Happy Halloween and Blog Sale Update!

Wishing y'all a safe and happy Halloween!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

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P.S. I've added some new items to my blog sale.  Click here to check them out!

Weekend Inspiration: Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150:6

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Fashion Friday: Halloween Celebrations

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Here's what our Halloween celebrations have consisted of so far...

I hosted W's Falloween Party at her pre-school.

They each got to make their own Halloween cookie.

Can you tell she enjoyed it?

This afternoon we headed over to the hubs' work, for their Kids Halloween Party.

The girls trick-or-treated at each of their cubicles.  Such a cute idea, and they sure stocked up!

Some of his co-workers dressed up, and W loved the lady dressed as Goldilocks.

When we left, she said "Bye-bye, Goldilocks!"

His work had Charlie Brown's movie on, so W tried to "Cheese!" while watching it. 

After dinner, we carved pumpkins!

Tomorrow we're headed to Boo Breakfast at the Nature Museum, and on Sunday, we've got a Neighborhood Halloween Parade. Should be fun!

Hope y'all have an exciting, safe weekend!

Photo Credits: 1

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Oh, and I couldn't forget the "fashion" part of Fashion Friday.  I got my blue dress that I'm wearing in the photos from Under the Palm Tree this week.  Lilly Pulitzer, of course.  Although I feel like it resembles Brooks Brothers - thought it would fit in with the working men, at my husband's work.  :)  And hurry on over to UTPT, their Fall sale ends on Sunday!

Brinkley Shirtdress in Conductor Stripe

Thirsty Thursday: Dra-Kahlua

Happy Thursday, Y'all!  For today's cocktail, I thought this drink sounded fun!  I've never tried it before, but couldn't resist picking the Dra-Kahlua.  The name is so creative!  Hope y'all have a great day - it's almost Halloween weekend!  Can't wait to see all the latest creative costumes.  Last year the best I saw were the Swine Flu (people dressed as pigs with wings, and H1N1 on their shirts) and Captain Sully and his crew (people dressed as flight attendants with feathers stuck to them).

1 1/2 oz. Kahlúa
1/2 oz. Martell V.S. Cognac
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Blood orange wedge for garnish
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled, half sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a blood orange wedge.  Yum!

Instead of what I'll be wearing while enjoying this drink, I thought I'd offer up some great Halloween costumes that I'd never seen before.  And for someone who spent every Halloween on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill - Halloween Central!! - this was quite a bit difficult!  One year, my sister and her husband dressed up as news woman and videographer.  People thought they were real, so they got some footage of great, crazy costumes, which was hilarious!  Unfortunately, the battery died shortly after they started filming, so we didn't get to see as much.  Oh well.

I'd love to know some other creative costumes you've seen!  W will be Snow White for Halloween, her choice.  She doesn't even know her from the movie, but from her character on Shrek the Third.  Oh well.  And she said E HAD to be a pumpkin - no questions asked.  Fine with me.  It sure made the costume choices a lot easier!  Photos to come next week.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wednesday Whereabouts: Day of Silence

Please pray for my friend Summer and her family today.  Her dad has lost his fight, and is resting peacefully in heaven now.  There will be a memorial service today, so in honor of that, many of us will be having a blog day of silence for them.  Thanks!

While you're praying, please pray for one of my sisters as well, this morning.  She needs the Lord's comfort, peace and strength right now.  It would be greatly appreciated and needed.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Blessings to all of you!

Tuesday Trends: Lilly Pulitzer Resort Preview

Well, it's just now getting cool enough here to wear long sleeves and coats, but can you believe Lilly Pulitzer is already premiering their Resort Line?  There are a lot of great pieces in the line, and I'm already making my wish list.  Here's a very small preview of some of my favorite pieces from the line.  What do you think?

Reenie Top

Jonah Dress Posh Ponte - Perfect to cheer on my Tarheels!

Baletta Dress

Blake Dress Silk Chiffon - New Year's Eve, maybe?

Sloane Dress

These dresses are already making me want it to be warm again!

Oh, and in case you're interested in Lilly at great Fall sale prices, head on over to Under the Palm Tree.  They're stock is updated everyday, so what you see on their site, is true to what they have in store.  Most of the Lilly Fall in on sale for 40% off!

Happy Shopping!

And Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

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Many of you commented on the cute ribbon pumpkins I used as my first image on my post yesterday.  It's from a blog that offers creative projects to try.  Click here to check it out, for other cute Halloween decorating ideas!

All photos are courtesy of C. Orrico.

Monday Manners: Southern Candies

I hope all of you had a splendid weekend, filled with lots of relaxation and fun!  I cleaned and organized my house while the husband was hunting in Georgia.  I did manage to squeeze in some fun with friends, and a birthday celebration for my sister, #3 of the 6 girls!  Happy 27th, C!

Just in time for Halloween, approaching this Sunday, I thought I would provide a list of Southern Candies I found on wikianswers.  Please add ones that are absent from the list, as I feel there could be a lot more listed, than the ones I provided.  Have you tried many of these candies?  Guess you learn something new everyday, I thought pralines were more of a specialty in Savannah and Charleston, but I guess they go as far south as New Orleans.  Love those tasty treats!  Hope y'all enjoy!

