Easter Gift Guide + Picnic

I've been rounding up prizes for Lilly and Fletcher's Easter baskets. Fletcher (4 months old now!) is pretty much just getting pajamas and a book, but it's fun to get more creative with older kids' baskets. Here are some Easter bunny goodies that I think would make any kid (and parent) happy to find.

Doodles At Lunch Placemats

DIY Paddleball Kit

To Market We Go Kit

Kid's Apron

I Had A Favorite Dress Book

Let's Make Some Great Art Book

Charley Harper Memory Game

Plush Teatime Set

Boringu Bowling Set

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And I recently took the kids on a little picnic. I saw this adorable idea to fill plastic eggs with your child's favorite snacks and I just knew Lilly would love it. It would be fun to incorporate an egg hunt with this idea too, but I didn't have the resources to pull that off as it was just me and the kids at a park.

It was awesome up until the bugs started biting Lilly and Fletcher started wailing. But hey, I tried.

Check out the original idea at Brandy's Crafts.

Some Scenes From Our Christmas

A few snapshots (courtesy of instagram) of our Christmas.

Hope yours was just as magical.

Merry Christmas

We didn't manage to get Holiday cards out this year, but here's a quick glimpse of some of our gorgeous family and friends who did...

To those who celebrate, I hope you have a Merry Christmas.  xoxo, Chassity

Your Ultimate Guide To Hostess Gifts

'Tis a fun Tuesday because I have my gal pal Alesya visiting and chatting about hostess gifts.  Why did I invite Alesya to chat about hostess gifts?  Because I've dubbed her as THE BEST GIFT GIVER.  Seriously.  In the past 2 months I've received two REALLY thoughtful gifts from this sweetheart, and both made me hold my head in shame at my own lame attempts of gift giving (in a good and "I feel inspired" kind of way).  So read what she has to say because she's sharing a lot of good ideas.  Guarantee you'll leave here today brainstorming.

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Hello LLL fans! I'm a big fan myself and honored that Chassity asked me to do a guest post.
Like me, I'm sure many of you are traveling this week or are attending a holiday gathering. The last thing on your list is the need for a little something to bring the hosts. Before you crack out yet another bottle of meaningless wine I have some suggestions.

The secret to any gift giving is to personalize. Here are a few places to get ideas:

1. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest: People post things they like! If you were getting a gift for Chassity, you could head on over to her Pinterest page and see she loves this nail polish. Perfect.

2. Favorite Places: Does your mother-in-law love her trips to Florida? Bring her a beautiful SPF. Maybe your brother hangs out at the local watering hole. Give him your favorite craft beer. Or perhaps like our family your hosts root for one team like The Ohio State University. Then you can't forget the Buckeyes.

3. Event Help: Any hostess can use assistance as the clock counts down. If you're traveling, it's doubtful that you can bring a dish to pass, so use this trick from my Mom. Ask if you can bring the centerpiece. Then call the local florist and have it delivered before you arrive. If your family aren't centerpiece kind of people a nice large white poinsettia will also add festive touch.

4. Play Time: You can't go wrong by bringing something extra for the kids. As a parent, something small to keep them occupied but won't be messy will win me over too. My daughter is getting this sticker book to keep her busy on the plane.

5. Something Consumable: If you're at still at a loss about what to get, you can't go wrong with a gift that can be used up (aka doesn't have to kept for all eternity) and local. I love the sample pack from Charleston chocolate company Sweetteeth. My husband sends fresh local fish to his father. Anyone would adore some stationary from Sideshow Press.

Easy travels to you and your family this week. If you forget to bring a hostess gift, don't worry. I'm sure your safe arrival is gift enough!

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Told you she's good.  And lucky for us gift giving is not the only thing that Alesya is good at.  She's also the girl behind Alesya Bags, the super cute yet functional laptop bag.

Photography by the amazing Charlotte Elizabeth Photo

Just in case you still need an idea for Christmas...

Thanks for visiting, Alesya!

