Meet Me in Monte Carlo

This past summer, I lived under rock while studying for the bar exam. However, I did keep up with your blogs (I always read even if I am terrrrible at leaving comments), and I felt as though the summer blockbusters were the best-ever-girls-only-flicks. It probably had more to do with my no-fun-policy than anything else, but I was beyond delighted when Glitterista added the preview for Monte Carlo ...

I am a huge fan of Leighton Meester: from her style to her character Blair on Gossip Girl to her songs to her movies. Now that I am free to have as much fun as I want, I recently saw this movie and I might-have-sort-of-did squeal like a teenager through the entire movie. It was really too cute for words!!! Many thanks to Glitterista for sharing it first and let's meet in Monte Carlo, shall we!?! Xoxo-BLC

Justice of the Peace

My freshman year of college, Justice of the Peace by Ryan Long was my favorite song by far. I heard Ryan Long play at the college weekend in Windy Gap and his music is just wonderful. 

Got your message on the answering machine,
You said you'd be late again-
But what does that mean?
It means im lonely- after all,
So ill be waiting here in case you call.
I guess our telephone ain't gonna ring,
I found a note he wrote,
It says he heard you sing.
So I guess your out with him,
Whats a marriage mean to you?
Do you wear you diamond ring when you lay down?

Oh-oh-oh,
You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed.

I didn't sleep last night- waitin' by the window,
Now the mornings come with night time glow.
You told me where you were
I said you lie,
Don't you even wanna try?
I take that ring back cause you dont wanna be my wife.

Oh oh-oh-oh,
You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed.
You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed.

Do you know girl,
Bout the justice of the peace,
Is gotta bring one of us to our knees.
So I'll go down you can come back home even though,
I know your gonna keep runnin' round.

You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed.
You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed.
You drop your dress,
You turn your head,
You hold him when I sleep at home alone in our bed 

It's a Christian song about how we sin again and again. Yet Jesus forgives us and went to the Justice of the Peace, God, and paid for our sins. I had never thought about cheating in a marriage being so similar to sinning against God. It means even more now being married. I am beyond thankful for my salvation. Xoxo-BLC

Oktoberfest

Before heading home, we decided on a whim to visit Helen, Georgia.
It's not too far from Clemson and it is d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y worth the trip.

Every September, October, and November, the town hosts Oktoberfest.

It has the best-ever candy apples and those famous Fall leaves that pop with color.

The whole town is in the tudor style (even Waffle House) as if straight from Germany.

Many moons ago, when my husband and I were students at Clemson and just started dating,

we took a day trip here and its was the first time I knew I loved him. 

Isn't that sweet!?! It was so fun visiting Helen again. Xoxo-BLC

Sea of Orange

We headed to Clemson, South Carolina this weekend for the Clemson v. UNC game.

I ♥ spending Fall weekends in Clemson. I was BEYOND excited for this game in particular ...

... I sported my new Elizabeth McKay dress. If you look very closely at the print, you can see a "liger." It might really be a lion, but as a Clemson fan, I am pushing for liger (lion + tiger = liger). The dress was beyond comfortable and chic too. I simply must add other prints of this Lindsey dress: I am eyeing the zebra print and, if Clemson keeps on winning, the purple chain print is a must must must.

We carried two UNC friends and had a ball tailgating, glamping, and dining at all our favorite spots: Pixie and Bills, The Esso, and, of course, Pot Belly Deli. As a huge Duke fan and Clemson fan, beating UNC is always my favorite!!! I still keep pinching myself and hardly know what to do with all these Clemson wins. All I can say is: "woo hoo hoo hoo" and "GO TIGERS!!!" Xoxo-BLC

PS: Running into Beantown Prepster's college roommate and squeezing Classic Annie just made the day that much more special!!! Check out Classic Annie's blog as she reported her first time in Tiger Town. :)

The wait is over ...

The wait is over ... let the pre-orders begin!!! 

When I first posted my Sheridan French dress, 

I received the most: 

emails, 

comments, 

tweets, 

you-name-it

about where to shop Sheridan's debut collection. 

Before, hunting down Sheridan French's line was boutique-only, but now I am thrilled to announce you can
SHOP ONLINE!!! 

I just adore the wishlist option: 

you can shop, 

put outfits together, 

and think about which item to purchase first. 

If you're like me, it's also nice to send the wishlist as a 

husband hint hint. 

