Something Just Like This

Almost another week in the books and we managed to get away to a weeknight Hornets game for Date Night. The game wasn't the greatest (Patrick and I have been to some CRAZY nail bitters before!). It is one of our favorite date nights. In college when we had no money we would gift each other crazy good seats for Christmas to go to a game when they were the Bobcats and I thought Raymond Felton was the jam. Now I yell GO KEMBA! It has always been our thing but obviously we don't get to go often any more. I will take any time away with that man of mine.

The cut out sleeves and the off the shoulder are the "look" right now or definitely what I see when I go shopping. I got this top at Belk (I randomly will glance around in there). Although I'm pretty mad about them cutting out Ivanka Trump's line. Rude! Stay out of the politics! You don't have to love her Dad but good grief give credit where credit is due. That woman is VERY hardworking and STUNNING.

( My Date!)

Y'all know I will always share if I find any new products that you might like. I don't like to wear much make-up during the summer. I mean, lets be real, your face might melt off. HA!

I love my mascara. Rule: Do not help others before you mascara!

This one is GOOD! I still go to the Better Than Sex but this is my other fave.

Tarteist by Tarte

I also like a nude lip sometimes and this has been a good combo that you can grab at Walgreens or CVS.

Grab the Burt's Bees Lip Crayon to line the lips first and you can fill in. Then finish with Nile Nude in the lipstick.

It is good if you just don't want them all plain but want to do more eye make-up instead of lips.

I saw the Owner of a make-up studio I was working a few days a month at and she asked when I could come in again. I've been so busy but I really do miss doing make-up. I love it. It is fun seeing the difference a little bit can make. Hopefully I can find some time in May or June.

I am going to leave you with a song I'm loving (hence the title) and the 3 lil hams because WOW, WHY ARE THEY SO BIG?? My heart about exploded last Saturday when I saw these three in a row riding rides, running together, and their faces at Carowinds! I'm one happy Mama! It makes me think we are inching closer to Disney. We aren't ready. It will be epic when we do go but this girl wants to wait until they are older and can appreciate it and HANG! Carowinds and Great Wolfe Lodge do us IN!

Have a great rest of the week!!! We have some fun plans for the weekend!!! I can't wait!

xoxo,

Dana

Real Life: Mean Girls

Happy Monday ladies (& gentlemen)! Let me just start by saying, GO GAMECOCKS! Exciting weekend for our university (yes, all of us girl bloggers here at The Dainty Details went to South Carolina!)

By the title of this post you might be thinking about the movie...but this post is far from that. Recently I have heard of horrible things that women are doing to other women. GROWN WOMEN. ADULT WOMEN. At almost 30 years old, it is so very hard to wrap my brain around some of the down right nasty & mean things people say. And you know what I see almost 99% of the time, the people saying these mean things are hiding; hiding behind a computer screen (keyboard warriors as I like to call them), leaving nasty notes, whatever it may be. I call those people cowards.

Why are women mean to each other? We live in a society where clicks, likes, loves, and comments give us our gratification. We want what others have. And the big one...COMPARISON. God created us all differently -- looks, personality, & shape just to name a few. If we were all the same, how BORING would this world be?! I think our differences help us to attract our tribe. I know our group is so very diverse, but it helps us all melt together. That doesn't mean that sometimes it doesn't cause arguments but we all balance each other out. I'm the first to admit that sometimes I need a lot of balance & my girlfriends to keep me grounded.

I won't keep harping on it but I'll end with this. Be kind. Smile or wave at someone. Say a kind word. The way you treat others speaks VOLUMES. You have no idea what some people are going through. They might seem like they have everything together on the surface but below it might be just pure chaos. So just. be. nice! It'll take you a lot farther, and people will remember that. They always remember how you made them feel. Always. 

xoxo,
Haley

Spring is IN the Air

Spring is in the air and I'm in the best mood!! Summer has my heart because I like to be warm and I like to lounge by the pool and live outdoors. I also LOVE the fashion for Spring/Summer so you might be seeing more OOTD (Outfit of the Day) Fashion posts. I have been known for rocking a lot of angel wing tops. Well, this new top is from Francesca's and I like that it gives that look for the Spring.

