Patina and Purl Has Moved!

Patina & Purl has re-branded and moved over to its new home!

Head on over to The Wife Aquatic for your weekly home decor and DIY fix! 

I hope you'll continue to read and follow along as we undertake our new

adventures and lifestyle living aboard our 1988 Carver yacht! 

Thanks for reading and as always...

Our Favorite North Carolina Beach

Last week, Mark and I went with his family on a much-needed vacation to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. I'll go ahead and say it. I am not a fan of Myrtle Beach, SC. While this town was our family's vacation destination my entire childhood, as an adult, I wouldn't choose Myrtle as my go-to. It's often congested and has become overrun with gimmicky-touristy attractions.

Not so at Ocean Isle Beach. This beach destination has maintained its small-town vibe. It's far enough away from the commercialization of Myrtle Beach that you feel secluded, bu close enough that if you want to go shopping or visit a boardwalk, you can. I however am perfectly content to spend my days lying on the beach and my evenings stuffing my gullet with Calabash seafood. Which I did with gusto. 

Allow me to regale you with the list of seafood in which I so stupendously indulged: flounder, trigger fish, clams, mussels, oysters, calabash shrimp, and scallops. I'm pretty sure I ate every seafood item available in North Carolina-- and I am not one bit ashamed. Is it bad that eating is one of my favorite parts of vacation? I guess it's good I workout everyday, huh?? 

Some of our favorite Ocean Isle Beach (and nearby) spots: 

Ocean Isle Fish Company

Drift Coffee Co

Sharky's 

Ocean Isle Creamery

Waterfront Seafood Shack

Victoria's Ragpatch

What is your favorite beach getaway? Mark and I are always looking for a new place to go. We hope to plan a long weekend trip for our fourth anniversary this year. So we are open to suggestions!

6 Things to Know Before Buying a Liveaboard Boat

As some of you know, the process of buying our liveaboard boat was fraught with difficulty, delays, and unnecessary stress. We sold our home on April 29th-- packed up, said our goodbyes, and hit the road for DC-- mistakenly thinking we were going to close on the boat on May 9th. No big deal, right? We had made arrangements to spend the intervening week with Mark's family. 
Except we didn't close on May 9th. Or May 10th. Or May 11th. Or even May 20th for that matter. Somehow, our marine lender kept delaying, with last-minute requirements for additional paperwork. Talk about utterly infuriating! Not only were the delays causing us to needlessly spend money on interim housing, but we were also so worried that the seller would back out of the deal. Every day, I was worried-- searching for back up apartments and biting my nails over the dog. What on earth will we do with Solo? Where will we live with a pitbull? These thoughts kept roiling in my mind. There may or may not have been one or two sobbing shower breakdowns. 
Fortunately, the seller stuck with us-- and over a month after selling our house, we finally closed on the boat on June 3rd. Sheesh! Talk about a process!
So today, I wanted to share a few things that I wish I had known before jumping into this liveaboard process. If you have ever considered living on a boat or know someone who is considering it, make sure tha they read this list first! It has been a really cool experience thus far, but man-- what an ordeal. Without further ado...

