Monday, December 6, 2021

Holiday Style at Triad Goodwill

goodwill finds, goodwill fashion, secondhand style, vintage style, holiday outfits, thrifted outfits
This post is in partnership with and sponsored by Triad Goodwill.

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I started my weekend with a shopping trip to my closest Triad Goodwill location in Randleman. I often get asked on Instagram which Goodwill I go to and I'm pretty much always at the Randleman location. It's a small store but it's always packed with lots of great goodies to thrift! Bonus: it's less than a five minute drive from my house. During this thrift trip, I was specifically hunting for pieces to put together some fun and festive holiday looks for the season! I absolutely love the challenge of shopping secondhand to create a look, especially a seasonal outfit for a special occasion. 

The weekend before, I thrifted three amazing vintage bags from the Goodwill outlet in Greensboro and I knew they were the starting point for some great holiday looks:

Aren't they gorgeous?!

I had a super successful shopping trip and was able to put together three holiday outfits from the pieces I took home from my closest Triad Goodwill location. I can't wait to wear these looks to upcoming holiday events!

My first look is definitely the most dressy and it's perfect for a holiday party. As soon as a I saw this amazing vintage coat, I knew I had to pair it with my gold clutch! My next thought was that this coat would look beautiful with a dress and I literally found the most perfect one! It's cream, black, and gold with pockets plus it was my size. It was definitely meant to be!




The second one is definitely my favorite because it feels so me! When I think of holiday style, I always think of sparkle so I definitely wanted to put together a look that incorporated lots of it. I found the metallic (it's a nice mix of silver and gold) top first and I knew it was going into my thrift cart. It's so pretty! A top like this is so versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. I also thought it would be really fun paired with my vintage silver bag. I was actually getting ready to check out when I spotted this pretty tweed overcoat. The pink grabbed my attention out of the corner of my eye and I was so excited that it fit me. Also, yes, pink is in fact a Christmas color!

Thrift Tip: Shop all of the clothing! Sizing is all over the place, especially depending on the brand. I found this top in a size section that I normally wouldn't look in. You never know what you might find or how an item might fit you. You could be pleasantly surprised! Read more of my thrifting tips in this blog post: Thrifting 101.





The third and final outfit is definitely a fun look that would be great for a casual Christmas get together. If you are looking for a fun and festive holiday sweater, be sure to check Goodwill first because I found so many cute ones while I was shopping! I love how this sweater looks paired with my black vintage bag. My oldest daughter has already asked if she can borrow this sweater from me!





I hope this post has inspired you to check out Goodwill for your next holiday outfit! You never know what you might discover when you shop secondhand this season. Thanks so much to Triad Goodwill for sponsoring this post! Have a great day and happy thrifting!

Friday, December 3, 2021

Currently Loving .245

 

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! My week has been great but it's been extra busy. I am really looking forward to some relaxation this weekend! One of the fun things I did this week was attend a brunch at the new Pottery Barn store that recently opened at the Friendly Center in Greensboro. I was able to connect with other local influencers and learn more about the Friendly Center. I took home a gift box full of amazing goodies from their holiday gift guide!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving, including some of my own new arrivals! I am loving incorporating some festive sparkle and layers into my everyday looks right now. 'Tis the season for all things glittery and sparkly!

nc blogger, north carolina blogger, mom style, style on a budget, madewell, holiday style

Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. J E A N S | I just got these jeans in the mail this week and I love them! They are high waisted, stretchy, and flattering. Size down one size from your non-Madewell denim size for the best fit.

2. B A G | I am so tempted to add this bag to my Madewell bag collection! I am loving this animal print and the size. Such a fun little bag!

3. P I N K  C O A T | I bought a super similar coat from Old Navy three or four years ago and I still love mine! I actually pulled it out to wear to an event this week and I got so many compliments on it. You just can't go wrong with a pink coat!

4. S N E A K E R S | I also got these sneakers in the mail this week (they are in the outfit photo above) and they are keepers. I really needed a new pair of sneakers for working out and these are so comfy! I'll definitely work out in them but they are also perfect for outfits as well. They fit true to your sneaker size. I think I'm going to get the black pair, too!

5. F L A T S | How pretty are these flats?! They just scream festive! I have a similar pairs that I bought a few years ago and finding this pair online makes me want to style mine again ASAP.

6. O V E R S I Z E D  C O A T | This coat is another new arrival and it's also in the photo above! I basically threw on all of my new purchases at the same time and I loved how they looked together. This coat feels more like a cardigan as far as the material goes but it's definitely heavy and warm like a coat. I sized up but really didn't need to but I am loving the cozy, oversized style!

