Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Summer officially ended yesterday.

The only way to properly mourn summertime ending is ...

... all things black: wearing black, drinking black coffee, black boots, etc.

So why not bewitch TCSK and great for 'ween a little early!?!

I am looking forward to a FUN-filled Fall and, as always its festivities.

Wishing you and yours the happiest FALL!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Bye Bye Buggg!!!

I was a lucky duck and my parents bought me this VW Beetle my senior year of high school. I've driven this black beauty until last year (June of 2013 to be exact) when I moved onto the mom-mobile-wagon. It has bee nice having a third car, but it is not the most useful extra vehicle - it doesn't fit a carseat well and you can't exactly haul the Christmas tree with it. We decided to sell it and the cutest Spanish couple bought it. They were tickled with it and we were so glad to see the bug go to a happy home!!! I am so thankful to my parents for the gift of this car AND it being such a good car for sooo long. Xoxo-BLC

These days ...

Our dishwasher sure does look different these days. :) Xoxo-BLC

Twister

The only twister I like is the game. Tornados scare the willies out of me big time. My husband was out of town on business and I am so thankful a dear friend (and neighbor!) came over to hunker down with us. This was my first tornado with Squeak and Stewart. We stayed close to the TV until the tornado was about 20 miles away. I woke Squeak up, put her in her car seat, and we got comfy in the basement with all the big jumpy bugs. Stewart was a tad nervous which made me even more nervous. I feel like animals sense weather danger better. We were listening to the weather radio and they were calling out a street name not too close to ours and then the nado just disappeared. I have never felt God's protection more. Sending big prayers to all those effected!!! Xoxo-BLC

Messy

I try to keep a neat and tidy appearance, house, life, etc. I am embracing this messy new world I live with open arms and wouldn't have it any other way. I love that dinnertime now involves playing with food, lots of color, tons of giggles, and a big mess to clean up. And, I am so thankful Stewart helps lick up lots of spills!!! Xoxo-BLC

Wild and Crazy Saturday Night ...

Bahahaha! Yep. This is my Saturdays now. A good movie (Couples Retreat), a video monitor, baby clutter everywhere, and a sleepy dog hogging the couch. I wouldn't have it any other way!!! Xoxo-BLC

Pisces!

Sinner? Saint? I don't know about that but twinkle in eye sounds right. :) I do think up too late and fun parties sound like my cup of tea. I wasn't suppose to be a pieces, but I'm glad I am. Fingers crossed this is one of the best years! 30 sounds like a good time for the BEST!!! Xoxo-BLC

A GOOD day in the life ...

A good day in the life includes:

 ... a walk through the neighborhood.

 A selfie. DUH!!! :)

And a snoozefest. Miss Squeak isn't too much into chores just yet.

Can you blame her!?! Chin chin to a good day every day.

Xoxo-BLC

Impossolutions

Imposs'o'lu-tions: (n.) New Year's Resolutions. Love 'em, hate 'em, and I still make 'em and, sticking with tradition, I am committing to them. I didn't feel "up to impossolutions" in 2013 ... my only goal was to have a baby. :) Drum roll ... here are my 2013 resolutions:

1. Increase my faith. I want to grow closer to God and share my faith more with others. I want to be purposeful about my faith. I also want to be a Godly example for Squeak.

2. Stop eating chocolate every single day.  I blame my 2012 impossolutions for this one. I want to kick my sugar obsession. I don't want to give up sugar ALL together, but I don't want to be a diabetic before I see my 30th birthday. I believe in a healthy balance. 

3. Say I love you more. It never goes out of style when said to the ones we love.

4. Slow down. Life has picked up it's pace quite a bit so I want to slow down, appreciate life, and really enjoy every bit of it. I want to spend as much time as possible with my husband, Squeak, and Stewart.

5. Laugh at more funnies. Bahahahaha!!! Belly laughs are good for the soul. And I'm addicted to Jimmy Fallon so this shouldn't be a problem.

6. Work hard at work and at home. I want to work efficiently, effectively, and give this year my all.
7. Have better posture. If I don't accomplish this soon, I will have to go as the Hunchback of Notre TCSK in circa 2020 for Halloween.

