Fleming's Steakhouse "100 Wines. One Summer." {{Plus A Giveaway}}

Last Saturday evening my mom and I had the opportunity to sneak away for a girl's night and attend a wine tasting at Fleming's Steakhouse. We had a blast tasting bottles we had never had, sipping on some old favorites, and enjoying some delicious hor d'oeuvres. 50 of the 100 wines that Fleming's offers by the glass were uncorked for the night, so the options were endless. We stuck with tasting mainly whites, but the reds looked just as delicious. It was such a fun night out with my mom!

Fleming's has been a family favorite of ours since they opened a restaurant in Birmingham several years ago. Steven and I celebrated our first anniversary at Fleming's last year, and it is one of our favorite places to go for birthday dinners. However, Fleming's isn't just for celebratory dinners. They also have a fantastic happy hour. I love meeting up with girlfriend's for happy hour drinks and small plates. We always have the best time catching up and sipping on wine!

One of my favorite things about Fleming's is there wine menu. The choices are endless! I love that the wine menu is presented on a tablet. With so many options it's easy to get overwhelmed, but their virtual wine list is easy to navigate and read. Steven isn't a big wine fan, but he is a huge fan of their steaks. Talk about delicious! We have never had a meal at Fleming's that we haven't loved. My mouth is watering just thinking about the menu!

Do you have a Fleming's Steakhouse near you? Fleming's would like to give one lucky reader the chance to win a $100 gift card to their restaurant. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

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Thank you Fleming's Steakhouse for hosting my mom and I at the One Summer Wine Tasting Event and for sponsoring this post and giveaway. As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. 

TORUK - The First Flight By Cirque Du Soleil - Is Coming To The Magic City {{And Your Chance To Win Free Tickets}}

Yall, I am so excited about this show! For three days only James Cameron’s Avatar will come to life in the spectacular Cique Du Soleil show at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena. Mark you calendars for five breath taking performances from Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21. This is one show you are not going to want to miss! If the description of the show alone is keeping me on the edge of my seat, I can't imagine what the live performance is going to be like:

Through a riveting fusion of cutting‐edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.

Set thousands of years before the events depicted in AVATAR, The story of TORUK – The First Flight follows the show’s heroes, Ralu and Entu, as they set out on a quest to save the Tree of Souls. They venture high up in the Floating Mountains to find Toruk, the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.

This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.

I've been anxious to experience a Cirque Du Soleil performance for as long as I can remember. I'm in awe at the movements these performers are able to effortlessly perform! From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec‐based organization providing high‐quality artistic entertainment. The company has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Take note, you will only have five opportunities to catch this show. Below is the schedule of performances this weekend in Birmingham, Alabama:

Friday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 20 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 21 at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at CirqueduSoleil.com/TORUK or by calling 205-458-8400. Better yet, I'm giving one lucky reader the opportunity to win four (4) tickets to the opening show Friday night. Enter below for your chance to win. Winner will be announced Thursday morning. Good luck! 

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$225 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway

Happy Black Friday! Has anyone scored any amazing deals this morning? I'm not one for waking up before dawn to go shopping, so I opted to relax with my coffee on the couch instead. My mom and I plan to venture out in a bit once the crazy crowds die down. Sure, we may miss all the "super hot" deals, but no there is no sale big enough to cause me to fight those crowds, no way! 

I do hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! It's safe to say, the holiday season is officially in full force and what better way to start off this holiday season than with a GIVEAWAY?! I've teamed up with a fabulous group of ladies to bring one lucky reader a $225 gift card to Nordstrom. I know I can think of quite a few things I could purchase with that kind of cash, especially around the holidays. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and stay safe out there. Those malls look like quite the mad house this morning!  

:::Brought to you by:::

 Becca // Shane // Nicole // Mary

Jamie // Samm // Magen // Kippy

Morgan // Katie // Cat // Lauren

Caley // Sarah  

  

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A Countdown of Sorts {{Plus A Giveaway!}}

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but it seems like as soon as October rolls around the countdowns start coming on in full force. From counting down the days until cooler weather arrives to counting down the days until Christmas (56 days if you're wondering), countdowns are prevailing around here. I guess that's why when I saw this countdown the other day, I decided I would jump on the countdown wagon as well. Thanks for the inspiration, Erin!