7. N E C K L A C E | I absolutely love a dainty gold necklace. I just can't get enough! This pretty star necklace is on my wish list. I hope I find it in my stocking on Christmas morning!

8. P A J A M A S | Are you hunting for a gift for someone who is hard to shop for? Well, these pajamas are it! I just got them and they feel so luxurious! A couple years ago, I felt like a real grown up when I started wearing pajamas sets on a regular basis. J. Crew is my favorite spot to buy high quality pajamas that are so comfy and last for a long time!

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

High Country Weekend

visit nc, high country nc, high country travel tips, budget friendly north carolina trip, nc mountains

Hey y'all! I hope your week is off to a great start! Last weekend, we celebrated my 36th birthday in the High Country! We have been to this area many times for weekend trips and even day trips since it's only about two hours from where we live. This area of the North Carolina mountains is so beautiful! The towns are charming, there's lots of great places to eat, and so many fun things to do.

When planning this trip, I really wanted to stay in downtown Blowing Rock. I wanted the place to be budget friendly and within walking distance to our favorite spots downtown. We stayed at the Boxwood Lodge and it checked off all of the things I was looking for. It's a simple place but it was very clean and located in such a great spot plus it was very affordable! Our room had two queen sized beds, which was perfect for our family of four. After we got settled into our room, we walked down the street for dinner at Mellow Mushroom. It was only a five minute walk!



On Saturday morning, we slept in and woke up to snowflakes! We started our day with brunch at Famous Toastery. This spot was within walking distance from the Boxwood Lodge. The food was great and I would highly recommend it but be prepared to wait for a table. It gets busy!



Our second stop on Saturday was to my very favorite winery, Grandfather Vineyard! We have made a visit to this vineyard every year since we discovered it. There's so many things that I love about it! The mountain view is incredible. You can also sit right along the water, which is my girls' favorite spot to play. I am a big fan of sparkling wines and I love that this vineyard has some but you can't go wrong with any of their delicious wines. Pro-tip: if you are going on the weekend, get there right when they open (12pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday) to claim the best seating. It gets very busy, very fast! During the warmer seasons, grab a seat by the river but when it's cold, run to the seating closest to the building that has propane heaters and fire pits. It was freezing the day we went and we were very grateful for the warmth of a propane heater!


After visiting the vineyard, we warmed up with hot drinks from Blue Deer Cookies. They have great hot chocolate and coffees but the real star of the show here is the cookies. You have to go here and get an ice cream sandwich (even if it's 30 degrees outside). I'm gluten free so I love going here because they have a great GF chocolate chip cookie that I got with pumpkin pie ice cream! So good! After we warmed up, we went back out to walk downtown and visit the park. It's such a great park! My kids ask to come to Blowing Rock just for the park because it's so much fun and there's so much to do. For dinner, we walked down to Blocking Rock Ale House Restaurant. It was a pretty short wait and the food is always delicious!


To get my birthday started off right on Sunday, we went to Dan'l Boone Inn for an incredible family style breakfast! All you can eat scrambled egg, bacon, country ham, sausage, pancakes, grits, fresh stewed apples, buttermilk biscuits, redeye gravy, cream gravy, glazed cinnamon biscuits, strawberry preserves, and drinks. Pro-tip: don't wear high waisted jeans like I did. Stretchy pants are the way to go for this food experience!




After breakfast, we headed to Banner Elk for our next adventure: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster! It  was so much fun! Before you go, make reservations via their website. We arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation to get our coaster tickets and get in line. I would definitely recommend purchasing the three rides bundle for the ultimate experience. I think it got even more fun by the third ride that Olivia and I did because we knew what to expect and enjoyed it more. The first ride was a little scary, lol! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves trying something new!


After our coaster adventure, we drove to Linville Falls Winery. This is also a gorgeous winery in the High Country! There's a Christmas tree farm on the property so it makes for some cute photo opportunities. I would also recommend it for a family friendly winery experience because there is so much outdoor space for the kids to run and explore. The wine is also great, too!


I can't come to the High Country without visiting Linville Falls. I absolutely love waterfalls! It's an easy and short hike to get to the beautiful falls so it's a great family experience. Afterwards, we headed back to Boone for one last meal before heading home. We ate at The Cardinal, which is another spot that we go to almost every time we are in the area. They have great food and drinks!

Bookmark this post for your High Country travel planning and definitely let me know if you have any questions about the area. Thanks so much for visiting! Happy travels!

