#EasyCturns30 - the details

Well, hello there, strangers.  Sorry for my absence, but y'all,  life is full right now to say the least.  For the last 6+ months I have been planning a surprise 30th birthday party for my sweet hubs.  The big shindig went down Friday night, and I think C and I are both still recovering.  More professional pics to come, but for now here are some iPhone pics I took prior to going to retrieve the birthday boy.

Naturally I went with a navy and white theme.  Who would have thought? 

But, you should also notice the camo centerpieces featuring cattails and duck calls.

Sadly, this lighting is pretty awful, but the party featured a bourbon bar (one of C's favorite things). I provided a variety of brands for mixing and sipping.  That adorable silver bowl is filled with cigars and camo lighters. :) 

Custom cups for said bourbon.

Cocktail table centerpieces.  More cattails, wheat, burlap, and camo ash trays for the cigars. 

Dessert table (minus the cake and cupcakes). 

There's my (I mean his?) adorable bourbon-themed cake!

The birthday boy!

More to come soon. 

xoxo 

SVH

Wedding Wednesday : Alex's Portraits

I know, I know, I know. Worst blogger of the year award goes to me.  Sorry for my radio silence, but y'all, life if very full right now.  So, I have been a little MIA while trying to keep up with areas of my life that do not include blogging -- like being a bridesmaid in a beautiful "white wedding" over the weekend.  To hold you over until I can wrap my head around a full recap, please check out Alex's Bridal Portraits here.

Dana Cubbage shot Alex's engagement session and her bridals here in Charleston, and she did an AMAZING job.  I had the privilege to accompany Al to her makeup session on the day of her portraits, help her shimmy into her dress, button all of the buttons, rig her belt to fit her, and assist Dana during the session.

This was the portrait Al chose to display at the reception, which made me feel extra special because... in case you were wondering who Alex is staring at with those loving eyes... .its me! hiding just past the hydrangeas... where I ran after fluffing her veil to perfection (if I do say so myself....). Now go check out the rest of these gorgeous shots!

xo, 

SVH

Five on Friday

Happy Friday people.  Thank goodness next week is a short one; leaving town sometime Thursday afternoon for Alex's wedding! In the meantime, here are five things I'm thinking about/want to tell you about/you probably don't want to hear about/but I'm going to tell  you anyways. WOO.

1. I have finally established my bridesmaids' luncheon attire for next Friday. I know you were all stressed about it.  And I know Paige especially was worried that I was going to choose the seersucker dress. To her delight, I have decided to go with the original Lilly ensemble.

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Why you ask? Well, that brings me to item number 2. 

2. Because these bad boys popped up on RueLaLa for a mere $99 buckaroos. SO I bought them, and they should be on my doorstep by Monday afternoon.  #PTL.

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3. In other news, I finally got a haircut.  It is pretty important to note that I had not had a haircut since FEBRUARY and things were really getting out of hand.  I chopped approximately 3-4 inches off and NONE of my coworkers noticed? What is wrong with these people?  Here, you can enjoy the car selfie I sent my mother post cut. You're welcome. 

I will have you know that is THE selfie I make. 

The only one I know how to make. 

Sorry about it. 

4. While getting my hair cut by the FABULOUS Melissa at Gibson Hair and Makeup, I learned about her newest beauty secret,  Tarte's BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer.  I know how much my girl Paige is obsessed with everything Tarte and I know how obsessed I am with everything about BB creams so I am dying to get my hands on this stuff. Hopefully I can pop by Ulta this weekend. 

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5. Somehow I don't think I have a five.  So for today, I will leave you with just these four gems and cross my fingers that it is enough to keep you coming back for more.  Have an awesome weekend! 

xo, 

SVH

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Wine About It.

Thank heavens for little sisters because they introduce you to the greatness of all things like Matt Bellassai. 

More importantly, they introduce you to Matt's series "Whine About It".

Today's series topic : "THE WORST THINGS ABOUT BEING AN ADULT", to which you must direct your immediate attention.  You can thank me (and Sally) later. Enjoy!

You can enjoy more Matt at the following websites: 

www.literallymatt.com

www.mattbellassai.tumblr.com

And until we meet again, I hope you will all pencil in sending me a crisp five dollar bill on October 8th.  K. Thanks!

xo, 

SVH

Dressing Up Seersucker

Paige and I recently had an airport layover conversation about seersucker.  

Mostly about Paige's disdain for it.

Although I do feel comfortable saying "I like seersucker", 

I can see (rather clearly) where she is coming from.  

I mean it can be a little much. 

I give you Exhibit One. 

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Alright, maybe it is just too much when paired with obnoxious bows?

 Because, the idea of a simple dressed up seersucker dress is really appealing to me.

