The White Denim Jacket's Comeback

White Denim Jackets.

 An eighties trend that has made it's comeback this spring. 

Perfect for those who like me can't pull off the denim on denim look unless there is a lot of contrast. I bought this jacket to stay warm at a baseball game, but now have it on constant repeat. 

The jacket I have on below is sold out, but I have linked a few similar options!

Option 1: Similar Jacket | Option 2: Similar Jacket | Dress | Similar Necklace

       

AvalOM: April

The Avalon, the shopping center just north of Atlanta, is the perfect place to get that city feel of shops and restaurants without having to go into the actual city. 

They also have great programs throughout the year! My favorite though is the AvalOM series. It begins in April and continues through October thanks to the typical Georgia warm weather. 

The boutique workout studios and retails shops host healthy one hour classes open to everyone! They promote health and wellness in the community and give you a sample of what their class is like. 

The weather was a little chilly for today's kickoff event, but it was a great turnout! Of course you need your workout essentials like yoga pants, water bottle, and a mat. You can always rent one of their mats if you get there in time, but I like to bring my own! If you are in the market for a mat Amazon has a great selection and I recommend getting one with a strap so it makes it easier to carry around.

Avalon AvalOM schedule


Similar Jacket | Similar Pants | Similar top

Easter: He is Risen

I love the Lent Season. 

To me it is the perfect time to focus on something bigger than ourselves.  Hitting the refresh button and enjoying faith, family and friends.

This year for Lent I decided to give up shopping. I have a closet full of clothes, but always seem to want something new. So I took this time to be grateful forwhat I have. 

Jared and I are so blessed with all that we have: our love, our health, our family, etc. These 40 days and nights of reflection helped me also rediscover outfits, read more, and spend more time with friends. I didn't buy a new outfit for each event during these 40 days which in the past has been the norm for me. 

Jared asked me what I was going to buy now that Lent has come and gone. I've thought about it and first before I buy something new I am going to go through my closet again and give my gently used items to someone who could benefit from receiving them. 

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

Opening Weekend: Play Ball

Baseball is back!

 Here in Atlanta going to a Braves game is more than just a baseball game it is a social event. Opening weekend was packed! People poured in from all over with the excitement and hope that a new season brings! We ran into people we knew left and right throughout the night who were here to kickoff the new season.

 This is the Braves second season at Suntrust Park and stadium is still as fresh and exciting as last year! When building the Battery they really thought of everyone. This is a place where you can hangout before and after the game. New stores and places to eat are always popping up! 

The weather has been warming up down here so I thought I could get away with just jeans and a tee. Wrong! The temperature dropped a lot when the sun went down. I should have known better, but I was just excited to be there! Luckily with so many shops I was able to snag a jacket  from DressUP and a few others where doing the same!

Can't wait to spend some more time at the Battery and explore the ever growing area! 

Jacket | Shirt | Similar Jeans

OTF Transformation Challenge: WEEK EIGHT

The Final Week

This challenge has been the motivation I needed to get back on track with my fitness. Winter had me inside and no long runs. So when the transformation challenge was announced at Orangetheory, I knew that upping my membership and participating would put me on the right track. 

My fitness journey was kick started again and I couldn't be happier. I am getting stronger and I can see my body and muscles toning. 

In addition to the five pounds I have lost, my jeans are looser and my stomach is flatter. 

While I don't have to sign in every day anymore, I continue to go five times a  week. Sometimes it is hard to go, but I never regret going. The staff and coaches have become even more like family as they shared in this journey with me. My last week was spent in another week in Vegas, but I still made it to my three required classes.  It is so hard to go to class after a red eye, but doing this has given me more energy. I feel better when I workout and I am so glad that I have started these healthy habits. 

There are days I still struggle, but I am looking forward to continuing this journey to be my healthiest self!

*I have requested my before and after photos so hopefully I will be updating this post soon!

Current Favorite Atlanta Brunch Spots

Breakfast food is definitely one of my favorite genres of food. I'll eat it any time and any where. Atlanta is a foodie city with a plenty of great brunch spots! There are so many to choose from, but right now I am putting West Egg Cafe and Ladybird on repeat. 

The line at West Egg can be over an hour most days, but the food is so worth it. I have never had a bad meal here. Their pimento grits are a must! You do not have to worry about leaving hungry because the portion sizes are more than you would think for brunch (no complaining from me!)  There is something on this menu for everyone so grab your friends and family and head over to the west side! 

West Egg menu

Ladybird is now a Beltline staple and for good reason. From the decor to the awesome outdoor patio, this is the perfect place to enjoy their brunch menu! The brunch menu is a little smaller than West Egg since they are not solely a brunch eatery. My favorite part? Their Bloody Mary! If you like them spicy like I do, you need to order one next time you pop in.  Jared's favorite item was the hot chicken biscuit. The biscuit was bigger than his face! 

Even if brunch isn't your thing, go for the atmosphere and hangout on the Beltline!

