three lovely things

1 // Saturday morning, Max and I slept in, cooked french toast together, and actually ate at the dining room table instead of in front of the tv per the usual. It was a the best, perfectly simple Saturday morning.

2 // This past Sunday was cold and rainy and I found myself wandering around Urban Suburban in Crestwood and absolutely falling in love with this charming place! This was one of my favorite little booths full of vintage Christmas treasures. This place is a true gem!

3 // This coming Saturday I leave for NEW YORK CITY!! I have never been and am so excited to finally experience NYC! My mom and I will head there for a few days of exploring the city before heading back to Birmingham for Thanksgiving. I cannot wait!!

Happy Monday Tuesday! May your week be filled with lots of lovely things.

// NYC photograph property of Tracey Capone Etsy Shop  //

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Rug layering inspiration

Max and I upgraded our table (well ... we made one out of an interior door... stay tuned for a more on that) and now our rug, which we love, is far too tiny for our great long table. Luckily, Max's mom has an incredible collection of rugs that she willingly lets me pull from. While there are lots of beautiful rugs in her collection, nothing was the exact size we needed so I decided to try layering a few rugs to give us the large size we need without having to go buy something. After browsing Pinterest I came across some great inspiration images of beautifully layered rugs of all different shapes, sizes, and patterns. I'd seen these beautiful examples of layering a neutral rug with a pattern but hadn't realized how fabulous it looks to layer two or more patterned rugs. What a great idea!  I'll be testing out a few looks this weekend until we find the perfect combo for our new and improved dining area. I'll be sure to share a pic of the final product over on my Instagram. These were a few of my favorite rug layering inspiration looks.

image via + property of ::  layered dining room rugs | pink + seagrass | red + shag | multiple layered rugs under table mix-and-match dining room | striped rugs | layered living area | terra cotta aztec + stripes

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How to :: pack for a business trip

I've been doing a lot of traveling for my job lately and every time I find myself going in circles trying to figure out what to pack. Without fail, I get there and realize something that I forgot or that I wish I had. This past week, I was in sunny California for a 4 day conference and I made a point to really plan out what I packed and also jot down what all I didn't need and wished I'd had once I got there. My biggest challenge this time around was the weather change; we went from freezing temperatures in Birmingham to high 80s in California and even though it's November and my legs are pasty, I wished I'd had more Cali appropriate wear. After four hot days in the same flats, I wished I'd packed an extra pair, or better yet a pair of sandals that could breath. The other issue was that I didn't follow my own advice; I packed a few deep wine pieces instead of the neutrals which really limited my ability to mix-and-match. So, with my lessons learned from this trip and others, I put together a go-to packing list and some helpful tips and things to remember when packing for a business trip to help make life a little easier the next time around.

1 // pack for where you are going, even if it goes against seasonal norms

2 //  go for pieces that can go from day to night. Try a bold lipstick or jewelry to dress it up

3 // pack coordinating, versatile, neutral pieces that you can mix & match and repeat

4 // choose non-wrinkling, comfortable materials that will look and feel great all day

5 // collect toiletries you don't use from your hotel and keep them for your next trip

For a 4 day business trip:

2 pair of dress pants (1 tailored and 1 that's more casual)

2 skirts (something with flow or stretch is best)

3 nice tops/blouses (mix short and long sleeved options)

1 more casual top/blouse

1 versatile dress (you can't go wrong with a solid)

1 jacket, blazer, or sweater option

1 pair of nice jeans

1 comfortable plain t-shirt + 1 pair of yoga pants (perfect for pajamas, to workout, or as a "run-down-to-the-lobby" look)

1 sweatshirt or long sleeved t shirt

1 pair of comfortable heels (I opt for a low or chunky heel that will go the distance)

1 pair of nice flats 
1 extra pair of flats

1 pair of tennis shoes (you just may want to hit the fitness center or explore the grounds)

plenty of neutral and practical undergarments and socks (don't forget a sports bra)

Accessories: 1 statement necklace, 1 pair of earrings, 1 simple long necklace, + your staple pieces

A large day bag that can house your personal items, laptop, and even some snacks

Happy packing and safe travels!

// images via Polyvore //

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