 I might even go as far as to say I'm contemplating wearing an oldie from my closet instead of a Lilly dress for my girl Alex's bridesmaids' luncheon. 

(Calm down, Paige, I said contemplating.)

I give you Exhibit Two.

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Not so bad when it is done right, right?

I'm thinking a plain strapless seersucker number paired with gold jewels and simple nude pumps.

 Tell me your thoughts! 

xo, 

SVH

TMAIT : The Perfect Metallic Wedge and Why It is Impossible to Find a Decent Pair...

Is that title too much? No? It's just right? 

Ok, great. 

But, really, why is it SO difficult to find a decent pair of metallic wedges? Let me be more specific. Why is it SO difficult to find a decent pair of metallic wedges for less than approximately $170 buckaroos? I'm not trying to spend that kind of money on occasion shoes. 

I work at the College of Charleston.  A place with treacherous bricks waiting to kill you around every corner. Hence, the reason I do not wear heels to work any more.  For my own safety. 

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So, yeah, not trying to wear these sought after wedges to work. And majority of my summer activities are enjoyed whilst wearing a bathing suit (so need for wedges then); basically I need these puppies for a few dates nights and most importantly to wear with this cute ensemble for Alex's bridemaids' luncheon. Since I first introduced the predicament of needing some new wedges, I have trolled the internet for countless hours hoping to find the most perfect pair (at the most perfect price). So far, I have come up empty handed, but I am really hoping to make a purchase by the end of the week.  

Here are my best options to date.  

I'm very confused by the fact that these are made by Sperry.  And that I think they are kind of cute.  

I am not confused by the fact that they are currently on sale for $41.16 at Belk's.

These are Ralph Lauren and pretty cute, although a little too chunky for my taste. 

They too are on sale at Belk's.  These bad boys ring in at just $52.50.

That brings me to these. The shoes I actually want, but refuse to pay for. 

Jack Rogers Luccia Wedge. 

Also available in a cork and metallic option which really gets me going. 

So, what are we thinking? Should I lower my standards and just grab those Sperrys on discount? Or should I bribe someone to buy me the Jacks? Are there other options I am missing? 

You tell me. 

Please. 

xo, 

SVH

Five on Friday : Things I Can't Stop Thinking About

Linking up with the lovely ladies of Five on Friday  for another addition of brain purges with Shannon. Today I'm telling you about five things I CANNOT stop thinking about this morning.

1. Leon's Oyster Shop

via Garden and Gun

I visited this diamond in the rough with a couple of my girlfriends last night for a late dinner. I have heard rave reviews over and over again from countless people including local blogger Natalie's list of top Charleston Recs so I was super excited to try it. Y'all it did not disappoint. I wanted to be sure to get a nice sampling so I bullied my girl Claire into sharing FOUR things with me.  Yes, four. It was necessary. That being said, I can tell you with great confidence that you wouldn't being going wrong in trying the raw oysters, the hush puppies, the siam salad (my fave item?), or the fried oyster sandwich.  Check out the whole menu here.

2. Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuits

Following that delicious late night girls' dinner, I am suffering from what I have best identified as an embarrassing hangover from two glasses of white wine.  I'm thinking this is something I need to discuss with a medical professional because it just doesn't seem right. Maybe I'm just tired? Who knows.  Anyways, said embarrassing hangover led my happy little ass straight to Chick-Fil-A this morning for a life-saving biscuit. 

3. Weekend-ing 

Sadly, our favorite two Montana ladies head back to Big Sky soon and this is our last weekend with them. I'm looking forward to as many baby snuggles as possible. And no white wine. 

4.  Wedding Prep 

As I have mentioned before my gal pal Alex is getting married soon.  Soon is starting to really sneak up on us.  Like 3 weeks soon, I think? Anyways, I am at the point of anticipation where the wedding is all I can think about.  I may have already picked out all of my outfits and packed a few items? #Casual 

Here is where I could use your help.  What shoes do I wear with this dress?! 

I think I will rock this oldie but goodie for the bridesmaids' luncheon. But what shoes?!

5. Haircuts

Loosely related to No. 4, I am in desperate need of a haircut prior to Alex's nuptials. Split ends like woah happening over here right now.  I am a little nervous to cut too much off and not have enough for a substantial up do.  Here is what I'm thinking for said haircut and said up do.  Please share yours thoughts on these right after your shoe recommendations.  Thanks, you're a doll.

Obviously, I will never look this cool, but I like the haircut. 

But, I would still like to pull off something similar to this. Is it possible? Will I have enough hair?

 Do I need to take hair pills? Who knows. 

Well that is literally everything I am thinking about today. 

Hope you enjoyed this random addition of Five on Friday! 

xo, 

SVH