Good Enough

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True story -- I had an entire post ready to publish this morning, but decided to delete it at the last minute.

Why?  Well, I basically complained for 5 paragraphs. Here's an excerpt, below:

"It's been one of those weeks.  The house is covered in boxes and pet hair, we've eaten crap at every meal, and I've officially crossed the "dang girl, you need a shower" threshold.  I haven't been able to think of much to share on the blog this week either.  How can I post about beauty or style when I've worn a different pair of Nike shorts every day this week and my beauty routine has consisted of deodorant and a hair tie?

Making myself feel guilty for not having it all together does have to stop, though.

For you perfect people that can give yourself a salon worthy blow-out at home, close big business deals all day long, update your blog with a beautiful daily post, tend to your organic vegetable garden, workout, AND have a beautiful, wholesome meal on the dinner table every night?

 I might have to skip your social media posts for a while, because I just can't with you right now."

Man, oh man.  Bitter, party of one?

Of course, in moments of self-doubt, insecurity, or just mental exhaustion in general, The Everygirl always manages to publish an article that seems to perfectly encompass my feelings and help me understand how to overcome them*.   This time was no exception.

"Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough"

It was a beautiful read.  Truly.  I encourage you to read it, and let me know your thoughts.

Do you worry about not being "good" enough? Successful enough? Healthy enough?
Heck -- happy enough?

What do you do to overcome your insecurities?


Alright, now.  It's time for this girl to grab a shower.














*Seriously, I love that website, y'all.

Floral Friday

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Today's installment of Floral Friday is a sneak peak from an event I recently did with Tailor & Table at Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.  The event will be covered on one of my favorite wedding blogs, so I have to keep the rest of the photos on lock down until publication day ... but I couldn't help but share one teaser! Patience is not one of my virtues :).

It'll be a quiet, but busy, weekend around here.  I don't have any events, but I do have a few office tasks that need to be completed.  And don't even get me started on how desperately my house needs to be cleaned.  

So my goals for the weekend are:

1. Be super productive

2. Not change out of my pajamas

Sounds like a plan to me!

What are you lovelies up to this weekend?

Don't forget to link up with Ashlyn and I on Sunday!

Things Are A-Happenin'

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Since Tailor & Table launched last fall, we've been lucky enough to book some ah-mazing clients (seriously, I want them all to be my BFFs).   The tricky thing about events is that clients tend to book their designers waaaayyy in advance (which, for the record, I totally recommend).  This especially rings true with weddings, which most of 2014's events happen to be! 

Since last October, we've been meeting, planning, placing orders, and designing every last detail for our lovely clients day in and day out.  While it's been fun, T&T has been anxiously counting down the days until our events actually started happening.  Folks, the waiting has finally come to an end and I, for one, could not be happier about it (patience is not one of my virtues).

THIS WEEK IS THE WEEK!

Things are a-happenin' around here!

We have two events this week.  Go big or go home, amiright?

First, we're hitting the road for the SOLD OUT NotWedding Charleston.

From Charleston, we'll head to Atlanta to give the sweetest couple a classically stunning wedding.  Think marble and lace and gold candelabras, OH MY.

I thought I was excited when we launched T&T. Then I reached a new high when we booked our first client.

But neither of those times really compare to the way I'm feeling today.

I'm anxious, excited, thankful, and so proud.  

But mostly, I feel happiness.  The kind of happiness that starts at your toes and travels up to flush your cheeks and plant a smile on your face.  I've had good days and bad days as a entrepreneur, but I think these are going to be the best of the best.  I can't wait to see where the next week take us.

Here goes nothin'!

I plan on blowing up Instagram this week (via both Tailor & Table's account and my personal account).  If you love design and have good taste, follow along.  If you don't, perhaps this may be more to your liking?

Lately

Clockwise starting from the top left:

Bold new shades

Lunching on the go with a green smoothie and JCrew Malta sandals

Took a break from designer to play coordinator for a darling couple

The courtyard at Atlanta's Summerour Studio

Summa time feast!

