2.29.2012

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

2.28.2012

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

2.26.2012

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

2.25.2012

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!!!

2.24.2012

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

2.23.2012

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

2.22.2012

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!!!

2.21.2012

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

2.20.2012

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.

2.18.2012

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

2.17.2012

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

2.16.2012

Let's Play "I Spy"!!!

Let's play "I Spy" BLC ... can you spot me!?!
This picture from my bar class's swearing in ceremony back in the Fall
and it was just published in a journal distributed by our state bar:
 I hadn't planned attending, but my law firm and law school friends talked me into it.
I didn't realize it was such a big deal and I am oh-so glad I attended!!!
Xoxo-BLC

2.15.2012

Happy Birthday Mamatella!!!

Happy
happy
HAPPY
happppy
HAPPY
happpppy
Birthday
Mamatella!!!
I hope YOUR day
is filled with
lots
and
lots of
love,
laughter,
and cake too!!!
I love you sooo much.
You are the best mom EVER.
Wishing you many blessings on your birthday.
Enjoy!!! Xoxo-BLC

2.14.2012

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Send you a BIG, pink:                                                  and asking you if you will ...
Wishing you a day of hugs, kisses,, chocolate, and loads of love, looove, L-O-V-E.
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

2.11.2012

PULL!!!


If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!!! The boys could not wait to fire their shotguns
and they were gracious enough to let us play too:
We used "redneck earplugs" ... you know, plugging your ears with your fingers. It works!
It sure was fun! And the best part ... no animals were hurt in the process. :)
All this fresh air must be going to my head, because I still
cannot get over how pretty this space is. Even the clouds were ah-mazing.
The two couples brought their furbabies and oh my goodness did they have fun!!!
It was so much fun watching them run, jump, hop, and play. Xoxo-BLC

2.10.2012

Farm Bound

Our sweet friends Recipes From Newlyweds invited us to their farm.
While I've been to the country a many times, I do believe this is my second visit ever to a farm.
I am100% smitten. I fancy myself as a city girl.
But look at this wide open space. It's stunning. And it's quiet. So peaceful.
We drove around the property, saw some wild animals, watched the sun set
grilled oysters, sat by the fire, and had a grand ol' time!!! Xoxo-BLC

2.07.2012

Spring State of Mind

Forget Groundhog Phil, I'm already in a Spring state of mind!!! I'm in luck because so is Lilly Pulitzer and their Spring collection just launched. Lilly State of Mind is always happy, fun, and bright! Don't you agree!?!
Confession: Spring prints usually don't grab me and demand coming to live with. I'm more into the three other season. However, this Spring is TDF!!! I have two favorite prints ... I just couldn't choose.
One of my favorites, the Lilly State of Mind pattern!!! Which is your favorite?!! I have to pull for the home team and say North Carolina. South Carolina and Pennsylvania with the Pink Palace are pretty cute too.
Like Lilly says: no GPS, no plane ticket. just a sunny state of mind. Until the weather catches up, I'm joining Lilly and staying on the sunny side!!! Hurry up Springtime.
Xoxo-BLC

2.05.2012

Feathering Out Our Love Nest

It's official: we are all moved in!!!
From his, to hers,
to his parents, to her parents,
to his grandparents,
to her grandparents,
to her sister,
we have ALL our furinture,
gifted or purchased,
in one place.
What a lovely feeling!?!
We are feathering out our love nest,
and making ours.
I never ever imagined I'd make weekly trips ...
to our local home improvement store.
But, alas, we are and it's now time to:
Get settled and ...
LET THE DECORATING BEGIN!!!
Our goal is to go room by room and finish one per month.Wish us luck!!!
Xoxo-BLC

2.04.2012

Having A Ball!!!

My husband is a member of a service organization that supports the Boys and Girls Club.
It's a fun bunch of guys and they really do make a difference. And they know to throw a BIG bash!
Each year they host a fundraising ball and each year ... until now ... I have missed this soiree.
Me!?! Miss a party!?! I try to never let that happen. :) I hurried back from Orlando just to make it.
My law school BFFs attended and oh la la did we have fun!!!
And I'm happy to report I just dance better in jeweled shoes and PINK tights.
Xoxo-BLC

2.03.2012

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy

Lazy afternoons call for ...
... a lazy ride down ...
... a lazy river!!!
We played hookie for the afternoon meetings and soaked up just a little bit of sunshine. Sending a pocketful you way!!! Xoxo-BLC

2.02.2012

Noah's Ark

I am a Christian and I believe in creation. I believe God created us and I disbelieve we evolved into the beings we are today. I was never taught of evolution in grade school. I was only taught creation and I count that as a blessing. However, most children are the opposite: they never learn the creation story and are only taught evolution. This never even crossed my mind until this week until I had the pleasure of learning about the Creation Museum and their next project, the Ark Encounter. I think the Creation Museum is a magnificent way to share about creation and I think the Ark Encounter will be just as huge ... literally!!! Here is the gist:
"When Noah built the Ark, it stood as a symbol of salvation. No doubt Noah preached that only those who went through the Ark’s door would be saved from coming judgment. What if we built the Ark (out of wood) today? Imagine the impact it could have on the world. What a powerful outreach to teach the world about God’s Word and the message of salvation!" I'm certain people will heckle, just as people heckled Noah way back when. But I think this is just awesome. I want to be a part of this endeavor and you can join me: we can help build the Ark, pray for its progress, and visit one day too!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

I don't Phil as much as last year. Hurry up Springtime!!! Xoxo-BLC

2.01.2012

Hiya Orlando!!!

I am in the land of palm trees, sunshine, Mickey and Minnie, and where dreams come true!!! I might be here just for a conference, but the excitement of the 100 kids on my flight was rather contagious. I'm just as giddy as those Disney-bound kids because I am fixing to see Mamatella and my oldest sissy. Fancy them being at this conference too!?! :) Xoxo-BLC