It's a Framer

A co-worker of mine just renewed her vows for her 10 year wedding anniversary!  SO SWEET! We were talking about what to do with her pictures and I suggested a wall collage of some sort.  I love the look of all different sized/types of frames and memories and making it looked pieced together over time.  However, that can get pricey if you go and buy one frame at a time.  So - you cheat.  Through ETSY.  I LOVE ETSY. 

Shabby Chic Frame Collection - Etsy shop EightSix56 $130

I'd probably mix the shabby chic with some rustic wood or even gold frames to really make it look built over time...



Vintage Wood Frames set of 7 - Etsy shop tawneyvintage $45

 



10 Hollywood Regency Gold Brass Frames - Etsy shop CalmCoolCollectedVin $68

 

Or - hit up Goodwill and just grab a bunch of frames - don't overthink it!  Throw in a mirror or small piece of art here and there - and Voila!

 

Love, MB



Casual Thursday

Luckily, my employer is awesome and every day is casual Friday.  We are allowed to wear jeans EVERY DAY which is absolutely incredible.  I try and sport my old work clothes so I get some wear out of them but I hardly ever do.  I never want to get fancy - at least not in boring work clothes. 

 

This morning, after a fun night in Decatur watching my bro-in-law at Eddie's Attic, I felt like going super casual.  This is an OLD gap skirt, chambray top from Kohl's and my BEST purchase this year - Ralph Lauren NUDE wedges.  I now wear these daily - they can be dressed up or down and come in a wide range of colors.  LOVE.  They are very comfy and make my legs feel long. 

 

This is normally more than I spend on shoes - but I did say in my first blog I would splurge when necessary.  NECESSARY.

 

Ralph Lauren Indigo Wedge Sandal - $69

 

Here are a few pics from last night:

 

Happy Birthday John!  Great job!

 

Love, MB



Check him out!

My brother-in-law, John Thrasher, left his career in accounting several years ago to pursue a music career.  I am so impressed by, and often envious of, those that follow their dreams and passions no matter what.  John is doing great and is headlining at Eddie's Attic tomorrow night, 6/5!  He released his first record about a year ago and more to come!  We are really proud of him.  Michael and I have a sitter tomorrow night so we get to go to dinner in Decatur with another couple and listen to some good tunes.  Care to join us??

Check him out at http://www.johnthrashermusic.com!

Love, MB

Sam & Libby...

For Target!  What a GREAT pairing!  I have been on the lookout for some gladiator sandals (but not too clunky) and LOVED these!  They are comfy too.

Sam & Libby Kayla Gladiator Sandal - $27.99

I loved these below as well!  However, shoes that go up the ankle are a little tougher to wear - be careful there.  They can cut you off and make your legs look shorter.  The nude color helps though!

Sam & Libby Keira Tall Gladiator - $27.99

Love, MB

Deal of the Day

Instead of worrying about a creative/interesting post - I am just going to post a recent find or purchase!  

More shorts - they LOOK J-Crew but are $15!  Check out all the patterns!  

Old Navy - Women's Everyday Printed Khaki Shorts $15

I bought the navy but love the coral with anchors also!  ENJOY!

Love, MB

KEEPER

I'm a little late posting this, but wanted to give a shout out to the Hubs.  He's awesome.  Our 4 year anniversary was May 2 and he did AWESOME.  Me, not so much.  We always do the traditional gift which is kind of fun when we actually do it:

Year 1) Paper - We each made scrapbooks for eachother - kind of cute.  I add a new collage of pictures each year on our anniversary.

Year 2) Cotton - M bought me a couple sundresses - I have no idea what I got him.  Maybe a shirt?

Year 3) Leather - I bought M a nice, real leather basketball; He told me to buy new leather shoes (not his best ever)

Year 4)  Fruit and Flowers.  I sent Sheri's Berries to his office that were covered in white/milk chocolate decorated as bride and grooms.  Michael brought flowers to my office - I thought that was it.  Nope.  He picked out 6 bottles of wine (fruit) from the year we were married!  He also read that the modern gift is appliances and he got me a KEURIG!  I am the sole coffee drinker in the house so that is wonderful.  Lastly, he always writes the sweetest, most thoughtful cards.  What a keeper.  Single girls - there ARE good guys - wait for one.  I am sad we don't have a picture :-(.

Us at the Terry College Gala (this is what I wore in lieu of a LBD!)

Mother's Day was a week later and he and MC made me feel so special.  I got a massage gift certificate and pearl studs.  They sent me to the pool to relax and lay out with my friend, Shannon, and then Michael and MC came up to join me after her nap.  I LOVE them.  I LOVE being a mom - I heard about this unconditional, all-consuming love but never got it until my angel girl was born.  They are my world.

The day before Mother's Day we celebrated my mama - and the week before, Michael's mama.  

They are both incredible and we thank God every day for them.

