Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Happy (Belated) National Thrift Day!

What started as a comfort hobby during COVID has turned into a lifestyle shift for me.  I have been thrifting since high school but became heavy into it over the past 5 years.  I am inspired by fashion trends, but even more excited to recreate the vibes with secondhand treasures.  Pretty much everything I wear is thrifted, and I am proud of the looks and the method. 
In honor of National Thrift Day (August 17th) I thought I would share some of my favorite recent discoveries!
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{Gold Mesh Bangle}
The thrift gods deliver!
There was a big sale at a local jeweler happening this Summer.  I really wanted to go and yet I knew it wasn't good timing for me to be purchasing fine jewelry.   I visited my local thrift *that same day* and this gold mesh bangle was waiting in the case just for me.  This is the exact sort of item I would lust after in real gold, so to find this costume piece was a thrill.
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{Sunglasses}
Cat eye tortoiseshell sunglasses with gold embellishments.
On my way to Murrels Inlet with friends this Summer, we stopped in a few thrift shops and I scored these vintage shades.  LOVE!
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{Needlepoint Loafers}
Hmm, I'm sensing a granny theme.
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{Sparkly Caftan}
Ugh, my photo quality is so terrible, but this caftan is beautiful.  I have a few pieces that, even if I'm feeling bloated or uncomfortable, make me feel like a million bucks and this is added to that rotation.
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{Handkerchief  Dress}
A perfect fall transition dress for Charleston, where it stays warm until November.
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{Blouse/Lightweight Jacket}
What a fun piece.  I took the shoulder pads out and it looks great buttoned up as a blouse or open as a light jacket.
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Those are a few of my favorites from the past couple of months.  As I've gotten more involved with thrifting, I've gotten much more selective.  Because the things I buy are so inexpensive (I rarely pay over $5.00 for an item) I have made some questionable purchases in the name of the deal...things that have gone right back to the thrift store.  Something I also have to remind myself is to not buy for my future self.  I found the most fabulous St. John Evening set with red sequins and could picture my 60 year old self rocking it at a holiday party, but I made the rule to shop only one season ahead.  So no sequins for my sassy future self :(
I plan on taking a few "thrift road trips" this Fall so stay tuned!
Happy National Thrift Day!
xLaura

Monday, August 18, 2025

End of Summer/ End of an Era

We wrapped up our Summer with the most brutally hot weather.  The only way to be outside was to be covered in water.  It was brutal.  We survived with much thanks to Bunch O Balloons.  Of alllll the backyard activities, THIS is the one that entertains my family the most.  The kids like blowing them up, having balloon fights, popping them over their heads, etc...  Worth their weight in GOLD. 

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Splash Pad
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My kids love bagels and we really enjoyed trying Ruby's Bagels for the first time.  Yum!
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After many years of somehow failing at tie dye...this Summer we nailed it.
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Date Night <3
We went to the Wit's End Comedy club, which was great...nice to do something a little different.
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Meet the Teacher for all!!
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Mr. J is 3!

Took this big birthday boy to Chuck E Cheese and he had the best time.




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And the very next day...Back to School...for ALL!!
3k/1st/3rd

I am planning a full post on this big transition to having all 3 kids in school full time.
For now I'll just say, it's the End of an Era!
xLaura

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Summer So Far...

This is the first week the kids have been in camp this Summer, hence why I am able to sit down and share our summer snaps.  It's been busy, but also lazy.  I think I've found a good balance.

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Dinosaur Museum down at CofC. The kids loved the outside dinos, but they were a bit bored by the actual fossil exhibit.
Firetruck Museum!  Our second trip there.  Such a cool spot.

Lots of pool days

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Spent the last week of June at a beach house down on Folly
We ventured down to Center Street for hushpuppies.  I didn't realize how long it had been since I walked down there.  It has changed SO much.  Nearly unrecognizable from the years I worked at the Pier and would walk around on my breaks.  



Celebrated this S I X year old with a beach house cook out.
Jaybird!
Shuler Farms for peach picking...
For our Fourth of July Ice Cream tradition...
It was so hot my camera lens steamed over!
And then just last weekend, a little weekend getaway for me and my besties to Murrels Inlet.

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That's a wrap,
Happy Summer!
xLaura

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Month of MAYhem

Looking back to the beginning of May, it feels like a year ago.  Here's a recap of the busiest month ever!

Spring Carnival at St. Marks:
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BSCS Father Daughter Dance




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Field Day Pizza Party Set up
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Teacher Appreciation Gifts
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First Holy Communion


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Mother's Day Lunch

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Downtown Date (MB was sick) to the Charleston Music Hall
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Spring Drama Showcase
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MB's Kindergarten Graduation!
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First Day of Summer on Folly (and the Mr.'s haircut!)
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Ready for a relaxing and fun Summer!
xLaura