Shopping Lilly

Who else has had a blast shopping this summer's Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale?  For those who don't know, Lilly Pulitzer doesn't have a sale section on their website.  Instead, they do two huge semi-annual sales for 48 hours, and it's mayhem.  On Monday morning, I worked from home so that I could shop the sale as soon as it opened.  While wait lines were longer than I've experienced in the past, I didn't mind it one bit because way less items disappeared from my cart.  During the Lilly sales, the items in your shopping tote aren't confirmed until you actually check out with a credit card.  I had two computers and my iPad going, so I would pick a few things, check out, and wait until the next computer got to the front of the line to shop again.  Once you check out on one computer, you are automatically placed at the end of the line, and after my first check out (I started at 32,000), I was placed back at 150,000 - holy moly, that's a lot of people!  But like I said, there were so many items to shop!  With one more day of the sale, I thought I'd run down a few of my favorites you can still find:

Madilynn Romper ||| Buttercup Scallop Short ||| Myra Cardigan ||| Serving Tray

Rylie Hooded Dress ||| iPhone case ||| Tenley Maxi

Edona Romper ||| Nya Tank ||| Callahan Short ||| Palma Top

I actually added the same Palma Top I purchased to my Summer Lilly Favorites blog post in June.  The navy color of the top is still available, and at the sale price ($19!!), how can you go wrong?!  I was so excited to see so many pieces in Indigo Star Struck on sale, too.  I was eyeing that pattern to add a red pink, white, and blue piece to my wardrobe for future Memorial and Independence Days.  Also, how can you go wrong with pineapples?  There are plenty of sizes left of the Edona Romper I purchased, and I can't wait to wear it!  And, of course, shorts.  Lilly shorts are my absolute favorite.  They wear so well and are perfect to throw on with a tee.  They still have a ton of short options available!  The only pattern I wish there had been more of was "Oh Shello."  If anyone has anything they're looking to sell, let me know ;)

There you have it!  Did anyone else have any favorite finds in the sale?  I know I'll be checking back at least a couple more times today, just to see if any last minute pieces are added before the sale ends at midnight.

Charleston Eats: The Obstinate Daughter

Another great Charleston restaurant to share with y'all today!  I've been trying to find an Italian go-to since we moved here three years ago, and I finally have a favorite: The Obstinate Daughter.  This is another amazing restaurant on Sullivan's Island, one of the many Charleston barrier island beaches.  We were over at Sullivan's a week ago for the Eclipse, and I thought it'd be fun to take a few photos of the beautiful food and space.  

The name "Obstinate Daughter" comes from the Revolutionary War.  After the British were unsuccessful in an attempt to capture Charleston in the Battle of Sullivan's Island, the city was called one of America's obstinate daughters in a British political cartoon.

I absolutely love the decor inside OD.  It's located in the second floor of their building (they have their own sweet shop downstairs), so there is tons of natural light.  The wood and rope elements give a nautical feel, perfect for the location, and the whole atmosphere is rustic yet modern.

Not only does The Obstinate Daughter have delicious pasta and pizza, they also have one of the best local raw bars around.  So, of course, I always have to get a little of both!  The peel-and-eat shrimp are delicious, and I love the fresh pasta.  The menu is always changing a bit with the seasons, but the photo below is the Rigatoncini with sausage and fennel ragu (and plenty of cheese - my favorite!).  If you're going for pizza, I highly suggest the Old Danger (with pancetta, mozzarella, and a farm egg) or The Rutledge (ricotta, Italian sausage, and local greens).

On the lunch menu, OD also has sandwiches, and this sub made pork meatballs and tons of mozzarella is delicious.  

If you're looking for a delicious, relaxing, and hearty spot at the beach, The Obstinate Daughter is perfect.  They also have a fantastic brunch.  Make sure you make a reservation or arrive early because they fill up quickly no matter the time of day!

Cereal Milk Shake

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StockUpWithPost #CerealAnytime #CollectiveBias

Over the top milkshakes are my favorite right now.  Yup, I'm officially on that bandwagon.  Especially since it's the middle of the summer, who doesn't want something cold and delicious for dessert?  This one is all about breakfast for dessert... or could it be dessert for breakfast?!  I'm not here to judge!

