Friday, July 8, 2011
The BIG 3-0
Today, I turned 30. While it may be a milestone and a shock for some, for me it is more of a relief.... I am finally here. My 20's were ten long years, in which I lost love, friends, and some of myself. I also found the love of my life (plus his wonderful family), a great job, a charming home, and some creative outlets (this blog!). In my 20's, I did some of my best "growing up", and most importantly, figured out who I AM and who I hope to become through the rest of my life. There are still many unknowns, and many more lessons to be learned, but I am comfortable in my own skin, and for any woman, that is a feat in itself. As thirty comes today, and is celebrated tomorrow, I am now only looking forward to the adventures to come!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Vintage Finds 7.6.2011
Today's vintage find is long overdue, since it is not something from my house, but rather one of my favorite places and people: MISRED Outfitters, owned by my dear friend and fabulous fashion inspiration, Sara Stonecipher. Her shop has some of the most amazing vintage pieces of clothing I have ever seen. Just check out her website or their Facebook page for their daily outfit posts and you will see what I am talking about. Sara has an incredible eye for fashion and decor, and when we get together, there is little else that we ever discuss, since we are each so passionate about both. Plus, she loves blogs just as much as I do, and even hosted the Bloggers Night Out for her local favorites!
Below is a great video that she recently put together for promotion for her shop that could easily be from this past holiday weekend, or a few decades ago.... all testament to her abilities to style both for vintage and now. Be sure to check out MISRED Outfitters and the fabulous Sara too!
I was not compensated for this post... I just love her and her clothes!!
Below is a great video that she recently put together for promotion for her shop that could easily be from this past holiday weekend, or a few decades ago.... all testament to her abilities to style both for vintage and now. Be sure to check out MISRED Outfitters and the fabulous Sara too!
I was not compensated for this post... I just love her and her clothes!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th Of July!
Just wanted to wish you all a...
HAPPY 4th of July!
The Freedoms we are given in this country are priceless. Today we should all honor and be thankful for them and the military who fight every day to uphold these freedoms.
Hope you have a fun and safe Fourth of July!
Friday, July 1, 2011
One Week From Today...
I will turn the big 3-0. It is a little bittersweet, and when thinking about the date months ago, I really wanted something low key, maybe a nice dinner party with family or close friends. I had thrown a rather large and elaborate party for my husband on his 30th, and had vowed to not repeat it for mine. It was just too much work, although he had a blast and so did all our friends.
It was not until about a month ago that we went to an event at the local and historic shuffleboard courts that I pictured this as the place for my 30th birthday bash. It will still be a small affair, with family and a handful of great friends, but with some very special, Hostess touches, of course! And just to give you a little preview, here is the invitation, made by me:
My wonderful husband is working on some other details, so after the party, I will post all the details! Until next week, hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend!
It was not until about a month ago that we went to an event at the local and historic shuffleboard courts that I pictured this as the place for my 30th birthday bash. It will still be a small affair, with family and a handful of great friends, but with some very special, Hostess touches, of course! And just to give you a little preview, here is the invitation, made by me:
My wonderful husband is working on some other details, so after the party, I will post all the details! Until next week, hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Lift Spirits
It is a pretty hot and rainy day here in Florida, and I was swamped with work that made my head spin. At lunch, I ran out to grab some lunch at Fresh Market, and after picking up my new favorite sesame soba noodle salad, I browsed the drink case for some flavored water. On the third shelf down, sitting all by itself, was a drink that caught my eye: Carolina Honey sweet tea by Argo Tea. It was in the cutest glass bottle, although I almost had a heart attack when I saw it was $2.50! But it was too late... after reading the label of black tea, wildflower honey, and hit of lemon, I was suddenly craving sweet tea. Not to mention, the cute honeybee and bright green top had me at hello.
