Next Up...

I have a goal to become a better blogger. I absolutely adore writing and sometimes I feel like my posts are less than lackluster. To be honest, I just haven't been in the blogging mood this week and I plan on changing that.

I am one to celebrate holidays for months prior to their arrival and as soon as one holiday is over I'm on to the next. I find all of my cute decorations at, believe it or not, Dollar Tree. I can take items for $1 and turn them into something that you'd see at Target for $30. With Valentine's past, we're on to Easter (I'm not big on St. Patty's Day) and during lunch time today I went and bought some of the cutest little decorations to adorn our home with this weekend, so next week you're going to hear all about it, along with the pictures. 

I know I have been saying for a while now that I am going to post the purchases that I made from ThredUp but I'm a believer that clothing pictures look better on an actual person, than on a hanger. All of the purchases I made (read the original post here) are for warm weather, and unfortunately it's not warm enough to bring out those dresses. I promise I will post pics as soon as I have the opportunity to wear them!

On a completely different note I woke up this morning and curled my hair with my wand, only to realize that the humidity was so high today, that it got frizzy as soon as I stepped out the door. It literally looked like I had not even ran a comb through my hair this morning, all I can do about it is laugh, and snapchat friends who understand about hair probs!

Speaking of hair, I'm in a hair rut! I have had swide swept bangs for as long as I can remember and I'm currently letting them grow out, but I feel like I have the same look daily and I'm getting sick of it, so I'm thinking of some front layers, like Aria Montgomery Lucy Hale. It's obvious my hair would not look this great, but it's the look I'm hoping to attain, thoughts?

It's been months and months (other than my ThredUp purchase) since I have gone shopping for myself. If you're a mom, than most likely you understand why, but if not let me explain, kids clothes are just cuter! It's as simple as that. The new anchor outfit that I just bought for Cadence...well Gymboree doesn't sell it in my size...damn you Gymboree!

So essentially I'd rather drop the cash on cute clothes for Cade's, rather than myself...I have a feeling this paycheck is going to be a little bit different because I need some warm weather clothes, especially after the green crayon incident. (FYI - if you're new to this ole blog of mine, trust me it's worth a read!) Obviously, Pinterest is swoon worthy for fashion, but I'd say 50% of the time the picture link doesn't work and the other half are completely un-affordable on my budget, but I take the pictures and hit up Target and other retail stores to replicate the look for less #win!

This precious top is from the Red Dress Boutique, they are currently out, but I still wanted to give you the source because I am obsessed with all of their clothes!

Lastly, I have been absolutely smitten with the thought of turning our spare bedroom, into a serene place to go into and read, post on the blog, or just take a nap, and as soon as I saw this I just couldn't imagine anything else in that room. I mean what's better than a pink couch, with gold pillows?

Have a great weekend lovelies!

Five on Friday

I'm linking up with all of the ladies today for Five on Friday! If you want to link up, click here.



one.


My sweet husband is still out of town working and Cadence and I miss him horribly. Hopefully he will get to come home to his girls today and we are beyond ready to see his face and give him a big hug. As I've stated before I have such respect for a single parent because it's tough work doing it all on your own.


two.


I'm currently munching on some Chick-fil-A chicken mini's for breakfast...yum! Every now and then I have some extra time to stop by before work and it just so happens I did this morning. These little babies are so delicious!


three.


I saw this floating around on Pinterest and for some reason it truly made me laugh out loud and not a lot does that. We can type lol all day long, but let's face it, how often do we truly lol?


I just think this is so true!

four.


This morning on GroopDealz are these precious monogrammed tortoise sunnies for only $11.99...I think I'm going to buy them! They are beyond cute and they're monogrammed, it doesn't get much better than that!

Buy Here

five.

It's Friday and I am beyond thrilled to that fact! I cannot wait until quitting time to go pick up my girl from the sitter and start our weekend!