Five Things That I'm Looking Forward To:

1 // Another weekend road trip. Like it should really surprise anyone that we are going out of town yet again this weekend. Steven and I are driving up to Gatlinburg on Friday to spend the weekend in the mountains with family. The weather is supposed to be cool (dare I even say cold?), and I couldn't be more excited about that! 

2 // Cooler weather. The mountains aren't the only place where the weather is getting cold. The lows in Alabama this weekend are supposed to dip into the 30s. It's finally beginning to feel like Fall!  

3 // Hair appointment. Nothing puts me in a good mood quite like a fresh haircut does. I'm loving my new short hair, but I can't believe how fast it's already growing out. I can't wait to get it chopped back off this evening!

4 // The Holidays. Ok, before you roll your eyes, I know we haven't even gotten through Halloween yet, but Christmas is just right around the corner. Steven and I have been making holiday plans, and it's gotten me so excited for our first holiday season as a married couple! 

5 // Daylight Savings Ending. I understand that I'm in the minority here, but I really like when Daylight Savings Time ends and I can wake up in the mornings to sunshine. Granted, I'm usually ready for bed around 7:00pm those first few days of early darkness, but it's all worth it to wake up in the morning to the sun already shining. I love working out in the mornings, but it's nearly impossible to get up and get out of the house when it's still pitch black outside. Hopefully once Daylight Savings ends this weekend I'll be more likely to jump back on the early morning workout train. 

Four Items On My Wish List:

1 //  Frye Boots. Why yes, I am aware that my boot obsession has gotten out of control. However, I still want these Frye boots. They have been on my wishlist for a couple of years now. Perhaps this is the year I will finally call them mine?

2 // Pottery Barn Bar Cart. This item will likely forever stay on my wish list. I've been looking endlessly for a bar cart/console for months now and haven't had any luck. This one is the perfect size and the exact look I'm going for. Unfortunately, it's not quite at all in the price range that I'm looking to spend. The search continues...

3 // Target Scarf. I saw this yesterday at Target, and I don't know why I didn't buy it then. It's so cozy and soft, and you can't beat the $16 price tag! Needless to say, I'm going to have to make another Target run to purchase this. After all, I need something to keep me warm in the mountains this weekend! 

4 // Cable Knit Sweater. Nothing looks cozier than this oversize cable knit. I could pair it with a pair of leggings and the boots and scarf above, and no doubt it would become my winter uniform. 

Three Current Obsessions:

1 // Sons of Anarchy. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a girly girl like me would get so hooked on a show like SOA. The obsession started one Sunday morning when flipping through Netflix. Steven told me he had heard good things about the show and wanted to see what it was all about. I agreed to sit through one episode with him. Before we knew it we had spent two months binge watching five seasons and then bought the sixth season on DVD because we couldn't stand to wait for it to come out on Netflix. Now three months after starting the binge, we are all caught up and waiting impatiently for Tuesday nights to roll around so we can see how this whole thing is going to end.

2 // Le Tote. Have you heard of this subscription box? I'm planning to do a whole post on this soon, but Le Tote is basically Netflix for clothing. They send you a box of clothes and accessories, you wear the clothes as much as you want, and then you send them back and they send you a whole new box of clothes! You can even choose to purchase the clothes they send you at a discounted price. It's such a great concept!

3 // Pumpkin. Judge me all you want for this cliche, but I'm obsessed with all things pumpkin this year. I used to hate the smell and taste of pumpkin, but for whatever reason that all changed this season. Now I'm finding myself stocking up on pumpkin candles, purchasing as many pumpkins that I can fit onto my porch, and don't even get me started on the PSL. The addiction is real. 

Two Things That I Need To Get Done:

1 // Decorating the laundry room/mud room. This has been on my to-do list since we moved into our house over a year ago. We don't have a true laundry room, so the washer and dryer share the same space as the mudroom that opens up into our back yard, and it also houses Kane's very large crate. There isn't a ton of room to decorate that little space, but I know a new coat of paint, a few pictures, and a rug would make all the difference. That room will be done by Christmas, hold me to it.

2 // Spring Fall Cleaning. I'm what one would call the opposite of a hoarder. Basically if I haven't seen or used something in six months or so, it's gone. I hate clutter, so the more things I can get rid of the better. Lately I've been feeling really overwhelmed by the amount of clutter we've accumulated. It looks like a day of purging is in our immediate future. 

