A Quick Note..

Hello everyone! I just wanted to take a minute to let y'all know we haven't abandoned the blog!! Kelley has just started her busy time gearing up for furniture market and I'm so overwhelmed with wedding stuff that I can barely get anything done. No one tells you that you are going to be extremely stressed out in the first few weeks of getting engaged- or at least I am. I always thought I wanted to do my wedding in Naples, FL and Frank, my dad and I got back from meeting with people in Naples last night. It would be amazing to have our wedding there, but our guest list would have to be drastically smaller and everything is almost double the cost. So we are currently trying to work through pros and cons of a Naples wedding and of a Greensboro wedding. The thing I loved most about our trip to Naples was the wedding planner- seriously everyone should check out Lucia Paul Designs- they are AMAZING!! I'm just anxious to get a place and date set. Anyway we have so many exciting things coming up on the blog: our post about Splurge (just got the pictures on my computer and started working on the post), our Charlotte Magazine photo shoot and contest post, our give-away and so many more!!! So if the Splurge post isn't done this afternoon it will be up in the morning, and hopefully from there we will be back on our normal schedule! XOXO

This is how I'm feeling right now, so if you see me around town don't be surprised if I'm in my workout clothes (as if you possibly could be because this is the norm)

Bauble of the Week: Suzanna Dai Jade Rome Drop Earrings

We love everything about these earrings- the color, the sparkle, the size- you name it. They are amazing. What's even better is that they can be dressed up or down- we think these are a must-buy for spring. Get them here. 

Also a post on Splurge, the best new store in Charlotte, will be coming soon! We didn't forget about you yesterday, unfortunately we were having a little trouble with the camera. So once we get the camera up and running again we will have our post on Splurge up ASAP. 

Must Try: Oven Tacos

So we know we have been behind this week on posts, it's been a little crazy here! As in we have been having our fair share of cocktails to celebrate and can barely catch up on sleep. We have been wanting to share this recipe with y'all that we tried a couple of weeks ago- it was amazing. Seriously wasn't expecting much, not even fans of hard shell tacos, but take our word for it- these are extremely tasty. The shells stay together, which is the great part. You get the crunch without the mess. We ate these with a little salsa and shredded lettuce, you don't even need toppings though because they are that good.  The original recipe, which can be found here, calls for two pounds of meat. We sized our recipe down with the meat but kept pretty much everything else the same and we were happy with the result. We might have used only 1/2 can of refried beans, but you can just eyeball it. 

Make sure to check back this afternoon- we will have a post up about one of our new favorite stores, Splurge, in Charlotte that opens today! 

Bauble of the Week: Kate's New Rock!!!

Again, I am taking advantage of the fact that Kate and Frank are in Vegas to post a picture of the ring, but I know you are all dying to see it! Frank did such a good job that I just had to share...So excited for them!

Glad I made her get a manicure! Hope everyone has an AMAZING weekend! Kate and Frank get back tonight, and I am planning on spending the weekend celebrating with the two lovebirds!

In the Spirit of Love...

I decided to post some of my all time favorite pictures of Kate and Frank. They clearly know how to have a good time...

Key West NYE 2011

UNC vs NC STATE game

Last time they were in Vegas together...

Sloppy Santa...Early on in the relationship

I think Rebecca Jane's wedding?

Vegas again...

So typical...

DJ Turbo

Kate's Super Sweet 24th birthday...Clearly, concerned about the rain

I'd say they're pretty perfect for each other!

Happy Valentine's Day + A Love Story from a Sister's Perspective

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of the holiday, I'd thought I'd tell you some EXTREMELY exciting news I've been dying to share for over two weeks...Kate and Frank are engaged!!!!!! Since it's Valentine's Day I'm going to give you the full story of how it all happened followed by a photo montage of Kate and Frank's relationship. The best part is that Kate can't stop me because they are currently in Las Vegas celebrating! (Just a warning the post is going to be a little long so skip to the photos if you want!)

Two and a half weeks ago, I received a phone call from Frank asking if I would go with him the next day to look at rings during lunch. I was completely shocked because I knew the engagement was coming, but didn't know when it would be taking place. Obviously, I was so EXCITED to have the opportunity to help Frank pick out the ring, but was very nervous at the same time because I wasn't exactly sure what Kate wanted. The day we went to look at rings I had to be so mean to Kate all day so she wouldn't talk to me and ask what I was doing that day...Kate told everyone in my family what a you know what I was being.

After looking at three rings, Frank and I both decided that we liked the oval solitaire with a platinum diamond band. Next came the hard part...As most of you know, I live with Kate and we both spend a majority of our time working from home. In addition, we had a family trip to Palm Springs two days after we went ring shopping. I seriously didn't think I would be able to keep the secret from Kate because we tell each other EVERYTHING.

Originally, Frank was going to propose last week in Charlotte and somehow it was going to involve going to a really nice dinner and the Ritz Carlton. However, Frank called when we were in Palm Springs to say the ring wasn't going to be ready in time. Last week, Frank called and said he had a new plan. He had decided that the nice dinner/Ritz Carlton idea was lame and instead he was going to book a surprise trip to Vegas instead.