I chose the colorful Malt-O-Meal Marshmallow Mateys® for this dessert concoction.  How cute are these pieces?  I love the anchor-shaped frosted whole grain oats and little dolphin and fish marshmallows.  

To make your own shake, you will need:
- Malt-O-Meal Marshmallow Mateys®, separated into frosted oat pieces and marshmallow pieces
- vanilla ice cream
- milk
- cream cheese frosting
- food coloring (optional)
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries

Directions:
1. In a blender, combine 3 large scoops of ice cream, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup Marshmallow Mateys® marshmallows, 1/4 cup cream cheese frosting, and a few drops of your favorite food coloring (if you choose).
2. Blend it up!
3. While you're waiting, spread more cream cheese frosting on the rim of a mason jar.
4. Cover the rim with Marshmallow Mateys® oats and marshmallow pieces.
5. Pour the shake into your glass, top with whipped cream, a cherry, and enjoy!

Bagged Malt-O-Meal cereal comes in more than 30 flavors in a variety of sizes to fit your family, including Peanut Butter Cups, and Post has even more cereals that would all make delicious shakes.  How good would a strawberries and cream shake be with Honey Bunches of Oats® with Real Strawberries or a chocolatey, marshmallow-filled shake with HONEY MAID® S’mores?  You can purchase all of your favorite Post cereals at Walmart.

You can try one of Post's newest Shredded Wheat additions and earn $1 cashback with this Ibotta offer. Earn $1 or $.25 cashback when you purchase some of Post newest additions with these ibotta offers.

Make sure to check out more exciting offers for other Post cereal varieties like Shredded Wheat!

Now doesn't this look delicious?  Indulge yourself a little this week and make one of these delicious and easy shakes for yourself! You can get even more inspiration on the Post Pinterest page!

Hometown + Eclipse Long Weekending

This weekend, we were in Rhode Island for my high school reunion.  I always love getting to spend a few summer days in New England, so we did as many of our favorite things as we could: walk on the beach, eat lobster rolls, visit with friends, and we even took a trip up to Massachusetts to see my sister-in-law's new home.  

Rhode Island has a few famous shoreline towns, like Newport, but Westerly will always be my favorite.  The southwest corner of the town, Watch Hill, is gaining it's own little reputation and fame.  St. Clair's has the best lobster rolls and homemade ice cream, Taylor Swift has a home there, and they even have a Lilly store now!  Plus, I got to wear one of my new favorite dresses!

And who knew rural Massachusetts had an awesome brewery?!  We visited Stone Cow and loved their sours: raspberry elderflower and strawberry rhubarb were both some of the best I've ever had.  Plus, the food was delicious, and, of course, there were tons of ice cream flavors and types of cheese since it started as a dairy. 

We were seriously in Rhode Island during peak flower season.  I could have taken flowers all day of these beautiful blooms!

We headed back to Charleston on Sunday night to make sure we were in town for the eclipse on Monday.  The whole city slowed to a stop on Monday and many businesses were closed for viewing.  It was such a weird juxtaposition because there were also over a million in the city to view the eclipse since we were in the path of totality.

We headed out to Sullivan's Island on Monday morning, and... it was pretty cloudy.  We had lunch at The Obstinate Daughter and luckily, about a half hour before totality, the clouds started to dissipate.  The views were amazing, and the whole atmosphere, with people cheering and clapping, was very special to witness.  If an eclipse isn't on your bucket list, you should add it (and start planning your trip for 2024!).

I researched eclipse photography last week to see what settings on my DSLR were best.  But honestly, I threw much of it out the window just to enjoy and take in the experience.  The photo below was actually taken holding my eclipse glasses up to the lens of my camera, and the two photos below that were taken during totality, when it was safe to take the glasses off and view the eclipse. 

Five Loves on Friday

Happy Friday, everyone!  I hope it's been a great week!  I struggled a little with what to write on this Friday, so I thought I'd go a little random and share five things I'm loving:

Starbucks Peach Citrus Infusion: Has anyone else tried Starbucks's new iced tea infusions?  I love that they aren't too sweet on their own and really taste like fruit.  I totally mess up my baristas, though, and ask for the peach citrus infusion in black tea when it usually comes with white tea.  The black tea infusion is pineapple, and it's just not as refreshing on hot days!

