Thankful

Christmas 2015

The Pecan Cottage decked for Christmas. 

Gidget's new ornament. 

Cape Fear Academy Holiday Party at Front Street Brewery. 

Including an intense game of trivia. 

Danielle and I went to Manna for some cocktails to celebrate the season.  She bought me a beautiful coffee table book and this cool old fashion cocktail kit. 

Danielle looking uber stylish in her leather skirt and plaid top. 

The last day of school all the teachers met at The Brewer's Kettle for some pre-vacation fun. 

Then, it was off to Belmont. I met the Sossamon's in Charlotte and we grabbed sushi. 

On Christmas Adam, we went to The Sawyer's for soup and to let the kids play. They had a ball. 

Jarrod and Graham. 

Sweet Jackers. 

I brought a little New Orleans to Belmont this Christmas.  I made a big jug of milk punch.  It was a big hit! 

Bethany and I cooking Christmas Eve dinner. 

My favorite present, mint julep cups.

Helping Lee open presents. 

Asheville

This post is only about a year overdue. Last February, my friend Katie and I went to Asheville for a mini-vacation. It was our break from work and we wanted to get out of town. As is the case these days, I researched a good bit before we left and came up with some awesome recommendations. 

We drove straight in to Asheville and after 5 hours on the road, we were famished. We headed to White Duck Taco Shop, located on the river.  We had some scrumptious tacos and two margaritas.

My friend Glenn, who worked for J.Crew, told me about a clearance store near Asheville. We hit it up while we were in the area and I scored two beautiful dresses for next to nothing. 

After some retail therapy, we checked into the hotel. That evening we ubered to Wicked Weed brewery for some local spirits. 

We ended the evening at All Souls Pizza, a divine little pizzeria near the river. 

On our final night we went to John Fleers's Rhubarb. This restaurant has recieved a lot of acclaim and for good reason.  The morracan wings were sensational, as well as everything else I tried. One of my oldest childhood friends, Carson, meet us for some drinks and appetizers, at the bar, and then we headed out for some live music. 

Carson and Corey Isreal. 

Favorite Things 2015

Fig.7 Jewelry:

Danielle and I both fell in love with this line at my school's holiday market.  Danielle bought the most beautiful tear drop ring and I scored this one, a blue dyer turquoise.  I adore the green color.  

La Croix-
This is constantly in my fridge.  Every week I buy a case of the coconut and grapefruit.  Many people use these sparkling waters, or as my nephew calls them "sparky waters", as mixers for cocktails, but I prefer to drink them solo.  They are delicious.  I gave up sodas three years ago when I started drinking the sparkling water from Trader Joe's, but these, in my opinion, are far superior.

Nars Bronzer:

This has been my go to bronzer since college.  It is the perfect shade.  Many bronzers appear orange, but this is the perfect sun-kissed color. 

Orin Swift Wines:

The "F" made in France is my absolute favorite, but "AR" and "E" are equally delicious.  He just launched two new brands, WA and OR.  I recently bought the WA and can't wait to try it.

Chai Tea Latte: 

My newest obsession.  I have always been a grande skinny hazlenut gal, but after sampling my sister's chai tea over Thanksgiving I was a total convert. 

Dry Shampoo: 

About a year ago, I transitioned away from washing my hair everyday.  Now, I am on the once every three days plan.  How might I manage this? Dry Shampoo.  It is truly a life-saver.  I was using Pureology, which smells great, but is a bit pricey.  My sister sent me this bottle a few weeks ago, it is definitely more effective and comes in a wide range of scents.  The greatest part, it is ridiculously cheap.

Art:
I love art.  I like to acquire pieces that are personal to me; pieces that will last forever, no matter where I live.  These are the pieces I have purchased this year that I absolutely love.

Tory Burch Double Wrap Watch:

I purchased this after Christmas last year and it has been my daily watch.  I love it.  It provides a layered look, it's especially beautiful when stacked with bracelets.

Rodan and Fields Reverse: 

Worth every penny.  I started this regime after summer, when my skin was freckled and damaged.  In two short months, all of my freckles have faded and my skin tone is even again.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask :
This mask is amazing.  I started using it last winter and I just now ran out.  It provides immediate glow.  I used it once a week, usually on the weekend, before a fun night out.

Samantha's Book Club 2015

My final book list, with recommendations, for 2015.  I loved all of these, except maybe The Rocks, which was similar to Beautiful Ruins, but not as good. The Invention of Wings, Circling the Sun, and The American Heiress were definitely my favorites.  The Girl in the Spider's Web, which featured the much awaited return of Lisbeth Salander, did not disappoint.  If you have not read these, add them to your list for 2016.