I’ve been looking forward to today all week because late this afternoon, Ryan and I are meeting with our realtor to check out a bunch of houses. (Eight houses! Is that a little too ambitious?) The last time we met up with our realtor we drove around three different areas and checked out various neighborhoods for five hours. Now that we feel like we have a better idea of where we want to be, we’ve compiled a list of houses we think we might like and I am pumped to see them in person.
Ryan and I have never owned a home before or even thought about buying a house, so this is all pretty exciting! We are not married to the idea of owning home and will rent if we don’t find anything that feels ideal, but we are both feeling very ready to own a house and settle down a bit. The thought of painting and decorating a house that we won’t have to move out of in a year or two sounds fabulous. I’ll keep you guys posted on our search!
For now, let’s chat about things we are loving this week. As always, please let me know what’s making you smile this week in the comments section of this post!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Charlotte Restaurant Recommendations
Thank you so, so much for your Charlotte-area restaurant recommendations! I jotted them all down and Ryan already surprised me with an email invite for a date night to one of them on Saturday night. So far your recommendations have been phenomenal (we loved 131 Main, Restaurant X and Toast)! Just in case you’re new to Charlotte or will be visiting the Charlotte area and may be on the lookout for some restaurant suggestions, here are some of the top spots on our list to check out:
(I included some restaurants we have already visited and loved in the above list!)
- Evolution Fresh Essential Greens with Lime Juice
I typically prefer juice with some sort of fruit in it for a little sweetness so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this juice when I picked up a bottle earlier this week. And I’m really loving the simple ingredient list: Juices (celery, cucumber, spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, lime, parsley, wheat grass, clover sprouts). I think the hint of lime was my favorite part!
- These Shoes… That I Didn’t Buy
These shoes! I love them! Unfortunately when I tried them on at Marshalls this week the buckle hit right at my anklebone. I know that the clasp would end up rubbing on my bone and causing a lot of pain, but I hated to walk away from such a cute pair of shoes (on sale!). I guess it wasn’t meant to be. If you happen to run across a similar pair of shoes that won’t cause an intense amount of pain, please let me know!
- Personalized Cutting Board
My friend Allison sent this cutting board to me and Ryan as a temporary housing house warming gift which I thought was so sweet (and also kind of hilarious). Allison is also the person behind the personalized koozies I had made for Leslie’s bachelorette party! If any of you are in the market for cute, personalized gifts, you can reach out to Allison at portobluegifts@gmail.com. Her stuff is adorable and her turnaround time is crazy fast.
I’ve seen a small army of fashion bloggers blog about this sale and after finally checking it out this morning, I can see why! It’s Nordstrom’s biggest sale of the year and I have my eye on a few items I am hoping to snag that I think will make great gifts for loved ones this year! Here are a few affordable items I thought might interest those of you who love cute fitness apparel and flirty dresses: Zella seamless tank (love this for barre or yoga), Lush cobalt v-neck dress (reminds me of the yellow dress I wore for Kristen’s rehearsal dinner but in blue and cheaper), Zella reversible live in leggings (love the wide waistband and the fact that these leggings are reversible), Tildon shift dress (super cute with wedges or strappy heels), Nike dri-fit tank (looks so light and breezy)
- This Watermelon Smoothie
I’ve made this exact smoothie three times this week. I can’t get enough! It’s so refreshing and simply screams summer.
- My Mom’s 60th Birthday
My mom’s 60th birthday is this Sunday! Even though I won’t be with my mom to celebrate this year, I have a little surprise planned to make her day extra special. I am missing her like crazy but sending lots of love and birthday wishes her way. Happy 60th birthday, Mama! I love you!
Past Things I’m Loving Friday Posts
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you’re loving this week?
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
My fiance and I just purchased a house (in Maryland, not where you are) so if you ever need advice, let me know! I will say that we saw 8 houses in one night (after working all day, which was a mistake because we were out from 5-8:30 with NO DINNER and by the end I hated all the houses because I was hangry) and it was overwhelming. BUT, if you go on a weekend during the day and take your time, grab a snack in between, and take lots of photos so you don’t forget, you should be good. We bought our house after only seeing it briefly and we have never been happier. I really believe that when you know, you know!!
Julie, We would like to use one of the photos on your blog of a dog sitting next to a packed suitcase in our local magazine. Would that be possible? Carie http://www.coastalcaninemag.com
Hi Carie! Can you please email me at PBfingers@Gmail.com? Thank you!!
Hi Julie! I’ve been reading your blog for years, but it’s the first time I’m leaving a comment, because… My dad’s 60th birthday is this Sunday! How cool is that?!? Happy birthday to your mom! :)))
Hello!
I have a question- I don’t know if you’ve covered this in another blog post or not but what do you do to handle injuries?! I just had a workout-related concussion and my doctor said no physical exercise for 4-6 weeks… have you ever been in a similar situation? I am going crazy and it’s only been 2 weeks… any tips for surviving with no exercise?!
I have never commented but have to add a few CLT restaurants to your list – common market and the king’s kitchen! So happy that you’re enjoying NC!
Yes the Nordstrom Sale! They have so many awesome things that I need!
We just did girl’s night with my best friend and our mom’s. We went to an ArtBar in South Boston and that is definitely something I’m loving. I can’t wait to go back again.
Great list! I love Dandelion Market, but I’m more often there for drinking more than eating. Fun spot! I’ve been wanting to try Copper and Mac’s. Hopefully I’ll get there sooner than later.
Yaaasssss!!! I rarely get things full price and therefore, never buy anything at Nordstrom since it’s still expensive even after discounts…now I’m so giddy about this sale going on! Thank you for featuring it 😀
I have to check that sale out!!
Where is the Charlotte Area? Is it in the states?
North Carolina!
That is so exciting that you guys are house hunting!!!! My husband and I have been house hunting all summer and when we couldn’t find anything we both liked we decided to build!! I’m so happy with our decision and it is going to turn out amazing….. and the KITCHEN will be just like I want it! So excited!! I can’t wait to hear more about your house hunting! Try to enjoy it and not get to stressed!
Love those shoes!
I hope your birthday surprise to your mom includes YOU — in a big birthday cake! 😉
Happy birthday to your beautiful momma!
I bought that tank in two colors and am obsessed! Good list of Charlotte restaurants 🙂
Does anybody know the name of those shoes, or where I can find them (besides the Marshalls) 🙂 Please let me know if you do
BCBGeneration!
Thanks:)
I meant more like a style name/number
I remembered this post back when you published it, and actively searched for it to use during my trip to Charlotte this past week! My boyfriend and I are moving there in two weeks, but spent last week visiting and apartment hunting. We were able to get to Mac’s Speed Shop and Tupelo Honey Cafe– both AMAZING!! We can’t wait to get there and look forward to trying more places on your list! Thanks for the post 🙂
yay!! so glad to hear it! hope you love it here! 🙂