Six Things to Know Before Buying a Liveaboard:
Be prepared to struggle finding financing. Before the recession, banks gave out loans liberally. Thus, it was no big deal to go take out a marine loan and buy your liveaboard-- even though boats are depreciating assets. Fast forward to 2016, however, and no one-- I repeat NO ONE-- wants to finance a liveaboard. Even though we both have good credit and the amount of money we needed was so small (less than most cars!), we couldn't find any marine lenders or banks who would loan it to us. After weeks of searching, we finally did find financing with this bank, but even that was incredibly difficult. 
My suggestion? Either purchase the boat while you still have a land address or purchase a boat cheap enough that you don't need financing. 
Be prepared to pay for haul-out and a marine survey.  I can't stress enough the importance of this part of the buying process. While having the boat captained, hauled out, and surveyed can be pricey, the expense is worth it. You should walk away knowing everything-- big and small- that is up with the boat. Our seller was pretty honest, so we didn't have any surprises, but I still appreciate the peace of mind that came with having the survey done. After receiving the report, I felt like we had a good idea of what we were purchasing. 
Be prepared for the whole process to take a really long time.  As i mentioned earlier, our closing date was delayed again and again for over a month. At first, I thought that it was just us or something about the boat. But after talking with a few other liveaboards at our marina, I found out that closing delays are just par for the course with buying a liveaboard. Prepare yourself going in that this thing could take a while. Even after you get the boat, documenting it with the Coast Guard ... that also can take awhile. 
Be prepared to find interim housing if you're selling your home to move aboard.  My advice in this vein would be don't buy a liveaboard boat if you don't have anywhere to go while you wait. just don't. I think my stomach is more ulcer than stomach at this point. If you absolutely have to sell your home in order to move onto a liveaboard boat, budget for interim housing situations. 
Be prepared to seriously pare down your belongings. Before we sold out house, I went through every room and seriously looked at every single thing I owned. Was the item useful or just decorative? Was it an heirloom? Did I actually like it? If it wasn't used or wasn't sentimentally valuable, it was sold, donated, or pitched. Literally we pared down our belongings to two truckbed loads. (A few things, like antique pieces I couldn't part with, went into storage.) Even so, I still feel like we have too much stuff for the boat's storage capacity. I have to say though, there's something really refreshing about getting rid of all the excess stuff you own, the stuff you don't need or use or even really want. 
Be prepared for some things to be really different-- like the toilet, for example.  Oh. My. Goodness. This was almost a deal breaker. (It's about to get real people, so just brace yourselves.) We have an electric toilet... which essentially is like going potty on a garbage disposal. It. Was. Horrifying. I nearly leaped onto the bed to get away from the scary grinding loud horrific beast that had revealed itself to be lurking in the seemingly innocuous potty. I am not exaggerating when I say that I had to pep talk myself to use the restroom. All that aside, you will eventually get used to the weirdness of a boat's bathroom. It's been two weeks now, and I am getting over my potty phobia. Just be aware that boat bathrooms may look like an RV restroom, but they are a different creature entirely. 
And most of all, be prepared to have some fun!  It's going to be an adventure from start to finish, but you can say you did it. 

Boat Inspiratons

Today, I am super excited to share some of my decor ideas for our liveaboard boat. I don't plan on doing all of this at once-- I am sure it will be a gradual process-- but I have put together a few idea boards that showcase the vision I have in my head. 

I definitely want to incorporate nautical elements, without going overboard. (Ha! No pun intended.) The color palette will be a blend of blues and grays with hints of citrus incorporated to give an unexpected twist. And if you know me, you know it will be colorful! 

For the galley (kitchen): I'm thinking white cabinets, a rope rug, and a playful table runner. Also, don't you just love that "Welcome Aboard" pillow? 

Luckily, the previous owner left a lovely grey velvet loveseat in the living room. It's very similar to the one pictured above. I think it will go perfectly with a white-and-blue rug, colorful toss pillows, and a clear acrylic coffee table.

I've never been one to shy away from pattern and color in a small space, but I do think its important to keep furniture streamlined when working with a limited floorplan. A clear coffee table would provide a landing surface while still being light on the eyes.

Finally... the cabin (aka bedroom) inspiration board. I'll probably use my current duvet but accent with navy blue. I would love to try my hand at knitting a super chunky or giant yarn throw blanket. Winters on a liveaboard boat can be pretty cold, so I'll have the perfect excuse to layer on the texture. 

Also, I just have to buy these goofy pillow cases for our forward cabin (the guest room). I mean... you're all singing that song in your heads, after all. Don't deny it. 

Want to shop any of these looks? 

Click below for sources! 

Etsy sources: Whale wall hook Crab pillow  Nautical hardware Starfish table runner  Nautical Rope Rug "Welcome Aboard" pillow "I'm on a Boat" pillow Coral watercolor print velvet pillow
Other sources: Yacht bedding (coral)  oversized knit blanket

Welcome Aboard!

