cake!

 We loved the way that bubbles looked in photos, so we chose that as our exit. (We wanted sparklers but many venues don't like that because of the fire hazard). We had so much fun with this, especially because it was a "fake" exit. We did it simply for pictures in the light and so that older guests wouldn't feel obliged staying the whole time. Once we got back inside, the party was at a whole other level and we danced the night away!

This was our final picture and you can see the joy on our faces! We had such an amazing time at the wedding and it would just not have been the same without our friends and family there. 

Congrats to Charlotte and Tyler on their big day!

And thank you Whitney for filling in for me today!! Love your wedding recap!!

Come Tour OUR Home!

So many exciting posts lately it seems! Nothing dull and boring here, ladies and gents!

We went and visited our new home before Christmas and instantly fell in love. We found it online and quickly contacted the realtor to have a friend go by and look at it. My new bff in Beaufort, Anna was so sweet and checked out a couple of houses for me. The first one was in the ghetto so we quickly ruled that out! You never know what kind of neighborhood you'll get in the south!

This house is just what we need-- 3 bed, 2.5 bath, garage, nice sized kitchen, and a front porch! A single bachelor marine was living in the house when we went by. You could immediately tell a single guy lived in the house because a) his mattress was on the floor b) there were hoochie pinups on the wall c) it was almost impossible to turn the lock. When the realtor sent us the pictures earlier last week of the house all cleaned and ready to move in, we both went crazy with excitement! I've started eying some furniture online that I need  want!

So without further adieu... Welcome to our home :)

Welcome home!

Living room

Perfect spot for our recovered table and chairs.

Super excited to put baskets to organize in that cubby!

This is my favorite spot in the house. HOW FUN is this bar!!?

I love counterspace.

Tyler is eying a deep freeze for his deer meat. *eyeroll*

I am buying a swing off Craigslist ($50!!!!) for our front porch!

Neat little back porch overlooking a lagoon.

This will house our new boat. Yes, we are getting a boat soon.

Back of the house and this is ALL of the parking we have.. Eeeeesh.

1- car garage.

 Master bedroom has a screened in porch off of it. Looking for a hammock!

 Hello master closet that I shall call MINE! Sorry, Ty you can get a closet in a guest room haha!

 I'm thinking about a gallery wall here.

Love this arch!

Figured you probably didn't want to see the bedrooms and bathrooms. Nothing crazy, just normal spaces. What did you think!?

HOORAY! We are sooooooo excited. Come visit! We are only 30 minutes from Hilton Head Island!

Hope I didn't bore you too much!!!! Can't wait to start moving things in so very soon!!

The BIG Announcement!

I am soooooo relieved that I can finally announce that.....

DRUMROLL....

TYLER AND I ARE MOVING!

to

BEAUFORT, SC!!!!!

Why yes, this is a real Instagram picture I took in Beaufort in October!

OK, this one came off Google images, but still gorg!

I seriously cannot contain my excitement. We have known about this opportunity for an entire YEAR and it has been 50% official since July and 100% official since October. Whew! Am I a good secret keeper or WHAT!?!?!

Tyler accepted a job in between Beaufort and Bluffton and we are thrilled! He'll be doing something similar to what he is doing now. Unfortunately, I had to leave my job before Christmas. Unemployment is no fun, but it has been wonderful to spend time at home and actually wedding plan. I moved some of my things home before Christmas then flew back out to Illinois Sunday after a wedding. He put in his two weeks this morning.

Did you seem thrown off why I was tweeting about being at the gym at random hours of the day and watching an incredible amount of TV and crafting? Yeahhhhh thats why!

We have lots of packing and wrapping things up to do before we fill up a U-Haul and move south!

I cannot believe my time in Illinois is over. I guess my blog name is going to have to change. I really want to incorporate my new last name {Law} into my blog name... I've had a couple of thoughts on it, but really want to hear yours... I'll be moving from the farm to the sea so keep that in mind! I am really excited to get Aubrey to design my blog. I've been holding off since I'll be changing my name (or should I not change the name??).

Ok, now who wants to see pictures of our new HOME! Yes, we already have a house. I am totally sneaky! Let me know if you want me to post the pictures :)

Thanks for reading and sharing in this excitement with us.

Now who has connections in Beaufort and can help me get a job? Not kidding.

Ta ta,

Thanksgiving in South Carolina (Overdue Post)

I just had to take last week off from blogging. I'm back now, though!

 

Here is my recap of my week at home over Thanksgiving! Lots of pictures to share.

 

Wofford v. South Carolina game

 

I raced from the airport to Williams Brice at 11:30 when I walked (ran) off the plane to tailgate! I may have had a few mimosas in the airport. I was also in such a hurry that I dropped my phone and shattered the screen, but I had too much adrenaline and excitement to see my friends to really care... Though Wofford lost, we put up a good fight!

 

 

 

 It was the military appreciation game

 

 

Came home to birthday flowers from Tyler

 

 

Went to a really good friend from home + Wofford's wedding!

 

 

Isn't Cally beautiful!? We are getting married in the same church so I was excited to see a wedding in the church and see friends!!

 

 

Cake tasted in my own house! My birthday cake on the right is the cake we are having!

 

 

Stared at this view of my back yard for hours....

 

 

Hung out with this diva!

 

 

Had 2 rounds of Thanksgiving food with my family

 

 

 Frierson cousins at my uncle's farm house

 

 

Cotton photo shoot

 

 

Fly-in at the Rasts, a really good family friend's property! It was SO fun!! Lots of planes!

 

 

Also lots of old cars. These two are my uncle's newest additions. I LOVE the blue truck!

 

 

 

Played basketball at my high school and beat the varsity girls team -- see the scoreboard!!

 

 

Then we had to come home and miss the South Carolina / Clemson game. We got to watch the 2nd half in Indy.

 

In between, I registered for china, got the guys' tuxes, and worked on lots of wedding plans. See why I was so tired last week and needed a blog break!!!!??

 

Happy Monday!

 

Ta ta,