One Giveaway:

1 // Tory Burch Giveaway. I've teamed up with a wonderful group of ladies to bring one lucky reader a pair of Tory Burch flats! What an awesome giveaway, right?! The weather is getting cooler outside, so it's the perfect time of year to snatch up a pair of these fabulous flats. Enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

simply clarke | west coast mama | believe in the sparks | ruffled paper | rekita nicole

like american honey | venus trapped in mars | if i had 100 dollars | lip gloss & high heels | the so-called homemaker | 5 o'clock fashionistas | the thing about joy | southern beauty guide | its been delicious | the dwelling tree | two miracles | the southern thing | rebekah elizabeth | lot 48 | hello awesome

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These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things {{Plus A Giveaway}}

Maybe it's the fact that the weather is finally starting to feel like fall or maybe it's because I had time to stop by Starbucks on my way into work this morning, but either way I'm one happy girl today. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not usually this charming this early in the morning, but I suppose there is a first for everything, right? So let's savor the happiness of this Tuesday morning and talk about things, other than fall weather and Starbucks, that make me especially happy.

// Puppy Snuggles. They are the best! Granted, 2:00am puppy snuggles can get a little suffocating, but it's all worth it when you wake up on a cool morning curled next to a warm, snoring pup. 

// Shoe Sales. Because the only thing better than scoring a new pair of fall booties is scoring them for 40% off. 

// Passing Yoga Pants Off As Real Pants. Bless the season that I can get away with wearing yoga pants to work and passing them off as real pants. Pair so called "pants" with a pair of boots and long tunic, and I'm prepared to take on the day. I never claimed that corporate clothes were my thing...

// A Fresh Manicure/Pedicure. I used to be one to get my nails done at least every two weeks, but then this thing called adulthood happened and my mani/pedi dates became a little less frequent. Now things like groceries and power bills have to take precedent over getting my nails done, which is why I'm savoring my freshly manicured fingers a little bit more than a usual at the moment.

// A Clean Home. No laundry to do or dishes to put away, just comfy clothes and a relaxing evening at home with my husband drinking a glass of wine and clearing out the DVR. Those are my favorite kind of nights. 

// Giveaways! And today I have an awesome giveaway just for you! I've teamed up with a group of fabulous ladies to bring you a chance to win an adorable Kate Spade watch. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!!

The Modern Tulip || Health, Love & Fire || That's Mrs. Burns To You || Lot 48 || Make Me Up Mia || September FARM || A Beautiful Exchange || Believe In The Sparks || Lisa Loves John || Reasons To Come Home || Sequins & Sea Breezes

This giveaway will be live from 12:00am EST on October -- through 12:00am on October --. Open to US residents only. All entries are verified. Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be randomly chosen by the Rafflecopter.

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You Like Free Cash, Right? {{Giveaway}}

Mondays are exhausting. Throw a girls weekend in Atlanta topped off with a Garth Brooks concert, and I am just plain worn out this morning. 

Oh yes, and remember that state insurance class that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago? Well, I have the big state exam tomorrow morning. The one that only has a 41% passing rate.... Yikes!

Is it Friday yet?!

Ok, enough whining and complaining. I didn't come here this morning to do that. I actually came here this morning to present you with a pretty fabulous giveaway. I mean, granted you like free cash and all. 

I've teamed up with several fabulous ladies to give you a chance to win $205 in cold, hard cash. You know those gorgeous fall booties you've been obsessing over? You can totally purchase those with this kind of cash! Enter via the rafflecopter below for your chance to win. and don't forget to check out each of these adorable bloggers. Good luck! 

morgan | megan | heather | karissa
terin | tawnya | mar | maegen
lauren | katie | kate | vanessa
amy | karli | libby | caroline

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Time To Giveaway Some Cold, Hard Cash!

Please excuse my absence from the blog yesterday. It will probably be like that for most of the week because I'm gearing up for a much needed mini-vacation this weekend. Vacations are great, but preparing for said vacation is such a hassle. To apologize for my lack of presence around here this week, I've teamed up with a few amazing ladies to bring one lucky reader $130 in cold, hard cash. I can think of quite a few items I could purchase with that money! For your chance to win, enter via the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

The Girl who Loved to Write | Meg in Training | Believe in the Sparks | Rad Maverix

{the farmer's wife} | As the Wine Cork Turns

Classy Living | september FARM

Heaven with a Wild Side | The Crazy Wise Woman | The Butcher's Niche | Rose Gold & Ringlets

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Every Blogger Needs This + A Giveaway!