I'm a rule breaker (You already knew that) so I will wear pants WHENEVER I want. I threw this jacket over because it's still a bit windy here and chilly. I may recycle this for the Hornets Game next week! White pants are my jam. But lets be honest....I would wear black all day every day. Black on Black but not for Spring/Summer.

The ONLY thing I don't love about Spring/Summer is when my shows all go off but the songs are always good! This one gets me in a good mood!



We have a pretty busy month coming up. I think I've bitten off more than I can chew but you know...deep breath...it is all good. Bring it on!

I am definitely in workout mode. Those tiny bikinis will be here soon enough and no one likes to feel less than cute by the pool.

No one ever feels 100 percent great putting on a swimsuit but who cares...I'm there to enjoy a drink, the sun and splash with my family.

Until next time,

xoxo

Dana

Marriage is Hard

This Is Us had its finale this week. It was GOOD! I love that show because it is real and touches on real life situations. I usually don't like dramas because I don't like a lot of feelings. This show has me hooked and I need to know more.

I used to never say marriage was hard. My version of difficult is probably far different than most because I am a perfectionist. I like everything to be great and I also like to have a lot of fun every day. My need for excitement can be draining for myself and I'm sure Patrick. For example this week, I was told I have a sinus infection and to get lots of rest and fluids. I did great on the fluids....but, I also cleaned my house and did laundry and decorated for Easter while also doing my usual of carpooling kids and homework and all those small tasks. I can't rest. I even attended book club that night. I.JUST.CAN'T.STOP.EVERRRR

It takes a strong man to love me HAHA! This man of mine. He has loved me endlessly for 15 years. He doesn't even see other women. He has been made fun of about it numerous times. I love that about him. The best qualities of a man are when he can only have eyes for one woman and do whatever it takes to get her and keep her. Patrick is my Jack. He is a lot like Jack. He wants to provide and protect. I can be more like Rebecca...more carefree and definitely driven to be more than a wife and mother even though that is our greatest passion. Like some women, I looked over at my husband in bed after that scene in This Is Us and had the question, 'what do you love about me?' As if this man doesn't whisper sweet nothings to me all day..I have the memory of a goldfish and in that moment had no idea. He never says anything cliché or about appearances, he said "I love that you always do what you say you will do and you go after things but it is also the thing I don't like about you because you have to do everything right then and you don't wait on anything." It is a real life answer. The one thing that makes Patrick and I strong is that we are so different so we compliment each other and it can also be our greatest challenge. He balances me. I couldn't be with someone who was just like me. I need someone to make me more grounded and to be a "Dad." I call him every version of Dad, PDad, Pdaddy and I mean it. He is my protector and provider. I think even being a Leo (strong and confident) feeling loved and words of affirmation are very important to me.

Our marriage can be challenging because I, like most women, require a lot of attention and that is difficult when we are trying to raise 3 little people who need A LOT of attention. But honestly if all that frustrates me is that I want more time with him then I think we are doing okay lol! But the kids need us. They need ALL of us. We have a house, dog, cars, job, and social aspects we have to also attend to as well. I would go crazy without a few friends and a few things outside of the house. Just this Wednesday, I will have a Club Ambassador Luncheon and a hair appointment in the same day so my husband has to take a half day from work so I can attend. My mom is a saint but she also works. I HAVE and DESERVE moments outside of family and my husband; hence Rebecca in This Is Us. I need that outlet and I need support for that as well. That part of being a wife and mother is probably the hardest.

Patrick gets me and he will love me when I'm in no make-up, his oversized sweatshirt, and in a terrible mood. That my friends is marriage. Life can be hard at times but we always have each other to cuddle up next to before our exhausted 29 year old, mommy and daddy, adulting-bodies crash.

I'm not going to rush it though. I will miss this time of having a 6 year old, 4 year old, and 2 year old. I will miss this CRAZY, wild busy time. But, one thing is for sure, Patrick will be there. He will be there for me like he always has and still here 15 years later. Marriage is work but you have a best friend and partner in crime who you also think is pretty cute and get to laugh with, make fun of your kids with, and go through this whole journey with you and that is pretty incredible.

