The Lovely Owl

Lately In Photos: Father's Day Weekend

2013-06-17T21:54:35+00:00

Last week Baby H. turned 7 months - he's started solid foods (bananas or prunes are his favorites) and he's SO close to crawling.

For Father's Day Weekend we went down to Orange Beach (on The Gulf in Alabama). Mr. H. had various 10 Cane Rum promotions that we got to attend - drinks in the sun!

The weather was warm but we enjoyed the beach, delicious seafood, mojitos and Champagne! Mr. H. even bought me a beautiful new maxi dress. What a guy!

What's new with you? Leave a comment and have a lovely week.

Off to the beach!

2013-06-13T22:35:16+00:00

We're off to the beach!

For a short weekend trip I love outfits that do double duty - day to night, beach to cocktails.

Here's my packing list:

A easy breezy dress that can be worn over a swimsuit or dressed up for dinner is the number one must have for a beach weekend. Accessories can dress you up or down - wedges for cocktail hour and a boho chic headband to tame your beach mane, and over-sized sunglasses worn pool side. A love a solid color bikini because you can pair it with anything from a funky beach tote to a preppy towel. For entertainment I'll bring my Kindle in a Cork Cover for a little reading and relaxing.

What are you doing this weekend? Leave a comment and enjoy!

I'm Reading, I'm Loving, I'm Craving: 6.13.13

2013-06-13T13:44:13+00:00

I'm Reading . . .

"Where We Belong" by Emily Giffin.

Image via Amazon

I've read several of her books and loved them. This one is just as good! I'm half way finished and it's a real page turner.

I'm Loving . . .

Our upcoming family beach weekend!

Image via smallshipstudio.com

I've never been to Orange Beach and can't wait to hang out in the sun and sand with my two boys.

I'm Craving . . .

These baby leather moccasins!

How adorable and fashion forward? I would choose the gray for Baby H.

Lately in Photos: Early June

2013-06-10T19:51:46+00:00

Did everyone have a lovely weekend? Despite the monsoon-like rainstorms we had a fabulous time!

I got my haircut this past week. It's a bit shorter than I requested but it's growing on me. Mr. H. loves me with short hair so that helps!

We went to the farmer's market on Saturday and picked up a pork shoulder from a local farm. It's cooking "low and slow" as I write this.

Last week I started working out with a personal training which meant I had to put Baby H. in gym babysitting. Both milestones were a success and I learned that I can also use the tennis courts and take advantage of the free day care - SCORE. Mr. H. and I had a tennis date Sunday morning.

This morning Baby H. tried Pears for the first time. The above photos is the pre-pear shot. He was not a fan (surprising as he loves prunes) and promptly spit them out and winced.

What do you have planned this week? Leave a lovely comment.

June Wish List

2013-06-05T14:26:41+00:00

I can't believe it's Summer!

While it's a bummer we no longer get summers off, I still love everything that's associate with the playful season. Our summer schedule is already full with traveling, hosting out of town guests, swimming lessons, BBQs and concerts.

My June wish list is a compilation of items that will serve me well this summer.

1. My dear friend Maggie has this Vince Camuto Tote. It's the softest leather, holds everything and still looks chic!

2. We have a screened in porch on the back of our house. These lanterns would be the perfect decor for hosting friends this summer.

3. Another dear friend, Allyson, introduced me to Le Pen - now I want the whole set!

4. I did not think I would still be nursing Baby H. at almost seven months. It's finally started to be easy and the health benefits for both of us are great. That being said, it's time to invest in a new and pretty nursing bra.

5. I'm super into the peasant blouse this season. It's cool, comfortable and hides that baby tummy I'm still trying to get rid of.

6. My current bath robe is a heavy, stuffed animal like winter robe. I'm wishing for a light weight version I can pack in my suit case.

7. A mug you can write chalk board messages on - how fun! I think it would be super cute to leave a sweet note for Mr. H. with his morning coffee.

8. The only black maxi dress I own is a maternity version from Old Navy. I think it's time to upgrade as this piece is perfect for the airplane, the beach or relaxing at home.

9. I'm a sucker for printed pants and this tropical pair from Mango scream summer.

10. I just discovered that Splendid has a baby line - could this outfit be any cuter?

Lately In Photos: It's been a while!

2013-06-03T16:41:15+00:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. I've been a busy bee with vacation, work and Baby H. Now that I have a free moment let me catch you up a bit.

Mr. H. had to work in Arizona so I took Baby H. to my hometown of Dallas for a week. We had a great time with the grandparents. It was my first flight solo with baby. Another first - Baby H. sat in a high chair! We also took a dip in the pool, ate delicious meals and relaxed.

After a week in Dallas we met Mr. H. in Colorado. The flight there was a bit rough (think connecting flights, screaming baby and air sick mama). If you ever travel alone with your child I have tips! We met two lovely high school friends of mine in CO. The weather and scenery were beautiful and it was fantastic to get away. We even had a bear up a tree in our front yard - eek! It was so cute to get all the kids together but also crazy - when did my lifelong friends and I become mothers?!

When we got back home Baby H. was ready to start eating solids! (I think the giveaway was him trying to eat the table on our layover in Chicago!) So he's had homemade peaches and carrots - he prefers the peaches. Baby H. is also sitting up on his own!

What have you been up to lately? Leave a comment and have a great day.

Lately In Photos: Mid May

2013-05-23T03:41:46+00:00

It's been a few weeks but here are photos from the week of Mother's Day.

I was featured on "Talk of Alabama" promoting Weight Watchers. It was my first TV experience and a lot of fun. I'll be back on Memorial Day!

My first Mother's Day was amazing! Mr. H. treated me to flowers, brunch at The Birmingham Art Museum and a personalized necklace.

More posts and photos when I'm back from vacation.

Mother's Day Style

2013-05-10T23:48:53+00:00

Happy Friday Friends!

I'm still undecided on what I will be wearing for Mother's Day Brunch this Sunday. Here are two ideas I'm loving - both are blue based (such a rich vibrant color) but with totally different vibes.

Sassy: Dress / Shoes / Purse / Earrings

Boho Chic: Dress / Belt / Sandal / Purse / Earrings

Both are stylish yet comfortable. I think your outfit for the day will depend on what you have planned.

Being the mother of a six month old, who is going out to a special brunch, I'm planning to wear something chic yet washable :-)

What are your Mother's Day Weekend plans?