Radios and Ruffle Sleeves

I love my time driving with the kids. They are at the age where they are paying more attention to what's on the radio and engaging with the songs even if it isn't a childrens tune. They sing along and have their favorites; for example whenever "Side to Side" by Ariana Grande and Nikki Manaj comes on... Dylan announces, "Okay, everyone, it's my song. Shhh...," and then proceeds to jam out.
One song they absolutely stop everything for and listen to is, "I Can Make Your Hands Clap." It's hilarious. The baby even gets in on the clapping.

The smiles from when their songs are on.... and then the smiles when my songs are on... 😂 I am also linking my shirt below. The ruffle sleeves with pom pom detail are subtle and very on trend. And it's a real steal at less than $15!

SheIn Ruffle Sleeve Pom Shirt 

Where Charlotte Began (The BEFORE Pictures)

I have been working on a remodel in the Charlotte area for awhile now. It all started while we were still living in Fort Lauderdale and decided that we wanted to plant roots in Charlotte and raise our babies here. So we started looking for homes online and got in touch with a local agent. We explained what we were looking for and listed our credentials. One day she called us with a house that had just hit the market. She walked it with us on FaceTime and we decided to fly up the next day to see it. 

As soon as we pulled up to the house I wasn't impressed. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful home... but it just didn't speak to me. However, before we even stepped foot in the house I asked about the one across the street with a For Sale sign. My husband shrugged and our real estate agent quickly said, "you don't want that one." Honestly, that response sparked my interest more.  As we were walking through the home we flew up to see it became very obvious it wasn't a good fit for us. There were too many things that we would want to change and yet not enough wiggle room to buy it and fix it up to our liking. I kept thinking about that house across the street... so I asked to please see it. 

The original exterior.

By the time I was off the phone the agent had gotten us into the house I liked across the street. It was a very awkward lay out. Very dated and closed off. The kitchen was long and tight and there was barely any natural light in the home. All the windows were narrow and tall and every room had a door. The dining room was closed off with a pocket door leading into the kitchen. That pocket door was in the middle of the kitchen wall creating a tight walkway and lots of wasted space. There was a bay window in the kitchen but the placement created a useless space because if a table was there it would block the side door and entry to the laundry room. 

Going up the main stairs even I felt the need to duck. There was a jack-and-jill bath built directly over it that created an entry way and foyer that maxed out at 7'6". Upstairs there were 4 bedrooms and two jack-and-jill baths. No master. A saving grace? There was a huge bonus room over the garage. There was also a massive third story attic that was unfinished. 

My husband said, "no." The real estate agent basically said "I told you so." And I said "wait..." I think Joel looked at me like I was crazy. I stood in the single entry door and started explaining quickly. We put in double doors, we take out this wall and this wall, we rip out the stairs and rebuild a sweeping staircase on the right side. We can remove these columns and raise this section of the floor to make it all level. (Here comes the good part...) We rip out the fire place and put in a full wall of glass sliders and move the fireplace 'here'... I kept going... and going... 

It just flowed naturally. I didn't think too much about it and just said what could be. It made sense to me. Up stairs we would remove the two bedrooms on the back of the house and create a master with en ensuite. It gave us the best view of the golf course. The front two rooms would stay but we would give each their own bathroom with the side closet spaces and utilize the wasted unfinished storage spaces. This would allow us to open up the foyer and make it a grand two story one. 

My husband followed along enough to say we'd think about it and call the agent tomorrow. As we were leaving I called and spoke to the dentist. My son had finally fallen asleep and the dentist was telling me he may lose his tooth. The one he just cut the month before. The cute little bottom tooth just left of center.  While I was on the phone with him the babysitter called and said the tooth had fallen out. I was hysterical. I didn't care about any house at that point. I know a part of you may think I'm crazy and that "it's just a tooth..." but as a mom it's never "just" anything. 

I'm a stay at home mom. I was the primary and only caregiver my children knew other than my husband. It's my job to keep the kids safe and healthy and happy. And now I am away for the first time, really away out of state, not out to dinner down the street--and my son is not safe, not healthy, and not happy. It was horrible. I couldn't get home soon enough. 

When we were on the plane and I finally stopped dwelling on my baby at home, I grabbed the air sickness bag. Joel looked at me again like I was crazy. But then I grabbed a pen. I sketched out our home. He asked me how I remembered the layout from the 10 minutes I was in it. I said because it's going to be our home, and it's going to look like this. 

We made an offer the next morning and were under contract that week. 

And then the fun began... 

💥

Below are the pictures of the home from when we bought it! 

The foyer view when you walked in. This was actually taken more from the coat closet angle. When you walked in you  looked directly at a wall (you can slightly see it far right in photo)

The view from the top of the stairs into the foyer. That was the foyer light. You can see the single front door below the wall. Behind this wall is a jack-and-jill bath. 