I've been bopping around for the last two weeks -- Greenville, Atlanta, North Georgia mountains, Charleston... all kinds of fun places (with fun people)!  I'm looking forward for this week at home before craziness resumes command next week.  I plan on catching up on some work, snuggling with the pup, and indulging on some all-American treats that Levi works up on the grill.

Do you guys have big plans for the four day work week?  Are you laying low or going big?

Calling All Charleston Readers!

Engaged?  Have friends who are engaged?  Plan on getting engaged soon?

This opportunity is for you!

As some of your know, I am one of the founders and designers at Tailor & Table, a design studio who focuses on event and floral design.  As a business owner, there are good days and bad days, but the day I got the phone call from The NotWedding asking T&T to be a designer for their Charleston event was a GREAT day!

Here at the studio, we've been working so hard to make this the most gorgeous night, ever.  We're pouring our hearts into this and nothing would make me more happy then for ATT, etc readers to be there to celebrate with us!  This is a great opportunity to meet the designers behind Tailor & Table AND meet the girl behind the blog!

The Charleston NotWedding will be at the picturesque Boone Hall Plantation on July 9th from 7-9PM.

Come eat, drink, and dance under the oak trees at the most fun fake wedding everrr. 

You can register HERE at the NotWedding website. 

Now -- here's the fun part.  

I have a few GOLDEN TICKETS that will get you into the event FO' FREE!

Leave a comment below telling me what you love most about weddings -- is it the exchanging of the vows, seeing the bride in her dress, the open bar...? 

Winners will be announced next Friday!

Good luck!

Wedding Wednesday with Bonobos

Married and engaged ladies -- I don't know about y'all, but finding the perfect suit for Levi was one of the most frustrating parts of wedding planning.  We just wanted a modern, slim cut suit in a breathable fabric.  Everything was either too high school prom or too "I borrowed this from my dad".  Neither is a good look for the biggest day of your life!  

I wish we would have known about Bonobos and their slim cotton suit three years ago.  The fit is flawless and cotton is perfect for summertime affairs!  Can we also talk about that shade of navy?  It's so divine that I felt inspired to put together a design board using the suit as my main source of inspiration.  It's a shade that could go with almost any palette, but I love the way it compliments rich berries and wood tones that remind me of late summer!

The groom's ensemble can make as much of an impact as the bride's, don't you agree?

Real Talk | Budgeting

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Ahh. The "B" word.

BUDGET.

Doesn't it just send chills up and down your spine?
(And not in a good way)

Considering that I quit my full-time job last September to start my own company, we've had to be extra careful with our pennies this year (and will continue to be for the foreseeable future).  While Levi and I aren't anal organized enough to input every single purchase into a spreadsheet with categories like "groceries", "gas", and "parking tickets" (yes, that last category would be completely necessary in our household), we do make a very conscious effort to pay attention to how and when we are spending to make sure it's done responsibly.  Over the past few months, we've implemented a few new habits that really make a difference to our bottom line.

I know what y'all are thinking.

"Didn't that hoochie just get back from two weeks in Europe?  Doesn't sound like she is the best person to be doling out budgeting advice."

You're right.  But don't you want to know HOW we had the money to take that very expensive trip?
 Read on.

Cancel Cable

When Levi first suggested this, I threw my hands in the air and yelled "I would rather die!".  Hm, dramatic much?  In reality, canceling cable has been the easiest and most effective way to cut back on our budget.  We signed up for a Netflix subscription for $8 a month, thus saving us $72 every single month (and $864 a year*).  Honestly?  We watch just as much TV as we did when we had cable, except now we're enjoying more quality programming.  Think less Real Housewives, more House of Cards.  Sure we miss some live events, but all in all, this was the best decision we made for our wallets (and our minds).

No "Extra" Groceries

Simply put, we** don't buy any snack food.  No chips, cookies, no soda.   We buy what we need for meals and that's about it.  Not only does this fatten our wallets, but it also shrinks our waistline.  Levi has lost almost 20lbs since we stopped buying snacks! I haven't been so lucky, but not having junk in the house helps me stay on track.  It also prevents mindless eating -- before I eat leftovers "just because", I think about the costs and how that could easily equate to another meal.  Granted, there are just two of us and I could see this being much more difficult for those of you with little mouths to feed.  We also don't eat out very often -- maybe twice a month or so on average (and upscale restaurants are few and far between). 

