Angel Oak: John's Island, South Carolina

Whether you're a local of the Charleston area or just visiting, a drive to Angel Oak should be on your bucket list.

These pictures really don't do this beautiful tree justice-I truly could not capture the magnificent beauty of Angel Oak through pictures.  It is one of those sites that you really must see in person to truly appreciate.

There are picnic tables behind the tree, and a small gift shop.  This would be the perfect place for a picnic...especially this summer when you're craving some shade!

Because this tree is such a treasure, climbing the tree is not allowed in order to preserve it for future generations.

You can read more about the history of Angel Oak here.

Meet our Contributors: Allison of Sincerely Alli

How long have you lived in the Carolinas and where are you from originally?

I have never lived anywhere other than the Carolinas.  I grew up in Aiken, South Carolina.  I'm a 5th generation Aikenite, and my two baby girls are 6th generation South Carolinians.  Other cities I've lived in are Columbia, Greenwood (SC), Charlotte, Greensboro, and currently Charleston.  

What is your favorite thing about the Carolinas?

I love the history within these two states; I didn't realize how unique this region is in terms of preserved history until a friend from Oregon pointed out that the historical architecture and landmarks don't date back a far in the northwest as they do on the east coast; history is rich here and I love how preserving it is treasured here.  

I love that you can visit the mountains and the ocean all in half a day's drive at most!

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for a little over 2 years now.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love that blogging brings people together all over the world and creates a common thread among us: to inspire, be inspired, and to document this one life we've been given to share with the world and our families.  Writing is accessible to everyone; it's one of the rare things in this world that creates a level playing field for everyone regardless of things like career, income, and social status.   I have made some dear friends through the blogging community and I love that my little girls will have pieces of my thoughts from this season of our lives to reflect back on when they grow up.

Give a brief description of your blog.

Over at Sincerely Alli , you'll find alot of stories about motherhood and how it's changed my life in both big and small ways.  You'll also find my thoughts on my faith, marriage, friendship, fashion and things that inspire me.  I have fallen in love with the South Carolina coast and photography so you'll see pieces of my journey with these two interests as well.

Carolinas wedding attire: keeping it classy in our signature summer heat!

Hey Y’all!

I’m sure everyone has at least two or three wedding invitations lying around your house. If you’ve already sent your RSVP, you’re now worried about what to wear. I thought I would share a couple of my favorite wedding looks.

Let’s start off with the formal summer wedding. In the southern summer heat, I’d suggest a cocktail dress with heels. Instead of going with dark colors which tend to be more formal go with a bright stand out shift!

Ditch the typical clutch! If you can get away with tucking your necessities in your date's jacket pockets, go for it! You’ll be much happier not having to worry about where to place your bag when you hit the dance floor.

Living in the south, we love to have outdoor weddings in the afternoon. Pick a cute summer shift that isn’t too heavy. I’d recommend wearing flats or Jack Rogers ; if you’re the kind of gal who loves heels, make sure to wear wedges.  I’ve seen a precious wedding invitation that politely suggested guests not wear heels by saying, “Unless you want to aerate the grass please wear comfortable flat shoes.”

Pink Cocktail Dress: Lily Pulitzer Nude Heels: Target

Shift Dress: Vinyard Vines Shoes: Jack Rogers Wedges: Lily Pulitzer

Head on over to Little Lady in the South for your daily dose of southern charm!

Enjoy wedding season!

-Waverly

We are linking up today at Style Elixer , What We Wore , What I Wore Wednesday .

Asheville Restaurant Review: Mela

My husband Josh and I love to eat, but let’s be real, who doesn’t??? We got married almost a year ago and we probably eat out 4 days a week… I know, I know, I am not going to be winning any Wife Of The Year awards anytime soon. But the bright side is we know some pretty dang good places to eat in a 90 mile radius. (Yes we will drive an hour and a half for some grub.)

One of our favorite places is Asheville. Seriously, this city is a foodie heaven. While we love trying new places, it is hard to tear Josh away from Mela, an Indian restaurant in the heart of downtown. So I thought it would be an appropriate spot to talk about for my first post.

Josh and I usually try to make it for the lunch buffet, from 11:30 to 2:30 every day and we always leave stuffed. Not only is it delicious, but it is a great bargain. Sometimes they even have a special for a buffet lunch and a local beer (they have Highland on tap) for only 12 dollars. I know what you are thinking, because I think it too… a buffet, seriously? But this buffet is constantly replenished with Chicken Masala, Tandoori chicken, chickpeas, Kheer and more. It is definitely the best bang for your buck.

