I spy ...

I spy the cutest bedbug ever ...

Mamatella and Joeytella came for a visit this weekend and Stewart was part of the
"good morning" greeting party. I love this little bedbug!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! May your day be filled with laughs, rainbows, pots of gold, leprechauns, corned beef, and cabbage all while wearing something green. Fear the pinch!!! Green beer cheers to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

Drum Roll Please ...

Give a drum roll for the winner of the Cape Madras tunic giveaway ...

It's The Company of Clever!!! I am so thrilled for ELZ and I am certain she will wear it well. I cannot thank enough all TCSK readers who entered --- I was blown away and completely touched. Many thanks to Cape Madras for hosting this ah-mazing giveaway!!! Happy Friday to all. Xoxo-BLC

It's FURsday --- Meet Toby!!!

My middle sissy just welcomed her furbaby Toby home!!! He is a rescue and could not be ANY cuter!!! I just love him already and cannot wait to meet him, squeeze him, and play play play with him. Neither can Stewart!!! Welcome to the family Toby. Xoxo-BLC

Cape Madras {G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y}

Just as promised, it is time for a GIVEAWAY on TCSK!!! Many thanks to  Cape Madras , Queen of the Tunics, for graciously co-hosting this ah-mazing giveawy. One lucky TCSK reader will win the Cape Madras tunic of their choice!!! Oh how divine ... but how will you pick just one!?!

To enter to win, just leave a comment below with your email. For extra entries, please leave an additional comment stating that you follow Cape Madras on Twitter, like Cape Madras on Facebook, follow Cape Madras on Pinterest, and/or blog/tweet/facebook about this giveaway. That's up to seven entries!!! Remember: one comment = one entry or seven comments = seven entries. The winner will be picked via random.org on Friday, March 16th. Until then, thank you to the moon and back for reading TCSK and a BIG thanks to Cape Madras for this generous opportunity. Fingers crossed YOU win!!! Xoxo-BLC

Hey Shorty!!!

This warm weather spell had me saying "hey shorty" as I broke out Lilly shorts for the first time in 2012. Was Groundhog Phil wrong!?! Oh I so hope so!!! Hurry up springtime!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Speaking of Spring, don't forget to SPRING FORWARD today!!! I think loosing an hour of sleep to welcome springtime is the best trade off ever. :)

Shamrock + Castaway Clothing = Rock On

One week from today I will be sporting Castaway's best because I fear the pinch!!!

Going green is a must on St. Patty's!!! Xoxo-BLC

Cape Madras: Queen of the Tunic

I am a huge fan of Cape Madras's entire line --- especially their tunics. Lilly Pulitzer might be Queen of Shifts, but oh-my-goodness does Cape Madras reign over all other tunics!!! I sport these tops year round. Summertime is easy peasy, over a swimsuit or with colorful shorts. Winter is a tad tougher.

Above is my go-to date night outfit. The Cape Madras tunic, a colorful pashmina, a fun clutch, gold flats, and my favorite skinny jeans. It's fun fussing up the tunic with loads of jewels and baubles.

Above is my go-to Saturday outfit. The Cape Madras tunic, thick black leggings (warmer than my ski pants), tall black boots, and my favorite accessory: Stewart!!! If it's a bid chilly, I sport a long sleeve white t-shirt underneath. The Cape Madras tunic adds a good punch of color but is still comfy, casual, and chic.
 Don't you agree!?! I hope so because Cape Madras just so happens to be hosting a giveaway on TCSK come Monday!!! Return then to enter and for all the details. Xoxo-BLC

New York Minute

If you had a New York Minute today, what would you do!? I would be at Elizabeth McKay's sample sale on Lexington Avenue!!! I have an Elizabeth McKay sample from eons ago used in one of their photoshoots and I just ADORE it. Can you imagine all the hidden gems!?! Happy Shopping to you New Yorkers and New York Minute Cheers to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

Five Minutes ...

If you had five minutes to be still and do anything anywhere in the world, what would you do?

After looking at my Bible Study leader's pictures from her African safari, I do believe I could stop, be still, and stay in awe of our Creator while watching these elephants play. Aren't they stunning!?! Treat yourself and take five minutes to just escape ... I sure am!!! Xoxo-BLC

A Fling With Bling

I've posted this before sans video, but I think it bears repeating: I am having a fling with Ash Hoffman bling!!!

My dear friend Ash is remarkable. My favorite story I tell on her all the time goes like this. After college, she jetted off to Africa to volunteer. I had always described her as the friend who would give me the shirt off her back. And, I still do (because she still would). When it was time for Ash to return to the States, she left everything she had brought with her in Africa. And I mean everything. She truly has a heart of gold. Speaking of gold, I am so excited to support her business ... jewelry making! She finished jewelry school and now owns Ash Hoffman Jewelry. She makes and sells her gorgeous pieces. Aren't they divine!?! Best of luck Ash ... I can't wait to say: I knew you way back when!!! Xoxo-BLC

The "She" Birthday Gift Guide ... on a dime!!!