8. Live by example. I want to be a living example of a Godly women, confident inside and out, and living colorfully for baby Squeak.
9. Give more. More of my time, money, and energy to the things that really matter. I want to give up more of what doesn't matter (I'm looking at you RHOwhatever).
10. Travel to ... I want my husband and I to take a trip just because. :)
Xoxo-BLC

2013: Oh What A Year ...

In looking back over the past year, 2013 has been ... 

Best because ... We welcomed Squeak home!!!

Worst because ...  We don't have much to complain about here in TCSK land, although we did walk through some valleys with dear friends. :(

Colorful because ... Miss Squeak adds the MOST color to our lives. Stewart keeps it FUN too.

Adventurous because ... We traveled to ...

Telluride, Colorado

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Palm Beach, Florida

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Weiss Lake, Alabama   

Rome, Georgia

Highlands, North Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

Unexpected because ...  I did not expect to be preggo in 2013. I had a weird number thing about having a baby in an odd year ... that is clearly gone wayside now.

Fashionable because ... We made a trip to Palm Beach ... Land of ALL THINGS LILLY!!

Sporty because ... Stewart lives to run/walk/wog ... and that was about the only exercise I encountered will preggo. Also, Duke AND Clemson were invited to bowl games. OH MY!!!

Educational because ... I learned a TON professionally. I am loving being a working mom but it is a lot to juggle. So, again, working as an attorney has taught me more law and Bible Study taught me more grace.

Unforgettable because ... I did not anticipate being MORE in love with my husband and loving Squeak THIS much. Stewbaby still holds a special place in my heart too. My heart has grown so much. I have an a-m-a-z-i-n-g family and very step of this year I walked with my husband, the love of my life, by my side. :)

Many thanks visiting TCSK, now and throughout the last year. Wishing you a yours a memorable 2013 and all the best in 2014!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen this. If not, shame on you - follow along at thecompanyshekeeps and here is what you missed of 2013:

Matchy-Matchy

Sometimes I can't help it and we just coordinate our outfits ...

 ... feel free to stop me when we sport matching jumpers ...

... until then, we may or may not be matchy-matchy!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Holmestead Company

Last year, in my post "Off to the Country ...", we visited these sweet friends on their farm. I love love love their story and way of life. I think it's so much fun and they are just the sweetest people. We also had the BEST time with them at my husband's 10 year reunion (see: All Roads Lead to Rome).

This summer, it's been SOOO much fun seeing them at our weekly farmer's market!!! And we have loved loved loved eating from their farm. My husband is still raving about the ribeye and I don't see an end in sight because it was that good. Holmestead is definitely our favorite by far!!! If you are ever in their neck of the woods, they have an amazing farm and Inn you can nest at --- or if you live near us, pay them a visit at the farmer's market!!! Xoxo-BLC

What to do about ...

I am in a tizzy about what to do with Google Reader disappearing July 1, 2013. I beefed up my "In Good Company" page above ... but I am worried I won't link to each and every blog every day like I do with Reader. And I'm worried you won't come visit me either! So dish, what are YOU doing about it!?! We have until July 1st and then ... POOF it's gone. Xoxo-BLC

Believe in BB Cream

I love love love makeup and could spend hours in the make up aisle. As a self-professed make-up-aholic, I am always up for trying a new product. I usually give a trend a whirl, but stand by my go-to, simple, fuss-free routine. One new trend that is quickly becoming a staple: BB cream. I first tried L'Oreal's BB cream thanks to the Vogue sample. My take: it blends well but made me oily. Next, I tried Estee Lauder's BB cream. My take: the lightest color was way too dark and I'm not fair. Lastly, I tried Rimmel's BB cream and my take: LOVE it!!! It's lightweight, great coverage, easy to apply, and inexpensive. So dish: do you believe in BB cream!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I posted my make-up routine last year and not much has changed. I do wear a lighter powder when sporting the BB cream. Also, Revlon discontinued Rosenberry blush (WHY!??!!?) and now I'm getting by with Chanel's Rose Initial until I find a cheaper fix. I also added Estee Lauder's night repair serum to my nighttime routine to hopefully fight those laugh wrinkles. :)

February!?! Already ...