This was the dining room. It was completely enclosed. That door way is a pocket door leading into the kitchen. And this picture was taken from the wall backing up to the foyer. 

This was the great room. It was a sunken room with 4 pillars lining it behind the sofa. (Take note of the built ins and television wall... it becomes something great! )

This fireplace was blocking a great golf course view. The first day we went in the house I knew it needed to go... preferably to that wall pictured on the far right 😉

Kitchen view. That is the pocket door leading into the dining room. And you see the other wall with another pocket door leading to the foyer. Can you tell how narrow the kitchen is??

One of the four bedrooms upstairs. 

The two bedrooms on the back side of the house each had a built in desk backing up against the jack-and-jill bathroom walls. This was all removed and those rooms and bathroom would be converted into the master bedroom and ensuite.

The second bedroom on the back side of the house. This window eventually becomes a door from the master bathroom onto the balcony! 😲😀

This was the bathroom between the two back bedrooms.

This was the jack-and-jill bath on the front of the house. See that window? It's the same one you see centered on the second floor in the exterior front view. It's deceiving as that it leads you to believe it is a foyer window, but no, it's a bathroom...

Bonus room over garage. In the far left corner where you can't see... is a second staircase. It started at the side entry door in the kitchen and landed you in this bonus room. I removed it... It was more important to me to have the laundry room upstairs and a mud room at the side entry 🙌

Original view of back exterior.

Back yard view. I feel like this is about half way down the yard. It is truly such a wide open green view. I love it.

Side of house. The side entry is far right in the picture. The garage doors and layout will change because although you can't see it.. there were marks all over the support where cars had hit it trying to pull in and out. Needless to say, I have three kids all in carseats and drive a large SUV... and my husband would like to keep it looking nice as long as possible... so even the garage bays have changed!

In my next post I will share progress pictures and explain some of the major changes we made. Can't wait to hear what y'all think! 

-xo

My Nordstrom Closet Additions

Although I did not invest a lot of time preparing for the Nsale this year, I have bought more for myself than I anticipated. It's a blessing and a curse following other fashion bloggers on Instagram as it makes it so darn easy to spot a "must-have" and then click and purchase without investing much time or thought! 

Last year at this time I had just had my third baby in three and a half years. There was no part of me that enjoyed shopping for clothes; at least not for me. My mind was totally engulfed in clothes for the littles... because they are so. darn. cute! But now, although I am still obsessed with dressing my darlings in the cutest (and affordable) outfits, I am enjoying dressing myself again, too. So now I realize I need Fall/ Winter clothing... desperately. Like I said, last year I was not in the mood, so I lived in fleece leggings and the warmest tunics I could find. While I did buy 5 pairs of OTK boots (all black, 2 I intended to return and never got around to it.... 😖) I didn't buy much else. It was my first time experiencing a real Fall and Winter season, but this will be my first time wearing it! I am so psyched! 

This light weight cardigan comes in 4 colors; but is selling out FAST! It already re-stocked once during early access but is sure to go quickly again.

BP Lightweight Rib Stitch Card

This sweater I was able to get in the grey and tan option during early-access, but the navy and white is super cute too and still available in most sizes!

B.P Ruffle Bell Cuff Sweater  

This sweater is probably my favorite; and the light grey coloring is so soft and neutral I may wear it everyday...

Chelsea28 Bell Sleeve Sweater

This top is so cute and can be worn now! I think the blush color will transition so nicely to Fall, but it comes in 4 other colors as well-- perfect for the holiday parties!

BP Drape Ruffle Cami

Like I said above; 3 kids in 3.5 years... so SPANX is a must. And how cute are these faux leather leggings? Yes, please!

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

For a laid back day, this relaxed fit sweatshirt is going to be amazing. So soft and comfy.... and it can easily be worn with leggings or jeans.

Make + Model Brushed Hacci Sweatshirt

Speaking of leggings, how adorable are these?! I love that they have the mesh insert and are high waisted... the combo is very flattering!

Zella Autumn High Waist Moto Legging

Adding a casual dress to the line up is a must, too. Pairing this distressed sweatshirt dress with some knee high boots and a chunky scarf will be just the ticket for those casual Saturday afternoon outings!

Socialite Cold Shoulder Dress

This suede mini skirt has been sold out, restocked, sold out, restocked and now I don't even know where it stands. However, if you like it and can't find your size online check your local Nordstrom! I saw it in store even when it was listed as sold out online!