 Essentials Only

Beauty products are my weakness.  I'm always looking for the next best thing, which can lead to some unnecessary expenditures.  Lately, I've been focusing on using up what items I already own.  Hopefully, this also results in some more space in my bathroom drawers!  I only buy something new if I'm replacing an essential item that I've used up.  I just recently replaced a lot of my essentials at the Sephora F&F sale in the fall, so I should be set for quite a while.

Utilities

If we leave the room, we turn out the light.  Our house always a little uncomfortable, temperature-wise***.  It may not be much, but it adds up.

Clothes & Decor

Ugh, shopping.  This is the hardest area for me, no doubt.  I like to shop when I'm happy, shop when I'm sad, or just shop when I'm bored.  This goes for both clothing and home decor.  I don't have a good answer on how to cut back.  Honestly, I'm trying to just cut it out all together for the time being.  I already own some wonderful pieces, so it's all about working with what I've got.  When I do make a purchase, it's almost always an item already on sale (or with a discount code), and I never forget to check Ebates for extra savings.  Paying full price is for the birds! I do plan on allowing myself one or two small purchases a month.   This blog is an amazing resource for edited, conscientious shopping.  It's really changed the way I mentally approach my wardrobe!

Get Moving

One thing that I have not cut out of the budget is my gym membership.  While it does cost me quite a bit every month, I see it as a money saver.  Why?  Well, let me explain -- rather than taking an hour a day wandering through Target (almost always resulting in a loss of $100), I can take that hour and go to the gym.  It gets me out of the house and keeps me busy at a place where I'm not tempted to spend a dime.  Oh yeah, there's all of those physical and mental health benefits too.  Hooray for me.  Of course, you could save even more money by forgoing a membership and running outside/working out at home too.  I just know myself, and if I don't have my spin instructor yelling at me to turn up that dial, I'm just going to be lazy.  If my couch is within eyesight, a workout just isn't going to happen!

I know that everyone's situation is different, but we've had great luck with some of the methods discussed above.  However, I know we can continue to improve and be even more financially responsible, so I'd love to hear how you all make your budgets work for you.

What are your best money saving tips?  I'd love to implement a few of them!

*Yes, I had to use a calculator to get that figure. Shuddup.

**You like how I said "we" like Levi steps foot in a grocery store, ever?

*** I use throw blankets when it's cold, lounge in my underwear when I'm hot.  I would recommend investing in window coverings if you adopt this approach.

Sunday Edition

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An InLinkz Link-up

Sunday Edition

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An InLinkz Link-up

Finally, the Announcement

just a little peek at my desk

Hi again! The last two weeks have been a whirlwind and I am happy to be getting back into my routine.  New Orleans was fabulous.  So fabulous, in fact, that I forgot to take any pictures.  And the pictures that I did take... well, what happens at Mardi Gras stays at Mardi Gras, mmk?

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I was in Charleston this past weekend for work (lucky me, right?).  I know I've hinted here and on Insta about exactly what "work" means, but for some reason I've been putting off making the announcement.  I don't really know why.  Work is such a HUGE part of my life, that I feel like it's only fair that I share here.  So, without further adieu, I'd like to introduce you to my baby, Tailor & Table Design Studio.

It all started about a year and a half ago, when I was unhappy at my current job.  I was a lead event coordinator at a pretty big event company and while I had the opportunity to work with some AMAZING clients on several spectacular events, I was ready to move on.  It's a job that most people think is very glamorous, but in reality, it's incredibly stressful and draining.  I mean event planning isn't saving lives or anything, but it was named one of the top 5 most stressful jobs by the Huffington Post.  It didn't help that my office was 2 hours away from my house (and clients were even further away),  which meant a LOT of my time was spent on the road.  Needless to say, I was ready for something different.