As soon as I opened the bottle, the beautiful smell of the wildflower honey hit me, and I was in heaven. And the tea was perfectly sweet and strong, and gone in no time. After my satisfying lunch, I quickly searched the internet for Argo Teas, and was surprised to find out that they have tea shops in Chicago and New York, aside from selling their loose teas and bottled beverages online and in markets across the country. They are also very passionate about creating a sustainable and earth friendly product and business. What a cool company!

My favorite part was their bottle. I am going to recycle it in my kitchen for something... it is a great shape, and has a large, wide mouth. And you can't beat the lid that reads: TWIST CAP - LIFT SPIRIT.
No more dreary day for me. Spirits lifted, indeed!
I was not compensated or asked to write this post. Just sharing something that I love!
As soon as I opened the bottle, the beautiful smell of the wildflower honey hit me, and I was in heaven. And the tea was perfectly sweet and strong, and gone in no time. After my satisfying lunch, I quickly searched the internet for Argo Teas, and was surprised to find out that they have tea shops in Chicago and New York, aside from selling their loose teas and bottled beverages online and in markets across the country. They are also very passionate about creating a sustainable and earth friendly product and business. What a cool company!
My favorite part was their bottle. I am going to recycle it in my kitchen for something... it is a great shape, and has a large, wide mouth. And you can't beat the lid that reads: TWIST CAP - LIFT SPIRIT.
No more dreary day for me. Spirits lifted, indeed!
I was not compensated or asked to write this post. Just sharing something that I love!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Last Chance: Win a Walgreens $100 Gift Certificate
Walgreens and BlogHer have teamed up to give away a $100 gift card. Enter by visiting and commenting on Carmen's Blog today, featuring Walgreens sunscreen. Or check out Forever The Hostess on Facebook for the link too!
This post sponsored by Walgreens and BlogHer. Photo from here.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I Heart Sheridan French

Aside from her cool name and eponymous line of tunics and dresses, she has two precious children, one handsome husband, a chic Texas home, a fabulous wardrobe, and a killer personality. Every day, I read her blog and secretly want to become her best friend... And I love how each of her posts sounds like she IS talking to you in a conversation between friends.
She is so funny and refreshing, and a true inspiration! I love what she brings to the blogging community!! Be sure to check her out, and enter her giveaway for a piece from her line!
Friday, June 24, 2011
The Getaway...
I came across this old barn turned vacation home in the New York Times, and fell in love. This Friday has me dreaming of a getaway, and this place looks perfect! Check out a few images below, and go here for the full slideshow. AMAZING!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Vintage Finds 6.22.2011
The vintage find for this week is this wrought iron plant stand (well, now at least!). I have an addiction to lamps, candlesticks, and anything wrought iron, and when we are going to garage sales, I instantly gravitate towards these things like a moth to a flame. A few months ago, at a garage sale a block from our house, we were picking through the guy's garage when I saw this giant wrought iron leg staring out at me from underneath a sheet. I asked what it was and if it was for sale. The guy told me it was some "stand" that was out of an old Spanish home a block over (aka my neighbor across the street) and he bought it at their garage sale. He would sell it to me for $10. SOLD!!!
After I made my father-in-law and husband carry it back to our house, I looked at it a little more closely. It was definitely original to the old Spanish house, and probably dates to the early 1900's, if not earlier. I believe it was probably used as a rug or quilt stand. I used a RustOleum clear coat spray on it so that it would not rust outside, and then went to Home Depot to get hanging pots and plants. It is now one of my most favorite things in the back yard.
After I made my father-in-law and husband carry it back to our house, I looked at it a little more closely. It was definitely original to the old Spanish house, and probably dates to the early 1900's, if not earlier. I believe it was probably used as a rug or quilt stand. I used a RustOleum clear coat spray on it so that it would not rust outside, and then went to Home Depot to get hanging pots and plants. It is now one of my most favorite things in the back yard.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Win $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer & Walgreens
You can still win a $100 VISA Gift Card from BlogHer and Walgreens. Check out BlogHer for this week's chance to win!
Giveaway sponsored by BlogHer and Walgreens, and I was compensated for my participation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)