After almost two months of negotiations, delays, and nail-biting stress, I'm happy to share that we finally (major emphasis on finally) own our liveaboard boat!
She is finally ours! Bought and paid for... and in our name. 
It was such a long, arduous process, but I am so relieved to have our own "home" again. Even if it does float. I'm so excited to make it our own and to try my hand at decorating a yacht. I can't wait to share my ideas with you! 

A Life Update: Buying a Liveaboard Yacht

Well hello friends! Long time no see! I'm technically still in my blogging hiatus period but I wanted to provide a brief life update explaining where I've gone and why I haven't written for the past few weeks. 
If you follow us on Instagram, you will have noticed some rumblings regarding our purchasing a liveaboard yacht here in Washington, D.C. Well I am here to confirm these rumors! Mark and I are in the process of closing on a 1988 Carver yacht at Gangplank Marina, one of the largest liveaboard boat communities on the East Coast. 
Why, you ask? Two main reasons: 1) renting or purchasing property in DC is astronomically expensive and 2) we own a pitbull, which dramatically reduced the properties we could even consider. Thankfully, the marina could care less what kind of dog we own! We spent several months weighing the pros and cons of liveaboard life and decided that we really wanted to give it a try while we're young and still childless. After all, you only live once right? 

However, as it turns out, buying a liveaboard boat is one of the most complicated things you will ever do. It makes buying a house look like a walk in the park. After the recession, many lending and housing rules changed, thus preventing marine lenders from being able to loan to liveaboards. I could count on one hand the number of banks that will lend to a liveaboard. To compound the issue, many of those banks have dreadful customer service. Including the one we're using. Let me just say that our original closing date was May 9th.... We're now almost into June and just now getting the final paperwork. 
At this point, you're probably asking "Wait, didn't your house sell on April 29th?" Why yes! Yes it did! We have been bouncing all over the state, staying with family and friends in the interim. Thank goodness for our loved ones! At present, since closing seems to actually be happening soon, the boat owner has allowed us to pay a deposit and semi move on board. While I'm still nervous until everything goes through completely, we at least have a place to stay and are getting used to the movements and sounds of the boat. Meanwhile, Solo is in love with boat life-- I'm pretty sure he thinks he is captain. 

See what I mean? 
We're certainly not "out of the woods" yet-- but I hope that in a few weeks, all of this hassle will just be a memory! Once the documents are all signed, I imagine I will deflate with relief. And hopefully see the end of the stomach ulcers this stressful situation has caused! 
Keep us in your thoughts over the next few days!  I will write again once everything is finalized! 

Brief Blogging Hiatus

Hello everyone! Well as you can imagine, our life is in complete and utter upheaval. The settlement date on our house sale is next Friday (gasp!). Meanwhile, we're scrambling to finalize the boat purchase... so much easier said than done. There's a whole big story there, but it will just have to wait for another day! 

With all the pressure of packing our house, selling our furniture, and moving to DC, I simply do not have time to blog. Thus Patina & Purl Blog and Etsy shop will both be going on a brief hiatus. But don't worry! We'll return in mid-May once we have finally settled in our new home. 

Want to stay in touch? 

You can still follow along via

Facebook | Instagram 

A Peek Indoors with Sarah of Bluffton, SC

Welcome to the third installment of my monthly home decor series "A Peek Indoors." This week, we get to peek into the living room of my sweet friend Sarah. With its soft neutral palette, this living room manages to combine muted coastal vibes with a minimalist practicality-- all while maintaining its lived-in, welcoming atmosphere. It's a space in which anyone would enjoy sharing conversation and coffee. 
Now let's peek into this gorgeous, airy space!

"When my husband and I purchased our home four years ago, we were young and newly married with jobs we both loved and a passion for travel. In those four years, our lives have changed in a way that is very typical, yet feels light years away from that beginning together. We now have a one-year-old son, I'm a stay at home mom, and we have fully embraced the comfort of staying home as travel is one million times more difficult with a baby along. Our home has evolved right along with our life changes. 

