Thursday, June 16, 2016

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Find of the Week: Foxcroft Wine Co

I always passed it on my way home from Dilworth - the quaint, corner spot decorated with the most adorable outdoor lighting. Last night, I was finally able to actually try Foxcroft Wine Co with some girlfriends. 



If you think the outdoor seating is a cool atmosphere, just wait until you make your way inside. Each wall is decorated with endless bottles of reds, whites, roses, and everything in between. Their menu  was extensive without being overwhelming. I ended up choosing a half pour of their featured Chianti & another half pour of their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious!



If you were like me and thought a wine bar wouldn't serve food, you are (gladly) mistaken. Foxcroft features a full menu of items ranging from flatbreads to sliders to daily chef's choice bruschetta. Though I had eaten before (zoodles, duh) I snagged a couple of bites of the charcuterie board which was as delicious as it was beautiful. 

If you're a Charlotte wine lover, definitely check this place out. I visited the Dilworth location but have heard the Southpark location is just as neat. 



Wednesday, June 15, 2016

4 Ingredient Dinner: Zoodles & Meatballs

An easy weeknight dinner gets me more excited than you probably think. Tonight, I had little time between getting home from work and heading back out for a wine night with some girlfriends. My meal plan was even quicker than I had imagined. Such a simple, delicious, and healthy surprise!

What You'll Need: 
- Veggie Noodle Co. Zoodles (available at Whole Foods)
- Aidell's Italian Style Chicken Meatballs
- 1 Can Diced Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Salt, Pepper, & Red Pepper Flakes optional


1. Add oil & a spoonful of canned garlic to skillet & heat
2. Add zoodles, salt & pepper, & red pepper flakes and cook 3-4 minutes stirring
3. While zoodles are cooking, microwave meatballs 3 minutes
4. Add diced tomatoes to zoodle pot
5. Stir in heated meatballs
6. Plate & top with mozzarella cheese

I served with a slice of French baguette toast. 



Enjoy!

Monday, June 13, 2016

Weekend Recap: A Visit Home

Another weekend, another lonely camera roll. I guess we should all be used to this by now but I promise I will continue to try to take more/better pictures!

This weekend, I headed back to Raleigh to spend some time with friends I hadn't had the chance to see in a while. Saturday morning was spent at one of my favorite places in Raleigh - a true "hidden gem." Morning Times is tucked away downtown and is the perfect coffee spot as it is completely unique serving seasonal brews that change all the time. I have never chosen one I didn't like. 



Their biscuits are also to die for. I indulged in a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast biscuit while Kara chose the breakfast burrito. We made our way upstairs to a quaint table by the window. The atmosphere is next to none and the dining area slowly filled with such a variety of weekend coffee lovers. My dad has always been right - morning people are the best people.


After catching up with Kara, I met my mom at Crabtree Valley Mall for some weekend shopping. Though I wasn't as successful as I had hoped, I managed to score this 1 State Polka Dot Dress (nothing beats a shift), a Lucky Brand Night Dreamer Wrap Bathing Suit (obsessed with the support this style gives), and these comfortable Rock and Candy Sandals (I've been on the hunt for the perfect work sandal). 






Most of my weekend was spent playing around with my parent's new puppy, Beasley. She is the absolute cutest and is entertained simply by throwing the ball.



Saturday night my mom introduced me and one of her friends to the local Cinebistro. We waited until our movie was called and made our way into the extravagant theatre where we were greeted by the most comfortable, leather recliners I have ever met. I enjoyed a delicious cobb salad & my mom and her friend ordered the fish tacos & brussels sprouts (highly recommended, so delicious!). We split a bottle of wine & enjoyed the comedy. I will definitely be returning for a date night next time I get back to Raleigh!

Please excuse this horrendous selfie and pay attention to the happiest, most adorable women beside me. 

I got to spend Sunday morning at my favorite church, Hope, with one of my best college friends/roommates. It was so nice to feel at home again as I am struggling to find a church I love as much in Charlotte. 

Finally, I caught brunch with Meggie, one of my best camp friends at Toast Cafe in Cary. They had a delicious breakfast burrito and the servers are always so polite. I hadn't seen Meggie in a while so we talked over coffee for a while before it was time to make my way back to Charlotte. 

Now that this weekend is over, there are many more busy ones to come! I am excited for my parents to visit Charlotte this weekend for Father's Day. It has been over a year since they have visited and I am planning on showing them some of my favorite local spots before we catch a Knight's game on Saturday night!

Happy Monday!






Sunday, June 12, 2016

Dreaming of PJs

Now that I have graduated and started a "big girl job" (has it really been a year?!) I feel out of place wearing my usual oversized, frumpy t-shirt to bed. Hence my newest obsessed with PJs of all kinds. 

It all started when my brother & sister in law gifted me with the most glorious set of PJ Harlow pajamas for my birthday in March. I couldnt get over the way the fabric glides over my skin & how elegant a simple set of loungewear could be.  I have the Daisy Top & Mikel Shorts and wear an XS (recommended size 0-4) for reference. 


I also picked up these DKNY Citi Essentials Pants at TJ Maxx and they feel like heaven. You know the feeling of a new Piko shirt - those trendy tees made with bamboo? Ding ding ding.

 Normally I am totally against anything on my legs under the sheets, but for something so soft like these, I was more than willing to make an exception. I found a pair of black pants at TJ Maxx but am loving the heather gray here. Definitely recommend sizing up on these for a more loose, comfortable fit - I bought a medium.


Though I haven't tried Honeydew Intimates yet, I have heard nothing but great things about the soft, femininity of the brand. This nightgown is definitely on my wish list for summer nights to come. 


And how cute is this one for future brides to be?



Lucky Brand has also come out with some adorable sleepwear singles & sets. I love these boxer shorts with a simple tank or tee. Some of these colors are on sale for just $8.99!


Target has also been killing it in the loungewear category too. 
I love both this classic Periwinkle Set & trendier Fringe Set.



Finally, this wouldn't be a true PJ post without featuring my favorite robe. My mom gifted me this basic Jockey Robe for Christmas and I have a hard time giving it up for even just a day. It is light enough I am not sweating bullets when blow drying my hair but heavy enough to lounge in on a lazy, cooler Saturday morning. She monogrammed the back where the tie is attached to add a little personalized touch. Highly recommend this purchase - you won't regret it!



I have the black (of course!) but am loving the light blue. 


What's your go to sleep set?

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Find of the Week: Happy Hits

Summer never truly starts until you've found a go to, feel good playlist to kick it off. Luckily, I got ahead of the game and came across Spotify's Happy Hits playlist that immediately had me craving the obligatory summer BBQ, a relaxed day spent on the beach, and the windows-down, wind-through-my-hair drive back to Raleigh all at the same time. That's when you know it's good. 



I found myself constantly surprised by the catchy songs that piggybacked off one another. The list included a range of recognizable radio hits to newer, never before heard beats that had me immediately making a "to download" list. 


You can find some of my recent favorites here: 

I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Easy Weeknight Dinner

Are you ready? Because here comes the absolute easiest weeknight dinner I have posted yet. 



Grab yourself a bag of Harris Teeter steamable green & yellow bagged beans and download the new Chick-Fil-A App and you're set. 

After downloading, Chick-Fil-A is offering a FREE Chicken Sandwich of your choice! Choose between the classic, spicy, or (my favorite) the grilled. 

Easy? Check. Yummy? Check. Healthy? Check. Perfect? Almost.