Apex, NC is the #1 place to live, really?

Apex Jazz Music Festival

Okay, I have to admit that when my daughter sent me a text telling me that Apex was the 2015 #1 place to live in the nation, I was a bit befuddled. Not because I disagreed with the report, because I totally love Apex, but because I simply have not been taking advantage of my hometown and all the great things that are literally happening in my backyard. So this weekend with the Apex Jazz Festival happening, my husband and I took the time to do just that.

 

Being silly and enjoying ourselves!

The Jazz Festival was on Salem St. seriously one of the cutest streets in all of Wake County. It's welcoming, it's vibrant, and it's eclectic all at the same time. Its quaintness provides the perfect backdrop for any event and makes people feel as if they belong. People enjoyed walking around or simply sitting around enjoying the scenery and taking it all in. 

We spent the evening people watching and enjoying the raw talent of the jazz musicians. I was actually bold enough to ask a few people if I could take a snap of their street style, something I would not have done before I started blogging. People were so friendly and so giving, I loved it.

When I saw these heels, I swooned. I applaud her for being able to saunter down the 
street in these beauties!

I loved her style and her spunk. She was so full of energy and the most eager to be snapped.

I loved her style. Her hat and dress and thong sandals were perfect for the jazzy but hot evening.

The smallest trendsetter couldn't hear a thing thanks to his noise-cancelling headphones.

And our evening would not have been complete without the sweet smells and tastes of the food trucks. The spot that made our mouths water the most was The Humble Pig. 

 

Brisket and Pulled Pork, Beer Fries, and Beans--WOW! Get your own!

We had a great time experiencing "the peak of good living" and to think all this goodness happened less than half a mile from my front door. I am already looking forward to the next event. I'll be sure to let you know about it!

Bedroom Makeover: Getting Anchored

This year I promised to dedicate myself to the restoration of self, family, and finances, and so to motivate myself to stay focused, I chose the theme "Getting Anchored". Ironically, after choosing that theme, anchors started cropping up everywhere I went. In fact, I was picking up a prescription at Target (my fave place on Earth), when I saw and fell in love with this anchor pillow, and the idea was born.

Blue and Pink throw pillow- Love at first sight!

I knew that my bedroom decor needed to be updated because honestly, it was time, and plus I wanted to create a space that was both romantic and serene, a peaceful place for me and SB to unwind. Well since school has been out, I have been taking my sweet time purging and getting each room of our apartment set up and organized in a way that is both functional and appealing, and I am absolutely in love with our bedroom! 

It's amazing how a new comforter and a pop of color can change the whole look of a room. Choosing the comforter was easy, especially since I knew I wanted it to be bold and blue. When I saw this Lattice print comforter, I knew it would be perfect. I found this one in Marshalls and the price was right (similar here). 

With the hot pink anchor on the pillow, adding pink for a pop of color was a no brainer. I have been crushing the color pink all year, so I decided to add pink accents throughout to add passion and romance. I chose pink sheets (here), Ikat throw pillows (similar here and here), and pink peonies (similar here) to make a bright statement. Plus, my sister's wedding colors were navy and pink, so I already knew that the colors would work beautifully together. 

To add a bit of glamour, I used gold accents inspired by the urchin (sold out) I got from Target. For the rest of the items, I had to get a little creative. I used gold spray paint to give my old candle holders, a silver picture frame, and a mason jar a new sparkly look. Let's just say, I came down with King Midas's fever, everything I touched turned to gold, and I am so pleased with the outcome.  

Easy Art- Page from Magazine!

Making sure that this makeover did not exceed my given budget of $50 for accent pieces, I was adamant about using my own items to add a piece of me to the room, and since the navy blue was so bold, I needed to add a little more femininity. And I have to say that my favorite part of the entire makeover is my shoe showcase. While the display is nothing grand, I must admit that it does add a certain flair to our bedroom. Plus, I am a firm believer that shoes are too pretty to be stored in a box or in a closet. Using my shoes as a part of the decor was not only budget friendly, but because they are visible, it's easier for me to pull together an outfit, and having them on display frees up some much needed space in my our closet. And did I mention, I love having them out for me to admire.

Doing this makeover has been the most fun I have had in a while. I love walking through the door into this romantic space, and I am really happy with the end result. The only thing missing is the perfect piece to hang over our bed. I'm working on finding that perfect piece, but if you have suggestions, I'm all ears!

Like the decor? If so, here are some similar items to help you create your romantic space.

thoughtfully,

5 on Friday... Been busy living

Summer is off to a great start for me and my crew, especially the wee one! We have had an exciting week, and it's only fitting that I share it with you!

1- Favorite Experience: Our week kicked off on Sunday with us going Plum Crazy at the Kidz Bop Make Some Noise Tour at the cutest theater in the Triangle, The Carolina Theater. We had a great time with friends jamming to the vocal talent of the Kidz Bop Kids. Tamia and I dressed similarly and she loved it (Plum coordinates)! I secretly enjoyed the show just a bit too much, but I do love music!

           

Shop our Plum Crazy Look for Kidz Bop.  It will not break your budget!

2- Favorite Outing: On Monday, we ventured to Holly Springs to see the Holly Springs Salamanders take on the Wilmington Sharks, and boy did they "tame those Sharks"! The game was exciting and I even won an ACME Pizza for winning the "Who can be the loudest?" Who would've thought I could be so loud. The pizza was fabulous, and not to mention FREE, just how I like my pizza! We had an awesome time, and we will go again!

3- Favorite Deal- Regal Theater's Summer Movie Express! By now, the $1 movies are no secret, but I still have to make it my duty to share and remind every mother, sitter, and childcare provider about the Summer Movie Series. On Tuesday, we went to see the Nut Job for just $2! It was close to 100 degrees outside, but the theater was nice and cool and the popcorn was fresh. Grab your Regal Card and get a deal on the popcorn too! 

4- Favorite Meal! I'm truly a Slow Cooker fan especially when it is as hot as it is. So this week I made one of my family's favorites finger-licking good Baby Back Ribs. They are too easy not to cook, and they are delicious! I have nothing against grilling, but I gotta tell ya, Slow Cooking is much cooler!

Recipe

5- Favorite Image: Tamia is getting a hang of taking pictures. She took this one of her feet and the anklets she made earlier that day. I love her little feet! Baseball and bare feet = Summertime!

  

I hope you enjoyed the rundown of our week! 

Let it Grow, or Let it Go?

I go through phases. I love all three versions of me, but I'm at a place where I want to know which look is really me. Tell me what you think! Vote Below!

Long Hair, Don't Care

Cute Medi Cut

Short Sassy Do