P.S. I normally don't want Keeping Up With the Kardashians, but last night I was bored and caught the episode where Kanye proposed. I cannot stand Kanye, especially after his Taylor Swift stunt, but for some reason he seemed so sincere and sweet on this episode. Then again it is "reality" TV...thoughts?

Currently

Today I'm linking up with Hima Hearts & The Grits Blog for my first "Little Friday" link-up!

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With the warmer weather we are enjoying warm weather clothes, and Cadence sure does love her new nautical outfit, along with the matching anchor bow!

//

As I have said several times I am in vacation mode, just stuck at the office. Here are the vacations that we are currently tossing around, so feedback is very much appreciated:

Myrtle Beach

/or/

Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas

Thoughts?

//

We are getting things prepared for Cadence to start school this year. I truly cannot believe that I have a child old enough for Kindergarten! Where does the time go?

Cadence loves anchors as much as me, so we're obsessing over this lunch/backpack combo and I'm already in talks with the Etsy shop owner to get this backpack in pink (because you know it's going to be pink!)

By: SomethingYouGifts on Etsy

I would have had this when I was in school, but we had to have plain mesh or clear backpacks...ick!

//

I'm in a skirt and my stilettos today. It's about time! As soon as I knew the weather was going to be a warm, sunny, 80 degrees, I tossed my leggings and boots for a pencil skirt and nude pumps and it feels oh so good!


I'm beyond ready for Friday, you?

Currently {hashtags}

Good morning lovelies...I hope that you are having a happy Wednesday so far. The sunshine is out and it's a warm 75 degrees outside. I have on a white sleeveless button down shirt, along with my garnet colored skinnies and black flats. #GamecockRepresent

To be wearing a sleeveless shirt and not be freezing at the same time makes me one happy girl. Cadence was also happy to be wearing shorts and a t-shirt today. My kid loves summer clothes, as do I!

//

I also ventured out (with lots of help from blog friends) and made a blog button for this little ole' blog of mine. So feel free to share the love and I'll do the same. #BlogSwap

<div align="center">
<a href="http://lifeinthelowcountrysc.blogspot.com" title="Life in the Lowcountry"><img src="http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u589/Miranda_Lowther_Graham/bandw_zps772542f3.png" alt="Life in the Lowcountry" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

//

I had a few spare minutes before work this morning so I went into the local Walgreen's with new lipstick on my mind, but came out with a new nail polish instead. I had my hand on Essie's ballet slippers (because it truly is the perfect neutral regardless of the season!) but came out with fiji instead. It is the perfect pink for Spring and Summer, and "weather" or not those seasons are here yet, I could care less. #DareDevil

Also, ignore the paint job...I'm no good at painting my own nails. #NeedAMani

//

If I've said it before, I'll say it again, I am dreaming of white sandy beaches and my bikini. Not trying to sound like a spoiled brat, but normally we vacation in October and March and we have not done either this past October and not one thing planned for March. I may just have to make plans and tell the husband to tag a long. #GirlsGottaDo #WhatAGirlsGottaDo

I'm thinking of Myrtle Beach, Fripp Island, Jacksonville, but a cruise is never out of the question. They truly are a #BangForYourBuck...the food, fun and different locations all rolled into one vacation package. #score

//

I think this weekend I'm hitting up my local Target and mall to add on to my summer clothes, especially summer/work clothes. There are only so many times I can wear pink skinnies, with my nude pumps and white blouse before it becomes redundant. Off to search #Pinterest #SwipeTheCreditCard

When it rains, it pours!

To say that the past two weeks have been tough, is an understatement. I'm not one to be a pessimistic person, but I can't help but to vent, hey, it's what we as women do, right?

It all started last Wednesday when my husband had to leave town to work, well needless to say, he is still out of town working and his work doesn't determine when he gets to come home until the day of, so it's not like we have a countdown as to when he gets to come home, which makes it worse.

To ease the time of Tarl being gone, Cadence and I decided to stay with my parents and spend some quality time with them. Wouldn't you know, that the day we arrive to spend time with my parents, my mom ends up going in the hospital with breathing difficulties. She is still in the hospital, but as of now, stable and getting some much needed rest.