Happy shopping to you and yours!!! 

Xoxo-BLC

Bright Denim + Top Knots + Poppy Lips = Fall MUSTS!!!

This Fall I am feeling ... daring, bold, and, above all else, colorful!!!

From leaves to outfits to you-name-it, nothing makes Fall pop like c-o-l-o-r.

My Fall-fashion-musts include: bright denim, top knots, and poppy lipsticks.

Denim by Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer, top knot do - your do will do, and lipsticks by Revlon.

I plan to wear my bright denim, top knot, and poppy lips well!!! Fingers crossed.

Do you plan on being daring, bold, and, above all else, colorful this Fall too!?!

Xoxo-BLC

Happy Birthday Galebo!!!

Happy Birthday to my ah-mazing mother-in-law, better known as Galebo!!!
Below: my father-in-law, sister-in-law, the birthday girl, and my husband:

I've told her this before, but I just think the world of her.

Wishing her the very best birthday!!! 

Sending her much love and hoping she enjoys her day. Xoxo-BLC

PS: See my sister-in-law's post of her birthday celebration too!!! It was so fun celebrating her. :)

BIG Cactus

While I was in Greece, my husband travelled to Arizona.

It was mostly a work related visit, but he did manage to play some too.

Can you believe the size of that cactus!?! He thoroughly enjoyed Phoenix and Scottsdale. Next time he goes, I am going to demand tagging along!!! Xoxo-BLC

Ta-Ta for now Greece ...

It was far away from home and a looong time to be gone, but this has been a trip of a lifetime and of course I didn't want it to end. I definitely didn't want to squeeze Beantown Prepster goodbye ... sniff sniff.

Our first day was sooo busy, that we had an easy day planned. We ate a leisurely breakie at the King George Palace where I sampled all the cakes (cake for breakfast!?! Count me in!!!). Mamatella and Beantown Prepster had less-tummy-ache inducing nibbles. We sipped champagne before returning to our hotel room to ...

... watch the changing of the guard. We saw all this commotion on Sunday, not realizing that was their big to-do. Regardless, watching the rainy changing of guard from the comfort of our room was just as special.

We then dodged the rain by shopping up a storm!!! Beantown Prepster was so gracious letting me go into Zara, H&M, and the like. It was such a fun, special last day. I miss Greece already, but I miss Beantown Prepster more!!! Until next time ... ta-ta for now. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Mamatella snapped the picture above to show the police presence. I read before leaving the Greece had very low crime rates. We felt safe all hours of the day. The strikes and demonstrations were peaceful, both having very little impact on our travel. If you are thinking of traveling to Greece, I highly highly highly recommend it. They love travelers and are super welcoming. Just be sure to let me know when you go and I just might tag along!!! :)

Grecian Sandal God

I've read about Pandelis Melissino in Daily Candy, Frommer's, and, the best literature: Lilly's Blog. He is the Grecian Sandal God!!! As a third generation sandal maker, I would say he owns the trick of the trade.

The Melissino family has created custom shoes and fit them to the like of the Beatles, Sophia Loren, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis ... need I say more!?! I just had to have a pair.

As a graduate of Parsons School of Design, Pandelis is an amazing artist: from sandals to art to poetry to everything in between. It was so fun watching him work in his studio and storefront.

With over 27 styles to choose from, it was one tough tough tough decision. I was super tempted by the Jackie O flip flop, but I ended up picking Socrates. Such a smart choice, wouldn't you agree!?! :)

When we arrived home, I couldn't wait to show 'em off to Joeytella. He might not have fully appreciated custom shoes as he prefers going barefoot. If you are ever in Athens, you must must must stop and visit Pandelis!!! Xoxo-BLC

Edge + City = Acropolis

Our first day in Athens was a BIG day. With threats of rain and a transportation strike, we had to get all our must-sees done asap!!! We headed straight for the Acropolis. It was ah-mazing. Pictures don't do it justice. You can see it all around the city and from each view it had me awestruck.

We booked it to the world famous flea market. I must admit, I see shopping as a competitive sport and I was a tad disappointed. The finds were fabulous if you were an antique hunter, but not so much if you need to fly home. Next on the docket: the National Archeological Museum and it was lovely. I could have spent a week there, but unfortunately, we had to pack EVERYTHING into one day. We hightailed it back to the Acropolis to visit their museum and oh-my-goodness was it the BEST ever. By far a must-see!!! Phew, I'm tired just thinking of all we did and we aren't even done ... Xoxo-BLC

PS: Isn't Beantown Prepster too cute for words!?! I just wuv her.