March is my favorite month because Spring is almost here, the days get longer, and, most of all, it's my birthday month!!! As of lately, my family has voiced that I am one tough cookie to shop for. As a self-professed shopaholic and lover of all things colorful, I find that hard to believe. I can walk into just about any store and find something I want, need, must-have, and cannot live without. Ha!

 When it comes to my birthday, I really do not want a big fuss, fancy presents, or a big-to-do party. Instead, I just want lots of birthday cake!!! Since my family insists on pressies, above are a few of my favorite-wish-list items on a dime: Old Navy PINK jeans $34.00, Fory Burch faux clutch $24.00, Leopard Earrings $18.95, Essie Nail Polish $8.00, Tortoise Shell iPhone Case $34.95, "Love U 2 Much" charm bracelet by Lilly Pulitzer $48.00, Ashley Brooke Designs calendar $8.00, books, and magazine subscriptions. See, shopping for moi isn't too hard!!! My biggest birthday wish: that March may bring everyone more fun, smiles, and happies. Xoxo-BLC

Happy LEAP Day!!!

Happy Leap Day to you and yours!!! Something about leap day gives me the itch to do something wild.

It only happens every four years and this day just beckons doing something FUN. Don't you agree!?!

Above is a poster a college friend of mine made for the Cooper Bridge run in honor of our friend Sydney. "Living out loud, on purpose, and off the grid" was Sydney's motto as she fought a brain tumor --- isn't it bold and colorful!?! Six months ago today we lost her but heaven gained her. On her husband's blog, he urged Sydney's friends to do this: "So I challenge you today, on behalf of Sydney, do something completely ridiculous. And by all means, let it entertain you and others." I think leap day is the PERFECT day to do something completely ridiculous and entertaining oh behalf of Sydney. I dare you to do the same ... and make it WILD because it will take four years before it happens again!!! Xoxo-BLC

Sale Away!!!

My favorite sport is "sale-ing" ... you know, shopping a good sale.

Today ONLY Cape Madras is hosting a 40% off sale. How divine!?!

Is 24 hours enough time to stock up for Spring must-haves!?!

Good think I train for "sale-ing." Off to sale ... won't you join me!?!

Xoxo-BLC

It's a Red Carpet Affair!!!

It's Oscar night and the stars are out!!!
I think red carpet affairs are just the best!!!

My best-dress-award goes to ... Jessica Chastain of The Help.

She was a vision in that Alexander McQueen gown.

Who wins your best-dress-award!?!

Xoxo-BLC

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

While my father was a college football star at Duke University, he has always been a star in my eyes: he is loving, kind, and humble. And he is a big star today because it's his birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Daddy!!!! I love you and and am wishing the very best day. Happy
Happy
Happy
Birthday Daddy!!! Xoxo-BLC

Leaving on a Jet Plane ...

We are beyond sad to bid two of our favorite friends farewell-for-now. Alongside two other couples, we hosted a going-away-so-sad-to-see-you-go-party.To fight the blues, we needed one good party. Our signature cocktail was the "Golden Gate" as this pair is San Fran bound. It was PINK, rimmed with icing and sprinkles, and oh-so-delish. It wouldn't be a proper Southern send off without Southern food: pulled pork, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, okra, mac'n'cheese, cornbread, and our favorite sweets from a local bakery. After comforting our blues with comfort food, we headed to a local dive and sang the blues. We serenaded the couple with "Leaving on a Jet Plane." All the girls came up with a game plan: the only real way to fight the blues is plan a westward visit ... hello San Fran!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: It's not a party without a party dress!!! I was running late for this shindig and was thankful to literally jump in an outfit minutes before guests arrived. I sported one of my all-time-favorite frocks by Sheridan French and I added a pop of color with a Noble House Designs necklace.Viola ... ready to play!!!

She's a PRO!!!

One of my best friends in the whole world paid us a visit this weekend and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!

I talk her ear off on the phone ALL the time, but being in the same place at once is just a treat.

We packed our weekend full of fun and decided to do something she had never done before: shoot skeet! And guess what ... She's a pro!!! A total natural and picked it up right away.

She nailed more clays than I ever have ... or ever will. It was beyond fun.

I gifted my husband a hunting membership for Christmas and we had a ball seeing the place.

With gorgeous weather, wide open spaces, and in great company, who could ask for more!?!

Many thanks to Stella for coming ALL this way to see us and spend time together.

Is it too soon to ask: when will you come back!?! :) Xoxo-BLC

Home Tour: Her Bathroom

It's my first our-new-home-tour post!!! We are still trying to get settled and set up.

I previously mentioned my goal of decorating room by room and finishing one room per month.

