How I Do It: Or How I Don’t + Weekend Recap

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know that I went to Dallas this past weekend for a blog conference.  What I mean when I say “How I Don’t” is that this weekend I didn’t watch the children.  This was the first time I had left the husband with the children overnight by himself, let alone for an entire weekend!  We are blessed to have my parents and in-laws living in town so it was extremely nice and helpful for the hubs’ parents to break up the weekend and help take care of the children (cooking out, picnics, etc.).  But if you don’t know how amazing my husband is, well lets just say that he was the one who talked me into taking this trip and happily helped me book it about three months ago.  I was reluctant, but he said it was going to be good for me.  It truly was!  I haven’t had a true girls’ weekend in over FIVE years, so I needed this (sleeping in, staying out late, chatting with girlfriends, pool time, etc.).  Upon my arrival home around 11pm last night, the house was clean and the laundry was ALL finished.  You have no idea how much that meant to this mama.  I was planning on taking all day today to clean the house and do laundry, but instead I took the girls to school and sat here with my boys and just enjoyed their company that I missed soooo much!
While I needed a break and some relaxation, it sure is good to be home!
Hope you enjoy my weekend recap…

Traveling in Comfort, Spoiled in First Class: J.Crew Linen Striped Baseball Tee (enter SALESALE to get it for 30% off)
A fellow Charlotte blogger (whom I’d never met in person until this trip) and I flew out on Thursday afternoon.
Dominique of Comfy Cozy Couture was my roomie for the trip.  We had such a great time together!
Traveling to dinner.  Carried my Magenta Gigi New York All-in-One Bag all weekend.  It held everything, and although I’ve had it for nearly two years it still looks brand new!
One of my friends suggested we try out Mi Cocina and it was everything and more!  I had a Mambo Taxi per her request and who knew how many IG followers knew about this drink!  I don’t think I’ve ever received so many comments on one of my cocktail pics before, but it was delicious.
I aimed for comfort on Friday, since we were going to be on our feet for a lot of the conference on Friday.  I wore my Tory Burch Leticia Sandals for the first time, and I was more than impressed.  They were so comfortable and didn’t bother my feet all.  Remember that today is the last day to get them for 25% at Tory Burch.  Enter code: FRIENDLY at check-out.  I also wore my Moon & Lola Monogrammed Tortoise Bangle that I received many compliments on, as well as this striped top from J.Crew Factory.  The tassel necklace is by Melvin.

Me // Chassity of Look Linger Love // Dominique // Emily Maynard
Just some of the amazing bloggers I had the chance of meeting at the conference.  All of them were so genuinely nice, friendly and down-to-earth.  I honestly didn’t know what else to expect, but they were so helpful and calmed my nerves when I was there.

The beautiful centerpieces at the lunch that Neiman Marcus hosted for us on Friday.
Sheaffer of Pinterest Told Me To // Me // Megan of Honey We’re Home // Cassie of Hi! Sugar Plum // Carly of C. Style
More fun with bloggers at Neiman Marcus.  We had the best time with everyone all weekend long.
On Friday night, Kate Spade hosted a Happy Hour for us.  The large eyeball you notice in the background is currently an art display in Dallas.  The DJ at the event played right below it.
Cuddling with one of the sweet pups “Bear” that attended the Kate Spade Happy Hour was one of my highlights of the night!
Caycee of Hanging with the Hewitts // Courtney Kerr of What Courtney Wore // Me // Natalie of Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers // Dominique
Maybe it’s because I had Mexican THREE nights in a row, but I definitely had my fair share of margaritas.  The ones this night were yummy jalapeΓ±o margaritas!
On Saturday morning we had conference meetings, but thankfully they didn’t last too long.  While they were super helpful, I was ready to eat lunch!
Check out the table displays at the lunch Express hosted.

Prism Sunglasses (similar style and on sale here) // Lilly Pulitzer Top (old, similar HERE) // Kate Spade Marmalade Studs 
Met the sweetest girl from Utah at the conference.  We hung out a lot throughout the weekend.  Shannon of Bird alamode.  Behind us to the right you probably spotted Amy of Dallas Wardrobe.

Here we are on Saturday night at dinner.  I’m wearing a silk Joie Racerback Top that I got at Saks during the sale.  Don’t forget, the sale ends tonight!  It’s currently on sale, with an additional 25% off. Use code: FRNFAM at checkout.  Get Shannon’s gorgeous dress here.

Finally some pool time!

 J.Crew Tunic (currently on sale, with an additional 30% off with code: SALESALE) // Gigi New York Monogrammed Case (ask to have it monogrammed when ordering and they should be able to meet your request, also available in pink and purple) / Victoria’s Secret Striped Bikini (old, but I also have this one in the stripes and love it)

 Raspberry Mojitos before dinner

 Last night in Dallas at The Outnet After Party.

Could have lounged in my favorite Plum Pretty Sugar Pajamas all day on Sunday, but I knew we needed to head home.
But first, one last meal at CBD Provisions adjoined to our hotel.
After the weekend ended, it really made me realize that the blog world really has an awesome community.  I’m so honored to be a part of such a great group of people!
So I wear contacts and have been in need of new glasses to have on hand when I’m not able to wear my contacts (like when I had pink eye last Fall or when my eyes get itchy from all the pollen).  Coastal.com was kind enough to gift me these and I LOVE them!  The quality is great!  I know I’ve had many readers on IG comment on them and wanted to let you know that you can get your first pair FREE with code: FIRSTPAIRFREE.  I’m wearing Style: Derek Cardigan 7012 Ice.
Sunglasses // Top (similar) // Necklace (c/o Kendra Scott) // Watch // Denim Cutoffs // Sandals

When I got back home, this Impact Coffee Table Book and Hipanema Heaven Bracelet were in a package I had ordered last week.  I had totally forgotten I’d even ordered them.  Just love surprises like this in the mail!

For more, up-to-the-minute SSP happenings, follow me on Instagram @sweetsouthernprep.

Don’t forget that today is the LAST day for 25% off everything at Tory Burch.
Enter code: FRIENDLY at check-out.

It’s also the last day for Saks’ Friends & Family Sale, as well.
Take advantage before midnight, or it’ll be too late!
Enter code: FRNFAM at check-out.

Also, Anthropologie is offering FREE SHIPPING on any order, no minimum, today only!
Enter code: JUSTBECAUSE at check-out.

I really want this dress and it’s on sale.  Would go really well with these sandals.

On Friday I’ll be posting my OOTDs from the trip.
Hope you have a great start to your week!

15 thoughts on “How I Do It: Or How I Don’t + Weekend Recap

  1. Looks like you and the rest of the ladies had a fabulous time in Dallas ! Love all the pretty outfits you wore πŸ™‚

  2. I would love a "how I do it" post on what y'all eat – breakfasts for the kids, cooked or just cereal? I know you did lunches already, but what about you the the husband? And dinner – do y'all all eat the same thing, or do the kids get something different? What kinds of foods? (Cause you both look so great!)? Fast food frequency, if ever? Restaurants? Etc. I know food is so personal, but it sure would be great to see what works for y'all!

  3. In the past couple of posts, I have noticed you look a little different. Glowing i would say. Have you lost weight? ( if so, completely not necessary because you already looked amazing). Changed makeup? Do tell

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