// Life planner. Two words: Erin Condren. If you don't have an Erin Condren planner, well then, I just don't know how you manage to do life. I've yet to fork over the $50 for said Erin Condren life planner because it literally pains me to think of spending $50 on paper, but don't fret. I suspect by January I will have given into temptation and ordered myself the planner... Maybe.

// Twitter and Instagram. How do people even communicate outside of the Twitter and Instagram world? If you can't say it using 140 characters or less, it doesn't need to be said. If you can't take a picture of your Starbucks, designer sunglasses, and said life planner perfectly centered (or not. Because, negative space) and filtered to perfection, then you just need to put away your camera because obviously your doing life all wrong.

// PicMonkey. What's the actual point of taking pictures if you can't edit it down and add words to it? There is no point. We must take pictures of all the things and then use the magic site that is PicMonkey to edit said pictures.

// Dogs and/or babies. My dogs are far more popular on social media and on the blog than I am. If I want more likes on Instagram, I take a picture of one of my dogs doing something adorable (i.e. sleeping on the couch), add a filter, and press post.

// A love/hate relationship with chevron, mason jars, burlap, Starbucks, selfies, Lululemon, and brunch. Ok I take that back. Everyone loves brunch.

// Thick skin and a sense of humor. Thick skin so you won't be offended by sarcastic posts such as this one, and a sense at humor so you can laugh at said post and laugh at yourself for also agreeing with the above. We all do it. No need to feel ashamed!

// DSLR camera. Now this is something we really do all need. Don't have one of those yet? No worries! I've teamed up with a group of fabulous ladies to bring one lucky reader their very own Canon Rebel T3i. Enter using the rafflecopter below and good luck!

Life Could Be a Dream // Dearest Love // Simply Clarke // Rachel Rewritten Casual Claire // My New Lines // Happily Ever After // The Wetherills Say I Do Wearable. // Two Places at Once // Believe in the Sparks // Just a Trace He and I // Chez•Nemmar // Oh Simple Thoughts // Elizabeth Loves Rad Maverix // A Faithful Passion // Health, Love & Fire // The Ashley Maria Blog Lot48 // Homegrown State of Mind // So Fill Your Heart

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The giveaway will run from 12:00 am EST on July 24th until 11:59 pm EST on July 30th and is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

A Few Of My Favorite Things + A Giveaway!

// Cowboy Boots. Or as I like to call them, the only boots perfectly acceptable to wear in the middle of summer... at least in my mind. In the winter I pair them with leggings, and in the summer I pair them with a dress or a pair of shorts. Basically what I'm saying here is, I can't get enough cowboy boots in my life. In fact, I think I'm up to double digits on the number I have in my closet.

// Football. Otherwise known as the best season of the year. How many more days left until the start of football 2014? The answer would be 42 days for all you keeping track. #RollTide

// Country Music Concerts. Bonus points if the concert is outside on a warm, summer night. There is just something about dancing to country music with a beer in hand that puts a smile on my face. 

// Maxi Dresses. They're not just for summer anymore! In fact, one of my favorite early spring and fall outfits is a maxi dress paired with a pair of cowboy boots (see above) and a blue jean jacket. Don't get my wrong though, I also love a maxi in the summer. I may or may not be wearing one today actually...

// Tory Burch. From her shoes to handbags and everything in between, I can't get enough Tory Burch in my life. And, because I think everyone should love some Tory as much as I do, I've teamed up with a few fabulous ladies to give one lucky reader a $300 Tory Burch gift card! Enter via Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

Simply Clarke / To Travel & Beyond / Beauty Brawler 

Olive & Ivy / hellorigby! / Believe in the Sparks / After Eleven Blog / Hey Sassy Girl

Rad Maverix / Mer In America / Getting' Fit Fab / Lot 48 / Wearable

Lil' Mrs Chatterbox / Musings of a Museum Fanatic / Lindsay Living Vegan / The Ashley Maria Blog / Lost In Boston

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I Have A Confession To Make (Plus A Giveaway!)

Hello, my name is Morgan and I have a confession to make. You see, I have this really bad habit of wearing the same few outfits over and over and over and over again. Yep. I have two closets stuffed full of dresses, shirts, pants, skirts, shoes and more, yet I still wear the same five or six articles of clothing repeatedly until I have ripped them to shreds or until they have gone so far out of fashion that I just look ridiculous wearing it. Don't believe me? I'll just let the pictures do the talking...

