Workout Gear: High + Low

Spacedye Tee / V Neck Coverup / Yoga Layering Top

Revelation Capri / Spacedye Tank / Z 5 Tee / Compression Tight

GT-2000 shoe

Ever since my post on major bargain workout gear here, I have been sort of obsessed with finding some new gear to up my game for workouts. My wardrobe was really slacking in that area. Not too long ago you could find me in college t-shirts hitting the gym! Expanding this part of my wardrobe has been fun, but that doesn't mean it has to break the bank. I love mixing the high + low pieces. I would guess that you wouldn't be able to tell which pieces above are pricey and which are a bargain. Target has awesome prices, especially since a lot of them always seem to be on sale. And the Athleta Space Dye tees are an absolute FAVE. I mean, most comfortable shirt ever and it stays in place, doesn't ride up. Caycee recommended the Z5 tee and I promptly purchased. Love it too- very flattering. And the soft pink layering top looks pretty darn cute lounging around the house in! The only thing I am missing right now is those pretty Asics and a new pair of grey capris for Spring.

 Happy shopping {or, happy working out!}

The Hunt: Watercolor Floral Fabric

I've been on the hunt for a watercolor floral fabric to base our bedroom design off of for some time now. I have this image in my head of what it must encompass and I still haven't found the one, but I think I am getting close. Here is what on my radar right now. Pretty much something that would include pink and lavender, nothing too abstract and nothing too Grandma-y. I'm thinking euros or even just one lumbar pillow. Our bedroom is pretty basic with a lot of white and I have to inject some color! So designer friends, please tell me where I can find some watercolor fabrics!! Pretty please! 

Hoffman Fabrics

Dear Stella Spring Street Floral

Springtime by Duralee

These are a few ready made pillows, found on etsy that I just love. Not sure about the patterns just yet.

The Lacey Placey

Cottage Home Couture

I also saw this fabric at Hobby Lobby,  (the lower fabric) and although it is not quite watercolor, I thought it was really cute. Love the leopard touch on the vines.

Factory Picks

I love a bunch of new arrivals on J.Crew Factory, don't you? Someone scoop some of these deals up. Currently all 30% off and just itching to get in your closet for Spring. I've been wanting a gingham button down for a year now, and at this price it's going to happen. I see this top with a white tank under, white jeans and maybe these shoes. And for those days when I can't seem to pull anything together, I'm really liking this tee with this hat! 

DIY Gold + White Beaded Chandelier

 Truth be told, I am just a little giddy over my new entry way chandelier. Anyone who knows me knows that gold and white are right up my alley. It's a love affair. After discussing my inspiration for the chandelier here, I decided that I wanted a matte gold metal and matte white beaded finish.

WHAT I USED :
-Lowes Chandelier

-Ace Hardware Brite Gold Metallic Finish Paint {Comparable to Rustoleum Ultra Cover in Gold}

-Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White{sample size is plenty!}

-Annie Sloan Clear Wax

-Wooster White China Bristle Paint Brush

-Small Flat Paint Brush for Beads

-Towel/Rag for Wax

-Yellow Frog Tape for Delicate Surfaces {optional}

HOW I DID IT:

I saw this chandelier DIY before I started the project and the recommendation for Rustoleum Ultra Cover paint in a gold finish. For me that was hard to find. Home Depot stocks it in stores, but we do not have one here and they do not ship it either. I couldn't find it anywhere else online. After calling several other local shops that carry the Rustoleum line, I finally got somewhere with Ace Hardware. They carried a similar product and I was willing to give it a go. 

My first step was to tape off the beads so I wouldn't have a lot of mistakes to cover as I painted the beads their new shade of white. The chandelier didn't come assembled of course, so it was just the beads that wrapped around the chandelier that stayed in place that needed taping. Pictured below, I started taping off the beads to protect them from gold paint. I wasn't sure how many rounds of tape I would end up using {with my level of mistakes! ha} , so I bought a Frog Tape for delicate surfaces, just in case I had to tape over paint later. I did not bother to tape the inside of the beads attached to the chandelier, I figured I would be risky and just touch up as needed! 

 I decided this was much easier if I tackled this project with out spray paint because I really do not have good luck spray painting in the winter. Plus, I figured if I did this inside with a window open, it was much easier on me trying to accomplish between nap times. The gold paint required several coats, but that may just be an isolated case. I think my can of paint was a tad bit old and had a hard time mixing well. Once I finally got the can thickened up from the paint that had begun to sit at the bottom, it went on beautifully. I felt like Midas with the gold touch. ;) My paint brush was simply amazing too. There are no brush strokes whatsoever. After a few coats I did sand a few drips off, which you may not have.