Monday, November 22, 2021

The Joy Garden

With Style & Grace

Happy Monday! This particular blog post is long overdue but the reason I was dragging my feet on it was because I couldn't decide on a name for my garden and/or flower stand. I even polled my Instagram and Facebook friends for some inspiration. There were so many wonderful ideas but I just couldn't decide because once I give it a name, I don't want to change it. I wanted something that felt like it encapsulated the heart of what the garden is to me and what I hope to share from it. 



I just kept coming back to the word joy because I just can't describe this garden and the experience that has come along with it in any other way. It's been absolutely joyful. From building the flower bed as a family, planting the seeds, watching the seedlings sprout, patiently waiting for my first bloom, cutting flowers, making bouquets, watching my husband build my flower stand, pruning, sweating, hunting for jars, being blessed with jar donations, making arrangements for a birthday party, providing flowers for a baby shower, and giving away dozens of bouquets to other flower fans... I count it all as pure joy!

So, the name "The Joy Garden" just felt right.



This journey of growing a zinnia garden has reminded me that God cares about the little things, the small details that bring us joy. Years ago, we first discovered the “God’s flowers” flower stand on the side of a back road. It’s an honor system so you pay $3, leave your payment in a container, and choose the bouquet you want. Sometimes we took that road just to see if the flower stand was out and filled with flowers. I always told Josh that I wanted to grow zinnias, make bouquets, and give them away to bring joy to others (the way the flower stand has always brought me so much joy). Well, after years of dreaming, I have that zinnia garden (which I will share more about another day) and I was able to give away my own bouquets this year. I started the summer out by cutting the flowers, arranging them in thrifted glass jars, and sitting them out to be picked up by friends who had already claimed them. I was so proud and excited to put those first vases on my front porch! 


I started giving away my flowers at the beginning of July and by mid August, I had a real flower stand! The goal of building a road side flower stand was a dream that I was hoping would come to reality in the next couple of years. But, my husband knew how much I wanted it so he made it happen for me with some leftover wood from our deck project, some Pinterest inspiration, some ingenuity, and a lot of hard work! He dedicated an entire day to making this beautiful flower stand for me. Once I had the flower stand, I started regularly filling it with flowers that anyone could stop by to pick up. Flowers were picked up as a personal pick me up, a gift for a friend or family member, a surprise for a spouse, and a much needed spark of joy for someone going through a really hard time. At the beginning, I didn't have the flower fund jar but after several people ringing my door to thank me for the flowers, we decided to put the jar out there. Within about eight weeks, there was enough donations for us to build a second flower bed for next season! I'm so incredibly grateful to be able to spread even more joy next summer with the addition of a second bed. More flowers = more joy!

This is your reminder today that God cares about you and loves to see you delight in the little things, like zinnias, that bring you joy. I encourage you to find what brings you joy and spread joy to others, even in small, simple ways. I am so grateful for this garden and all that it has taught me!

Friday, November 5, 2021

Currently Loving .244

currently loving, style on a budget, mom style, fall fashion, nc blogger, north carolina blogger
Hey y'all! I hope you've had a great week! We are gearing up for a fun filled weekend and probably our busiest weekend that we've had in a long time. We have an event at church tonight, an adventure tomorrow, and we are headed to the Carolina Panthers game on Sunday. I'm really not a big football fan but I do love the experience of sporting events.

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving, including some picks that I already own and love! It's definitely feeling like fall here in North Carolina and we have seen some really chilly temperatures this week. Summer will always be my favorite season but I am loving dressing in layers, leggings, and sweater again!


Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. B O O T S | How cute are these budget friendly ankle boots?! I love the color and the heel height looks perfect for everyday wear.

2. R I N G | I have been on the hunt for some fun stacking rings that would hold up to constant hand washing and I found them! This one is definitely my favorite style. It's so cute!

3. S K I R T | I've shared this skirt before in a roundup but I wanted to share it again now that I own it. It's the prettiest mauve color and I love how it feels on! The fit is true to size. I can't wait to style it many different ways this fall and winter!


4. J E A N S | I typically stick to Madewell denim but this pair from Everlane is speaking to me! I am loving the ultra high rise fit and the straight leg. Everlane is a great spot for super high quality denim at great prices. 

5. T O P | How cozy does this waffle knit top look?! I think it would be perfect to throw on with a pair of leggings and sneakers for a casual fall look. I love it!

6. P U R S E | I've also shared this purse but I had to share it again because it's been my go-to bag for a the past couple of weeks. The leather is so soft and it's such a great size!