My Holiday Tradtion & Wishlist

About a week and a half ago I was visiting Meg over at Mimi & Meg and shared my holiday tradition and wishlist.  I linked over for you all, but I know as a blog reader myself that we don't always have time to click over and read guest posts.  Well, since that wishlist took me some time to put together, and my time is limited these days, I thought I'd share over here again today.  To those of you who saw the post at Meg's, thank you- but if you missed it, here it is :)

(1) Leigh Viner Fashion Print

(2) Tory Burch Cosmetic Case

(3) Sequin Button Down Top

(4) Salt & Pepper Bowls

(5) 2012 Calendar

(6) Tarnished Rose Cuff

(7) Isabel Tunic

(8) Pia Wallen Cross Blanket

(9) Dannijo Stella Collar

(10) Marc Jacobs Mouse Slippers

I can't take credit for the beautiful collages, Meg did all of that.  She's impressive, no?!  I could certainly use some help in the blog design department (here's wishing for photoshop and a new computer for Christmas).  If you need help in the design department too, then you're in luck because Meg has created a "Design A Better Blog Post" video.  And it's available right here for a very reasonable price.  Hey Meg, thanks again for inviting me over to your beautiful blog.

Bringin' Back The Dickie

Check it, the dickie is back. 

Okay, so maybe they're not really making a comeback .  This dickie is what Josh opened up last night in the "wearable dirty santa exchange" at our friend Calder Clark's Festivus party.  Pretty sweet though, right?

PS, I might be in trouble when Josh sees this...  Happy Holidays, Sweetie!!  xoxo

Gift Guide - Southern Style

I just can't help myself.  There are so many talented gals right here in the holy city of Charleston, SC that it is absolutely necessary to put together a gift guide featuring these sweet ladies.  Consider this to be your southern, most hospitable gift guide for the season.

*Get some Cutey for the Bootie's for the little babes in your life.

*The most delightful hammered gold & champagne quartz ring by Kate Davis.

*Your pets really should look good too, it's easy with Harry Barker's help.

*A sweet hand painted pillow cover at Novel.

 *Impress with these letterpress "sourcie" tags by Tara Guerard.

*Keep her stylish & warm in this coat by Barbara Beach.

*A little vintage for a girlfriend? How about this fuchsia fan clutch at Novel.

*You deserve and need new Marysia Swimwear for your winter getaway.

*Really, who wouldn't want these black diamond seedling earrings by Jane Pope Collection?

*For the art and decor lover, how about a Sally Benedict original?

*Troubadour, for that style maven in your life.

*Original art is always a good gift, especially when it's by Kate Long Stevenson.

*Callie's Biscuits - cheese & chive, country ham, cinnamon- they're all amazing. Trust me.

*THE laptop bag to be seen carrying, by Alesya Bags.

*Custom stationary, always a great gift for anyone on your list. Available at Novel.

*For the couples needing to get a bit frisky this holiday season... Forty Beads.

*Vintage jewels by Candy Shop Vintage for that bright old soul on your list.

*Last year's suits no longer fit, so get the kids some shiny new Marysia Swimwear.

*Colorful and socially conscious cosmetic bags by Proud Mary.

*And for all those "tinys" in your life luxury Pixie Lily clothing.

I put together this post while sitting by our tree, listening to Christmas music, with a 5+ pound sleeping babe by my side.  Life be good. 

A Hostess Gift Idea + A Guest Post

I've been eyeing these little paper mache bowls for awhile now.  They're only $10, and I think they would be THE perfect little container for filling with holiday goodies and hostess gifts that the recipient will really want to keep and cherish.

I've paired them with these incredible oreo brownies.  How do I know these brownies are incredible?  Because my good friend and fellow blogger Natalie from Designer Bags and Diaper Bags brought them to me - and yep, they're incredible.  She's sharing the recipe here!

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Also, I'm over at Mimi + Meg sharing my holiday tradition & wishlist.  Be sure to pop over and check it out.  While you're there, go ahead and click "follow" because I assure you that Meg's blog will be one of your favorites if it isn't already.  Promise.

Our New Holiday Decor

Every year at this time I find a million and one holiday decor items that I love and want to add to my home.  I can't possibly get it all, but I try to treat myself to at least one new item every year.  This year's addition is a sparkly one.  Hey I need some sparkle in my life right now!