While I was waiting on the paint to dry on the chandelier, I began painting the mother of pearl beads. I know...what a shame to cover up the mother of pearl beads. But that is what I was going for. I used Annie Sloan Chalk paint with a teensy bit of shimmery silver acrylic paint mixed in because I initially wanted a slight shimmer to the beads. Once it dried you could not see any shimmer whatsoever, so that was pointless- but I liked the new result anyway. It took me two coats of paint on each side of the beads, and then I rubbed them down with clear wax on an old dish towel. I think the wax gave the beads the smooth finish I wanted. I even added a tiny bit of gold paint to the hooks at the end so they didn't clash in silver tones. Disclaimer: painting the beads is a bit time consuming.

It took me a few rounds of touch ups, alternating between the gold and white paint to get beaded part right. I was being meticulous and adding dabs of gold paint to the small pieces of metal in between beads. At times like that, I was kicking myself for not spray painting it! But in the end, the time was worth it and I love the gold finish on the metal. It seems a lot higher end looking than a lot of spray paint jobs I have done lately!

The original vs. the new....

Also, while we are on the topic of pretty gold lighting...you must check out this DIY sunburst flush mount, can you even believe it? Love it! Pam is always the most innovative DIYer, I swear!

 Hope y'all enjoyed! Now I am on to part II, painting another chandelier!

-Linking to Best of the Nest-

DIY Sneak Peeks...

Two things that have been accomplished this past weekend...  

I Finally got my first chandelier painted and hung! I'm in love with it. I'll share the process I used to achieve the gold and white look!

A burlap wreath doesn't need much of an introduction but it was SO easy. I plan to change out the bow and add embellishments as seasons change, or atleast until I'm tired of it!

What is your latest project?

My Valentines

I hope everyone had an extra sweet Valentines weekend! I didn't do too much with my Valentines decor this year, but truthfully it was nice to keep it simple. Weeks made some Valentines and I framed one for the mantel. Love those sweet little handprints! I bought finger paint for a Christmas project and I pulled it out again to do these. It needs to find a spot for a year round home because I love it.

I have been switching out different prints and watercolors in this frame for about a year and totally forgot to share my tip. I use washi tape to attach the print to the mat. It comes off easily and doesn't damage the mat or print. Love it!

We went out to eat at a new favorite spot in Beaufort, The Cedars Inn. What a charming little restaurant! Our table was perfectly set right next to the fire. My Valentine had hydrangeas waiting on the table. He knows the way to my heart.

The food was amazing and had such a wonderful presentation. They definitely know how to make you feel like you are dining in a special place.

 Friday night we stayed in, cooked dinner and spent time with the most special, sweetest little Valentine ever! 

Gosh I love him.

One on Friday

1. #TEAMTEDDY

Instead of Five on Friday, I am sticking with one. Because I cannot fathom anything more important than a story of a sweet, angel baby that I am about to share...

This post probably doesn't need an introduction for a lot of you, but for many it may. Today, we are uniting to spread awareness and share the love for Teddy Fish, who is fighting Menkes Syndrome. If you are like me, you have never heard of Menkes Syndrome. Unfortunately, when there is something health related you have never heard of, chances are the outcomes of those affected are anything but what you would want for a loved one. Funding and research is small. For Menkes, it is no different. 

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Here is Teddy's Story, given by a friend of Teddy's parents... Alex {Pink and Prosperous}

"On November 14th, Mary and Alex Fish were given the most devastating news a parent could ever receive: their seven-month-old son, Theodore, who is affectionately known as "Teddy,” was diagnosed with a terminal syndrome called Menkes. Menkes Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 450,000 male babies. There are currently only a handful of documented cases in the entire United States that specialist, Dr. Stephen Kaler, is studying at the National Institute of Health.

Mary created a CaringBridge page (here) as an outlet to both update family and friends about Teddy's health and to spread the word about a relatively unknown syndrome, which currently has no cure. Their journey is documented almost daily by journal entries written by Mary, who as you will quickly learn, is an incredible mother. Every entry she writes is a reminder of what it is to be truly selfless, acting with only your child's best interest in mind.

Teddy was dealt the most unfair hand, but he is so lucky to have quite possibly THE most amazing parents. Teddy's story may not be able to save other babies who currently suffer from Menkes, but it could create awareness and eventually lead to a cure. It could also empower mothers to trust their guts when they know something isn’t right. Because the syndrome is rare, many doctors dismissed her concerns about her child’s symptoms (such as distinctly kinky hair) because they lacked knowledge of Menkes."

