a grateful heart

…
my heart is grateful for:

– first and foremost, mr. monaco and i met up with the hills of hill collection friday night and had the best time- loved them both so much! i knew i adored them before {they are the cutest} but i do even more after meeting up in person! we went to osso at the music factory for italian food and then went over to the vbgb bier garden for some more fun. before i knew it, it was after midnight. they both have such sweet souls and we enjoyed our time with them- very much!  hoping to see them again soon… loved.  have you ever met up with a blogging friend?  have any plans to do so?

– saturday felt like it was about fifty hours long, but was so awesome! i woke up early to set up a first birthday party i have been planning for a hometown friend, who now lives in charlotte. the theme was airplanes: ‘time flies’ and i think it turned out really well. i am excited to share details with you all soon, but we had a great time. i loved seeing her family and meeting more of his. most importantly, precious van {the birthday boy} was just the cutest one-year-old around. he wore an amazing flying jumpsuit from gap {think top gun} and was so good all day. i have included two photos above and the invite below; however, i can’t wait to share the details with you soon! 

– saturday evening we headed over to noda {the arts district in charlotte} for an event that my friends have been planning called ‘ales for autism’… such a wonderful time for a great cause! i know how hard they have worked… lots of prizes, live music, laughs together- i was so proud of them.

– late night food at jack beagles with friends- the perfect spot/so good.

– bubblegum pink nail polish

– salmon with risotto 

– sunny carolina blue skies and cozy blankets on rainy days
– taco food trucks 
– being a woman~ there are so many things i love and am grateful for regarding this and this photo shows just a few reasons why…  essie nail polish, tocca perfume, twine and twig necklaces

-the smell of fresh cut grass
– oranges
– friends who are like family
– speaking of family, i get to see mine in just four sleeps! cincinnati bound friday ♥

i found this idea on pinterest and then my friend had a college friend who was able to re-create the look. the invites were folded like a paper airplane when they arrived on the guests’ doorsteps ♥

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 what are you most grateful for this week?
also, go check out astleigh’s post about their trip to charlotte here
{adore her- and loved reading about their entire trip!}
…
 simply loved: 

monthly meal planning
hill collection’s weekly pics and photos 

hope your weekend went well!

xo
also linking up with oak + oats and b loved boston