Dressing for Spring...

Spring is in full bloom in San Antonio and I am loving the warmer temperatures! Leaves are reemerging  and flowers are slowly starting to blossom.

With this new weather comes so many fun possibilities -- exercising outdoors, dining al fresco, sitting on my back patio with a glass of wine...

Photo Credit

Warmer weather also means a change in my wardrobe. Skirts, dresses, and sandals can all come out of hiding, which does wonders for my "fashion confidence."

Dressing for Winter is difficult for me. I don't feel I layer pieces well; I don't love wearing jeans; and I don't particularly enjoy being cold!

But with Spring I feel like I can flourish -- throw on a dress and sandals -- and I can regain some of the mojo I lost with cold weather dressing.

While I am still on my 90 day shopping ban, I have new eyes for the items in my closet.

Here are three things I am excited to wear this Spring...

Wide Leg White Pants

I have a fabulous pair of white wide leg pants and I hardly ever wear them. I was thinking about why they get cast to the back of my closet season after season and I finally realized why -- they have to to be ironed! None of my other pants need to be ironed, so when I am in a hurry, I obviously choose the easy to wear options. Solution: Next time I iron a dress shirt for work, I am going to iron those pants as well.

Here are some of my favorite white pants for Spring...

Lilly Pulitzer Dresses

I have a handful of amazing Lilly Pulitzer dresses and they don't see the light of day unless I am on vacation. This is totally going to change this Spring! I have this new zest for bright colors and bold prints and I can't wait to take my Lilly dresses out for a spin!

Here are some of my favorite Lilly dresses...

Keds

I bought a pair of Keds last year and they are still in the box. I'm looking forward to pairing them with dresses, skirts, and shorts this Spring!

Here are some adorable Keds...

What are you looking forward to wearing this Spring?

XOXO

Meg

PS: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links and/or making purchases through these links, I may receive a small commission. As always, thank you for supporting this little blog! 

Yosemite National Park

Hubby and I took a late birthday trip/early mothers day getaway to Yosemite! This place is special to us because this is where the hubby proposed :) I also had a surprise trip here for my birthday this past year. So, basically we love Yosemite and wish we could be here every weekend.

Here are some gorgeous pictures my hubby took of our little trip!

Our trip could not have gone any better! We left H at home so we could hike. And boy did we hike. We went up to Nevada falls the first day and it was gorgeous! If you have not been to Yosemite yet, no matter where you are from I encourage you to go!

-Kir

Spring Sandals...

I have almost completed my post on my Spring Capsule Wardrobe and I can't wait to share what garments I chose with y'all. While the "rules" of the capsule wardrobe are to cease shopping once the capsule has been created, I am allowing myself to purchase one pair of sandals for spring since I don't have a pair that I love!

Here are a few of my favorites!

One | Two | Three

Four | Five | Six

Seven | Eight | Nine

Hope y'all are having a great week! One more day until Friday! :)

XOXO

Meg

PS: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links I will receive a small commission. As always, thank you for supporting this little blog!

Artisan Spotlight: Red Giraffe Designs [+ a Giveaway!]

Happy Monday, y'all! 

Did everyone survive the time change? I'm a little off, but I'll take some extra daylight hours any day! 

To make this Monday a little easier, I thought I'd share with y'all a fabulous jewelry line called Red Giraffe Designs -- and -- give away an adorable bangle to boot! Sound good?

Red Giraffe Designs is a unique jewelry line created by Kate Stevens from Columbus, Ohio. Kate uses lots of brass and natural gemstones to create gorgeous, one of kind designs. She also makes the cutest little state necklaces! 

Raw Stone Quartz Necklace

I had the privilege of doing a mini interview with Kate -- enjoy!

Q: When did you start making jewelry and when did you start your etsy shop?

A: I started making jewelry in 2009 after watching a few YouTube videos. The first item I made was a pair of wire-wrapped beaded earrings – looking back they were hideous. I started selling on my own website in 2010 and then switched over to Etsy in 2011.

Q: Why did you start your shop?

A: I started selling on Etsy because I wanted to see if I could reach more people that way – and I did. The traffic Etsy generates is incredible and I wish I would have made the  switch sooner!

Long Turquoise Quartz Feather Necklace

Q: Why the name Red Giraffe Designs?

A: My favorite color is red & my favorite animal is a giraffe!

Vintage Gold Four Leaf Clover Necklace

Q: Is Red Giraffe Designs your full time job?

A: Yes - As of 2013, RGD has been my full time job.

Q: What is a piece of jewelry that you wear constantly?

A: Lately, I have been wearing my Lunar Phase necklace every day and when I go to shows or events, I will layer it with other necklaces.

Lunar Phase Necklace

Q: How would your describe your personal style?