\

Love, MB

PS - I will do better for Father's Day

Francesca

Fun and cheap = Francesca's.  AND, I had no idea you could order online...UH-OH.  I went to the vinings location last week and picked up some key pieces for summer that I know I will wear often.  I do think that going to the actual location for a store like this is better than buying online so you can try pieces on - less-expensive clothes sometimes fit a little funky and the sizing is less consistent.  But you can't mess up jewelry and accessories - they have a TON!



La Royale Maxi - $48.00

This skirt will go with everything and it can be casual with flat sandals or dressed up a little with some NUDE wedges (don't forget - I LOVE NUDE SHOES).

 



Oak Hill Chambray Skirt - $34.00

 

I bought 3 pair of earrings - buy two get one free!  Take a look at the options - there are tons.  This is one of the pairs I snagged:

 

Mineral Tear Drop - $12 (really $8)

As always - check out the sale link first.

 

Love, MB

Shorty

Shorts are tough, but unfortunately a MUST for summer especially for the mommy of a little one.  I LOVE skirts and dresses, but shorts are smarter.  Here is a pair I just picked up at Ann Taylor Loft.  Good thing about The Loft - their clothes run big so you can sometimes get a smaller size! 



The Loft - Linen Cotton Shorts $44.50



The key is finding a flattering pair.  If thighs are your issue find a wide leg! I LOVE these from the Loft and wore them often last summer!

The Loft - Solid Skort (other colors available) $49.50


 

Don't forget:

1 - The Loft often has sales - don't buy full price unless something is perfect!

2 - Click on Sale - there are several shorts options for under $25

3- Don't worry about size!  EVER.  No one will see the size - it is more important how they fit.  A good fitting article will make you look thinner than a smaller size. 

 

Love, MB

A new chapter....

I mentioned several posts ago that I pray that MC has good girlfriends throughout her life.  I referred to several of my different groups of friends, but I failed to mention some really important girls.  My Lovett Young Life bible study.  Michael and I decided when we got married that we wanted to serve Christ in some capacity and would prefer to minister together.  So, we became Young Life leaders.  And boy, did God put me with the MOST incredible girls you could ever meet.  I met them when they were freshman in high school at Young Life camp - Sharptop Cove- and we have been friends and doing bible study together for the last 4 years.  Every other wednesday morning at 7am I get to see there beautiful faces and do life with them.  I am so lucky. 

 

But they are graduating.  It is crazy and I am going to miss them like crazy.  I would LOVE for MC to have friends like these girls.  I just love them.  Here are some pics of these incredible girls....



Graduation brunch Friday, 5/10/13
 

My co-leader, Haley, and I put together some advice for college - did we get it right??

 

 

I love you girls and will pray for you on your journey.  And come stay with you in college :-).

 

Love, MB



The "B" word...

Sorry about the recent hiatus...been busy busy lately!!

 

"B" is for Botox. Some of my friends have started getting botox.  I was shocked--sure only people over 50 were having this done.  However, I came to learn that this isn't that uncommon for people in their 30's.   My reaction was "we don't need botox yet"!?!?  Then I looked in the mirror - where did those wrinkles come from??  I always said I would never do botox, plastic surgery, etc.  I have yet to get anything like that done and don't really plan to - but I guess you should never say never. (I know you are surprised that my nose hasn't been worked on - HA! :-). 

 

Anyways, before I ever go the Botox route I want to try other methods first.  So, Instyle recommends Olay Regenerist for their price-senstive fix...I'm going to try it and you are going to watch.  The box says that I will see a difference after 8 weeks.  So...we'll be the judge of that.  Let's start the creepy photos.



Day 0 (May 3)

 

I know, I wouldn't have wrinkles if I didn't do this - you get the point.
 



Olay Regenerist Intensive Repair Treatment - $14 Amazon ($10 cheaper than other spots)

We shall see....send any other recommendations!

 

Love, MB

Deal Alert! Today Only

50% off Skirts and Dresses at Ann Taylor!  Use code "getchic"!

 

http://www.anntaylor.com/

 

Here is a sneak peak at one that I LOVE!



Colorblocked Sweater Dress - $38! (50% off $74.99)

 

Have fun!

 

Love, MB

Coral

After looking at my closet, I realize I have another pattern (besides nude shoes)...CORAL!  Almost everything I have purchased recently is coral.  Do you remember the pieces here?  Both have an orangey-coral.  I also purchased these pieces this season:

Mossimo Maxi skirt - $24.99

Banana Republic - Circle Print dress $60 (40% off $98 )

Things I LOVE - All under $100

Find me more coral!  I can't get enough!

 

Love, MB

Girlfriends

As I wait on MC to wake up before we head to a 1st bday party for the son of my longest girlfriend (both in time and in height :-), I feel overwhelmed with love for my girlfriends...and I sure have some fabulous ones.  From my Totties to my Sigs to my Groms to my Play Group mommies, neighbors, and co-workers....I feel very very lucky for some incredibly authentic, genuine and beautiful girls in my life. 

 

One of my best girlfriends brought her daughter over last night for a slumber party while our husbands were having a boys weekend in Texas.  It was wonderful and therapeutic...a little Mexican food, play time and bath time followed by wine and a movie when the girls went down.The girls had a blast and I pray that MC has good girlfriends throughout her life. 