Since February is a short month (and all this decorating is a tad overwhelming), I took a small step and decorated the smallest room: my bathroom. One of my favorite parts of this house: his and hers bathrooms. It's a marriage-saver. I posted more photographs on Facebook, including the before and after. My husband deserves MUCH praise: he did all the painting. And then all the re-painting. I couldn't stand the original fire-engine-red color and then I horribly regretted my Tiffany blue choice. I learned a lesson: never go to the paint store without a sample color. I love this color and it's name fits it perfectly: Divine!!! This bathroom is all hers: from the ruffle shower curtain to the ruffle towels to the wall prints to the displayed perfume and even down to the trash can. I just adore it!!! Stewart wanted his picture taken --- isn't he too cute for words!?! He just might make a guest appearance in every home tour post. Up next: the living room ... wish me luck!!! Xoxo-BLC

Ash Hump Day

Happy Ash Wednesday to you and yours!!! Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent, a time a prayer and reflection, that leads us to Easter. What a great time of year that is!!! This year, instead of giving up something, I want to take on something. I am going to pray more. I am going to pray for our world, our country, those suffering, our leaders, my family, my friends, marriages, friendships, and YOU, just to name a few. I want to increase my prayer life and give more of my time, thoughts, and energy to the Lord. Are you praying or reflecting or giving up or taking on something in particular??? Big blessings to you through Lent!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you have something you would like me to pray for during this Lent season, please email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com!!!

Fatten Up Tuesday

Happy Fat Tuesday to you and yours!!! Eating pancakes today is a MUST.

I think homemade pancakes just taste better ... especially with blueberries baked in.

 Do share: how do you like your pancakes!?! The possibilities are endless.

Happy Pan-tastic-cake Tuesday!!! Xoxo-BLC

Meet Stewart!!!

We are beyond thrilled to welcome Stewart into our little family!!! We just love him to pieces. 

He lives for belly rubs, toys, squirrel hunting, and loooong walks. He has completely stolen our hearts.

We adopted him from ESRA, the English Springer Spaniel Rescue. We adore springers and knew this breed was perfect for us. When ESRA first picked him up, he was too skinny, flithy, collarless (chipless too), and suffering from heartworms. We are happy to report all of above are fixed (although heartworms will take a few months to clear up). We are having so much fun with him and thrilled to call him our own. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happy President's Day!!! I asked Stewart if he had a favorite president and he said "Woofrow Wilson." :)
PSS: A few of you asked where I purchased Stewart's dog bed and shark blanket. Both are from Etsy:
click here for the dog bed and click here for the pet blanket.

Fundraiser FUN!!!

One reason why I really love our city: it is extremely social!!! 

There is always something fun happening and it usually beckons a party or two.

This weekend was no exception and I try to never miss a party if I can help it.

We attended a fundraiser for autism and oh la la was it fun!!!

My favorite part: attending with friends and unexpectedly running into family.

A night with family and friends all for a good cause, what could be better!?! Xoxo-BLC

In Good and Clever Company

Here at The Company She Keeps, we are all about good company. But combine good with clever and oh what fun!!! One of my dear friends and former college roommate, The Company of Clever, is host of The Friday List link-up!!! This is my first-ever link up and I am beyond excited. I live for lists. I have a lists for grocery shopping to honey-do's for my honey to wish lists to decorating lists to you name it. While I am certain those lists would bore you, I am certain this list will not. Below is a list of my real-life friends that blog:

The Company of Clever: college roomate living abroad in Europe and traveling like bananas
A Liz Adventures: blog friend turned real-life friend and ah-mazing jewelry maker
Beantown Prepster: one of my very best friends and native North Carolinean
Classic Annie: blog friend turned real-life friend and soon to-be-Mrs.
I'm A Nola Girl: blog friend turned real-life friend
Live, Laugh, and Lunch in Louboutins: childhood friend and recent college graduate
Love Being a Nonny: friend and role model from my Camp Lurecrest days
Maggie Mayd: college chum, recent Mrs., and uber talented artist
Meredith Daniel's Photography: childhood friend and recent fur-mama
Monograms and Manicures: blog friend turned real-life friend
Moss Floral Events: college chum, best friend, my favorite florist/event planner
Muffy Martini: blog friend turned real-life friend
Paul and Josclyn in Abu Dhabi: childhood friend and living a dream life abroad in Abu Dhabi
Pink Preppy Lilly Lover: blog friend turned real-life friend and fellow Lilly Lover
Recipes From Newlyweds: best friend and fantastic cook
The Duchess and the Duke: my sister-in-law!!! She rocks
This Little Nest: bestie with a hip nestie ... see her recent Southern Living feature --- TDF!
The Sweet Southern Life: college chum and one of my most thoughtful friends
The View from Five Foot Two: childhood friend

Please note, I did not include my friends who blog and have children as those blog seem more intimate and private. You know who you are, so if you want to be added, just let me know and I will do so gladly!!! I am so blessed to sit in such good company. I encourage you to visit these blogs as they top my daily-must-reads. Many thanks to The Company of Clever for hosting this super fun link up --- please join in and this little list lover cannot wait to read everyone's lists!!! Xoxo-BLC

Lilly Pulitzer + SouthPark = TDF!!!

Have you heard the news!?! As a born and raised Charlottean, I am BEYOND excited that ...

Lilly Pulitzer is opening a storefront at SouthPark Mall!!! Ever since Miss Priss closed her doors,

Belk has been the only place to buy Lilly in Charlotte. Until now!!!

A sweet friend sent me this picture and I just squealed with delight!!! Does that sign say "enter to win a shopping spree"!?! Count me in!!! Dish: are you going to make it to the grand opening this weekend!?! Xoxo-BLC