A: With my personal style, I tend to gravitate toward classic styles with a bohemian flair and then I pile on the jewelry (of course!) but I also like trying new things so I change it up every now and then. 

Q: What big adventure are you hoping to embark upon in 2015?

A: I do have a big adventure in the works... but I can’t discuss it just yet! :)

Mantra Cuff

Q: What advice do you have for women who are thinking of starting their own businesses?

A: The only advice I can offer is to find something you love doing and work really, really hard. Starting your own business is a leap of faith. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If it doesn’t work out it may lead to something else down the road. I originally started out thinking I would start a t-shirt design and printing business, but after learning the industry a little bit, I quickly realized this was not for me and it led me to jewelry making. 

Asymmetrical Geometric Brass Triangle and Black Pyrite Earrings

How great is Kate? And how fabulous is her jewelry? Kate was kind enough to provide one of her mantra cuffs (see photo below) to one lucky Small Town Sisters reader!

This cuff is too cute! Enter below and good luck, y'all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO

Meg

PS: Kate Stevens from red Giraffe Designs provided one of her adorable mantra cuffs as a giveaway prize for one lucky Small Town Sisters reader. I was not paid for writing this post. All thoughts are my own. This giveaway is open to those readers living in the United States of America.

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

 Photo Credit

I can't believe today is May 1st! Where did April go? (Heck! Where did March go?) Time is zooming past me at record breaking speeds! I can't quite wrap my brain around how quickly time is flying by!

I hope April brought you rain showers (I know California could seriously use some rain!) and May will bring lots and lots of fragrant and colorful blooms!

In an effort to welcome those blossoming buds, Dill & Scout Boutique is giving away a pair of flower post earrings to one lucky reader in the color and style of her choice!

Enter below for your chance to win yourself a pair of earrings! Can't wait to see if you've won? Use code: BLOOM30 for 30% off your order!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photo Diary Friday: Mission Espada

About a month ago, Hubby and I checked "ride bikes on the Riverwalk" off of my Spring to do list! (If you missed it, click here!)

We biked all the way to the beautiful Mission Espada, a gorgeous mission built in the mid 1700's

Enjoy these fantastic photos!

Happy Friday!

XOXO

Meg

Spring To-Do List Update #2: Cupcakes & Back Swings

Hey Y'all! 

If you've been following along, you probably know that I made myself a little Spring To-Do List! (If you missed it, click here!)

Since my last update, I have been able to cross two more things off of my list!

1. Get cupcakes from Bird Bakery. 

6. Dust the cob webs off of my golf clubs.

I am kind of a cupcake snob! Having lived in Santa Barbara, I ate my fair share of Crushcakes! When I moved to San Antonio, I wasn't sure I could fill the cupcake void in my heart - until I found Bird Bakery! The store is whimsical and romantic and reminds me of Anthropologie! The attention to detail is remarkable and the staff are polite, helpful, and as sweet as frosting!

Oh! And the cupcakes! Oh my what delicious cupcakes! I treated myself to the fresh coconut cupcake! The cake was soft and moist, while the frosting was sweet and creamy! The hints of coconut reminded me of a sipping pina coladas on a beach side patio somewhere warm! 

Hubby ordered the red velvet and the carrot cake! (He couldn't make up his mind!) I snuck a few bites to report back to y'all! You can never go wrong with a classic red velvet, the carrot was unbelievable and both had incredible cream cheese frosting! My mom is flying in today to spend a few days with us and I will definitely take her here!

To check out the entire cupcake menu from Bird Bakery, click here!

 

Last weekend, Hubby and I went to visit his folks for Easter. On Saturday, we played a round of golf! It was a little windy, but we could not have asked for better weather! We hadn't played since Thanksgiving, when we played with my Dad, but I did surprisingly well! It was so nice to get outside and wear my cute golf clothes! :)

Hope y'all are having a fabulous week!

XOXO

Meg 

Spring To-Do List Update #1 - Bikes & Smoothies

A few weeks ago I posted my Spring to Do List -- a list of 20 things I want to accomplish between the first day of Spring and the First Day of Summer! (Click here to see my list!)

I am happy to report that last weekend I checked two items off of my list: 

5. Ride bikes on the River Walk.   

16. Try the fresh juices at Farm to Juice or Juice Central!

We rode bikes on the Riverwalk last year when Kir came to visit and we had so much fun! This time, instead of just a day pass, we decided to purchase the annual pass for B-Cycle San Antonio! Bike kiosks are located all over the city and now, with just the swipe of a card, we can rent a bike for up to an hour at a time and cruise around whenever we want for the next year!

We rode for hours last Sunday afternoon (you just have to re-dock your bike within an hour at a kiosk and then you can check it right back out again) and logged about 18 miles. The weather was heavenly - sunny, with a slight breeze, and the smell of blue bonnets in the air. 