Hardcore Abs with Love You Healthy

You know it’s spring time on Atlanta when the workout workshops start popping up. My friends and I went LoveYouHealthy’s hardcore abs series and it was so good! A little mix of Pilates, squats and of course intense ab work!

photo by LoveYouHealthy

My abs were on fire after the class and I really felt it the next day. Every time I sneezed or laughed my abs cried. It is so awesome that LuluLemon has teamed up with their brand ambassadors to promote healthy lifestyles! 

Eggslut: Las Vegas

One of my favorite parts of Las Vegas besides the history and glamour is the food! My friends have been obsessed with Eggslut for quite some time and I made it a point on my second trip to Vegas so far this year to check it out. 

The line in the morning can be as long as an hour, but I promise it is worth the wait. 

Pro tip: go for lunch and breeze through! I love breakfast food anytime of the day. 

This little shop is open from 7am to 4pm Monday through Thursday and slightly later and later throughout the weekend. 

My personal fave is the:

FAIRFAX

cage-free soft scrambled eggs and chives, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and sriracha mayo in a warm brioche bun

OTF Transformation Challenge: WEEK SEVEN

Week seven was all about getting back into my workout groove after a week in Vegas and knowing I had to go back within the next week.
My sleep schedule was so off, but I was able to go to the evening classes and tried to get back on the horse. When you take a few days off, it can feel like you are starting all over again. My running was a little slower, but I made sure I was giving it my all.
I also did something at the time I would never do!

I signed up for the Dri Tri on Sunday March 18 knowing full well I was running a 5k the day before. The Orangetheory Dri Tri consists of 2,000 meters of rowing, 300 body weight reps and a 5k to finish it out. My second Vegas trip was coming fast and I knew I wasn’t going to have many chances to get my workouts in while I am there. So, I signed up for this challenge. I am so glad I pushed myself. I was the second to last one done at 55 minutes, but I was on a workout high. My body always surprises me about how much it can do! 

Hostess Gifts

I wasn't born in the South, but I have lived in Georgia for the majority of my life. I love all things about southern manners and etiquette.
One of my favorite traditions is the hostess gift. Whether it is a shower, holiday party or housewarming, a host/hostess gift is always a good idea. My husband has even gotten on board with this little tradition.
My favorite hostess gift to give is a candle. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am candle obsessed. Not only do they make great decor and go with any other gift you want to pair it with, but they also make your house smell amazing! We are always burning a candle in our home and love when people bring us a new one to try!

Anthropolige is my go to store for candle selection. They have their signature scent along with Capri Blue and Voluspa brand candles. They will also give you a box or gift bag so you're already half way done with wrapping! If you prefer to grab your own gift bag and tissue Target has a wide variety with their trendy gift bag selection!

Jared loves bringing a liquor as part of the gift as well. His current favorite is Bulleit Bourbon. We love to give something we think all the host/hostess would like. If candles and liquor aren't your thing check out the Hearth & Hand collection at Target. I love their hand towels and it is perfect for a new home or wedding shower!

Candle | Hand Towels | Bourbon | Gift Bag

March 2018 5k

Last year I was inspired to keep track of all the miles I run (outside of Orangetheory). So far I have only run 6.5 miles. I’m not going to lie, I don’t like running in the cold and rain. It’s the reason  I didn’t run my February 5k. The rain was so thick and it was freezing. Literally the temperature was below freezing. 

So this month I got back on the saddle after almost two months since my last race. My friend Rachel and I ran the Junior League of Atlanta’s 14th Annual Shamrock n’ Roll 5k. This race is so much fun! From the live Deejee to the giant crowds cheering you on at the finish line.  It definitely reminded me how important my fitness journey is. I was excited that I could still run the whole thing without stopping to walk and made it up the hills especially the last one!

 While it wasn’t the finish I was hoping for, it just reminded me that it takes dedication to achieve your goals. You can’t simply wish for it! MAKE IT HAPPEN!
I am looking forward to my next race on April 14th and am planning to take a few minutes off my time!

Spring FabFitFun Box!

It has been a little chillier than I prefer here in Georgia for the middle of March. I am so ready for spring! Today the best subscription box was waiting on my doorstep making it feel like spring had just arrived! 

This is my second FabFitFun box and I think I might love it even more than my first box! If you like new products this box is for you! Skincare, beauty, style this box has it all! 

So far one of my favorite items that I received in this box is the rolling massage tool. After a long day of work or rowing hard at OrangeTheory my muscles need a little relaxation! I immediately put it to work after opening up my box. Other items are from Dove, Free People and more! You NEED to check out this box today!

Follow this link for $10 off your first box!

Review: 'The Woman in the Window: A Novel'

This month's book club read was A.J. Finn's debut novel 'The Woman in the Window' a suspenseful thriller that keeps you turning the page. 

The way the author tells this story is so thought provoking and has you hooked the entire time. I did NOT see the ending coming which is my favorite part of this novel. Looking back Finn provides small details throughout to help build the story, but in such a clever way you are seeing everything through the main character's eyes. 

Anna Fox is a complex and interesting character. She appears to be an alcoholic with a spying problem, but the more you read about her the more you want to know what made her this way.

So grab a glass of Merlot and cozy up with 'The Woman in the Window.'