Once Frank decided on Vegas, I knew that Kate was going to be SOOOOO excited (for those of you that don't know Kate is OBSESSED with Vegas) and the secret got even harder to keep. I knew somehow I needed to make Kate get a manicure, make her a packing list so she wouldn't be overwhelmed when she found out she had 2 hours to pack after just getting engaged, and make sure she was showered and not wearing work out clothes when it happened.

On Tuesday I literally begged Kate to go and get manicure with me using a fake date I had planned on Wednesday as the excuse. Kate did not want to go at all, and once we got there she was trying to get her nails painted mint green. I had to persuade her that mint green wouldn't go with her current wardrobe because it was winter and she needed a natural color. I organized a "blog meeting" yesterday morning to ensure that Kate would be showered and looking cute, but yesterday morning Kate was not being very cooperative and did not see the need to look cute. However, I finally talked her into looking nice and she looked great! Lastly, I went out and got the essentials for her trip such a toiletries, tights, drycleaning, etc. so she wouldn't panic when she found out they were going to Vegas!

Here is how the engagement happened...Kate and I left our blog meeting, and Kate asked me to go to run an errand with her. I told her I couldn't and that I needed her to take me home. Kate then thought I was being a you know what and got mad at me. Frank calls right after and tells her he is surprising her with Chick-fil-a for lunch, so she forgets about the errand. I immediately leave the house, so the two of them can have their privacy (I figured it would be pretty awkward if I was just hanging out at home while they were getting engaged).

Anyway, this next part is all according to Kate, and I am sure she will be sharing her story next week...Frank shows up with the Chick-fil-a, and Kate (like most anyone would do) goes for the Chick-fil-a first and starts telling Frank how hungry she is. Meanwhile, Frank has handed her a plane tickets and cards that are all Vegas themed...

Obviously, there was a very heartfelt and romantic note inside (who knew Frank was such a romantic?!), but I figured Frank might not want that on the blog. Anyway, she clearly said YES!!!! Frank claims that Kate was more excited about the trip to Vegas than the proposal, but I think she was very excited about both...

The Happy Couple Post Engagement!

Anyway, sorry for the extremely long post, but I always love to know the backstory of an engagement. Make sure to check back tomorrow for the pic of the ring...Obviously, it is the Bauble of the Week! I know it is a little tacky to share a picture of the ring on the blog, but I made Kate agree to it because I know you all want to see it! Also, I have to brag on Frank...I'm pretty impressed with his selection. Happy Valentine's Day! Hope everyone is surrounded by love today! xoxo, Kelley

Big Love

When our mom asked us to return some stuff to Neiman's for her the other day, we'll go ahead and admit we snooped through it to see what she had gotten...That's when we ran across this FABULOUS skirt and knew right away we had to talk her out of making such a HUGE mistake. We couldn't believe she was going to return such a statement piece. We immediately picked up the phone to try to talk some sense into her and ask her why she was returning it-her response "I just thought it was a little ordinary". Personally, we're not sure what is ordinary about it and are happy to report we were able persuade her to keep it. Since  pretty much any clothing is out of our price range right now, we're happy she's decided to hang onto it because we plan on borrowing it, A LOT....

Sweater: J.Crew/Skirt: Elie Tahari available here/ Shoes: from Belk old/ Baubles: Bracelets: Michael Kors, Vintage, cheZelle; Earrings and Ring: cheZelle/ Clutch: Forever 21 (old)/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Valentine's Day Playlist

We are both hopeless romantics, therefore choosing our favorite songs about love was nearly impossible. We couldn't even get started on our favorite country love songs... way too many. So whether you are dating someone or single, put on this playlist and feel the love!

A Heart Attack

In the spirit of Valentine's day, we're trying to wear as much pink and red as possible this week as well as anything we can find in our wardrobe with hearts. We are obsessed with this blush pink coat from Trina Turk that we plan on sharing (good thing we live together) and think it will be a staple in our fall and winter wardrobe for years to come. Also, we love a good wide leg pant...they are a bit more forgiving than skinny jeans this is the Eric pant from Alice+Olivia...THEY ARE AMAZING! We are working on bringing you more outfit pics as we are still trying to get used to being both in front of and behind the camera, so as always forgive our awkwardness. Anyway, Happy Tuesday! We hope your week is off to a good start!

Coat: Trina Turk/Shirt: J. Crew/Pants: alice+olivia/Shoes: Michael Kors/Purse: Cole Haan/Baubles: Necklace: Gerard Yosca, Ring: cheZelle, Earrings: Hyla DeWitt/ Lipstick: Sisley, Sheer Fuschia

Palm Springs Decor

We know we've been going a little overboard with all the Palm Springs posts recently, but what can we say, WE LOVE THE PLACE! The retro vibe is right up our alley and if we had the money we would totally be buying a vacation house to winter there...don't worry we'd let all of you come visit! Since we don't see that happening anytime in the near future, we think we will work on bringing some retro elements into our Queen City home. Here are a few pieces we have found that we think will get us going on the right track...

