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12/31/2016 0 Comments

MM Favorite Things: Top 15 Memories of 2016


#1 - We rang in 2016 in NYC Style
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#2 - We experienced our first-ever official blizzard while living in NYC!
This is one of my favoirte memories of the whole year & my favoirte memory from from our time in NYC. The city was beautiful and quiet. There were no cars out, and we just walked up and down the middle of 5th Avenue and Park Avenue taking in the winter wonderland!
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#3 - Launching the blog 
I started this has a hobby and a creative outlet with the encouragment and help from my friends and family and I lOVE IT!! My dream for 2017 is to continue its growth and reach and to inspire others to live a beautiful life
​through a Southern state of mind.
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#4 - Conner & I took an early anniversary trip to Savannah 
This is  where we became engaged and got married--it's my favorite place on Earth!
Check out my blog post here for everything "Savannah."
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#5 - On April 11th we celebrated our 1st anniversary 
​And what a year it has been!!
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#6 - I accepted a new job as Creative Director at a manufacturing compnay
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#7 - Three of my besties got married this year!
a spring wedding in West Georgia 
a summer wedding in Pittsburgh, PA
a fall wedding in Charlotte, NC
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#8 - My little sister (in-law) graduated high school & started college at UGA
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​#9 - We moved back to Charlotte
​We are MUCH closer to our families now, and our apartment grew in size X2!
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#10 - We celebrated the 4th of July while on a relaxing beach vacation at our favorite coastal resort near Charleston, SC-- Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms. 
Check out that post here!
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#11 - My Grandma  Jean celebrated 89 years of life, so of course we threw a big family bash in her honor!
​Click here to read all about the party & decor.
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​#12 - My Paw-Paw turned the big 8-0 this year, and we celebrated him with a surprise party at the beach 
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#13 - We attended our anual "Roo-Union" weekend with all of our college friends in the mountains of Lexington, VA
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#14 - We celebrated Thanksgiving in Georgia with Conner's family 
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#15 - We celebrated Christmas in Charlotte with my family
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What a wonderful year 2016 has been.
We can't wait to see what 2017 has in store!!

Thanks for reading!!
XX-Molly
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12/29/2016 0 Comments

MM Look Book: New Year's Eve Outfit

Cheers to the New Year, Y'all!!
It's the perfect excuse to be extra sparkly and fabulous. This year I decided to go for something comfortable as well as fun! These sequin pants have the most comfortable lining; it's almost like wearing sweatpants. My top is made from t-shirt material. Since my shirt has short sleeves and it will most likely be cold, I decided to pull out my Grandmother's fur coat. She passed this down to me a few years ago, and there's no better excuse to wear it than NYE. I always say that sentimental items should be worn; don't be afraid of messing them up--they aren't providing
any beauty collecting dust in the closet
Check out what I'm wearing below and all of the links to shop the look. 
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Sequin Pants - ON SALE!!!
Shirt - buy 1 get one 1/2 off
Heels - Similar
Faux Fur Coat - Similar to mine; but even better because it's ON SALE!
Lucite Clutch - 2 in 1 option
Cuff Earrings - 4 options in 1!
Lip Color - this is an oldie but goodie! 

Thanks for reading!
Cheers Ya'll - Molly
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12/27/2016 1 Comment

MM Favorite Things: Christmas Traditions


​We are now 2 days post Christmas, but I am totally still in the spirit!! Who's with me? 
You can't  just turn it off when December 26th rolls around.
Today I am sharing a recap of all of our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions!
​I cherish these so much and love the time that we get to spend with our familes.
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Being married and sharing holidays can be tricky.  Since my hubby's family lives in Atlanta, we switch Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays every other year. It's a system that  works for us!
This year we were with my family in Charlotte for Christmas, but I will be sharing our traditions from both sides!


Christmas Eve Day 
We start the day off with a yummy breakfast and a relaxing morning at home. 
Many years ago my older cousin, Paul, and I started the tradition of having lunch together, and somehow it always turned into my helping him shop for Christmas gifts.  We always go to Qdoba Mexican Grill; it's our favorite! 
The afternoon consists of any last minute wrapping of gifts and getting everything
ready for that evening (including myself). 
We always attend the candle light service at church; singing "Silent Night" with all of the candles lit is just so special. 
After church, we head over to my Aunt Rita and Uncle Terry's house for supper, gift exchanges, and just some good ol' family time. My Aunt Rita is an amazing cook, and she always has her famous seafood gumbo and Rosetta cookies, which is basically just fried batter with powdered sugar. 
Then we head home for the night where we watch "A Christmas Story" and have a celebratory cocktail! 

My in-law's always have a family dinner on Christmas Eve, and their neighbors always throw a party, so we usually drop in at that, too. It's always a packed house and a good time! That night we always watch "Home Alone" in our new sets of matching pajamas.  I love this tradition, and this year we got onesies--priceless!! 
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 Christmas Day ​
It is always a packed day, and we get an early start (on both sides).  It's a good thing because
I have never been good at waiting for Christmas morning.
My parents' saying is "if you believe then you receive," so we always exchange gifts and
see if Santa came to visit at their house. 