We rode from down town to Mission Espada and back. To see our route, click here!

 

Hubby and I also tried the Juice Central in Alamo Heights. I found the store to be very aesthetically pleasing, decorated in hues of grass green, white, and earthy brown. It also smelled delicious - like fresh citrus fruit and wheat grass!

I ordered the Super C Blast, but was given the Anti-Oxidant Power. I should have told the staff that they got my order wrong, but since I had never been to Juice Central before I decided to try what they made me. The Anti-Oxidant Power, made with apple juice, acai berry, strawberry, blueberry, and goji berries, is delicious. I even felt healthier after drinking this smoothie!

I prefer citrus over berries, so if I go back I will order (and make sure I am given) the Super C Blast, which is chalk full of grapefruit, pineapple, strawberries, orange juice.

Hope your Spring is in full swing! What have you been up to? Chime in with a comment below!

XOXO

Meg 

Kate Spade Friends & Family Sale

Happy Friday Y'all! 

Lately I have had an obsession with Kate Spade! Her stuff is so colorful and classic! Right now the Kate Spade Friends and Family Sale is going on -- 25% off your purchase! 

While Kate Spade is a tad bit out of budget, it is still fun to window shop! Enjoy my favorites!

 Kirk Park Medium Maise

 Karolina Bow Heel

 Della Dress

 Valentine's Day Bangle

Diagonal Dots Rectangle Scarf

Anything catch your fancy? Chime in with a comment below!

XOXO

Meg 

Gardenia Tuberose Soap from Santa Barbara Aromatics

Remember a few weeks ago when I had the opportunity to try the Montecito Candle from Santa Barbara Aromatics? (If you missed it, click here!)

Well, thanks to generous shop owner, Seana, I also got to test drive her amazing Gardenia and Tuberose scented soap!

The soap arrived impeccably packed, wrapped in a cello bag and placed in a pretty organza bag tied with a tag. I love it when artisans use wrapping that can be re-used. It is good for the environment and makes me extra happy!

The soap is a luscious buttery-yellow color and features a little bit of golden shimmer to give it that extra special and glamorous touch.

 

The scent of this bar is intoxicating -- it filled my entire bathroom with the glorious fragrance of gardenia and tuberose. The fragrance transported me to a field of fresh dewy flowers. If Spring had a smell, this would be it! I even found myself smelling my skin throughout the day (don't laugh) and I was still able to pick up on the floral fragrance long after my shower. 

Winter wreaked havoc on my skin, leaving me dry and itchy, but after having used this soap for two weeks straight I have noticed an incredible difference. The soap's rich and luxurious lather left my skin soft and smooth thanks to its coconut, palm, and safflower oils.

 I can't say enough good things about this soap! It is absolutely incredible and such an amazing bath time treat! Be sure to pick one up for a friend or yourself. Your skin will thank you! Santa Barbara Aromatics also creates soaps in sandalwood cedar and honey orange! Both of which sound delicious!

XOXO

Meg

PS: Santa Barbara Aromatics graciously gifted me this soap. However, this is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Spring To-Do List

Tomorrow, March 20th, is the first day of Spring! I hope this means lots of warm weather, sunshine, strolls on the river walk, running outdoors, and the chance to wear some cute skirts and dresses!

I had high hopes for fall and then fall came and went and I didn't do half of the things I had planned on doing (That can of pumpkin for pumpkin muffins is still sitting in my pantry... sadness). I guess I wore a lot of scarves -- that should count for something, right?

I decided to make a list of all the fun "spring things" I hope to accomplish between March 20th and June 21st -- the first official day of summer. 

Here it goes...

1. Get cupcakes from Bird Bakery.  (April 12)

2. Go to the Farmers Market at the Pearl Brewery.  

3. Bake fresh berry scones for breakfast.  

4. Plant something.

5. Ride bikes on the River Walk.    (March 30)

6. Dust the cob webs off of my golf clubs.

7. Clean out my closet and dresser. 

8. Create a fun Easter tradition. 

9. Invite friends over for brunch. 

10. Experiment with lip stick. 

11. Have an adventure here.

12. Take advantage of free museum days at the Witte, San Antonio Museum of Art, and the McNay!

13. Movies in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park at the Botanical Gardens.

14.  Bake French macaroons (or try them at Bakery Lorraine)

15. Have a girl's night here!

16. Try the fresh juices at Farm to Juice or Juice Central!   (March 29)

17. Finish decorating my office.  

18. Choose a hair style and get a hair cut. (April 4)

19. Prepare a "guest space" in my apartment for my mom's visit.  

20.  Work out before work 5 times. 

I'll keep y'all posted as I check these items off of my list! 

What are your plans for this fabulous season?

Happy Spring! 

XOXO
Meg