Great American Eclipse: Monday!! I remember when it was 365 days away, and now it's only 3.  I am just praying the sun is out, and the weather is beautiful.  It's been so hot in Charleston (heat indexes around 110 degrees) so there have been a ton of pop-up storms.  We are planning to spend the whole day on Sullivan's Island, enjoying the beach, eating some Poe's or Home Team, and visiting Fort Moultrie.

The Sinner: Jessica Biel has always been my favorite.  When I saw she had a mini series coming out on USA, I had to DVR it.  It's three of eight episodes in, and I'm hooked.  If you have on-demand, I think most providers have it available there to catch up.  New episodes are on every Wednesday night!

Target jewelry: Confession - I lose earrings all. the. time.  Target has some really cute stuff for the fall, and I just bought a couple pairs in each metal: silver, gold, and rose gold.  Plus, a cute, versatile necklace!  Can't go wrong with a good deal, right?!

Trader Joe's: There's a TJ's across the street from my office.  If I go there once each week, that's light.  Seriously, it's addicting.  Everything from their frozen meals for lunch to the fresh flowers is awesome.  My current obsession are the dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

Linking up for Oh hey, Friday, Five on Friday, High Five for Friday, and two doses of Friday Favorites

If I Was Going Back To School...

School in Charleston starts back later this week.  Last week, I went shopping for school supplies for 30+ elementary schoolers.  Each year, my organization puts on an event to help our participants feel confident and ready for the new school year by giving families who need them a backpack filled with new supplies.  I love seeing the looks on the kids' faces when they get their new colorful backpacks, but I also love getting to shop for supplies.  Picking out supplies every August was always my favorite, and honestly, I saw so many things when I was shopping that I wanted for myself!  I still remember (and have) my very-rectangular Lion King backpack from kindergarten.  Plus, my 10-year high school reunion is this weekend, so school is definitely on the brain.  I rounded up some of my favorites, because even adults need something to update our desks every once in a while!

agenda ||| stickers ||| pens ||| sticky notes

backpack ||| cube ||| pencil pouch ||| bookends

portable charger ||| letter board

How cute is that cat pencil pouch?  It would be so perfect for makeup brushes or loose change, too.  I just bought one of those portable chargers, and they are AWESOME.  It fits so well in my purse, weighs nothing, and I never think twice about using my phone/worrying that it won't have a charge for later.  Finally, I learned how to do the rubik's cube this summer, so I am all on that bandwagon.

Pin it for later!

If you were going back to school this year, what would be your must-have?

Brunch Weekend

This weekend was two of our closest friends' birthdays.  Last fall and winter, we started hosting brunches on Sundays for our friends.  NFL Redzone + tons of awesome food + warm enough weather to play corn hole and Kan Jam outside made for the perfect day.  We decided to bring the tradition back a little early this year for their special days and had the best Saturday!  Our menu included ham & cheddar quiche, cinnamon rolls, breakfast sushi, sausage gravy, sweet & sour meatballs, pasta salad, and cake with chocolate buttercream.

Before moving to the South, I don't think I ever had sausage gravy.  But one of our friends made it for us when we lived in our apartment, and I immediately fell in love.  Now, it's my go-to weekend breakfast.  Mike has perfected his own recipe, and this spicy version is my absolute favorite.  I've taken photos of him making it a million times but hadn't posted them because, well, it isn't the prettiest dish ever.  But, I promise, what it lacks in bring photogenic, it makes up for in taste!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb roll breakfast sausage (we use the "hot" variety)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- salt and pepper
- biscuits

Directions:
1. Cook and crumble sausage on medium heat in a large pan until browned. (Do not drain fat)
2. Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and incorporate into meat.  Cook for 30-45 seconds.
3. Whisk in milk and continue to stir constantly, making sure to scrape the bottom to prevent burning.
4. Add a layer of salt and pepper to the gravy (about 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper).
5. Continue to whisk on medium for 7-10 minutes until gravy thickens.
6. Serve over biscuits.

(pictured below is a double batch of gravy)

We have made biscuits from scratch before, but, honestly, biscuits made with Bisquik are so easy to make and just as delicious with this dish.

One of these days I will share the deliciousness that is the breakfast sushi above, but that's a post for another day (after I learn all of my friend's secrets - haha).  I hope everyone had a great weekend, too!  Linking up with Biana for Weekending!