BLANKNYC suede miniskirt

While we are on the suede wagon, I also grabbed this sweet moto jacket. Honestly, it is so soft and buttery I would buy it even if I already had a similar jacket... which I may... 😐

BLANKNYC suede moto

I have never owned a leopard pari of shoes. Or leopard anything for that matter... It's just not my thing. However, my thing just changed. I bought 1... 2...3, leopard items this sale. (4 if you include my Barefoot Dreams throw in my Nsale HOME post😬) I don't know how to explain it, but I like it...

These stilettos are comfortable and cute. Very over looked, but those of us who snagged them love them already!

Sam Edelman Tia

These loafers have been a popular buy by lots of fashion bloggers and at first I thought there was no way I would like them on me... but I was wrong.

Halogen Corbin Calf Hair Slide

And then there's this fold over clutch. Wow. It really is so cute. Again, if you think you'd want it--grab it now as it is selling quickly.

Sole Society Tamika clutch

I am still loving the cold- shoulder trend and like that it is following us into the colder months. Maybe it is just because I am new to areas where people actually turn on the heat, but when I walk inside from the cold, I don't like to be bombarded by warm air. It makes me way too warm. I think if it's 30 degrees outside it should be about 55 degrees inside to be comfortable in the winter clothes I am wearing. Buuutttt... a lot of restaurants here in Charlotte disagree. They crank that heater up to 75. And then here I am in a wool sweater wondering why Winter is so dang hard for me to get. This, though. This gets it.

BP Ruffle cold shoulder

I grabbed a couple of jeans as well, but I will save that for another post when I cover jeans in general-- not just Nsale. How do you think I did? Will these seasonal staples get me through?! I can't wait for temps to drop and find out!! 

-xo

Nordstrom Sale HOME

So, as a home stylist and being in the midst of building a new home myself, I was super excited to get my hands on the home furnishings during this year's anniversary sale at Nordstrom.

For starters, I have a slight obsession with organizing items. Baskets, shelving, bins, bowls, really anything I can put something in... I have to have. I also have a large collection of blankets, which is new for me. When I lived in Florida I was fine with having one throw blanket on my sofa. That was enough. Around the holidays I would add one more, just for decorative purposes. But now... now things are different. Here in North Carolina it can dip into the 70's any night of the year 😳 ... which is winter to me. Flat out WINTER... 😂 So now I have shelves of blankets in my living room all. year. long. And I LOVE it.  So, obviously I snagged some great throws, and baskets... but I also stocked up on candles and other home goods that could easily be gifted. (Yes, I admit it. I like to always have back up gifts on hand. For anyone and for any occasion... it's a good quality. 😉)

So here is my first and maybe favorite purchase. Have you ever felt a Barefoot Dreams blanket? If not, GET ONE NOW. They are incredible... and no matter how many times you wash them they maintain the softness. I personally love the bamboo material best but this snow leopard beauty got put in my bag instantly. I don't regret it. Neither will you...

Barefoot Dreams "In the Wild" Throw
Sale: $119.90 After Sale: $180.00

To be honest, I bought two. The other Barefoot Dreams throw I bought is this cozy chic one, in pink. Notice how it comes wrapped in a bow? Buying a neutral like white or stone will ensure the most amazing gift for anyone at a moments notice... (including yourself...)

Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throw
Sale: $97.90 After Sale: $147.00

Now, besides the amazing throws, I stocked up on storage baskets. These two-tone metallic baskets are great to have on hand because practically every client I get mentions needing more storage. Everywhere. Obviously my preference would always be moving walls and adding closets and genuine designated storage spaces, but reality is, that doesn't always happen.  So furniture and beautiful functional pieces are a must. (If you love it get it fast-- it sold out once and is back in stock, but who knows how long!)

Levtex Two-Tone Metallic Straw Basket
Sale: $24.90 After Sale: $39.00

Do you love scented candles? I do. And I am picky. I don't mean to be, but a lot of candles give me a headache. So I like to stick to soy, or essential oil based candles that are paragon free. These Voluspa Maison candles are heavenly. And you guessed it... would be a wonderful gift 😉

Voluspa Maison Blanc two-wick tin candle set
Sale: $29.50 After Sale: $48.00

Bar Carts. Functional, beautiful, and mobile! Yes! I love the surge in bar carts over the past few years because these silly shelves on wheels can be used for so many things other than a mobile bar! Look at this gold and mirror cart available during the sale for less than $150!

Crystal Art Gallery Metal Mirrored Bar Cart
Sale: $149.90 After Sale: $225.00

When I turned 30 I wrote a letter to my kids. I did the cheesy, "30 things I learned in 30 years," with bits of advice for them that hopefully they will learn from me before they are 30! But one of the top 10 things was to, "spend the money on the sheets." Seriously. Life is too short to have anything less than luxurious sheets. We spend (if we are lucky) 6-8 hours on them every. single. night. I truly believe sheets are always a good investment. Egyptian cotton is a must, the higher the thread count the better, and if you can get the silk- get the silk. Amiright?? Well, Donna Karan is bringing the silk this year. This Habutai silk bedding collection is everything dreams are made of.