"My husband couldn't care less about the look of our home, but I've spent the last year curating our space into one that brings us joy, is highly functional, and is also safe for our baby to explore. As a minimalist, I've pitched carloads of "junk" (much to the chagrin of my husband), invested in simple, neutral furniture with small pops of color to bring life to our home and inspire joy. Over time, I've narrowed down our decor to meaningful items. I finally feel very content with our home as it is now, and I'm continuing to focus on constantly paring down instead of purchasing more to fill our home. The space we live in feels open and comfortable: our little haven.

"There are many rooms I love in our home, namely our brand new relaxing screened-in-porch and our son's colorful art and travel-inspired room, but the room I decided to share today is our living room. It's where we spend most of our family time and gather with guests. Our living room is a perfect example of our overall style -- simple and minimalist with pops of bright color. Flow and empty space are abundant in this room, which makes it feel larger than it really is, while also freeing up my mind to think and just be, a hard objective to achieve with a toddler running around. I've decorated with lots of family photos, artistic shots from our pre-baby travels together, and little mementos from our world adventures. 
With comfort, minimalism, and meaningful curating combined, we are thankful to feel like this space is one we can be at home in for years to come." 
Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
Would you like to be featured on "A Peek Indoors"?  Contact us at patinaandpurl [at] aol [dot] com to be considered! 

Interviews with Creatives: Stephanie Indranee Photography (Atlanta, GA)

Welcome to the second installment of my favorite new blog series Interviews with Creatives, a monthly post that focuses on creative entrepreneurs -- shop owners, bloggers, artists, and makers. This month, we're focusing on a photographer from my home state of Georgia. Stephanie's work catches the eye because she manages to capture personality in her photos. You get more than just a beautifully styled photo-- you get a feel for who the subject is. 

Let's meet Stephanie!

When did you open your photography business? What compelled you to give it a try?

I have been taking pictures since I was in high school, and one day my sister told me that I should charge for my work rather than my “gifting” everything to people. Honestly, before then, I saw my photography as a way to relax and to give creative gifts to the people closest to me. I worked in the corporate world for 13 years and was able to “retire” in 2012. I spent 2 years traveling and doing consulting work, but then I began to feel like I needed to do more. Opening my business in August 2014 felt like a great opportunity to test my ability to be a small business owner, and I realized that I needed to put a value on my work and my time.

Tell us about your business name-- why did you choose it? Is there a story behind it?

My full name is Stephanie Indranee Wijesinghe. People cannot say Wijesinghe to save their lives, so I decided on Stephanie Indranee Photography. I am Sri Lankan. Our culture is very much about your name meaning something, and the family you represent. I used to always tell my staff that if my name was attached to anything, that it was done right the first time, and I stood by my work. I felt like naming my company, Stephanie Indranee Photography, just furthered that belief I stand by my work, and I create amazing experiences for my clients the first time.

Tell us about your academic and professional backgrounds. Did those fields influence your photography business at all? Do you feel that they give you any kind of unique edge?

I was a total nerd. I had 3 majors: Management, Finance, and Spanish. Then, I spent 13 years working in a background screening company (6 years managing Customer Service and 7 years as the COO). Working and studying in those areas definitely helped prepare me to have a photography business. I evaluate things differently than other small business owners and gained valuable experience in client services and marketing.

I think when you are a small business owner, it is easy to get swept up in the creative aspect, and forget about the business side. I run my business the same way I ran a multi-million dollar business, and I think that perspective makes me unique.

What area of photography is your main focus (newborn, lifestyle, wedding, senior portraits)? Why? Is there an area you’d like to move into?

