House of Swank Clothing

Let’s Go to the Beach, Beach

July 24, 2013 alittlebitsquirrely

I recently got back from a family vacation at Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. When I say “family vacation” I mean there were about 20+ folks coming and going from the beach house. This has been an ongoing tradition well before I was born. It’s an opportunity for cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and so on to spend a week together under the same roof to really bond + catch up. When you think about it, It’s priceless. Here’s a recap of my vacation at Ocean Isle!

This was the best $9.99 I spent on a cheesy shirt from Waves to give to my cousin

I kept it classy on the first day with a Diet Coke in my House of Swank koozie.

Wine, saltwater and sand is all I need. This is what heaven looks like

The beach hat I bought was cutting it, so I bought this amazing mustache hat to keep me cool and looking hip

My cousin Blake found this starfish on the beach. Poor l'il guy lost a limb later that day. — My cousin Blake found this starfish on the beach. Poor l’il guy lost a limb later that day.

This is what happens when a pack of cute kids asks you to buy one of their bracelets they made. I couldn't say no! — This is what happens when a pack of cute kids asks you to buy one of their bracelets they made. I couldn’t say no!

Every evening led to an exciting game of beach volleyball

I adore Ocean Isle for their calm beaches

The family flag that was on display everyday!

These 2 goobers kept me laughing all week long and I got to feel young again hanging out with them

That pretty much sums up the week I spent at Ocean Isle… drinking wine/ Diet Coke, hanging out with my cousins, being goofy and LOVING the beach.

xoxo

Around Town

First Friday: April Edition

April 10, 2013 alittlebitsquirrely

Finally! We had Spring weather for First Friday!

To kick off First Friday, we had the most delicious meal at Gravy in downtown Raleigh. This time I tried the spaghetti + meatballs (I’ve heard rave reviews about their famous meatballs, so I decided to give it a try). It was ah-mah-zing! The portion wasn’t overwhelming, yet I had enough leftovers to make another meal out of it.

Major noms!

It’s not a true First Friday event until we stop + visit the vendors outside The Raleigh Times. I’ve been wanting a North Carolina shirt from House of Swank Clothing, so what better time to buy one?! (Side note: I should really pay attention next time because I thought I bought a SMALL shirt, but instead I bought an XL!! Maybe it was the wine I had at dinner that impaired my ability to read tags on shirts, I don’t really know). So besides purchasing the wrong size shirt, I also bought an adorable Durham onesie in pink for one of my friends who is about to have a baby. I can’t wait to give it to her!

While perusing the various vendors, my eyes locked on to an oh-so-fabulous shirt. A squirrel shirt of Sir Walter Raleigh (y’all know I have a love for squirrels). Immediately I thought, I have to get this shirt. It was a whopping $25. I wasn’t up for negotiating with the vendor on the price, so I stepped away from that epic shirt. Looking back, I wish I would have bought it… but I’m confident I’ll see it again *fingers crossed*.

Until next month’s First Friday…

xoxo

Around Town

First Friday: March Edition

March 5, 2013March 9, 2013 alittlebitsquirrely

I LOVE First Friday. If you’ve never ventured out in downtown Raleigh to attend First Friday, you’re missing out. Every first Friday of the month, downtown Raleigh showcases art, jewelry, apparel and anything else you can think of.

This past Friday was epic.

My friends and I ventured to Chuck’s for dinner (it was my first time there and it was amaze-balls). That was the first burger I’ve completely demolished. Seriously. The menu may look a little intimidating, but don’t worry they can make a burger however you’d like. I have a feeling I’ll be back there soon.

There were vendors lined up right outside of The Raleigh Times selling shirts, jewelry, koozies, art prints, and the list goes on. My best purchase of the week came from House of Swank Clothing where I picked up 2 awesomely clever koozies.

First Friday is a great opportunity to support local businesses, so y’all better mark your calendar for the next one on April 5th!