I took another job in the event industry about 15 minutes from my house.  The commute was a breeze, the hours were regular, and my boss was wonderful.   The salary wasn't terrible either ;).  Yet, I still wasn't happy.  Going from a fast pace job where I had a lot of power to a job where I was just the rental girl who answered phones really did a number on my psyche.  I was bored to tears.  I think I even told Levi one night that I felt like "my soul was suffocating".  Dramatic? Yes.  But that's really the best representation of how I felt at the time.

So.  What's a gal to do?  Stay at a cushy job where there's nothing really bad and keep collecting a paycheck on a regular basis, all while finding a creative outlet outside of work, right?  Wrong.  That would make too much sense, silly.  Instead, after a lot of heart to heart conversations with Levi, my parents, and friends, I decided to take the biggest risk of my life and start my own business.

Now, in all fairness, my (really, really wonderful) business partner and I worked hard for almost a full year before we launched T&T.  We planned this out carefully, so it was far from a rash decision.  We both stayed at our other jobs until we felt ready to introduce T&T to the world.  And then, this October, we did it.  We put ourselves out there for the world to see and boy oh boy, did it feel GOOD (and scary -- very scary).

So what is Tailor & Table?

Tailor & Table is a full-service design studio specializing in events, florals, creative styling, and interiors.  Between the two of us, we have experience designing luxury weddings, styled shoots, store fronts, print editorials, residential interiors -- and the list goes on.  Simply put, it makes us ridiculously happy to make places and products look good. We're based in the Southeast, but we travel just about anywhere, nationally and internationally.  We currently have clients in four states and counting (only one country thus far, but hoping to add onto that soon :))!

The reaction since our launch has been nothing short of amazing.  We've already welcomed the most amazing clients into the T&T family, and I can't wait until their events and projects come to fruition.  They are the best clients in the world -- they put so much trust in T&T, and I can't wait to make them as happy as they make me.  So many amazing things opportunities have come our way since October, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us.  I feel like I'm living the dream, and I don't want to wake up.



So there you have it, folks. The post that I've taken forever to write, and I still don't feel like I did it justice.



Have you ever taken a giant risk?  Did it pay off?
















If you'd like to follow along on T&T's adventures, visit us on Facebook!

Stopping By

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Oh heyyyy there.  This week has been a little crazy going from New Orleans > Atlanta > Greenville > Charleston, but I wanted to poke my head in to say hello before leaving again tomorrow.  Although I'm a little tired and ready to sleep in my own bed (and see my puppy!), I am so thankful for the opportunities life has presented me so far.  I'm a lucky gal.  I really am.

While at the airport, I picked up the Spring 2014 issue of Domino.  WOW, y'all.  The issue is amazing.  The first returning issue was pretty good, but the newest issue completely blows it out of the water.  I studied page after page with rounded eyes and an open jaw.  I haven't found anything so inspiring in a long time.  Seriously, go pick it up.  It's a winner.

Have you seen the newest issue of Domino?  What did you think?

Friday, Already?

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Oh hey, Friday.  I know that I don't usually say this, but I am SO not ready for you to be here.  I still have approximately 5000 things on my to-do list that still need to be accomplished.  Can we rewind to Tuesday or Wednesday, pretty pretty please?  

Well it looks like I'm going to be attached at the hip with my desk all weekend, but let's have a little random Friday  chit chat before I get down to business.

- I desperately need a new pair of black leggings.  My legs are my least favorite part of my body (total pear shape here), so I'm on the hunt for leggings that are opaque and thick enough to hide a multitude of sins.  Looking skinny is the goal here, people.  I've narrowed it down to either Spanx 'Look-at-Me' Shaping Leggings or Zella 'Live In' Leggings.  I've heard great things about both, but I do prefer the waist band on the Zella pair.  I'm taking votes!  If the Zella pair works out, you can bet that I'll be buying this faux leather pair too.

- Honestly, I was feeling pretty lazy at the gym yesterday and decided to try this Intense Incline Walking Workout, thinking that it would be easy. It was no joke, guys.  My short legs couldn't keep at 4mph speed the whole time, so I did the second half at 3.5mph.  I'll definitely keep that workout in my rotation for days when I just want to get on the treadmill and watch Bravo (while huffing and puffing, of course).