Next, we head off to my Gammy and Paw Paw's house for a breakfast feast. We have it ALL: eggs, grits, biscuits, two different kinds of gravy for the biscuits (I prefer one kind,  & my Aunt Dana prefers another), Lil' Smokey sausages, pork sausage patties, bacon, and country ham.  This is the one morning we get to enjoy Poinsettias with breakfast--basically a Christmas mimosa.  Yummy! Then we all exchange gifts, and my Gammy even does stockings for us. We always get the same things: Andies mints, a new tooth brush, tooth paste, a small specialty gift, gum, and a $50 bill in the toe!
Now, when my great-grandparents were still with us (my Gammy's mom and dad) we would head to their house for lunch time. There we got to do one of my favorite traditions of Christmas that is very unique to my family--dig in "the money bowl." My  Papa had a special crystal punch bowl that he  filled with quarters, dimes, and nickels;
and each person got to dig in the bowl. Whatever you go out, you got to keep.
There were strict rules when it came to the money bowl:
 You could dig with 2 hands until you were 6 years old or you went to school, after which you dug with one hand.
You could not rake or throw the money out of the bowl. 
Your hand had to come straight up and out of the bowl. 
Your non-digging hand could be on the side of the bowl for leverage, but you could not use it
​to touch, scrape, or alter the money.
If somebody was not able to be there, the relative closest in age would dig for that person. 
​The digging order was always youngest to oldest. My Papa would always man the bowl and the rules, adding more coins to the bowl after each person, and my Mama Flo would record how much you got each year in her spiral notebook.
Even though they are no longer with us, my Gammy and Paw Paw carry on the tradition with us.

Last but not least, we always have Christmas dinner with my mom's side of the family. There are 6 grandkids and 7 great-grandkids(so far), so we have a large, loud, Italian crowd. I love every second of it! 

On my husband's side, we always do Santa with my neice and then exchange gifts with each other. Last year it was so relaxing, and my sisters-in-law and I stayed in our jammies well into the afternoon. We usually try to squeeze in some form of exercise like a walk around the neighborhood before having a big family feast!
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​I would love to hear about your family's Christmas traditions! Comment and let me know what your favorite things are!!
Thank you for reading, and I hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas!! 
Cheers - Molly  
​
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12/23/2016 0 Comments

MM Look Book: Holiday High Tea

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This year mom & I started the tradition of holiday high tea! What better excuse to get dressed up, pretend like we are british for the afternoon, and drink champagne at 4pm!
​
The Ballentyne Hotel of Charlotte were perfect hosts of our afternoon outing! 
Take a peak at our holiday high tea setting and all the deatils of my outfit...  
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Shop my Look here: 
Ellen Tracy Coat 
Rachel Zoe Zipper Pump
Kate Spade Bag - Similar & ON SALE!
Burberry Classic Scarf

Cheers y'all! 
Thanks for reading!
XX-Molly

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12/21/2016 0 Comments

MM Favorite Things: Christmas Card Photo Shoot


​Hey y'all! I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from our Christmas card photo shoot.
We actually did these this fall, and a good friend of mine captured these precious moments for us.
If you're in the Charlotte area and are looking for someone to capture sweet memories of your own, be sure to check out 

 Meredith Lanier Fields Photography!

​When choosing a location, I wanted something sentimental and meaningful; so we decided to use my grandparents' property for a back drop! I grew up climbing the fence, running around in the fields, and playing in the barn; and now my husband spends much of his time here on the weekends hunting and doing outdoorsy activities.
Take a peak & ​enjoy!

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Thanks for reading!
Cheers to getting your hubby not to fake smile while taking pictures :)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
​XX - Molly
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12/19/2016 0 Comments

Design Tips from MM: How To Style Your Bar Cart For The Holidays


It is no secreat that the bar cart is one of my favorite home accessories, and the holidays are the perfect time to make it even a little more sparkley! 
Check out how I styled my bar cart, and for ideas on how to dress yours!
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This cocktail recipe book was my Grandpa's - he loved a good craft cocktail and I love showcasing it on our bar cart, I know he would be proud! 
I always say family treasures should be displayed, so show off whatever it is that's special to you!!
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Cheers to sparkle season, cocktails, and fancy bar carts!!!
Thanks for reading y'all! 
XX-Molly

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12/16/2016 0 Comments

Design Tips from MM: Gift Wrapping Tutorial

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​I always set aside an afternoon during the holidays to knock out all of my gift wrapping.
It always helps me get into the spirit and is one of my favorite traditions! 
Today I am sharing my gift wrapping tips and tricks! So, go light your Christmas candle, turn up the Christmas tunes, pour yourself a mimosas, drag out all of your wrapping supplies, and let's get to work!