To add insult to injury my sweet girl got sick. So essentially I am a single mom, whose mom is in the hospital, with a sick little girl myself. It's not been fun and my stress levels have been through the roof!

Cadence is now doing better (Praise the Lord!) so that has made it a bit easier on me, but I definitely have a new level of respect for all single parents out there. It's unbelievably hard and lonely not having your significant other there. Luckily we live in a world of FaceTime so I atleast get to see his sweet face!

Cadence and I also got to spend some time on the farm, and that is always a good time. She loves her little baby chickens.

With an empty bed, I had to find a new snuggle buddy :)

We did do some spring clothes shopping for Cadence. Gymboree has some of the cutest outfits right now for warmer weather, and when Cadence found this floppy hat, we had to find an outfit that went along with it, shoes included!

(Her new floppy hat and flip flops)

We also got the bathing suit and outfit to match :)

Anchor Striped Bathing Suit

Boat Neck Anchor Striped Tee

...and naturally, we got the hot pink pants to match. I can't wait to see her in this nautical themed outfit!

Anyways, I'm off to huddle in a corner and pray for the health of my mom and child, and the safe return of my husband...xo

If You're Ever {Food & Travel Blog}

I've been wanting to start a food and travel blog for quite some time, and today I did just that.

Keep in mind that this will still be my daily blog, If You're Ever is a blog I will post frequently, but not daily. Please visit and tell me what you think...click follow and join along!

I can't wait to post on If You're Ever with all of my sights and tastes!

xo



Liebster Award...again

This is my third Liebster Award, and this one is from the lovely Lauren over at Peach State of Mind.

Here's how it works in case you didn't know...

The Liebster Award is a way for bloggers to celebrate other bloggers. It's passed down from one blogger to another, as long as the blogger has less than 200 followers. If you choose to accept the nomination, here are a few rules to follow:

1.  Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.

2. List 10 facts about yourself.

3. Create 10 new questions.

4. Nominate 5-10 bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Without further ado, here are the questions from Lauren:

1. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

[Hey, it's the teacher in me.]

Bubblegum pink all day, every day. Seriously, as pathetic as it sounds, when Cadence and I color together, she grabs the hot pink and I grab the bubblegum pink. By the time we're done with our pictures, it looks like Pepto Bismol exploded all over the page!

All my prom dresses were  pink. Even my wedding dress had pink in it...it's just who I am.

2. What is your favorite smell?

Christmas trees. There is nothing like the smell of that fresh pine and sap that lingers around your home during the Christmas season. I even burn my Christmas tree scented candles year round.

3. What is the farthest you've been from home?

I'm not going to map it out to give you the exact mileage, but here are some places I've been, and you take a guess on the farthest:

Key West

Cozumel

Grand Cayman

Nassau, Bahamas

Freeport, Bahamas

Kentucky

North Carolina

Georgia

Alabama

Indiana

Tennessee

4. Do you have a special talent? If so, what is it?

I'd love to say playing the guitar or the drums, because there is something so bad ass about a girl who can play instruments like that, unfortunately other than the air guitar, I have no musical talent what-so-ever...although I'm not published in any books, some of my writings have been in local papers, and I have won some awards for my writing, so ultimately writing is my passion.

5. Who is your best friend? How did y'all meet?

Not including my sisters, I'd have to say my bestie is Emily. I am saying bestie because I know how much she despises that word, and I love to aggravate her :)

Emily and I, believe it or not, were not crazy about meeting one another. My boyfriend (now husband) and her boyfriend (now husband) were/and still are best friends. They were each other's best men as well. It was inevitable that we had to meet and both of us did a lot of trash talking to our significant others about one another...looking back I'm sure Tarl was sick of hearing how stuck up Emily was, and I'm sure Daniel was sick and tired of hearing how much of a prude I was. Well it came time, and we hit it off. The one thing I love about Emily is the honesty that we share in our friendship. If we are ever angry at one another, we do not keep it in, or talk badly about each other. We go straight to one another and say, "hey, you pissed me off when..."