I specialize in families (families with kids under the age of about 5 or 6 are my favorites), engagement and anniversary photography, and smaller intimate outdoor weddings (guest lists are below 150). Over the years I have done a lot of senior sessions, but never felt like it was a calling. Recently, that changed! I shot a few senior sessions, and realized that I really loved doing them. It was amazing to just watch some of them transform from little or no confidence at all in front of the camera, to being totally at ease by the end of our session. So, starting with the class of 2017, seniors will officially be a part of my business.

Describe a typical photography session-- What is special to you about each one? How do you help your customers relax during sessions?

One thing that is probably different about me is that I am super OCD about making my clients feel comfortable during our sessions, and I take my time. (I am not a clockwatcher, though I probably should be! LOL!) That means that from the time they contact me, until their session, we are constantly talking, sharing ideas, discussing props, etc.  We plan their session together. I don’t believe in just showing up with my camera, and start telling people what to do. I want them to feel like this experience is all about them, that they had a hand in creating the experience, and will be excited about the memories we will create together!

Every session is special to me because I feel like the moments that I capture will be preserved forever. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when I deliver prints to my clients, and they are sooooo excited, they cry tears of joy! So bottom line is that unless you are madly in love with your pictures, and you cry some tears of joy, my job isn’t done!

I love people! I love getting to know them, and I think the more that I get them to talk about themselves, and they get to know me, it allows them to relax during their session. I am not known for being super funny, but I have learned ways of making my clients laugh to be able to capture real emotion! People get a little intimidated when we do sessions, and there are all sorts of people around. I always remind them that the likelihood of them seeing those people again is pretty low, so to just have fun and be themselves   

What inspires you creatively? What’s your “muse” so to speak?

My muse…wow that is a hard one! I push myself really hard, so I think I am inspired to be better than I was the day before. I challenge myself to see beauty in things that others might look at and think I was crazy. For example: I did a portion of a session on the side of a road because the lighting was perfect, and the grass and trees were green. I think those clients thought I was crazy, but the end results were amazing. Beauty is all around us, sometimes we just have to search for it. Just a side note: As creatives in this day and age of social media, it’s very easy to be inspired by other creatives. There is definitely a place for that, but I feel like sometimes you can become so caught up in trying to be like them, that you forget you are talented in your own right.

Is your photography business your full-time job? If not, what else do you do?

My photography business is full-time, but I also run a holding company, and own a construction/remodeling business. So free time is very precious to me!

Describe your typical work day. Do you do sessions every day or have a specific schedule set up? When not doing sessions, what do you do (the “behind the scenes” of the business)?

My work days are usually different. During the busy months, I am usually at sessions or editing. During the months that things slow down, I spend a lot of time working on marketing, coming up with new ideas/projects for my business, and investing in continuing education to help me learn more about my craft.

What do you love most about being a small business owner/ creative? On the flip side, what is the most challenging part?

I love that I create my own rules for my business. On the other hand, working alone all day long was REALLY hard for me to adjust to at first. On the days when I have sessions, it’s not a big deal, but when I don’t, it’s hard.

What are some of your future plans for your business? What are you looking forward to the most?

I am looking into renting space for a studio soon. I am most excited by the idea of allowing my clients to come into a space that I have created just for them. Also, teaching is a calling for me! So I am now teaching classes on how to use your camera. I am looking to expand that into different areas soon!

What are some of your favorite Etsy, Pinterest, or Instagram accounts to follow? What other creatives inspire you?

This is a hard one too! So many to pick from!! I love Joanna Gaines, Katelyn James, Canon USA, Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, and a lot of the local photographers here in Atlanta. They are all so amazing!

What advice do you have for other photographers and creatives?

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!!!!

Maybe other creatives don’t struggle with this as much as I did at first, but it’s so easy to compare yourself to others, and try to be more like them because they are successful. But, if by doing that, you are no longer representing who you are, then you have to take a serious look at that!  In my industry, there are so many amazing photographers. It’s very easy sometimes to think that you might never be as good, or even as famous as they are. But at some point you have to have faith in your own abilities.

NEVER LOSE THE DESIRE TO LEARN!

