carolina weekend

This past weekend, Chris, Melly and I drove to Clemson to meet friends for the UNC game. We rented an adorable lake house in Seneca and drove in to campus to tailgate and go to the game.

It was my first actual Southern football game (I've tailgated before but never gone in. Not quite sure how I made it four years without attending one!) and it was so much fun. They are truly a production!

From the company to the weather, the weekend was absolutely perfect. Minus a Tarheel loss, that is!

PS: Right before the game I snagged this dress from Anthro on a major sale. It's not online anymore but if you're looking for a good fall dress, look for it in stores. I kept calling it a naked dress because it's so light and airy. :)

{magical 28}

I've been trying to write a post about my birthday since Sunday, but can't seem to find the words for how grateful I am. I feel like they aren't enough to express how greatly and deeply loved I felt all weekend, by family and friends near and far. 

Friday night was truly magical. Duke, Sam, Melly and Chris threw me a dinner party (a summer supper, if you will) in our backyard. It was enchanting. They strung lights and set out beautiful table settings. 

Duke and Sam started sweet, sweet toasts, which continued around the table and made me feel both nervous and so happy. 

They lit up gluten free sweet potato biscuits (my fav from Highland Bakery!) in lieu of cake.  

As I looked around dinner, surrounded by such dear Atlanta friends, my heart was filled to the brim. It can be so easy to go quickly in life right now - hustling from work to meetings and lots of stops in between. It felt so wonderful to slow down and take a moment to reflect on everything that has happened during the last year to bring me closer to these beautiful people. 

Saturday, Chris and I went to Rise and Dine for breakfast (so good by the way) to recap every detail of the evening. It felt like college in the best way :)

Saturday night, he took me to the Optimist, which was incredible. I'd heard so much about it, but had not gotten around to even look at their menu. I was blown away. I'm not a super adventurous eater (not an oyster girl) but I had no trouble finding multiple items I wanted to order. Including salted caramel and peppery vanilla ice cream for dessert. Of course!

A highlight of the restaurant also included putt putt. Restaurants with games - I am telling you - they're on to something. 

Sunday, we went to church and opened presents from my far-too generous family and friends, and basically just recapped the party again. We were on a post-party high, I think!  

I went to bed Sunday night filled to the brim with gratitude for the people in my life (both near and far) who constantly amaze me by how well they give and live love. Thank you all for all you do.

I hope your weekend was full of magic, too :)

irish this weekend wasn't over {st. pat's in chi}

During the last few years it has become a tradition for Katie, Sara and I to spend St. Patrick's Day together. Two years ago, they came to Atlanta for Lucky Fest and last year I went to Chicago. 

Although we'd all admit Atlanta is a touch warmer in March, Chicago wins for St. Patrick's Day. First of all, the city does it up much bigger. Second of all, there are about 57,000 people I love seeing in Chicago each year. And third of all, the cold is negated by how much warmth I feel being around all those people. 

So this year, I headed north and took Chris with me. It was our first time flying together (!) and I was beyond excited for him to meet so many of my friends that mean the world to me. 

Unfortunately, we were delayed Friday so we didn't get in until around 11. We had a late, late dinner and crashed into bed. We were up early the next day for Katie's (amazing) hot yoga class. It was incredibly hard and just what we needed to start our Saturday.

After that, we went to Protein Bar for breakfast. Chris (OK and I) have a large obsession with (1) protein and (2) eating healthily in large quantities. We were both on cloud nine with the good, hard workout follow by lots of healthy foods. The Wrigley Peel smoothie blew my mind. Banana + peanut butter. Need I say more?

After that, we got ready for the day with simultaneous coffee and mimosas. I told you Chicago does it right. 

We headed over to our friend, Austin's, house for his annual St. Pat's party.

Then went to Homeslice for pizza. And visited a new bar in Lincoln Park called Fairways.

And the best part of starting the day early? Early to bed! 

Does that make me old? 

Sunday, Chris and I went to breakfast with my IU crew at Meli and saw my dear friend Jamie's new place that she bought (rockstar) and headed to the airport.

As always, it was a total whirlwind and after we sprinted to our gate (typical), I landed in my seat and thought: back on the plane already!? we just got here!

Ah, my friends, it is never enough time. One of these days, I'm buying an island for all of us. Until then...I love you all. 

happy, looong weekend

Heading into the start of the New Year, I was a little stressed about how much I was going to be traveling in January and February. 

First up was a weekend to Indy to celebrate my dear friend Megan's baby on the way. And you know what I found? No matter how busy life feels, traveling to be with people you love is always, always worth it. 

On Friday, I went to an awesome dinner with my parents and afterwards they dropped me off at Jordan's for a sleepover. My dad joked it reminded him a lot of middle school days and that if I got scared and needed a ride home later, I need not be afraid to call. 

Don't worry, I made it through the night. 

We checked off a few last minute shower to-dos. Drank some wine. And laughed and late night talked. It was so wonderful to be back together with happy friends. 

Saturday was sweet Megan's shower at my parents' house, with more of our old friends, who filled me up to the brim. I loved being together after years apart. 

Other highlights include a family party with our cousins. And breakfast at Patachou with my parents. 

It was a most happy Indiana weekend and I couldn't be more grateful for my family, friends and our time together. 

AND it was a long weekend. Which is pretty much the best thing ever. Monday, Duke, Sam and I went rock climbing (more on this to come) and broke in my new bike!

And those, are the makings of a very fine long weekend, I do think.