Happy Birthday | 1.27.15

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Thank you for being there for me from the day I was born and having my best interests in mind. You are one of the most important people in my life and I would not be who I am without you. You are irreplaceable and I love you with my whole heart.

You’re one in a million and I know you’re having a wonderful day -- I just wish I could be there celebrating!! 

Happy Birthday to the best!! 

P.S. also a very happy birthday to my Uncle Gary-- self proclaimed inventor of "the selfie", one of a kind uncle, and a pilot!

 "Show me the Money!!" love you uncle g! 

xoxo

Weekend | Raleigh Times

This weekend in Raleigh…

Alex {my brother} and I listened to the podcast, Start-Up, the entire way to and from Raleigh. Although we are still not finished listening, we are hooked & we think you should be too. Check it out!

On Saturday we had dinner with my grandparents. Being able to spend time with them is something that I love!! I enjoy the stories that they share and always learn something new.  Grandpa shared a joke about Bill Gates talking to Steve Jobs (who was up in heaven). It was hilarious!

Alex & Grandpa on Youtube | Grandma & Me | Dad & Mom

Both Saturday and Sunday we had brunch at home. Family + fruit + scrambled eggs = one happy girl.

Sunday I came down with a horrible cold/cough/lost voice. NOT FUN. Now, I have meds and hopefully will be back to 100% soon. While at the doc’s they made me wear this embarrassing mask. My dad’s reaction: “Very nice. Bird Flu?” hahaha thankfully no!

wearing the super cute mask

The weekend was nice and relaxing and I was not ready to leave. I am also helping my grandpa locate an old friend so they can catch up. I got this email from him last night. I love you too gpa! 

So blessed my 94 yr old grandpa can use technology-- very well! 

My dad’s birthday is tomorrow & coincidentally my Uncle Gary’s is the same day—be looking for a post tomorrow!  

xoxo

Five on Friday | 1.23.15

ONE | Seahawks vs. Packers

Sunday, the Green Bay Packers (22) lost a hard fought battle to the Seattle Seahawks (28).  Jack and I watched the game with a group of friends and one of them is a die-hard packers fan. With about 5 minutes left to go in the game and the Packers were up by 12 points. We were all giving our friend a hard time because there was about a 13% chance {via online stats} that the Packers would lose. Well the Packers did end up losing. For a minute by minute breakdown of what went wrong check here.

Our friend the entire last quarter of the game + his quote

TWO | Sweet Free 30 Day Challenge

Yesterday I updated everyone on my challenge. If you missed out, you can find it here.

THREE | Shake It Off

I must admit that I listen to T. Swift almost all day, every day. Listening and sometimes singing along puts me in a better mood. Lately, Shake If Off has been playing on repeat. #obsessed

FOUR | BHI

My friends and I just booked our trip to BHI for a nice long relaxing weekend in May and I cannot wait!! Hello spring/summer!

FIVE | 919

This weekend I am heading back to Raleigh, NC to celebrate my dad’s birthday. I am excited to spend some quality time with my dad and relax after this long week.

It's Friday...and I am linking up with: Darci, April, Christina, + Natasha | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife

xoxo

Update | Sweet Free 30 Day Challenge

Wow—let me apologize—I have not updated anyone via A Frayed Knot on how my challenge is going. Oops! To be honest, Sweet Free really incorporated itself into my lifestyle easily—though the first week was REALLY tough {thanks to the ever abundant candy, cakes, donuts, and cookies always around my desk}.

Onto the Challenge:

The challenge has been going as best as it possibly can. I have been eating even more fruits and veggies (I know-- hard to imagine because I really love them so much, seriously I do!) and I have cut down to almost ZERO sugars in foods OR cakes/cookies/desserts! Wahoo!

I will fess up and say that I have eaten: a piece of cheesecake (1/9/15) for Eve's birthday celebration, some chocolate fondue at Erin's for "The Bachelor" (1/12/15), a piece of bread crumble cake (1/16/15) at Fahrenheit, and just had and ice cream/brownie/caramel combination last night (1/21/15) at 300 East with my girlfriends. So 4 sweets in 18 days is where I'm at-- hints the" best as it possibly can part". 

300 East dessert-- ohhh such a yummy treat!

Although I have eaten sugar a few times, I can see a noticeable difference in my skin and my energy. My skin looks so pretty, smooth and “glowing” --- a stranger came up and told me so at a party I was working- what a confidence boost!

Not eating sugar started as a challenge. Even though I am not finished with the 30 days, nor did I make it completely without sugar, I am now making a lifestyle change {which coincidentally was why I wanted to challenge myself in the first place} . Yes it’s tough in the beginning but now I don't crave the sugar {+ obviously my body does not need it}.