When I first started in photography, no one was really willing to help me learn. I did it all on my own. Today, that is definitely not the case. More and more you see photographers and other creatives learning from one another. #commnityovercompetition  

I think in order for you to grow you have to keep pushing yourself to learn something new each and every day!

And finally just for fun-- if you could go on American Idol and sing (and totally nail it, of course) any one song… what would you pick?

I LOVE TO SING….so here again…so many to pick from. But, I would say anything from Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, or Sara Evans, since they are all in my vocal range, and I am a huge country music fan!

Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!

Connect with Stephanie Indranee Photography via:

Instagram | Blog | Website

Are you a creative entrepreneur who would like to be interviewed? Email to talk options at patinaandpurl [at] aol [dot] com

10 Things I'm Going to Miss about Frederick

The past several days have been a whirlwind of moving preparations. Finishing up the house inspections, doing a few repairs, selling furniture, and finalizing our liveaboard boat arrangements. It's a process that is both frustrating, nerve-wracking, and incredibly exciting. I've hardly had any time to stop and think about actually leaving Frederick and Maryland. But today I wanted to celebrate a few things about this wonderful little city that we've called home for the past four years. 

10 Things I'm Going to (Terribly) Miss about Frederick:
Evening walks downtown -- After dinner, Mark and I usually take Solo for a quick walk around downtown. We know the best alley-ways and places to stroll. We've gotten to know the neighbors and at least are on friendly-waving-terms with most of them. It's a simple little ritual that I will miss. 
Lunches on the canal - One of Frederick's main attributes is the number of fantastic restaurants downtown. Several of them are situated on the Carroll Creek Canal. Eating Saturday lunches on the patios, listening to the ducks quack and birds twitter will be greatly missed. One of our favorites is Doner Bistro, a German restaurant with a bit of Greek and Turkish flair. You haven't lived until you've tasted bratwurst in curry sauce. 

Hearing the carillon bells from my patio -- On Sundays, Mark and I like to eat lunch on the patio, if the weather is good. Seated at our tiny bistro set, we can enjoy some warm sunshine and listen to the distant tolling of the Frederick church bells and sometimes, the carillon (bell tower) at Baker Park. Every time, I feel like I've been transported to some other country. 
Trail runs at Gambrill State Park -- Another great thing about Frederick: the mountains are about five minutes away. Gambrill State Park is one of our favorite places for an impromptu camping trip or a quick evening trail run. I'm sure we'll be coming back to go camping in the future! 

Drinks at our local brewpub -- The first restaurant we visited downtown was Brewer's Alley. They have the best food and drinks. Seriously, if you're ever in town, go to Brewer's Alley and order their fish tacos. Or if fish isn't your thing... Aloha pizza. I'm telling you, you won't regret it. 
Watching the ducks at Culler Lake -- Every spring and summer, there are little baby duckies at Culler Lake, one of my favorite spots in the city. I love to take their pictures; Solo loves to bark and chase them. 

All our favorite shops, especially this one -- Frederick has its fair share of adorable boutiques. Our favorite by far is Citizen Frederick, a men's clothing and grooming store where most of the good are handmade or American-made. There's even an old-school barber shop upstairs! It's worth visiting just to smell all the good smells. Sandalwood, cedar, leather-- yum! 
Impromptu milkshake treats from Frederick Fudge and Ice Cream -- Seriously, this place has the BEST peanut butter milkshakes ever. Although this little burger shack came in close second. But Frederick Fudge and Ice Cream is within walking distance of our house-- so it wins the milkshake duel. 

Knowing all the shortcuts and back alleys to avoid traffic -- I've lived here long enough now that if I see a traffic jam up ahead, I know the best alleys and shortcuts to get around it. I'm no longer married to my GPS while driving around town. I actually know my way around. I know I'll learn DC too, but the first months in a new city are always intimidating. 
Our favorite sandwich shop  -- When you drive into the industrial park that houses this sandwich shack, you find yourself thinking "Wait. Is the GPS right?" Or if you're following someone: "Wait... Is this the part where they kill me and hide the body in an abandoned warehouse?" Okay so maybe not that extreme... But AKA Friscos has the best sandwiches, salads, and oh-heaven-why-are-you-so-good-to-us exploded potatoes. I have seriously considered buying some to-go tins of those potatoes just to get me through the first week in DC. 
What are your favorite things about your hometown?