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Valentine's Day Inspiration

We aren't prepared enough this year to throw a Valentine's Day party but it's now on our to-do list for 2014. We like to think of Valentine's Day as a day to take time to appreciate all those that you love- not just your significant other. So whether you have a special someone to spend Valentine's Day with or you get to spend it with your best friends- we hope these pictures provide you with some inspiration! If for no other reason, at least celebrate Valentine's Day to wear pink & red, eat chocolate, enjoy fresh flowers, sip a fancy cocktail, wear your best baubles and be thankful for all the love you have in your life!

Pictures from Top Left: 

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Bauble of the Week: J.Crew Bracelets

Does anyone else feel like J.Crew can do no wrong when it comes to their jewelry these days?? We saw these bracelets out in Palm Desert and they were all stunning. While any of these would make a great Valentine's Day present, we are especially obsessed with the top one! Talk about arm candy... A little sparkle never hurt anyone.

Square Pave Link Bracelet, Classic Pave Link Bracelet, Neon Flower Bracelet, Pave Feather Bracelet, Pave Heart Bracelet

Palm Desert Shopping

One of our favorite things about Palm Desert is the shopping....surprise, surprise. El Paseo is known as the "Rodeo Drive of the desert"- that should tell you what you need to know. Here you can find something for everyone (all price ranges): Saks, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Lululemon, Gucci, Banana Republic, etc. This year we ventured into Palm Springs as well, which had some amazing shopping as well. We were hoping to check out all of the vintage stores but didn't get the chance this trip, but if you know of any great ones let us know!

Three of our favorites stores from the trip are Mister Marcus, Trina Turk and Distinctive Home.

Kate got the yellow Thakoon Addition dress, while Kelley brought home this black M. Patmos dress.

 

Yellow Dress, Black Dress

Mister Marcus is a wonderful store full of hard-to-find labels and great European designer clothing. There is a great selection of novelty jeans here- our mom purchased a pair of Goldsign brown leather jeans which are amazing. They have great bags, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and other accessories as well. There is literally something for everyone. The owner Robert couldn't be nicer and is not only extremely helpful but very fashionable. The store is named for his son Marcus, and if you are lucky you will stop by when one of his four dogs are visiting! We are kicking ourselves for not buying that silver necklace on the mannequin- we may just have to call out there and buy it.

Mister Marcus Website

Store Front Image, Clothing, Shoes

We just happened into the Trina Turk store in Palm Springs by chance and we are so glad we did. The lady working there told us that the store was designed by Kelly Wearstler, which explains the chic decor. It also worked out to our advantage that there was an unbelievable sale going on while we were there. Seriously insane. 

Trina Turk Website

While we were walking to Trina Turk we stumbled across Distinctive Home. We would do anything to have one of these in Charlotte. This store is full of things for the bar and entertaining. Plus great lamps, throws, furniture and mirrors. Definitely stop by here for any entertaining needs or hostess gifts, or just a little something to update your home.

Distinctive Home Website

More posts to come on the rest of our trip to Palm Desert! Also make sure to look for our new clothes on upcoming outfit posts!

Color Obsession: Mint Green

It's hard not to love the color mint green. It can instantly make a room feel very chic or add a retro feel to a kitchen. Plus it seems to be a color that looks fabulous on just about anyone! 

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Pictures: Room, Fashion, Ice-cream

Valentine's Day Gifts: For Your Man

Admittedly, we usually dread buying gifts for the men in our life. It isn't because we don't want to surprise them with something wonderful, but rather that in our opinion they are so DARN hard to shop for. We normally agonize over what to get them for weeks and then wait until the last minute to buy them a gift from one of the following categories: 1. clothes we want them to wear (sorry we are trying to make you dress a little more hipster...we like that look) 2. something we actually want for ourselves, but disguise as a gift for them (our mom taught us this invaluable trick...our dad can usual count on receiving some new piece of furniture as a present) 3. something technology or sports related (we try to do our research to buy you something you will actually really like, but this just isn't our forte) . While our men (aka Frank, our brother-in-law Dave, our dad, and our cousin Graham) always give off the impression that they love our gifts, we can't help, but sometimes feel our gifts are a little lame. However, we think we have successfully put together a gift guide that is sure to please the special man (or men) in your life. If for some reason these gifts fail to deliver, the good news is that most of this stuff you can keep for yourself!

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Whether you are buying a gift for a significant other, a friend or yourself- we hope this guide provides you with some inspiration! We personally would love the Tory Burch bikini inside the Mulberry purse with a couple of tickets to an exotic island...hint,hint. But I do have a sweet tooth- so the XOXO chocolates would be wonderful as well. Next week y'all should be looking out for a little giveaway as our Valentine's Day gift to all you lovelies! 

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Friday Humor- The Scottie Pinwheel

We are sure most of you have probably seen this by now, but if you haven't you should definitely watch it. It's so cute- I told Frank I now needed to buy a whole litter of puppies. Looks like he should have just given in when I wanted one. 

Bauble of the Week: Oscar de la Renta Tassel Earrings

We are majorly lusting after these Oscar de la Renta tassel earrings. Aren't they gorge? Unfortunately, we have not been able to justify the price tag of $395, so for now they are just going to stay on our permanent wish list. A girl can dream right? They are available here.