Step1: Lay out your box and place 2 flat sheets of tissue paper on top
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Step 2: Crease the tissue paper so that it fits the length of the box perfectly 

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Step 3: Place your item into the box and fold each side of the tissue paper over it.
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Step 4: Roll your paper out, flip the box over so the bottom is facing up, and slide to one end.
Leave enough room on the sides for the paper to completely cover the box. 
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Step 5: Fold each side of the paper over the box to measure how much you'll need. I always over estimate--better to have too much than not enough.
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Step 6: Cut your paper according to the size measured above
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​Step 7: Place your box approximately in the center of the paper and fold over one side; secure with tape
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​Step 8: Before taping the other side of the box, fold over the edge of the paper, creating a perfectly crisp line
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​Step 9: Match up your pattern (as best you can) and secure the other side
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​Step 10: Now for the sides... Fold each corner in at an angle
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​Step 11:  Fold the top flap down and secure with tape. Fold the bottom flap up and secure with tape
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Step 12: Repeat step 11 on both ends 
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Step 13: Now that your box is wrapped it's time for a bow!
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Step 14: Flip your box back over so it is right side up and place your ribbon horizontally across the top. Be sure to leave enough excess ribbon on both ends. Estimating how much you'll need will take a little practice.
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​Step 15: Wrap the ribbon around the sides and onto the bottom (your box should be flipped back over to the bottom side now). Take each end and twist them around each other in opposite directions. Each end of the ribbon should form a 90 degree angle. Pull tightly, so it isn't loose.
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​Step 16: Flip your box back over to the front side and gather each end of the ribbon (now on opposite sides of the box from where it started). Tie your bow as if you are tying your shoes!
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​Step 17: Pull tightly to secure your bow. Monkey with the loops and tails until they are the size and length you want them. Then, trim each end of the tail to prevent fraying and add a little decorative touch. 
-One solid angled cut starting at one corner 
or 
-Two smaller angled cuts from each corner meeting in the center
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Step 18: Voila! You have a beautifuly wrapped gift!
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 I hope this helps! Comment below if you have questions; I will be happy to help! 

Also, here is a list of a few of my favoirte spots to pick up gift wrapping supplies: 
-Hobby Lobby 
-Homegoods 
-TJ Maxx 
-Emily McCarthy Shoppe 
-All She Wrote Notes 

Thanks for reading! 
Cheers to beautifuly wrapped gifts! 
XX-Molly
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12/15/2016 2 Comments

Design Tips from MM: Holiday Home Decor


Happy Holidays from our home to yours!!! 
​
Today I am sharing all of our holiday decorations. It is my favoirte time of year and decorating always gets me in the spirit. 
I always block off the weekend before thanksgiving, (I know...I know...I don't want to hear it; I start early) I send my husband off to the woods for the weekend to hunt, and I drag out all of the dusty plastic boxes and go to town! Check out all of the deatils here...

The living room-
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These ornaments are very special to me. They are my Great-grandmother Gibson's, and are the original colored glass balls. I love having these out; seeing them every day reminds me of her. 
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The Foyer-
Satin bows, topiaries, and tinsel make for the perfect greeting!
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​ My Office (& Guest Bedroom) -​

I don't think there was ever a room that was more "me"!
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Merry Christmas y'all!! 
Thank you for taking a tour of our home with me today. Hope you enjoyed! 
Cheers to holiday decorations!
XX-Molly

2 Comments

12/14/2016 3 Comments

MM Look Book: The Perfect Holiday-Wedding Look


Last weekend we had the pleasure of attending our dear friends' wedding in Lexington, Virginia.
​It was the perfect holiday affair! 
​
For this event, I chose to wear a dress by Elie Tahari, which was featured in my post about Holiday Dresses 101, last week. This particular dress is just too fun not to share the details. 
Take a peek at how to style this fun holiday dress!
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There is no better time to dress up than the holidays! Shop this Elie Tahari dress here. 

Cheers to Kourtney and Andrew!  We wish you all the happiness and love in the world! 

P.S.. - A big shout-out to my bestie, Bri, for shooting these photos in the freezing cold. XXX 

Thanks for reading, y'all! 
Cheers to holiday weddings & fabulous dresses 
XX-Molly
3 Comments

12/12/2016 0 Comments

MM Favorite Things: Holiday Gift Guide for Him & Her


​The Holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful. Knowing what to buy for your best gal or your best fella can be tricky. So, today I am sharing my top 5 holiday gift picks for him & her!

​For Her:
  
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Shop Gray Malin Beaches Book
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Shop Kendra Scott Elton Cuff
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Shop Faux Fur Leopard Coat
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Shop Volcano Candle
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Shop Aggregate coasters

​For Him:
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Shop Happy Socks
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Shop Akaso Drone
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Shop Saddle Leather Bar Accessories
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Shop Warby Parker Sunglasses
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Shop Yeti Hopper

​Cheers to happy holiday shopping!
Thanks for reading
​XX- Molly

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