• Benne seed candy - such as Benne Brittle, found primarily in the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina

• Bourbon balls
• Goo Goo Cluster

• Kentucky Cream Candy - a pulled candy that is made usually during the colder months (40 deg or below) of the year when humidity is low

• Moon pie

• Peanut brittle
• Pecan brittle
• Pecan Divinity
• Pralines - a specialty of New Orleans

 These just melt in your mouth!  My favorite!!

• Squirrel Nut Zippers

Happy Monday! 

Article Credit: 1

Photo Credits: -1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Oh, and I've updated my blog sale with a couple of new items, in case anyone is interested.  Click here.

Weekend Inspiration: Romans 12:18

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Romans 12:18

Fashion Friday: Rue La La

I know I've written about Rue La La before, but the deal just got sweeter.  First of all, if you've never used Rue La La before, you should!  Basically, it's "the destination for 2-day-only Boutiques, filled with the designers we love at private sale prices. It's free, fabulous, and invitation-only. Click HERE for your free invitation, from me!  The boutique is always free, and there's no other responsibility on your part - shop if you want, or not.  There's never a time when you have to start paying monthly, or anything.  It's always FREE! 

Right now, until 10/25 if you join Rue La La (again it's free, no questions asked), you get a $20 credit, to spend any way you want at Rue La La.  The only catch, you have to spend the $20 before December 31st.  Now how difficult will that be?  I wish I could have taken advantage of this deal, but I'm already a member. 

Oh, and even better, and this offer is unlimited:  Every time you refer someone to Rue La La, and they actually buy something, you get a $10 credit!  If you want an idea of the great deals, click here for an old post of how I saved on Rue La La.  And here's what sales are going on today:  Jack Rogers, Riedel (wine glasses), Ray-Ban (entire boutique is already sold out), etc..  Michael Stars is one of the boutiques that will begin on Sunday.

A quick note:  If you really like a boutique, be glued to your screen at 11:00 of that day, so that you can add items quickly to your shopping bag.  The more popular the boutique, the faster is sells!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, with hopefully, beautiful weather.  The hubs is hunting in Georgia for the weekend, so it will be just us girls!  A weekend of relaxation is much-needed!

TGIF!

Thirsty Thursday: G2

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thursday!  So G2 is my favorite go-to drink, after a great run.  What energy drink do you prefer?  I'm always up for new ideas.  Also, I just got a double BOB and tried it out this afternoon with the girls.  What a difference!  I can't wait to start running more with this stroller!

BOB 'Revolution Duallie' Stroller in Mesa Orange

And here's what I wear every time I run!  Love them!

Nike 'Tempo' Track Shorts

Also, what are your favorite work-out songs?  I need some new ones to add to my Ipod.

Thanks!

Photo Credit: 1

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Yesterday's location was the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina  The best time to go is right around Christmas.  They have an array of gingerbread houses that they display.  Many are so neat and intricate!  My family and I visited right after Christmas a couple of years ago, and had such a fun time!

Wednesday Whereabouts

I hope everyone is making it through the week well!  I decided for my location this week, that I would choose another mountainous locale.  These photos were taken about three years ago, while my family and I visited here.  Good luck!

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Trends: Caroline Grace Giveaway!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!  Well, it's time for another fabulous giveaway, from an amazing Etsy shop, Caroline Grace Jewelry!  I am absolutely in love with everything Lucy creates, and wish I could order it all!  I have added some of her pieces to my jewelry collection, as you'll see below, and couldn't be happier with what I have received.  Here's hoping that you will find something that suits you, and trust me, you'll be coming back for more!  P.S. She may have some celebrity clientele in her near future!  I've included a little tidbit about it at the bottom of this post, along with an offer to all of my readers, from Caroline Grace Jewelry.

 From Lucy's Etsy shop:

"Caroline Grace Jewelry was born out of necessity; as I struggled to find sensational looking, high quality jewelry for myself. Unwilling to settle for the mediocre costume jewelry (crafted from base metals and plastic "gems") that was available, I began designing high quality, fun designs using sterling silver and semi-precious stones. As I received compliments and requests everywhere I went, I realized that I was not the only one searching for something better.

My designs are fun and wearable, they easily transform from day into night. All of my pieces are handcrafted from the finest materials with my perfectionist's eye-- I want you to love your Caroline Grace Jewelry!

I offer a lifetime guarantee on all my sterling, gold, and gold filled Caroline Grace Jewelry. I am always thrilled to create a custom piece just for you, simply contact me with your requests."

Flora Chandelier Earrings

I was very hesitant to purchase these at first because I thought they would be too heavy on my ears, but they are in fact very light, and I love wearing them!  They go perfect with Lilly, or in fact everything!  I wore them the other day with a simply navy polo, and they added so much to the outfit!  The Flora Earrings come in over 15 different colors!

 Leap Frog Jeweled Leather Cuff Bracelet

How intricate is this cuff?  Lucy has created over 26 of these beauties, all different designs and all special!