I didn't have any lettered decor so this Glittery Noel sign fits the bill nicely.  Plus it's inspired by the Love Sculpture by Robert Indiana which I think is sweet.  It measures 19 in tall by 16 in wide and is only $50.  Best part, they customize any color for you!  Whatever you dream up.  I ordered a shimmery gold one, but think some really bright off the wall color would be fun too.  I just love some glittered prettiness, and can't wait for mine to show up at our door!



{Noel Christmas Sign}

A Pretty Smitten Holiday!

Our friend Elizabeth's shop Pretty Smitten is absolutely brimming with festive holiday pretties!  Here's a peek at what she's created for you all this season:

Holiday Cards:

{Customizable with a large selection of patterns, colors, & motifs}

Holiday Trays:

{Again, customizable + great for all your holiday entertaining!}

Melamine Plates:

{Yep, customizable. Think Christmas cookies, kid's holiday table, pancake breakfasts...}

Gift Certificates:

See, told you she has lots of cute things!  Be sure to pay Pretty Smitten a visit soon!

Happy Independence Day

Here in the US everyone is celebrating America's birthday.  Our weekend has consisited of the pool, beach, farmer's market, shopping, bike riding, watching sunsets, fireworks, and A LOT of eating.  Tonight we're grilling bacon wrapped scallops, burgers, & corn on the cob.  And I'll be making this Strawberry Pie for dessert.  I've made it before, and can 100% tell you, it's wonderful.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Monday!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the love of my life.  Lilly and I are the luckiest girls in the world to have you in our lives.  I just started to list all of the amazing qualities you have, but there were too many.  So for my readers' sake, I stopped.  But really, you know you've got it going on.  And you never even hesitate to put Lilly and me before yourself.  Though I try to regularly tell you how much I love and appreciate you, I'll never be able to say it enough.  I love the beautiful life we've made together. 

{I snapped this yesterday outside of our favorite local pizza spot.)

And to my own dad, you're the absolute best.  I'm so lucky to have you in my life. And I know that you will always be there for me.  You've given me so much, so many wonderful experiences and moments, and I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it weren't for you.  Thank you for always being there for me, and thank you for being an amazing "Papa" to my daughter.

And lastly, Happy Father's Day to my father in law.  We're so lucky to not only have you in our lives, but so close by to be the "Gramp" that Lilly adores.  You do so much for us, and we're so thankful for it all.

I hope you all are enjoying the day.  Happy Father's Day to each of you!

Mother's Day

Here's to one cool mom who takes pitures with flowery animals (and looks good doing it).

And who made me (and put up with me).

{Wish my mom still had her dress... would love to wear that now!}

And, well, here's to me too because I made this.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommas!  XOXXOO.

Easter Chic

I'm not hosting Easter this year, but if I were I would like to think that the table would be a mix of these two looks.

But who am I kidding, I'd be lucky to get a tablecloth down.  I'd also find the time to whip up these glitter confetti Easter eggs (aka caskarones - mini pinatas for your head) to shower over all of my guests for good luck.  Right, I'd get to that too... no problem.

{via Rebecca Wright at Oh Happy Day}

Tablescapes via Blushing Hostess Entertains and Sarah Yates.

Salud

It's National Margarita Day.

via



D r i n k  U p ! !

Happy New Year

I hope you all bid a joyous farewell to 2010 and greeted 2011 with ZEST!  We rang in the new year by renting a bar downtown with 50 of our dear friends.  Very little can top a NYE 5 years ago when Josh surprised me with a marriage proposal (after only knowing me for 2 months!!).  Or the following NYE celebrated in Tahiti on our honeymoon.  But I have to say that this year's celebration went down in the books.

With my friends Krystine and Sara.  And I know you all are tired of seeing this purse, you don't have to tell me.

I'm so glad I went with the sequin dress.  Nothing like a little shimmer and shine to brighten a party!  And the crowd was shimmering and shining.  I wanted to add a little extra something so I strung a small bowtie onto a chain.  I think it was the perfect touch.

You all remember my photographer friend Gray.



Here's hoping for another year filled with love, happiness, and good health.  I'm looking forward to more blog fun with you all!