Athens Arrival ...

We left Santorini via plane for Athens, Greece where we met up with Beantown Prepster!!!

I could hardly wait to squeeze her:

Due to the strikes, we encountered some delays, but we made it in time to have a late dindin with Beantown Prepster. We dined at the rooftop restaurant of our hotel King George Palace. The view of the Acropolis lit up at night was d-i-v-i-n-e!!! More Athens with BP to come. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I read Daily Candy often and they recommended King George Palace. I researched on Trip Advisor, and I must say: it did not disappoint at all. The location was perfect, the hotel was plush, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!!!

Isle Be Here ...

We discovered the blue tops in Oia ...

... and couldn't miss a sunset if we tried ...

 If I choose Greece over home, isle be here!!! Xoxo-BLC

Discovering Atlantis

Today was our busiest day packed with fun. We drove from Oia to Fira,

hopped on cable car to the harbor where we loaded onto a boat:

We hiked to the top of Nea Kameni Volcanic Island. The view was ah-mazing!!!

Too tired to walk up the caldera, we rode donkeys ...

... never have I ever seen my mom laugh so hard. The donkeys literally RAN up the hillside!!!

We ended the day visiting the Archelogical Museum of Thira and shopping in Fira.

What a day!?! This was one of the best days because we saw it alllll. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I see why Santorini is rumored to be Atlantis. The island is stunning and the myth that is could be just makes the island that much more magical!!!

Caldera + Sunset = ♥

We left Heraklion via hydrafoil for Santorini. We almost walked from Fira to Oia, the town in the middle of the island to the town at the end of the island. It was breathtaking along the caldera.

We settled in our "traditional cave" hotel room and surfaced poolside to watch the sunset.

I do believe Santorini had the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

We spent the evening exploring the town of Oia and dined at 1800. I had read the guidebook and on Daily Candy that 1800 was a must-not-miss and I could not agree more!!! I think its named 1800 because I could eat there 1800 years in a row and never tire of it ... Xoxo-BLC

Knossos Palace

We visited Knossos Palace a day late due to the strikes. We were pleasantly surprised to learn the Greeks announce strikes before they actually strike. That made swapping our plans seamless. 

The crowds were huge, but having such a small tour group, we just weaved in and out quickly. I'm thrilled we didn't miss this place ... it was incredible!!!

I still cannot imagine this monstrosity being built before Christ. The whole place had me in awe!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I didn't check my luggage, so packing efficiently was a must. The weather could not have been better. It ranged from a high of 80s to mid 60s at night. It only rain on the last leg of our trip. Anyhoo, I packed two of my favorite tennis tops that have managed to sneak into my everyday wardrobe (one pictured above). Both are by Loup. The Raglan Ruffle Top and the White Ruffle Sleeves are breathable, easy to wash'n'dry in a jiffy, and beyond comfy. And chic too!!! Just to share the Loup Love, I am giving away TWO of the Loup Country Club Totes!!! To win, be the first and second to email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com with your addy. Good luck and fingers crossed you win!!! :)

Lilly Greek Graffiti

Who knew I had to go allll the way to Greece to find Lilly graffiti!?!

I'm not sure of the top message, but the bottom one talks about the revolutionary war.

The graffiti was e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e, but I happen to consider these two pieces "spray-can-art"!!! Xoxo-BLC

Roadtrip and Ruins

We jumped from Chania to Heraklion, which is such a chic city.

In the morning, we headed to the stunning countryside for Eleftherna ...

... we hiked the rolling hills seeing ruins after ruins ...

... it made me want to be an archeologist on a dig ...

... we ended up at the Archaeological Museum of Aghios Nikolaos,

where I recognized this fresco from my high school art history class ...

... and finished the day with rooftop dindin at our hotel Lato. Xoxo-BLC

The Libyan Sea

Hello there big blue ...

... deep and true ...

... I think I love you!!!

My first dip in the African seawater!!! D-i-v-i-n-e. Xoxo-BLC

G-O-R-G-E---o-u-s!!!

We hiked the Samaria Gorge and oh-my-goodness was it gorgeous!!! I could have stayed for days.

Despite the goregous gorge, the ride over alone was worth the trip. Xoxo-BLC