It is all just getting started :) But our love story is my favorite!

Love,
Dana

Real Talk - Pet Peeves

Anybody else dying because of DST? I don't know why but it has hit me hard this weekend. B & I grocery shopped early Sunday morning after breakfast tacos (duh!) and then ended up back at home the rest of the day. It was great. It was nasty rainy on Saturday and then cold Sunday so I was happy to veg out on the couch.

Today I figured I would hash out pet peeves. A girlfriend and I were talking about them the other day. Everybody has them, and I like hearing people's different peeves. By all means, please take these lightly.

1. Parking. If you drive a big car/truck and you can't park it straight in between two lines, then either A. you don't need to be driving that large of a vehicle or B. Take it to the back of the lot. Or if you just park that way because "you can," there's a 99% chance that I cussed you and called you an a**hole. Don't be that person that's a jerk & parks all crazy.

2. RSVP-ing. I don't get it, y'all. How hard is it to RSVP to an event in a TIMELY manner? Wedding RSVPs are usually pre-addressed and pre-stamped. How hard is it to check yes or no and put it back in your mailbox? Or sending a text saying yes I'll be at the party? If you have time to post to every platform of social media, you have PLENTY of time to RSVP. No excuses. It's inconsiderate. End of story.

3. Grocery carts. When you are done with your cart, do you put it back where it belongs? Either in the store or in the buggy corral? Please do not leave it in an empty parking spot or up in the grass. Be courteous.

4. Conversations. Please don't ask me how I'm doing or how my family is doing and then not listen/pay attention. If you don't care, please don't ask.

 
5. Noises. Just ask my husband. This is one we laugh about all the time. I am always asking "WHAT IS THAT NOISE?!" If it's a noise that is not needed, I don't want to hear it. MAKE. IT. STOP. I am actually laughing at myself right now just thinking about it.

Make Monday a great one!

Slightly peeved, Irritated & Tired,
Haley

We Don't EVEN Like Nick

Even if you don't watch The Bachelor, you can still appreciate this post.

I first started watching The Bachelorette my freshman year of college on my dorm hall. Lauren, a member of this blog, watched it with me...I believe that was Trista's season. Years later, we are now members of a fantasy league that includes friends from college and even some husbands!! Yes, there is a fantasy league and I'm winning right now so here is your run down!

Hints the title of this post is We Don't EVEN Like Nick because I had to chose a name to join and like most women, I was very disappointed in ABC's choice! A quick run down: Nick was on two seasons of the Bachelorette and on Bachelor in Paradise. He has been hit by the Hollywood Bug and if his chosen lady (I think Vanessa) thinks he wants to settle down then she will sadly be mistaken because he isn't going to be marriage material and he isn't going to move to Canada.

Nick is an attractive guy (especially with his shirt off) but the moment he talks he loses it all and those turtlenecks...nah man!

Before I dig into the final two, can I just say I think the newest Bachelorette for next season is adorable and genuine.

Rachel Lindsay is a lawyer and her father is a Judge. I wouldn't expect much excitement on her season because if she ever wants to continue her career then she needs to play it safe. And can we be honest, I don't tune in for that. I'm also concerned about her judgement. Did she really think she and Nick were falling in love? I am very observant and I never saw it. When she told him she loved him she laughed and acted awkward. If I'm going to tell a man I love him then I'm going to say it serious and I MEAN it. In this situation the guy usually doesn't say it back because he is dating other women (I know it is insane) but I'd own it and if he didn't chose me then at least I'd have no regrets because I know how I feel for someone.

But, Corinne would have been my choice. She is bad and boujee. Surprise me, Rachel, because right now I think many will tune in for episode one and then the ratings will drop.

Speaking of Corinne! Can we get more Corinne soon? Did I hear that she was going to be on Bachelor in Paradise or did I make that up? Corinne was a bit crazy but she won me over in the end.

The girls were very jelly over her because she did her thing and didn't care what anyone thought which to me is very endearing. You would have expected that on the reunion the girls would have gone after her but it was actually Taylor.

