Charleston In December

One of my favorite parts of visiting Charleston last weekend, other than the Jubilee, was truly getting to see it in its finest ... all decorated for Christmas.  I truly love Charleston and it has the same imprint on my heart as Savannah does since we visited both of them for the first time on our honeymoon.  I have been to Charleston many times since but I think seeing it in December might have been the best visit yet.  There is something about the magic of December paired with a favorite city and a favorite friend that just makes it incredibly special.

Garden & Gun Jubilee

I am so excited to write and share this post with you today.  I have said many times I had a wonderful time in Charleston last weekend for the Garden and Gun Jubilee but today you get all the details of the wonderful three day event. I can not tell you how incredible the event truly is, but I can say this.  If you google the words Southern + Christmas + Jubilee in the dictionary you won't even come close to the details included in such a fabulous event.  This was my first true taste of all things Garden and Gun and I can promise you it was more than I could have even dreamed of, and more.

Four Days In Winter Park

Where oh where do I begin?  Maybe at the very beginning a few months ago when I received a fun little email from Ginny Enstad asking if I would ever consider coming to Winter Park, Florida. Little did she know at the time she emailed me that not only was I willing but the response she got would be in all caps with an OMG ... YES PLEASE.

Fall Break 2017

Bag || Sweater (similar)

I have been looking forward to this week since the kids started school way too early.  As I was kissing our middle child goodbye as he headed to school on July 31 I just kept telling myself that Fall Break was coming soon.  I could literally see it in the future.

Weekend Precis ...

Since my youngest child started school today (UGH) I knew I wanted to make this weekend last as long as possible. After thinking about it for a few weeks I knew I wanted to spend the weekend making new memories and having adventures, and that we did. And we lived it out until the very last second, coming home last night from the lake to arrive at 9:30.  Not ideal for anyone's schedule but also so very worth it.

It's those moments we don't forget ...

earrings || top

Skipper's New Gig!

As you know one of my closest friends is Amanda from Dixie Delights.  Although, I don't call her Amanda, to me she is Skipper and always will be.  From our first getaway together when I hung my Lilly items in the closet next to hers and they were identical except hers were so much shorter than mine.  I recall saying it is like Barbie and Skippers closet in here, and Skipper she instantly became.

Let me tell you a little about Skipper.  This girl is quite possibly the most detail oriented and smartest girl I know.  Truly ... she is brilliant.  Skipper is very organized and when she tackles a project she doesn't leave a stone unturned.  If you follow her blog you can instantly tell she is all about the details.  Whether she is making dinner for the kids, organizing a pool day, a vacation or something even bigger her posts are spot on and full of amazing tips and details.  I read her blog daily even though I know most of what goes on in her world just to soak up the tips.  Recently she taught me about Fresh Market and their meal deals and the best meals to cook on a green egg (my hubs wants one).

She and her darling family love their Disney vacations.  In the few short years I have known her she has taken numerous Disney vacations to the parks, resorts and cruises.  There is nothing she doesn't know about Disney and she puts my extensive knowledge to shame.  My dad worked for Disney when my parents divorced and I was quite the frequent flyer as a child with the parent connection and my grandparents devotion to the mouse.  Skipper has me beat hands down. Every single time she goes I learn more and more about a place truly special to my heart.

All of these details about my dear friend make her new adventure perfect for her.  After leaving Coke earlier this summer she has taken a position with Glass Slipper Concierge.  This job is perfect for her and she will be a rock star.  When she and I were new friends we met for lunch and she helped me plan a spring break at Tybee Island.  The details she gave me were incredible and we had the best time.  She had my schedule down to the tiniest moments even telling me where to be to see the most incredible sunset while having the best Bloody Mary we have ever ordered!

I can not recommend Skipper enough.  Reading her blog alone will convince you she is your Disney vacation planner!  I promise you that I would use her time and time again for every single vacation we plan.  Our summer plans (since the youngest swims all summer long) move to September and if I can find a Disney property we want to visit Skipper will hands down be my go to for assistance.

You can read all about all she does in this post where she announces her new gig.  I adore her, as you can tell, and she is the best around for any and all things mouse related. This is your vacation planner right here, Hands down!!

I adore you Skips, and I can not wait to watch you slay this position.  It was made for you!!

Happy Tuesday loves!

Don't forget to enter the Shello Dahling giveaway!  It ends on Friday!  

Pink Hotels? Sign me up!

When visiting Palm Beach last month I had the pleasure of touring The Colony.  I loved it so very much with every little detail so very Dorothy Draper.  Carlton Varney poured his talent into the remodel and I could not love it more.  Of course, one of the reasons I adored it was because it was pink.  I mean, a pink hotel?  

#yesplease!

via

I just think I would sleep better knowing the outside was pink!  Come to find out there are a number of pink hotels and I have rounded them up for you today.  I will be spending the rest of my day planning a number of vacations so I can stay in each one.  

Anyone else want to come?

via

via

via

via

via

via

via

Each one is more fabulous than the last one!!

Happy Hump Day lovies!

Palm Beach In Photos

Travel Guide ... Savannah

Pulaski Square - Image by Kelli Boyd Photography

I had a wonderful weekend in Savannah, but I always do.  Savannah is one of those places that has won a special place in my heart and I long to spend time in this magical city of history and charming destinations.  I can recall my first visit to this special city more than 20 years ago when I met my now husband for the weekend.  It wasn't a long trip, but it definitely made an impression on me.  I recall driving home and thinking if he ever decided it was time to propose marriage I would accept.