But if you want a more romantic, less hurried atmosphere, going at dinner time is the way to go.

I got the Seafood Aviyal, which was on special, and I was not disappointed. It had just the right amount of spices and it was full of shrimp, scallops and Mahi Mahi. I could have had leftovers if it wasn’t so good. Josh usually gets the Chicken Korma, but he’s also a fan of Chicken Vindaloo (if you don’t like spicey, stay away from the Vindaloo). Check out their daily menu here.

For dessert I had Gulab Jamun, which is deep fried cheese in a rich syrup: a perfect cap for a delicious meal. We usually end the night at the used bookstore across the street, or at the Lab to grab a brew and listen to some local music.

Price- $$

Kid Friendly- While they don’t have a kid’s menu, we have been there during lunch and  the child we were dining with had a great time.

Parking- Street (Sunday: meters are free or there are parking structures, specifically on Rankin Avenue that give you the first hour free)

Outdoor Seating- None

Location- 70 North Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC

Much Thanks to Erin over at The Cornwell Fam for this review-be sure to check back for her June restaurant review!

On Location at Palmetto Bluff: A Hilton Head Island treasure spot

Greetings! My name is Michelle, which you may already know from the recent introduction post. 

In case you missed it, I live on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina .  I have a fashion blog called Pink Champagne .  I'm also an online shop owner of Pink Bubbly. If you love fashion, southern living, and all things sparkly and monogrammed, we are going to get along swimmingly.

When my husband and I moved to Hilton Head Island last summer, one of the places that was instantly on my must see list was Palmetto Bluff (mostly because the fall Lilly Pulitzer catalog had been shot there, and it looked absolutely gorgeous). It has quickly become one of our favorite spots, as it is even more charming and beautiful than I ever could have imagined. Fittingly, here I am wearing Lilly enjoying the gorgeous scenery and lunch at Buffalo's (a must if you have not been).

Outfit details: Blouse and Pants Lilly Pulitzer, Necklace and Bracelet Pink Bubbly, Earrings and Watch Kate Spade, Shoes Chanel, Purse Kate Spade

Have a fabulous day, y’all!

We are linking up today at Style Elixer , What We Wore , What I Wore Wednesday 

Follow us on Bloglovin'!

Picture taken at Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Happy Mother's Day!

To be a mother is to have your heart walking around outside your body. -unknown

From our family to yours...Happy Mother's Day!  

Pictures taken at Angel Oak .

Meet our contributors: Ashley of Dancing with Ashley

blog: Dancing with Ashley

How long have you lived in the Carolinas and where are you from originally?

I was born and raised in North Carolina!  I am originally from Kinston (Eastern NC)

What is your favorite thing about the Carolinas?

Where do I begin?  I love that North Carolina has it all...the beach, the mountains, city life, country life...the best of everything!

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for about 3 years now.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Blogging gives me an amazing opportunity to create and it provides a platform for me to share things that are close to my heart.

Give a brief description of your blog.

Dancing with Ashley focuses on sharing inspiration through every day moments, fashion, and the arts...and seeing the beauty in it all.

Meet Our Contributors: Michelle of Pink Champagne

blog: Pink Champagne

shop: Pink Bubbly

How long have you lived in the Carolinas and where are you from originally?

I have lived on Hilton Head Island, SC since July of 2013 (approaching one year as a Southern belle!). I am originally from Cape Cod, MA where the beaches are beautiful, but the winters are much colder!

What is your favorite thing about the Carolinas?

Southern charm! The community on Hilton Head Island is wonderful, and my husband and I have been welcomed with open arms at our local yacht club and onto a fabulous tennis team. We love spending time on our beach and biking all over the island. On our to do list: learn how to golf better! 

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging at Pink Champagne since January of 2010 – time has flown!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

The connections and friendships I have made through the blogging world are amazing! I also enjoy having a creative outlet and a space to share my favorite things (almost always fashion-focused).

Give a brief description of your blog/and or shop.

I am the author of Pink Champagne and owner of the online shop Pink Bubbly. Pink Champagne is a fashion blog where I showcase my favorite styles, usually pink, printed, or monogrammed. Pink Bubbly is the place where you can shop for these very things! It is an online jewelry shop filled with pretty statement necklaces, bracelets and bangles, and earrings. I have recently launched a full monogram shop, where you can personalize necklaces, cuffs, bracelets, clutches, and hats. Pop the bubbly!