See what I mean? It's an embarrassment actually (almost as embarrassing as showing up to dinner dressed exactly like your best friend, as seen in the picture above). Also, why must I always insist on wearing off the shoulder dresses/shirts? Apparently I have even more issues than I thought.

So, while I contemplate whether or not I should giveaway my most beloved articles of clothing in exchange for new ones that I probably won't wear anyway, you should go ahead and enter this giveaway for $200 in cash. That's right, Marquis is turning 24 in two weeks, so to celebrate, I have teamed up with her and twelve other bloggers to bring you a $200 CASH giveaway. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

the samantha show // simply clarke

believe in the sparks // wearable // when in doubt just add glitter // set free

lot 48 // she is moments // southern beauty guide // life as rachel

two places at once // jessica j marie // health love and fire // a faithful passion

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Lake Party Essentials + A Giveaway!

By now, you know that my favorite place to be on the weekends is at my family's lake house. It's my happy place. I love spending time there no matter what the season is, but I especially love this time of year on the lake. The boat covers have started to lift, and the lake begins fill with laughter from from families.

Summer on the lake is also a time when our famous family "lake parties" begin. In fact, the first of many parties at our lake house will kickoff this weekend. The guys have a big fishing trip planned and the girls have big plans to lay out and drink fruity boat drinks all day. It's going to be fabulous!

Before the parties can start, however, we have to stock up on a few lake goodies. This is where Swoozie's comes in. Swoozie's is the perfect one stop shop to gather all our summer lake goodies. From cocktail napkins, to tumblers, to picture frames, Swoozie's has it all! I have my eyes on a few adorable mason jar glasses that will be perfect for sipping my fruity cocktail on the boat! 

Swoozie's has eight locations across the United States as well as an amazing website full of anything and everything you need for your summer soiree. Swoozie's also has a plethora of gifts for Graduation, Father's Day, and everything in between! And, because Swoozie's is so awesome, they are giving away a $20 gift card to be used in store or online. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Winner will be chosen next Thursday, June 5th.

Open to US residents only

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Today May Be April Fool's Day, But This Giveaway Is No Joke!

With the wedding being only 11 days (!!!) away, it's pretty much all I have on the brain these days. I've been finalizing those last minute details, writing up itineraries, and checking the weather forecast fifty two times a day. Everything is falling in place.

I figure, however, instead of listening to me ramble on another day about the wedding, you would much rather enter a fabulous giveaway, so I've teamed up with a few precious ladies to bring you just that!

This April Showers (as long as those showers stay far away on April 12th!!) inspired giveaway features a colorful pair of Joules Rain boots of your choice along with an adorable Kate Spade umbrella.

I told you it was fabulous! Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Winner will be chosen next Tuesday, April 8th.

Open to US residents only

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St. Patrick's Day Celebrations + A Giveaway

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

I'm kind of overly obsessed with this holiday. Maybe it's my "Irish Heritage" or maybe it's just the fact that I really love green beer, but either way I go all out when it coms to St. Patty's Day. And, because this year St. Patrick's Day fell on the dreaded Monday, we took advantage of celebrating all weekend long. 

After spending Friday night out at the bar with some friends, we woke up bright and early Saturday morning to run the RumpShaker 5k benefiting Colorectal Cancer. This benefit run was near and dear to our hearts because my (very soon to be) father-in-law was diagnosed nearly two years ago with the disease. Thanks to a strong will and wonderful doctors he is doing great today! This is a cause that Steven and I will forever support. Oh, and it's one of the very few reasons that I would ever be out of bed at 6:00am on a Saturday morning to run.

After the run, we decided to celebrate by dressing up in our green attire and hitting the bars for some green beer. I love seeing how much fun everyone has with their outfits on St. Patrick's Day. We saw everything from kilts, to green tutus, and everything in between. So. Much. Fun.

Have I mentioned how much I love this freaking holiday? I plan to continue the celebrations today just as soon as I leave work.

Remember to wear your green today so you don't get pinched! 

Oh, and what better day than St. Patty's Day to bring you a giveaway?! I've teamed up with Jane and her sponsors for an awesome giveaway that you are definitely not going to want to miss out on - a $100 gift card to Sephora, a Stila makeup palette, and a bottle of Escada perfume. Pretty awesome, right?! Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

Linda | Kim | Amanda

Jessica | Maegan | Morgan

Fran | Karen | Jane

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