And as you'll read below, Tory Burch, Tori Spelling, and Rachel Zoe fell in love with these cuffs too!

 Hadley Initial Charm Necklace

I love this necklace because it's so simple, yet stylish at the same time.  I feel like you could wear this all the time, and it would work dressed up or down.  Also, if you're not sure about what your initial looks like, Lucy will create it for you, and send the image to you, to see if it meets your approval.

 Goldie Bracelet in Gold

Definitely a statement bracelet, that would receive so many compliments!  Love it!

 Tiny Initial Charm Necklace

This is by far my favorite piece!  I just purchased this about two weeks ago, and have worn it almost everyday since!  It's so simple, and so meaningful!  I chose the three initials, for my husband, W and E.  Lucy also adds her signature heart charm next to all clasps, which I love because when the necklace accidentally gets spun around, it fits perfectly with all the initials!

 Script Monogram Nametag Charm Necklace

Lucy is known for creating these necklaces!  Each one is created especially for you, and there are several charms you can add to your necklace, for that extra touch!

Isn't it all just amazing, and so exquisitely created?

So here's the celebrity scoop from Lucy herself:  "An editor from Cupcake magazine had asked to borrow some jewelry for a photo shoot for the magazine, and one of their staff writers ended up wearing one of the cuffs to fashion week [in New York].  Well, apparently Tory Burch, Tori Spelling, and Rachel Zoe were among those who admired it while she was wearing it. So basically my head is too big to fit through the door now. Lol. Apparently all 3 asked for my info, so maybe I'll have some celebrity clientele soon!"

Shopaholic in Alabama is also featuring Caroline Grace Jewelry today, as Lucy came to visit Lori this past weekend.  Check our her blog as well, and catch a glimpse of sweet Lucy herself!
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Now on to the best part, the GIVEAWAY!  Lucy, has so graciously offered to give away a $75 gift card to Caroline Grace Jewelry!  Just think of the different items you could purchase with this gift!

Here's how to enter:

1 Entry:  Become a follower (or let me know you already are)
Extra Entry:  Grab my button (or let me know you already have it)

Extra Entry:  Blog about the giveaway on your blog

Extra Entry:  "Like" Caroline Grace Jewelry on Facebook

Extra Entry:  Tell me your favorite item from Caroline Grace Jewelry.
Extra Entry:  Tweet about the giveaway (make sure to tell me your name on Twitter)
Extra Entry:  Add my giveaway to your sidebar

An extra entry each for every time someone refers you in their comments, about how they found out about the giveaway (I'll keep track of this.).  Endless entries!

Please let me know in your comments, how many entries you get.  The easiest way would be to list it on your comments, 1., 2., 3., etc in one comment box.  That would help organize it for me a great deal.  There are lots of ways to get extra entries.  The giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 3rd, at 11:59pm.  I'll choose a winner on Thursday, November 4th, and announce the winner the next day on Friday's post.

Also, Lucy is sweet enough to offer all of my readers 20% off, for the duration of the giveaway.  So you have until midnight on November 3rd to take advantage of this discount.  Make sure you enter SWEETSOUTHERNPREP in the Order Notes to get the discount!

Good luck, y'all!  And thanks again for reading!

Monday Manners: Weekend Re-Cap

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  The hubs and I had a wedding to attend in the mountains of North Carolina, and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful!  Upon arriving home, we took W to see Yo! Gabba Gabba last night, and we all had a blast!  I've included some photos from the weekend.  Hope you enjoy!  Stayed tuned for tomorrow's post.  I'm announcing the next giveaway!

Our view from our cabin

6 of the 15 dashing groomsmen, before the rehearsal dinner.  You read that right - 15!

L is on the far left, at the bottom.

The rehearsal dinner was held here.

This was the only photo I captured from Friday night, at the rehearsal dinner.

I wore the Lilly Pulitzer Jonah Dress in Don't Be Koi.  It was so comfortable, and perfect for the event!

I received it about a month ago, for a steal of a deal, from Under the Palm Tree!

While relaxing, before the wedding, we enjoyed some down time, 

throwing frisbee on the helicopter pad area, as requested by the groom (seen here, on the far left).

My friends and I chose to sit in the adirondack chairs, and catch up, while the boys (and dogs) played.

What a view!  Wish we could have stayed all week!

The six hunting dogs, that different friends brought along, enjoyed fetching toys in the water.

Names of all the dogs: Hopkins, Walker, Bridger, Lila, Hannah, and Tuesday

Walker and Hopkins

I'm not sure if you can see it clearly here, but the tiny swinging bridge atop the mountain above L's head, is the Mile-High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.  This is where my family visited while staying near here this past summer.  Click here to see the old post.

W's favorite character on Yo! Gabba Gabba, Brobee!

At this point, I think she was still a little confused as to what exactly we were attending.

Eating a snack, waiting for the show to start.

Yo! Gabba Gabba!

W enjoyed every minute, except it was a little loud, so...

...W laid on me like this, the entire time!

Of course, as soon as she got home, she was running around the house, yelling out all the familiar lyrics.  Home is comfort, isn't it?

Have a great rest of your Monday, and hope your week starts off well!