I challenge you to try not eating sugar. If that is too hard try not eating sweets. See how your body changes and reacts without sugar, but don't forget to reward yourself every now and then. Believe you me you will be so happy you did.

xoxo

Psalm 46:5

I came upon this verse the other night and it was perfect for what my life has been feeling like lately—a crazy rush, overwhelmed, need to get things done, never a spare moment kind of feeling. A funk.

In fact, I think we are all feeling a little this way and don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Reading this verse made me realize that God is with me every step of the way and only he can get me out of this funk. 

It’s God; holding close to God and knowing that he is there with me and through it all he will be there. God will not abandon those who trust in him. He will maintain his own cause and if his people should be attacked, he will help with the utmost speed. As soon as we come across any problems, he is there to resist -- in his own way with his own timing. As the day breaks, the darkness of difficulty shall be scattered. 

xoxo

Have You Heard | Throat Coat Tea

North Carolina's weather seems to change with the snap of your fingers. One day it’s sunny and 65 degrees and the next it’s cold, overcast, with a high of 36 degrees. When the weather jumps all around on me, I usually end up with a sore throat, never fun. 

When I have a sore throat, I turn to one of my favorite products, Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Tea. A few friends have asked me about this tea because it smells so wonderful and I always seem to be having a cup of tea.

The tea is made from Slippery elm, a beautiful, native North American elm tree. It’s the inner bark of this tree that is actually called “slippery elm” due to its, slippery, smooth, and slimy-in-a-good-way properties. Combined with licorice and marshmallow root, the tea blend is very comforting and provides temporary relief from an irritated mouth or throat.

So the next time you have a sore throat, give it a try, you will be glad you did!!

p.s. you can find Throat Coat Tea at MOST grocery stores in the coffee and tea aisle. 

xoxo

Weekend | Surprises and Goodbyes

This weekend was jam pack full of fun and exciting activities. Friday evening Jack and I made a last minute decision to head Uptown for dinner at Fahrenheit during Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week. Luckily we were able to long onto    for online reservations while parked and there was an 8:45pm spot open. SCORE! The food was amazing, the views even better, and having our friends join us towards the end was icing on the cake.

Rooftop Views + Wine + Fire

Saturday my parents came to Charlotte to drop off some furniture and hang out for the day. My dad and I ran errands all over town; the best being getting gas at Costco for $1.73 a gallon!!! I never thought I would see the day gas was so inexpensive—can you believe it?

That evening was a surprise going away party for my friend, Chris, at Dandelion Market. I wish I would have taken a picture when she saw so many of her friends all in one place, a perfect surprise! Chris, I am going to miss you dearly, but my boots are packed and i'm coming to visit you in Nashville soon!!

Some of the gals before Chris arrived

Ladies

Me & Lyndsey bittersweet goodbyes Saturday evening-- miss you already and see you in PR soon :)

Sunday was your typical Sunday: Church, late lunch a Portofino’s, laundry, and FOOTBALL! Can't wait to see the Seahawks take on the Patriots in the Super Bowl XLIX in a few weeks! 

Happy MLK Day even if you are working (I am too!).

xoxo

Have You Heard | C. Wonder

C. Wonder, the beloved retailer, launched by Chris Burch (Tory Burch's ex husband) announced yesterday that they will be shutting down its remaining stores. They have already shut down most social media BUT their website is still up. Be sure to check them out and HURRY. Their 50% off sale will be up until the end of next week. 

C. Wonder is a lifestyle brand that is know for bright colored apparel and monogrammed goods {in case you didn't already know} and, since opening in 2011, has been criticized for carrying product that reminds many people of Tory Burch. 

I am pretty upset that C. Wonder is closing its doors. I have some pieces that I really love from their stores and always enjoy shopping in store or online. The company now is working out wholesale plans and I cannot wait to see C.Wonder back on shelves...eventually

Until then join me and shop the 50% off sale!!! 

xoxo

30 Day Challenge | #SugarFree2015

Today, 1/5/15, I am challenging myself to not eating sugar for the next 30 days!!! EKK!! I know. I am already thinking to myself how hard this is going to be, but I am up for the challenge. No sugar means no refined sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. Naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods will be acceptable. I want to start enjoying the real taste of foods!!

My Guidelines:
Foods with added sugar of any kind are no allowed.
No added natural sugars or sweeteners of any kind, included but not limited to: honey, molasses, stevia, agave nectar, mayple sugar etc. 
No added refined sugars (white sugar, corn strup, brown sugar)
No artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Equal, etc.)

Note:  No sugar means no added sugar. There will be naturally occurring sugars in milk, plain yogurt, fresh vegetables and fruit, that’s okay. The idea is to give up ADDED sugars that are in most all processed foods. 
Note: I will allow myself to "break" the no sugar rules if I am eating dinner (not desert) that a friend has prepared--but am only allowed this TWICE during the 30 day challenge.

Here's to NO SUGAR!!



xoxo