One Pencil Skirt, 3 Outfits

This grey pull-on pencil skirt from LOFT has become a staple of my spring wardrobe. It rotates through my winter and summer closets, perfect for every season depending on what I pair with it. What I love most about this piece is how comfortable it is. So lately I've been pairing it with tees and sandals as much as with heels and blouses. Honestly, it's every bit as comfortable (maybe more so) than a pair of jean shorts. 

Here are three ways I've been styling it lately:

Outfit one: This look has become one of my spring go-to's. It's comfortable and cute at the same time. A comfy skirt, a comfy tee, comfy shoes-- what could go wrong? Since Maryland's spring weather can still be a bit chilly, I pair the outfit with a light jacket and scarf to ward off the chilly breeze.

Shop this look:

top (old), similar here

skirt

scarf (old), similar here

shoes

 Outfit two: When I saw this blousy pink top at Target, I had to have it. It's so springy and pink-- it just reminded me of a peony. I'm a huge fan of bright colors-- in case you can't tell-- and love pairing pale pinks with bright citrus-y hues and neutral bases. This out fit has become a favorite for me on warm spring days.

Shop this look:

top

skirt

shoes (old), similar here

bag

Outfit three: And of course, you can always dress a pencil skirt up. Whether paired with heels or flats, this outfit is both polished and comfy. The cardigan dresses it up for church or work, but you can easily remove the outer layer to look more summery and casual. This is an outfit I always feel pretty in-- and that's an important part of an outfit I think!

Shop this look: cardigan shirt, similar here skirt flats (old), similar here wedges bracelets (Etsy), similar here
Whats your favorite spring wardrobe essential? 

What Are Your Top 10 Movies?

image source

The other day, Mark and I stumbled across the movie Walk the Line playing on TV. You know, with Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix? Who doesn't love this movie! "This may be one of my top ten movies," I remarked and to my surprise Mark agreed. The conversation got me thinking.... What are your top 10 favorite movies? Those classics you can always come back to and enjoy with a bowl of popcorn? Here are my top ten:

• Gladiator -- Probably my all-time favorite movie, to be honest. 
• Walk the Line -- I've always loved Johnny Cash's music. So a movie about his life? Of course. Plus, any child of the early 2000s loves Reese Witherspoon. 
• Julie & Julia -- This movie will make you gain weight just watching it. You'll be cry-laughing around mouthfuls of chocolate cake. 
• Under the Tuscan Sun -- This movie makes me want to run away and buy a house in a foreign country and grow sunflowers and bake amazing Italian food. I think people who move abroad are so brave, and I'm a wee bit jealous of that bravery. 
• Mrs. Doubtfire -- This movie without fail will make me laugh every time. The phrase "drive-by fruiting" crops up pretty regularly in our household. 
• Just Go with It -- I'm usually not a huge Adam Sandler fan, but I am a huge Jennifer Aniston fan. And this movie manages to strike that perfect balance between guy-humor and girl-humor. Its one of the few movie I've bought immediately after watching it. 
• Legends of the Fall -- My sister used to have a huge poster in her bedroom featuring this movie. Ah, 1990's Brad Pitt, how we miss thee. Here's how much I love this movie: I had the music played during our wedding ceremony. 
• Pride and Prejudice -- Two words: Mr. Darcy. That is all. 
• Fried Green Tomatoes -- I feel like every woman from the South needs to watch this movie. I can't deny that I've had my share of "Tawanda!" moments. 
• the Lord of the Rings trilogy - I grew up watching these movies and still really enjoy them. I always enjoy stories where good prevails against all odds. 

What are some of your favorites? Share below!