This little breath of fresh air Taylor was NASTY! She told Corinne "I would not be friends with you" and "You are NOT intelligent." Could you imagine ever telling another woman that? It takes a crap person to say something like that and she got what was coming to her on the reunion show. The other ladies confirmed my thoughts of her by saying she was a snob in the house and apparently now her career is suffering after the show. It doesn't pay to be a mean girl. She spent most of her alone time with Nick discussing Corinne so no wonder he sent her home instead of Corinne. No one likes a negative Nancy! Girl bye!

Final two! Tomorrow night!

Raven-bless her heart! She is a southern belle but not good for Nick! She would be a fun chick to hang out with, though!

My pick is Vanessa!

Vanessa is communicative and beautiful and a whole package. She is too good for Nick. He needs someone like her who will challenge him and call him out on his crap, though. She is like me...a ride or die chick but we have questions....where are we going? How will we get there? What will we do when we get there? She loves her family and is a special education teacher. Her students love her and kids don't lie y'all!! I guess we will see tomorrow night!

Time to get ready for a another week over here! Peace!

-Dana

Girl Time & Spinach Dip

I'm still trying to make my way back to reality after having one of the best weeks of my life! I had three huge sales close, my husband got a new job at Coca-Cola, and I spent a fabulous weekend in the mountains with my college girlfriends. Luckily its Friday and the weekend is only 8 hours away!

Before dinner at Sierra Nevada Brewery

My take aways from a weekend away with the girls are:

- Its time to buy new towels because I was in love with the think ones from Restoration Hardware
- I love rosé!
- Sierra Nevada Brewery blew my mind at how massive it was! Next day trip with the Hubs
- We must have a girls trip at least once year or as my SIL would say Annually- every year ;)
- Dance like no one is watching & laugh even though you might have tinkled a little in your pants

I'm so thrilled that I was able to be apart of a weekend to celebrate our girl Alison Shaw. I can't wait until I am back around all of the girls in just a few short weeks for the Oyster Roast Bridal Shower in Charleston, South Carolina!! And of course meet the GROOM!

Now for a little something to share with all of the followers. I'm ready to share my infamous Spinach Dip recipe! You know its good when people are making bets with it as the prize :)

Stella's Spinach Dip:

Ingredients- butter, yellow onion, chopped spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, red pepper flakes, cream cheese, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper

When I do a big batch of spinach dip I have to use my wok or the largest pan I can find. This will feed about 10-15 people and if its the only appetizer about 6. You will start with butter or olive oil and you just need enough to saute the onion and have a little extra for the spinach. I like to make sure that onion is a little browned before I start adding the spinach. I usually use the frozen chopped spinach and let it sit out for about an hour before I cook it so it doesn't take as long to cook. Then I put tear apart the artichokes with my hand or chop and then throw them in. Typically I make this dip for Phillip Bradford so I only use 4oz jar & I have to make sure its really fine so he won't notice he is eating it. Once I have all of that warm I will put in about 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. I know this sounds like a lot but you still can't really taste it.

Next, I put in the 8 oz block of cream cheese and I let this sit out for about an hour before I throw it into the mix. I let this blend in with the spinach and then put in the 8oz of sour cream if its not creamy enough than I will add sour cream until its just a little runny. Remember this is a dip. Then I put in about 5 slices of pepper jack cheese & 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. You can always add more pepper jack if want more spice. Lastly, I put it in a nice serving bowl and top with salt and pepper and some Parmesan cheese. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, warmed pita, crackers etc.

Enjoy!

<3 Stella

The Final Countdown!

This past weekend was my Bachelorette weekend with my best girlfriends! I can't begin to explain how perfect it was! I was not sure how a weekend in Asheville for our occasion would turn out but it was far better than I ever imagined. Let me first start off by saying our house was absolutely beautiful! It was pretty new with high quality furnishings and very stylish. It slept 8 pretty well with two pull out couches. The location was great also! Very close to downtown and about 10-15 min from The Grove Park Inn and other attractions.