7. B E A N I E | It's beanie season, y'all! Another great thing about cooler temperatures is you can skip washing or dry shampooing and just throw on a beanie instead. Cute and functional!


8. S N E A K E R S | I shared a pair of court sneakers last week and I'm back to share another pair this week. The leopard print details on these are so fun!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you have a great weekend!

Friday, October 29, 2021

Currently Loving .243

 fall fashion, nc blogger, north carolina blogger, mom style, what to buy for fall

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! My girls are so excited for some Halloween fun this weekend. For their costumes this year, I literally only spent $12! Everything for Julianna's costume we already had (she's dressing up as a witch). We already had a witch hat from an old costume so she's pairing it with leggings, a little black dress that we thrifted, and her new boots from Target! I had to get a little crafty for Olivia's costume because she wanted to be a pupicorn (puppy unicorn). I got her a brown top, a faux fur vest (that I cut up to use for the fur accents on her costume), and the unicorn headband from my local Goodwill. I also found a cute puppy mask on eBay to complete the look! It turned out really cute and it was so affordable. I'm not really a crafter but you can do a lot with a pair of fabric scissors, fabric adhesive, and hot glue!

Today, I'm sharing a roundup of my what I'm Currently Loving! I'm currently loving layers, leather, and denim. They have been my go-tos lately!

Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. T E E | I am loving this sassy upgrade to a basic striped tee. It needs a spot in my closet this season!

2. S N E A K E R S | These court sneakers are my favorite! I wear mine as often as possible and they are so cute with everything, including skirts and dresses. Loving the pink accents on this new pair!

3. S H I R T | Polka dots catch my attention every single time! This adorable shirt is absolutely on my wish list. I love it!

4. H E A D B A N D | You can never have enough headbands... especially when you share your collection with your 11 year old. This animal print one is so fun!

5. B O O T S | I have last year's version of these boots and they are so comfy! I got Julianna this year's version in the cognac color and she's a big fan, too. They run true to size and are so affordable!

6. C A R D I G A N | I bought this cardigan last fall and I couldn't wait to pull it out again! I wore it so much last fall and winter. It's definitely an investment piece but the quality is incredible! I sized up one size for a little extra room.

7. B R A C E L E T S | I love adding in new gold bracelets to my daily stack and this set is going to be my next addition. I love that they are stretchy and easy to put on!

8. J E A N S | I'm like a broken record sharing about perfect vintage jeans but they are amazing! The best alternative to a skinny jean and they are oh so flattering. I love them!

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a fun weekend!

Friday, October 15, 2021

Currently Loving .242

 fall fashion, outfit ideas, mom style, north carolina blogger, nc blogger, style on a budget

Happy Friday! I hope y'all are doing well! This little blog has been on the backburner as I've transitioned back into my work schedule. I think I'm back into a good routine so I hope to be able to share a bit more over here now! I am so excited that it's Friday for a couple of reasons. The girls and I have a Target date planned for tomorrow (can you believe that I haven't been there in months?!) and my husband comes home on Saturday night. He's been in the Domincan Republic on a mission trip with our church this week. He had a great experience but I'm looking forward to him being safely back at home very soon.

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! It really hasn't felt like fall around here yet. Just the occasional cool morning but I really love creating transitional outfits so I'm okay with the warmer weather sticking around. 

Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. B O O T S | I already own a similar pair of boots but I am loving this budget friendly option! Now that my oldest daughter can wear women's shoes, it's been so much more fun shopping for shoes for her. I think she needs this super cute pair of boots for fall and winter!

2. S K I R T | This gorgeous skirt is high on my wish list! I am loving the color so much and it would be such a fun piece to dress up or down. I can see it styled with sneakers, sandals, or boots. A great piece that would work throughout the seasons!

3. T O P | I have a similar top in my closet and I love the neckline. It's just so flattering! A long sleeve black top is a closet staple and it's so great for layering during the cooler months.

4. J E A N S | I haven't had a pair of jeans on my body in over five months but when I do pull the jeans back out, they will definitely be perfect vintage! They are my all time favorite style!

5. B A G | How fun is this puff tote bag?! I have been seeing this puffy style a lot lately and it's definitely on my wish list to find a puffy bag. I love this one!

6. H E A D B A N D | I have owned two of these headbands and I think my kiddo has lost both of them. Thankfully, it's on sale right now so I can grab a new one. The most comfortable headband of all time!



7. R I N G | I love signet rings to wear on my ring hand. I love the black detail on this one!

8. D R E S S | This dress is probably my favorite item in this week's roundup. A flannel dress in the prettiest colors?! Yes, please! Also, it has pockets. I need it!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!