 

 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.  John 15:13

 

Love, MB

Who's That Girl??

I am LOVING the show New Girl and I have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel.  She is hilarious and quirky, and after reading about her in Instyle, I love her even more. She knows what looks good on her, stays true to her style, and whether or not I agree with all her choices....I totally respect that.  Look at these quotes from my girl Zoe. 

 

"Style isn't when you buy yourself the most expensive things.  It's being creative and able to put together what you collected." 

 

"I'm not really into trends. I know what I like and don't like."

 

I mean, that is confidence and I LOVE IT. Here are some of my favorite photos of her.

 

ZD loves the A-line dresses!  (And you know I love the nude pumps :-)

 

Love the side pony!

 

Zooey always highlights her eyes!  Play up your best feature!

 

Beautiful red dress for the Globes!

Now seriously, watch New Girl.  Trust Me.  Tuesdays at 9pm on Fox!

 

Love, MB

 

 

LBD

Woke up late this morning (thanks MC for sleeping late!) and needed something EASY BREEZY....duh, the Little Black Dress.  This particular one needs no ironing which is very key on a hectic week day morning.  Pair it with some gold jewelry and nude pumps (shocker?!?) and done.  And by the way, everyone needs a wrap dress (or 4).

 

Target Merona Dress (circa 2009)

Now, I need HELP!  I am attending a gala in a couple weeks and would LOVE a new, hot, LBD.  My friend Kathryn rocked this adorable frock from Anthropologie this weekend (looked better on her than the model!). 

 

Anthropologie Eleanor Peplum Dress - $148

Now, please send me some LBD options!  I think a nice LBD is an investment so I would definitely spend a little more on a LBD than other, trendier pieces.

 

Love, MB

A Tradition Unlike any other...

This weekend always makes me proud to be from Georgia.  Masters Weekend.  BEAUTIFUL weather and scenery....polite crowds and pimento cheese.  Ahhhh...how wonderful.  Unfortunately, I have NEVER been, so hopefully someone will read this and take me (hint, hint Michael). I'll post more later but wanted to post a quick shot of MC watching the coverage...makes daddy happy :-).

MC watching the coverage (in seersucker of course) on the porch

Heading to a Master's party with friends!   

Love, MB

To the Maxx

I have always loved TJ Maxx...I feel like i am the original maxxinista.  However, now that I have a kiddo I cannot frequent the shop as much and it makes me sad.  I even used to know when new shipments were coming and I would hit it up once/week.  Not so much anymore, but I always find something great.  Most of my friends do not like it because it is too overwhelming...

TIP: Go in with a purpose.  Do not go mindlessly or you WILL get overwhelmed.  Say you want a yellow bag or colored jeans or a ceramic vase...if you have a specific goal it will be easier and you will most likely find something else that you absolutely have to have.

I went Sunday looking for a maxi skirt...here is what I found (excuse picture quality and awkward mirror poses):

Coral/Navy Olive & Oak cotton maxi - $19.99

 

Orange/Cream Polyester maxi dress - $24.99

I think I will rock these both this summer...I like my maxis with flats, preferably gladiator sandals. 

 

Meanwhile, as I was taking these selfies....yikes...so we can open the toilet now :-)

Love, MB

Jean shorts are COOL!

Jean shorts got a bad rap for a while, but I have always loved jean shorts - of the cut-off genre!!  In middle school I rocked my mom's "vintage" pair (still trying to find a pic) and I have had at least one pair in my drawer at all times.  Now they are back with a vengeance...but before you run out and buy a pair, consider making them!

Tip:  Buy a pair of men's jeans...they have less stretch so they aren't tight on your thigh.  You want a wider leg and the ability to fray so more reason to go with a man's jean.  My recommendation - Goodwill!  You could even buy a couple pairs and test out different lengths, washes, etc..  That is what I did a few weeks ago (excuse the pic quality and pale April legs)! 



Men's Jeans - Goodwill $6

BUT, if you'd rather just purchase a pair...the best options I found are at Abercrombie & Fitch!  YES, that is what I said.  I like them for the same reason my mom hated when I shopped there 15 years ago...they look like they have been worn a million times! 

A&F Midi-length shorts - $35

A couple other options:

VS Midi Denim Short - $49.50

Free People Denim Cut off - $68.00

 

 



Love, MB

Nude

Before you get too excited (or disgusted)....I am talking about SHOES! I have decided to embrace the fact that I am not a risk-taker in the shoe department. A co-worker rocked some leopard print, platform, DVF sandals at work the other day....when asked if I would wear them I said "I'm good with my nude pumps". Some of the girls said "you LOVE those nude pumps!". I literally wear them almost every day. So, I started thinking about my shoe collection. Do you see a trend? And yes, my bedding and bench are also in a "nude"...

Regardless of my own issues, I do think everyone should own a few pairs of nude shoes...they lengthen your legs...who doesn't want that? So, I found a few pairs for you (all but one are under $50).

Nude Shoes by marybeththrasher featuring lining shoes

Love, MB