Brunch at The Collins Quarter with Shello Dahling

(the Avocado Smash is divine and you must try the Spiced Lavender Mocha)

Monterey Square

As you know he did propose (seven months later) and the rest is history.  When he planned our honeymoon he added a few nights in Savannah and I fell head over heels for the history and the magic I felt in our time there.  Of course still glowing from our wedding I loved everything we saw and longed for more time in this city steeped in history and tradition.  A true Southern town full of amazing food, incredible sights and lovely people.

Typical Savannah home ... stunning!

Mirabelle Cafe 

 (the waffles are everything)

Simply put I was madly in love with everything about the city.  I recall begging him to extend our trip one extra day and making our time in Hilton Head shorter.  Of course he obliged and we spent the extra day walking through graveyards which was the trade off for me.  He loves to walk through and read each and every stone and imagine the lives of those there.  You learn so many things in a historic graveyard.

Rosé with Emily at her lovely home

(wine glasses available here)

Mercer Williams House

For his birthday the following year I booked a trip to once again stay at our favorite spot, The Gastonian Inn while we toured more of the city for Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens.  It was April of 1996 and I had just discovered I was pregnant.  Once again an incredibly special visit!

Southern Charm Antiques

Over the years we have made many visits, like this one, which has just imprinted this amazing destination on our hearts.  Every trip is special, even those that only last part of a day.  This trip was just as magical and I felt it was high time I shared my favorites with you.  So many things to see, eat, shop and do, you must add Savannah to your travel bucket list.

When it comes to lodging I have two favorites.  The Gastonian has such a special place in my heart, and always will.  I can't bring myself to stay here without my husband, so if I am traveling alone or with friends I only stay at The Brice.  They both are charming, but in such a different way.  

The Gastonian is an award winning bed and breakfast with charming grounds and fabulous history.  You can choose breakfast in your room or as a group in the kitchen.  They serve cocktails everyday at 4:30 and dessert and cordials at 8 pm.  The service is impeccable and the inn and carriage house are truly stunning.  The buildings are historic, built in 1868, and are filled with incredible antiques and stunning art.  The location is ideal on the corner Gaston and Lincoln Streets just down from Forsyth Park.  You truly can not go wrong with this Inn.  Gaston Street is one of my favorites for its stunning homes and the park is well worth the short walk. 

The Brice is a Kimpton property and truly an incredible boutique hotel.  The service from the moment you pull up is first rate.  The hotel is charming and the rooms are truly lovely.  With both a courtyard and a beautiful pool you have plenty of choices for relaxing after touring downtown.   Add in their pet friendly policy and you truly can not go wrong with this hotel.  This weekend was my second stay here and the experiences just keep getting better.  From the stunning rooms, to the fun lobby and the wonderful drinks at Pacci I can not recommend The Brice enough.  After asking the darling bow tie clad concierge for painters tape on the last visit and "all the bandaids you can share" on this visit I am sure they will remember my visit.  Both times they smiled and said simply "but, of course".  What more can you ask for?

My last tip for your visit to Savannah is to tour it by way of a combination of walking and a carriage tour.  There is nothing more charming than riding in a horse drawn carriage listening to the horse shoes on the brick streets.  The intimate setting of just a few people combined with the knowledgeable tour guides makes this the best way to learn so much about the history of the city. Make notes about places you wish to return and tour on your own.  Don't forget to walk in all of the 22 remaining historic squares.  I can't wait to share all I learned about each of the squares this weekend.  They are truly each so amazing!

Have you been to Savannah?  Please share your favorite things, I am always happy to learn new things about this fabulous destination.

Happy Monday ... hope your week is filled with magical things!

Vacation Essentials

I have started to pack for our trip to the beach. We leave bright and early on Saturday for a week in Sea Island and we are all so excited.  A week away to relax, refresh and regroup ... is there anything better?

Let's get this week started!

I am a crazy packer.  I pack well in advance so the fact that I just started is alarming. I have lists galore for everything from the camera (old school for Lawyer) to daily snacks and every single thing in between.  We are renting a house so that makes our trip a lot easier, but I still like to have so many things from home.  Let's just say the words ... I am an over packer.

White Jeans || Beach Hat || Bathing suit || Glasses || Jack Rogers || Bag 

Sunscreen || Shorts || Converse || Book

When it comes to vacation I spend more time packing stuff than I do clothes.  I am pretty simple when it comes to my outfits; shorts with pattern shirts for the days with either flip flops or converse and white jeans and simple tunics for the nights with my gold Jack Rogers. Since we are heading to the beach and the pool I have pulled a few swim suits and a variety of tunics to wear over.  My goal is to completely relax, so my hair will be up on top of my head 90% of the time and I will fancy it up with a scarf for the evenings.  It is time to truly take a vacation!!

Follow along on Instastories today and tomorrow to see how packing comes together for the Minears. I have some fun tips that work for us along with some questions for you all.  I have snagged a Elin Hildebrand book for myself, but I would love a few more to read while we are gone.  I read in the car so I need one for the ride down, one for the ride back and two to read while we are there.

I am off to get started pulling this vacation together.  Need to wash some clothes and pull some cute outfit combinations.  If you have book recs, let me know!

Happy Thursday!!