Not many friendships can be honest like that. If I don't like the shirt she's wearing I'm going to call her out on it. If my hair looks like shit, you bet your ass she's going to tell me, and I freaking love her for it. These types of friendships are hard to come by.

6. Do you have any pets?

Hector the cat. We did not want any pets, especially a cat. We are not cat people by any means of the word, but lo and behold my dad brought Cadence a cat, without asking us first, God love that man!

Needless to say, we all now have a soft spot for "hecky".

7. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Growing up I always had a thing for boys that played baseball. Tarl played baseball, and I love(d) softball. I'm not a huge sports fan, but at the end of the day I love to watch Gamecock baseball!

8. What is your favorite fashion accessory right now?

Hair, is always a womans best accessory, always. You can have on holy shorts and a beat up t-shirt, but if your hair is done, you look fantastic...this is true!

9. Why did you start blogging?

I used to have a blog way back in the day. I had a good amount of followers, blogged daily, and absolutely loved it. Within one day my world came crashing down when my mother unexpectedly got put in the hospital on her death bed. Thank The Good Lord he wasn't quite ready for her, but she was still on life support for three weeks. Although I could have put my blog on hold, I decided that between the hospital stays with my mom, as well as her well being afterwards, I needed to focus on my family, so one day, while sitting in the waiting room in ICU, I hit the delete button on my iPhone and never looked back. One year later, Life in the Lowcountry was born.

10. If you could give one piece of blogging advice, what would it be?

Don't worry about the # of followers you have. Blog for yourself. Blog for the readers that you do have. Too often I have seen blogs that I absolutely adored, get a main stream of followers, and suddenly their blogs transform into something different, and to me it's not real. Would I like thousands of followers? Of course I would. At the end of the day I'm blogging for me though...

and you should too!

//

Here are 10 random facts:

1 - My feet were burned so badly in a fire when I was 3, they never thought I'd have feet, believe it or not, my feet look like everyone elses...my mom and dad had preachers come and pray over my feet and to this day, I know that is why I'm walking and can get pedicures like everyone else :)

2 - The entire time I was pregnant I just knew I was having a boy. I wanted a little girl, but knew within my heart I was having a boy. I thought I was having a son so much that I started buying boy clothes, to my surprise, I had to trade them in for pink...hallelujah!

3 - I hate tomato's, hate them!

4 - I've met Jake Owen, twice.

5 - I'd secretly love to go back to the time of flip phones, I still miss my old (bubblegum pink)Razr phone to this day!

6 - I can never turn down sweets, ever. I always eat dessert, even if it's cinnamon toast at the end of the meal, I just have a major sweet tooth. Tarl knows I'd rather have an edible arrangement, then a dozen roses.

7 - New York, California and Paris are on my list of places to see. One day I may just get out a loan and go...seriously!

8 - I love good surprises.

9 - I've always wanted to be a teacher, I just haven't gotten there yet.

10 - I'm about to start a separate blog for food and travel. It's something I'm very passionate about. Anytime we travel, food and local attractions, that not many people may know about, are something I adore to do. You know, the spots that the locals go to that tourists know nothing about...I'll keep y'all posted!

Here are the blogs I nominate for the Liebster award:

Emily @ A Day in the Life of Em

Chesson @ A Southern Twenty-Five

Nicole @ Twenty-Five Dreams

Here are your questions ladies (I may or may not steal some Qs from Lauren):

1 - Where have you traveled, and which was your favorite place?
2 - What is biggest hurdle you've ever had to overcome?
3 - Who is your best friend and how did you meet?
4 - If you could give one piece of blogging advice, what would it be?
5 - Have you ever met a celebrity? If so, do tell!
6 - What is your #1 pet peeve?
7 - Scariest moment in your life?
8  - Are you where you thought you'd be in your life? Explain.
9 - What is the one thing you can't live without? (Item, not family member)
10 - Your all time favorite memory...get creative!

xo