Donna Karan "Silk Essentials" Collection
Sale: $674-$749   After Sale: $899.99- $999.99

So, are you considering getting anything for your home? Do you like gifting home decor or do you think it's too personal? I'd love to hear from you!

-xo

Nordstrom Sale GIFTS

Have you participated in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? There are some really great savings on popular brands and items. Yes, of course there are tons of discounts on beautiful clothes (more of that in THIS post) but there are tons of things for your family and home on major sale, too!

It may sound crazy considering this is only July, but if you plan ahead for birthdays and holidays, you could snag some great gifts at a great discount. I love gifting accessories like jewelry and bags to family and friends and things for your home to other important people in our lives, like teachers and neighbors. Here I am going to show you some of the items I bought to use as gifts this holiday season.

FOR HIM:

The first item I bought for my husband was this Salvatore Ferragamo belt. I love the classic Ferragamo buckle and this belt gets major points for being reversible. That feature is huge for men who travel for work like my husband. This will make a great gift this holiday season... if I can wait that long!

Salvatore Ferragamo Reversible Double Gancini Calfskin Leather BeltSale: $295.90 After Sale: $395.00

I also got him this Ted Baker watch which I will be giving him the end of this month. It's a simple everyday casual watch, but the brown leather strap and blue face adds a fun element. Plus, he wears a ton of blue and doesn't have a blue face watch.

Ted Baker London James Chronograph watch
 Sale: $109.90 After Sale: $165.00

Another Christmas gift I purchased was this Movado watch. (Yes, two watches... he's a watch collector...) I love the black clean face and monochromatic style. If you like a more complex face, this is another good option from Movado.

Movado Bold Bracelet Watch
Sale: $529.90 After Sale: $795.00

FOR HER:

Whether you're shopping for your girl friend, best friend, sister, mom or mil, these gifts are sure to be winners. I know I would love to receive any of them... and I may have "gifted" myself one or two of the things on this list ;) 

First up is probably one of the most popular purses involved in this years sale. I know it has been all over my Instagram feed, and for good reason. It's a great bag at a stellar price. This Tory Burch Frida crossbody comes in 3 colors; all of which are great neutrals to match anyones style.

Tory Burch Frida Swingpack Leather Crossbody
Sale: $283.90 After Sale: $428.00

Vince Camuto is one of my favorite designers for shoes, bags and even bathing suits, so I am not surprised this Vince Camuto suede & leather cross body is on my list! The style is cute and on trend and the size is just right for a saddle bag. It's casual and functional-- perfect for the mom on the go or the weekend fashionista to hit the farmers market ;) Another great crossbody bag is here and is currently less than $33.00!

Vince Camuto Kirie Suede & Leather Crossbody Saddle Bag
Sale:$164.90 After Sale: $248.00

How about some earrings for that sister in law? Kendra Scott is always a safe bet and these Filigree drop earrings are gorgeous, under $40, and having a matching necklace here if you want to get the set! I'm also loving these Crispin drop earrings from Bauble Bar. I think the color options are unique and classic and there's no denying these babies are a great price right now!

Kendra Scott Filigree Drop Earrings
Sale: $39.90 After Sale: $60.00

Bauble Bar Crispin Drop Earrings
Sale: $31.90 After Sale: $48.00

I have never had a pair of Sonix sunglasses before but I picked these up on the first day of early access. I chose the marble brown color because I wanted the size and shape to do the talking rather than the color, but the black option is very cool, too! If you haven't heard of Sonix before, I am sure you will hear the brand again because they have several designs that are getting lots of attention. This pair is less than $80 during the sale and the shape is universal enough to look good on all faces.

Sonix Avalon Gradient Lens Square Sunglasses
Sale: $79.90 After Sale: $120.00

I'm actually not surprised that another Tory Burch item is on this list. Tory's got it going on. This double wrap watch is a winner and I would love if someone gifted it to me this holiday season. Or tomorrow. In any of the three colors available! But if you're thinking someone you know would love it, too, you may want to grab it fast as it's selling quickly!

Tory Burch Collins Double Wrap Watch
Sale: $196.90 After Sale: $295.00

If you want to keep things light and fun, maybe for a newer friend or maybe you put a price limit on your secret santa with your girlfriends this year; then there are a ton of scarves to chose from! I'm loving this BP scarf and it's not even $20 right now! Some other cute options are HERE and HERE.

BP Muticolor Grid Square Scarf
Sale: $18.90 After Sale: $29.00

What are your thoughts? Do you think it's too early to be thinking about holiday gifts? Is there anything else you think would be a great for HIM or HER that I didn't list? Let me know what you think! 

-xo