 The first night we went to the Sierra Nevada brewery which did not disappoint! I could have stayed there all night exploring. I want to go back and do a tour next time and the waitress told me about a summer concert series that quickly made its way on my to do list!

Saturday we went to the Grove Park Inn and spent the day exploring, taking in views, checking out the shops, eating lunch, and sipping some yummy drinks! The stone work was beautiful and view of the mountains couldn't get any better! Inside the main entrance were two beautiful fireplaces one on each end and the view of the spa and the mountains on the back side was my favorite!

After a good couple hours at the Grove Park Inn we headed back to the house for the bridal shower. The spread of cheese, crackers, cookies ;), and Rachel's punch was amazing! This was my first shower since becoming engaged and EVERY thing was so perfect my friends sure know me well!

Our evening plans were dinner at the Corner Kitchen and then exploring downtown a bit where we ended up at a piano bar Off the Wagon and did some dancing. It was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time catching up with the best of friends and exploring the town! Here's some more pics from our weekend. There is not enough room on here to write about all the good times and stories we have as memories from our weekend but let's just say this one will be hard to top! I consider myself a VERY lucky girl to have such great friends to plan a weekend like this for me!

Thank you all xoxo

Ali-cat

Say It Ain't So

This chunky monkey baby...

IS ABOUT TO BE SIX YEARS OLD!!!

I can't handle this as we just finished his homework of him writing sentences about historical figures while in kindergarten!

I talked to Haley & Lauren on the way home from Asheville how I will always cherish my simple, easy time of just having him. I became pregnant with Cecilia when Whit was about 7 months old so our time was short lived but it was VERY special.

He is the reason I started to stay home. If he wouldn't have been such a great baby then I probably wouldn't have three children all so close in age. He melts my heart. He is sweet but independent. He holds a lot of stress and anxiety for a six year old. None which is ever put on by Patrick and I but only by his personality. He is a perfectionist and he never wants to get into trouble. He is very sensitive and smart. He will be VERY successful one day in whatever he decides to do (we think an architect or engineer). He will need me to constantly remind him that it is OKAY and to help guide him to learn his own strengths and that it is fine if they are a little bit different. He will be my child that can go off to college or a party and I will not worry. (Now sister is another story ; )

I can't believe this baby that I would hang out in bed and kiss on ALL day long is now this child with his own personality and a whole new set of challenges for us as parents.

Patrick and I always laugh about us pulling into our driveway at our first home in Hidden Forest and we looked at each and said "they are letting us keep him!!" We were terrified 23 year olds.

I also remember being delusional tired and I was hitting my belly while sleeping (thinking I was burping Whit) and saying okay take the baby. Patrick said "no Dana...he is in his bassinet." I was trying so hard to be the absolute best mommy and to make sure I woke him every 3 hours to feed.

It seems like so long ago now but I still cherish that time so much. Life was simple. Life was different. He and I would go sit at the library for story time. He took infant swim lessons at the Baxter Y. We did cute little things but now we do them with just a little more EXCITEMENT!!

I swear you blink and miss it! We are planning for a cute birthday at Chuck E Cheeses this weekend with friends, family, and even classmates. He has also requested that I come read to his class next week and bring cookies/juice and we have a chick fila lunch together on his actual birthday!! HA! Fun birthday for sure. I'm glad to change it up from our usual trip to Great Wolfe Lodge.

Happy Birthday Sweet Whitlock!

You are VERY loved!!

XoXo,

Whit's Mom

Fawncy. (Say it in a British accent!)

This past weekend we celebrated our girl, Alison. I can't tell you how good it was to be surrounded by my best friends and some new friends (HEY UHRIKA & CARRIE!) and laugh, drink wine, and share stories. We had a beautiful house, great food, so many laughs that I can't even begin to count. I'll let Alison recap her weekend highlights in her post. It was definitely a weekend for the books. We can't wait to see our girl down the aisle & get her married! The countdown is ON. I am sharing my favorite picture from the weekend while we were at the Grove Park. Beautiful setting and surrounded by even more beautiful ladies!

#LastCallForSHAWnanigans

xoxo,
Haley