Hiya there!!! Pardon by January absence. Time FLEW by and I just cannot believe it. Besides skiing in Telluride, here is the round up:

1. We celebrated a lovely THIRD anniversary. I cannot believe its been three years since our wedding. We celebrated with dindin at a swanky Italian restaurant and it was divine. I feel beyond blessed to spend day in and day out with the love of my life. He is so much fun to walk in life with and brings me joy, happiness, and loads of love.

2. We got sick. Like sicker than sick when sick gets sick. I've never been so sick. I feel like I finally came back to the land of the living. Two weekends on the couch, one day off work, two doctor visits, and too many boxes of tissues to count, I think we have weathered the worst of it.

3. We went to the farm with Recipes From Newlyweds. It was BEYOND fun. I do feel insanely guilty because I think we shared out kooties with all our friends. Sorrrrrrry!!! Stewart had the BEST time and sort of behaved ... he didn't run away so we count that as a plus.

4. Impossolutions. I still haven't made New Year's Resolutions. I usually have them nailed down in January and I just don't know if I can make any this year. The last two years have been so focused on passing two bar exams, getting the perfect job, and setting up our residence, I feel like this year just needs to be filled with laughs, relaxing, and FUN.

So there you have it. You didn't miss much ... but I miss YOU!!! I hope your January has been much more colorful, healthier, and funner than mine. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I just took down the Christmas tree which shows you how behind I really am. Only to put it back up in 42 weeks and 6 days ... :)

New Year, New Look

Kick that old Christmas tree to the curb ...

... it's 2013 and it's time for a facelift!!! TCSK new do:

Chin chin to 2013 and may it be the best yet!!! Xoxo-BLC 

2012: Oh what a year it's been!!!

In looking back over the past year, 2012 has been ... 

Best because ... We welcomed Stewart home!!!

Worst because ... We bid farewell to my grandmother.

Colorful because ... of The Company She Keeps and YOU ... her readers!!!

Adventurous because ... We traveled to ...

   Tennessee (Memphis and Sewanee)

    North Carolina (Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Durham)

    South Carolina (Clemson, Rock Hill, Charleston, and Pawley's Island)

    Alabama (Marion, Birmingham, and Weiss Lake)

    Georgia (Atlanta and Rome)

    Florida (Miami and Orlando x 2)

    Pennsylvania (Philadelphia x 2)

    California (San Fransisco, Glenn Ellen, Napa, and Sonoma)

    Nevada (Las Vegas)

    New York (New York City)

Unexpected because ... surprises!?! I don't do surprises well. :)

Fashionable because ... I made a trip to THE Lilly Warehouse Sale!!!

Sporty because ... Stewart lives to run/walk/wog. Also, Duke AND Clemson were invited to bowl games. OH MY!!!

Educational because ... I passed another bar exam. Woohoo!!! Still pumped. Working as an attorney has taught me more law and Bible Study taught me more grace.

Unforgettable because ... I have an a-m-a-z-i-n-g family and very step of this year I walked with Ale, the love of my life, by my side. :)

Many thanks visiting TCSK, now and throughout the last year. Wishing you a yours a memorable 2012 and all the best in 2013!!! Xoxo-BLC

Thankfulness to Merriment!!!

Wasn't it a fun reminder to give thanks ALL month long!?!?!

I hope to be thankful always: for good health, family, friends, love, 

shelter, employment, colorfulness, fun times, and so much more.

Now it's time to celebrate ALL that we are thankful fore with loads of ...

M-E-R-R-I-M-E-N-T!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Xoxo-BLC

Giving Thanks

Well the vote sure rocked out and, as such, ta ta taaa to this header:

and hellooo to merry thanksmas season:

I'm looking forward to giving thanks this month and having a more thankful heart.

For 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: "In everything give thanks." 

Xoxo-BLC

TCSK + Rock the Vote = ♥

Now that ween is over ... ta ta to this header:

And hellooo to this one:

Don't forget to rock the vote this Tuesday!!! Xoxo-BLC