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I follow Super Teddy on instagram ( @superteddy423 ) and he is one face you will never forget. He is a complete angel. His smile could light up an entire room. Something I have never shared on my blog is some health concerns we have faced with our own sweet boy (pictured with me above!!) but we are finally starting to get some answers. I'm sure I will share in the future, but today is all about Teddy. I have discovered I am one tough Momma and I will fiercely protect my child and love him like I never thought was possible. Another thing I do know is that when your baby is sick, there is nothing that a mother (or father) would not do for their child. And there is no tougher position to be in than to watch your child suffer from something, no matter how great or small. So please keep this family in your prayers. They need strength in tough moments. They need someone to pick them up when their world is about to fall apart. You never know when you may become someone that needs these prayers. I promise you that. 

And because today is all about LOVE...Happy Valentine's Day! No whining or complaining if you don't have a Valentine. Give someone...anyone, you LOVE a big hug and kiss, and be THANKFUL for them. XO.

Spring Wardrobe

Stripe Romper / Parka / Cotton Romper

Portola Hoodie / Fishy Swim Trunks / Seaside Cotton T Shirt

Checkered One Piece / Check Zip Hoodie / Whale Swim Trunks

Weeks and I are both ready for wardrobe changes. It's about that time. I am loving what I am seeing for Spring ahead. A few of my favorites on the web right now: Gap and Nordstrom...killing it. I like these for basics and "play clothes". Otherwise, you can find our little man in jon jons, seersucker and appliques :) I have loved little sweatshirts for him this winter and I see the hoodies being a key for Spring layers to come. I can't stand the thought of him being cold. And, if it does happen to be warm enough for a swimsuit anytime soon, he will most definitely need a layer to throw on with that. We are also soaking up the 18-24 month size while we can. The 2T section scares me for boy clothes.

Have you ever seen such a cute swimsuit? I mean, the red whales. Sold...

In other news, I have myself a hot date tonight with my one and only. We are off for dinner to celebrate a Valentine's night out, then we will cook dinner at home with our other Valentine tomorrow! XO.

Recent Foodie Faves

CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

After seeing this recipe on Natalie's blog, I made a quick decision that would be dinner for that night. Can't say enough good things about them. I have never had hoisin sauce before, so I had no idea what to expect. But apparently the sauce is used for Chinese ribs? You should probably make these really soon! I can't wait to have them again. Click link above for recipe!

PARTY DIP TRAY

My Mom found a version of this online and we did our best to replicate. The casserole dish has three different dips inside: Spinach and Artichoke, Mexican layer dip, and a Buffalo Wing Dip. We put the dish inside a larger tin casserole pan and surrounded it with crackers, veggies, pretzels and chips. Since it was the Super Bowl, we made the dip in the center to look somewhat like a field. It would be a great tray to bring to a dinner party! So easy and you can use whatever dips you like. Everyone could find something they enjoy on this tray.

BAKED ZUCCINI AND SQUASH

I've lost track of how many times we have made these veggies. A great alternative to cooking squash and zuccini on the stovetop, which is what I have always done.

BAKED ZUCCINI AND SQUASH

-2 Squash

-2 Zuccini

-2 tbsp Butter, melted

-1 tbsp Oregano

-Parmesan Cheese, Salt and Pepper for sprinkling

Heat oven to 375. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Cut zuccini and squash into 1/4" slices and line the tray. Add oregano to melted butter and baste over the tops of the veggies. Sprinkle grated cheese, and S+P over the top and bake for 25 minutes.

Angel Food Cupcakes + Heart Toppers

My sweet tooth got the best of me a few weeks ago and we ended up having such a nice little after dinner treat. I had picked up a box of Funfetti Angel Food Cake, made according to package instructions and then topped them with fat free Cool Whip. For the Cool Whip, I put a few spoonfuls in a plastic bag and cut the tip off so I could "pipe" it on them instead of using a knife. I also only topped with Cool Whip when we were ready to eat, instead of topping them all ahead of time and refrigerating. 

I am sort of obsessed with Angel Food Cupcakes now because they are just the right size and so low in calories and fat! There are endless options for Angel Food too, in the summer add a strawberry or peach. Drizzle with chocolate. Or top with sprinkles!

Funfetti makes everything better!

I've got a big stash of straws from various occasions that I cut down to size, and added a heart cut out of glitter scrapbook paper with a dab of glue. So easy y'all, but so cute!

And since I'm trying to get rid of my hoarders stash of straws, I cut some more hearts for straws to place on our bar cart until our next mixed drink. Ok, I doubt Stephen will use one, but I sure will :)

Talking Nude Shoes

One staple every year for me is a few great pairs of nude shoes. Whether it is a pump or wedge or flat sandal...I love them all. They always make your legs look longer, better and for short people like myself, taller! {I'm so not a fan of a big clunky dark sandal on myself!} Since spring is on the horizon {somewhere} it is time to start thinking about my next pair. After going through my favorite sites, here is my round up. Are you a nude shoe lover like me?