- Although nowhere near the stage of my life where I start thinking about kiddos of my own, I do think this Paddington Bear for babyGap line is so amazing.  It makes me want to DIE of cuteness.  Some of those dresses would look pretty cute in my size, too.

-  Does anybody watch Sons of Anarchy? I can't stop watching it on Netflix.  It was a show that I had zero interest in starting, but both Levi and I are completely obsessed now.  Our days go something like this -- coffee, work, work, lunch, work, work, dinner with multiple episodes of SOA, sleep, and repeat*.

- I have absolutely no idea who is playing in the Superbowl this weekend**.  I mean, I could look it up, but I won't.  Once college football is over, I check out.  Sorry not sorry.

Don't forget to link up for this week's Sunday Edition and enter in this awesome giveaway!

Here's to a productive weekend!

* I cried like a BABY during Season 5, Episode 3 "Laying Pipe". 

** It is this weekend, right?

Early Bird

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Up and out the door early this morning, traveling to Atlanta for a trend research and buying trip.  

Buying for what you ask?  Let's just say my new professional title is "Designer & Co-Founder" and that my heart is so happy that it could burst.

 I know I owe my blog readers some details, which I'll definitely provide very soon :).  

Until then, I'm going to spend the next 48 hours surrounding myself with beautiful things in my home city.
Don't forget to get a sneak peak behind the scenes on my Instagram (@tailortabledesignstudio).

Happy Friday, gang! Make this weekend a good one!

Hibernation, Party of Two

Hello my little Eskimo friends! 

Is everyone staying warm out there?  It's not too terrible here in South Carolina, but it's definitely been cold enough for Levi and I to justify going into hibernation mode for the past few days.

Frigid weather filled with cozy blankets and hot apple cider inspired this little inspiration board that I'm sharing with you today.

Is there anything more romantic than snuggling up to your sweetheart to keep warm and toasty?

Five on Friday

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Hola!  We are back from Mexico and not a shade more tan (thanks to my sunscreen made for albino infants).  The trip was wonderful, and I can't wait to share some photos next week.  Today is Friday, which means I feel more like rambling than putting together a structured vacation re-cap post.  Can you blame me?

Five Things I Want to Ramble About Today

1. Sheryl Sandberg

The woman is a goddess. I'm currently reading her book, "Lean In: Women, Work & The Will to Lead", and I cannot get enough of it.  I might have to dedicate an entire post to her and this book.  Run, don't walk, to get a copy RIGHT NOW.  It's life-changing.  If you're too lazy to read her book, take 10 minutes and listen to her TED talk here.

2. Technology

Technology continues to blow my mind. Space travel, face transplants, and computers smaller than a fingernail -- all awesome.  However, the advancement that's really changed my life for the better is the new feature on Pinterest that warns me if I've already pinned an image before. Speechless?  Me too.

3. Princesses of Long Island*

The worst/best reality show on television.  I caught an episode the other day and couldn't believe my luck.  "Wait, these girls are rich but don't work?  They are supported by their parents and are all pushing 30 years old?  They still fight about things that happened in high school?  They use super amazing phrases like 'Oy vey'? JACKPOT."  Andy Cohen, you've done it again.

4. Chuy's

A new Mexican restaurant opened up in town and naturally, I'm a huge fan. I love all Tex-Mex, but Chuy's is amazing. I mean the best margarita I've ever had amazing.  They fresh squeeze all of their own limes for the margs, make their tortillas from scratch, and focus on making their food as fresh as possible.  Let me tell you, all of the hard work pays off. the They opened 14 days ago and I've already been twice.  They have a few other locations around the nation, so see if there's one near  you.  If you go, I highly recommend the Baja Shrimp Tacos and top shelf Margarita. De nada, mi amigos, de nada.

5. Levi surprised me with an iPhone5 this week, and I love it so far.  It is a million times faster than my 4s.  I think I'll keep it (and him). I ordered a Lifeproof case on ebay, which should be here late next week.  Any bets on whether I break it before the case arrives?


Over and out, folks.  Have a great weekend!

* Yes, I expressed undying love for both Sheryl Sandberg and the Princesses of Long Island in the same post.  What can I say? I'm just incredibly well-rounded.