All the Moving Parts

I mentioned a number of times that we're moving in a few weeks.  The last time we moved, we were moving from Boston to Chicago and it required close to no work.  We had boxes shipped to us and we purchased all new Ikea furniture.  This time around, oh my, I really don't even know where to begin... the boxes, the moving van and the procrastination.  Honestly, we've done everything but pack, I've ordered new plates, a new couch (no more futon for us!) and a kitchen table.  So, now we're down to crunch time and I'm dreaming of paint colors, dinnerware and rugs.

Can I have all these items?  

Furniture Lust by laceandgraceblog featuring Serena & Lily

Tips for Being a Graceful Modern Woman

I'm a firm believer that good manners matter.  That sounds like it could be a hashtag, #goodmannersmatter.  I came across this perfect list that gives advice on how to be a modern lady.  Go here to read the full article.  

Some of my very favorites are below: 

1. Follow Through  – Nobody likes a flaky person. Regardless of how busy your life has become with commitments to your Husband and Children, you should never agree to take on more than you can handle i.e.… rsvp-ing to events, lunches with friends or other engagements.

3. Dressing Like a Lady – A lady always leaves something to the imagination, which is why one should choose to show a little leg or instead decide to accentuate your décolletage.

4. It’s The Little Things – When a guest enters your home, do you offer them a glass of water or beverage of their choice? When arranging for a dinner party, do you remember if one of your dinner guests has a gluten allergy? When selecting a gift, is it something your friend mentioned they wanted? Just as a gentlemen would offer his coat if you were showing signs of being cold is how you should pay attention to small details. It’s a great way to show the people around you how much you care and are listening. Go the distance to make the people in your life feel incredibly special.

5. Always The Gracious Guest – Whether you have been invited over to a someone’s home for a dinner party, movie screening or cocktails, Never show up without a hostess gift.

8. A Lady at The Table – As a lady the first action one should take when sitting down to the table is to put your napkin in your lap; when you’re finished your napkin gets placed next to your plate, never on top.

9. Merci– A lady always writes thoughtful handwritten thank you notes for gifts received and other kind acts of generosity

Content belongs to thedailylove.com 

Live gracefully lovelies,

XX,

LT

Tulle-day fail...

Y'all, I'm so terribly sorry for the late post tonight.  Last week I had mentioned that I was going to do something super fun with tulle skirts, but I come baring bad news.... It's not ready.  This weekend got a little crazy and I missed my opportunity to get out Jo-Ann's Fabrics.  You read that right!  Jo-Ann's Fabrics! This girl is going to show y'all how to DIY a no-sew tulle skirt.  I promise, it will happen, so check back!

In the mean time, check out the lovely hosts of Trend Spin Linkup, Walking in Memphis in High Heels (there's a give away too!), The Fashion Canvas, and their darling co-host of the week The Style Storm.   They're styling styling tulle skirts today!

XX,

LT

Gallery Wall Inspiration

I've very briefly mentioned on the blog that Scott and I will be moving in the middle of the month!  I'm so giddy about our move it's borderline obnoxious.  Let's get real here, this is my first "adult" apartment since I was a Junior in college and rented a condo in Boston's South End neighborhood.

One of the most exciting things about the new place is, it will be our first apartment as a married couple and our last apartment before we purchase a condo.  It will hold a lot of special memories for us, and my heart swells just thinking about it.

I'm excited to decorate the new place and to test my creativity as it relates to interior design.  I've stalked polyvore for some inspiration for my Gallery Wall and this is what I have come up with!

Gallery Wall Inspiration by laceandgraceblog featuring a wall picture

What do you think?  Don't you think this will look gorge as a Gallery Wall?


XX,

LT

Hair Me Out...

Good hair care is a must for me.  I'm a firm believer of getting regular trims and only washing my hair twice a week.  Yes, you read that right, twice a week.  I read in an interview, a few months back, that Lauren Conrad said that she only washes her hair every four days.  At the time, I was washing my hair daily and still suffering from extremely oily hair so, I decided to give it a try.  The first two weeks were really tough. This is what I called the training period.  On occasion I actually said "my hair is going through a training period".  After the so-called "training period", my hair and scalp, out of nowhere, started to regulate and look healthier.  I can't pinpoint the exact time when I realized it but I remember getting so excited.  I mean, no washing and drying every day, or even every other day.  I now only wash my hair every three days.  

The day of the wash I will let my hair air dry, add some leave in conditioner, spritz my hair with some heat protectant and then add some texturing spray to give it some volume and movement.  Then I'll style depending on my motivation level that day. 

On the second day of no wash, I add some dry shampoo to my roots and rub it in with clean hands and style (usually I'll curl it).  Before bed on the second night I dry shampoo my scalp again.  This actually works better than dry shampooing the morning of.  It absorbs any oils that are produced over night and also helps create volume.  

The third day of no wash I usually will wear a high ponytail, a bun, or I'll curl my hair again.  I will also touch up some spots with dry shampoo in the AM. 

With all the products and heat styling that I do, I usually apply some coconut oil to the ends of my hair for preventative measures the night before I wash my hair.  Split ends are the worst!  I will also deep condition my hair every other week or so, to add some moisture back in.  Wow, I didn't realize how much I actually do to my hair.  

What is your hair care routine like?  Share in the comments below!  

Dry Shampoo, Heat Protectant Spray, Sea Salt Texturizing Spray, Coconut Oil, Leave in Conditioner, Deep Conditioner, Hairspray

XOXO,

LT

Tulle-ing Around

I've been having a major crush on tulle skirts lately.  They have been all over the blogosphere and I, simply cannot get enough!  I have something really exciting to share with y'all next Tuesdays!!!  (Hint hint... it has lots of tulle...)

In the meantime, let me leave you with how I would style a tulle skirt, if I had all the money in the world.  

Tulle-ing Around by laceandgraceblog featuring dress sandals

Summertime Crab Cakes

Can you believe it's already July?  I feel like June came and went too fast.  July is going to be a busy month for me. Scott and I are flying back to Boston at the end of the month for my bridal shower and to finalize some major wedding details.  Oh, and we're moving the weekend before we leave for Boston, I almost forgot about that small detail since I haven't really packed a thing.

With all that being said, I am taking this long weekend as a chance to be productive, I will pack and donate clothes I haven't worn in awhile.  But first, I will attend a 4th of July party in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood!

I want to share this crab cake recipe with you all. It's perfect for that 4th of July soiree you'll be attending or hosting.  This is one of my favorites and it has always been a hit when i've made it.  I add some corn to give it a little something extra.  If you are a purist, please leave the corn out.  My feelings will not be hurt.

I like making these little guys bite size so I don't feel as guilty eating a dozen of them they are easier to eat while mingling with friends!

Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

*This recipe at it's core, is not my own. However, through trial and error I have tweaked it to make it my own. 

XOXO,

LT