If you know me at all, you know my love of mexican food, tequila and pretty much anything that can go on a tortilla chip. While we were in Asheville a few weeks a go, we found this heavenly place, while we were shopping. It was a LOT colder than we were expecting and after one shop and a very windy walk to the next, we decided to get lunch instead! Chips and salsa for the win. Always! 

Inside The Cantina was beautiful and eclectic, like most things in Asheville. It's one of those restaurants that you want to try over and over so you can taste everything on the menu, but then you never change your mind because the first thing you eat is too good to pass again. I got the pork enchiladas with a creamy cilantro sauce that was the perfect amount of spicy. It will definitely be hard to pass up that meal ne We also got the cheese dip which came with chips and two kinds of salsas. The verde was my favorite, which is normally the case. Spicy tomatilla gets me every time, just like a spicy margarita, which was also delicious. 

All the sides sounded great but the coconut rice (rice cooked in coconut milk and sauteed veggies) was so good!! The brussel sprouts were also cooked to perfection. Mmm, I always hate doing these posts when I can't drive to the location to enjoy a meal and a drink again. We will be going back to Asheville in the spring (if not before then) and this spot is definitely on the list. I'm dying for Peter to try it!! 

If you are in Asheville, definitley give The Cantina a try, you will not be disappointed!! Promise!

weekend in Asheville.

I had a fun weekend in Asheville with my Mom, Grandma & Solomon, for the shopping weekend away! It's a nice tradition that we started several years back with my grandma, and its even more fun now that we have Solomon to tag along with us. Last year was super easy since he was only 2 months old, but I was a little worried about having a crazy toddler with us this year. As always, he surprised me with his sweet disposition. He is the perfect mix of a fun crazy kid and easy going. There were a hand full of tantrums, but he is fourteen months old now... it's to be expected! 

We went straight to our hotel, the brand new Hilton Garden Inn, in downtown Asheville so we could stretch our legs a bit and get something to eat. I was so excited to try the rooftop bar, Pillar, and we were pleasantly surprised. The drinks were incredible, the food was so good and the service was awesome. They even went to the restaurant downstairs to get a highchair for Solomon, which I thought was so nice. 

Mmmm, they had me at Cocktail. I tried the Old North and loved it!!

that cheesy grin that Solomon loves to flash, lately... so funny! 

Even though it was extremely cold, Solomon had to get some of the jitters out while we shopped and enjoyed exploring the flower beds. I tried my best to keep him out but after a lot of tears, I decided he wouldn't hurt anything and let him have some fun! 

The hotel was decorated for Christmas already and it was so beautiful!

Solomon also loved to run around the lobby to say hi to everyone. This picture of him running to his Gigi is one of my favorites... I love to watch them together!

So many fun memories, and I'm so thankful that we get to take my grandma away for a little trip every year. Solomon definitely makes it a little bit sweeter now, as well!

Sadly, the only picture we got of everyone... me nursing in the back seat (so comfortable, ha!) and mom driving the car home. Love it, and I love them, too!

Annual Shopping Trip.

For the past several years, my mom and I, have been taking my grandma on a shopping trip around her Birthday. It started as a trip to Charleston but last year we went to Georgia for the first time and had a wonderful shopping adventure at the North Georgia premium outlet! My grandma decided she wanted to go there again this year since we had so much fun last time. It is such a great way to get a head start on all the Christmas shopping and have some girl time. We were all happy to have a little man with us this year, of course! 

There aren't very many picture opportunities when you are shopping till you drop all day long but back in the hotel was a different story. After a day of sitting in his stroller or in my sling, he was more than ready to lay down on the bed and hang out. I was thinking about last years trip and how I was hoping to be pregnant by this years trip. I went shopping and bought some maternity clothes for my friend Katie and I said a little prayer in hopes that I would need some soon. It's so sweet how God answers those prayers, even quicker than we expect, sometimes. 

So glad to have such a sweet and cute shopping buddy!

Holiday Gift Ideas + Paypal Cash // a giveaway {CLOSED}

Welcome to Cassie and Karissa's 2014 Holiday Gift Guide! Finding unique, thoughtful gifts during the Holiday season can be hard.  That's why we teamed up with some amazing small business owners to share a few beautiful gifts for each person in your life! We're even giving away $200 Paypal Cash so that that one lucky person can go on a little Christmas shopping spree. We encourage you to partake in the giveaway and to use the coupon codes below to get some amazing pieces! Happy Holidays!

For Her

Awl Snap. Awl Snap's leather goods are founded and forged in the wonderful city of Richmond, VA.  Boasting ridiculously soft leathers in rich earth tones, each Awl Snap product is created with attention to functionality, durability, and a slight nod to the quirkiness in all of us.

Receive 15% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

Gertie & Baxter. Gertie & Baxter is a women's accessories line, hand crafted in downtown Los Angeles. Our line focuses on American girl style, specializing in headbands, scarves, boot socks and other accessories to keep you cute!

Receive 15% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

The Posh Daisy. The {posh} Daisy started  when I couldn't find that perfect hand stamped piece of jewelry that I had been looking for. I decided why not make my own? After that I was hooked.

My mom and I opened up our Etsy shop in 2011 and the rest is history. We love owning this little business together; we get to talk and laugh and create! Nothing better than that. Our collection is boho, shabby chic, and classic. Something for everyone, personalized, and one of a kind jewelry. 

Receive 25% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14 

Fedeli Jewelry.  Fedeli jewelry was born out of a love for a necklace that belonged to my mother; the necklace is delicate, gold, and sits at just the right spot on my neck. I wanted to begin creating things that had an essence of my mother in them - beautiful, dainty, and captivating.
Receive 20% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

For Him

Kith & Kin. Kith&Kin is a family of makers. It's been in our blood for generations. Our grandparents made our toys and quilts, our moms made our pajamas, and we fell asleep in beds our dads made. When we met, we fell in love and felt at home...and kept the making alive. We even made four kids! Now we make everything together.   We invite you to be apart of our family with our high quality, handmade pieces.

Receive 20% off all bags with the code GIFTGUIDE14

For Home

Stamp Nouveau. In this internet filled world, finding a hand addressed card or letter in your mailbox is a special treasure! Our designer stamps are the perfect way to add your personal touch to all your outgoing treasures. This world needs more love letters!

Receive 15% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

Cey Events and Design. CEY Events and Design was born out of a love for burlap, lace, and anything gold.  I love creating chic, affordable, and pops of glamour for any space. Items featured are burlap and gold pillows, state design pillows, gold foil prints, sequin hangers, and repurposed mettalic items.

Receive 25% off orders of $30 or more with the code GIFTGUIDE14

FreeFolding. Freefolding is my studio brand of contemporary functional ceramic home-ware. I'm a one woman show; creating, making, and designing each piece single handedly. I love making vessels out of clay sheets. I investigate its options to be folded, closed and create a container. THe new ways to unravel traditional forms and to play with them are the force that attracts and motivates me forward. Though decliate and so fine-looking, my ceramic is amazingly practical, and can be used anywhere in the kitchen, being oven, microwave, and dishwasher proof.
Receive 20% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

A Little Bit of Me. A Little Bit specializes in big bright blooms, custom illustrations, and #spreadjoyandhappymail cards to spread joy through snail mail!
Receive 20% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

Modern Memo. Modern Memo creates original, handmade greeting cards with the use of modern calligraphy and heat embossing. The unique use of heat embossing gives the pattern a raised and textured look while also adding a sheen and vivid color. These cards are perfect for any occasion!

Receive 20% with the code GIFTGUIDE2014

For Kids

Babysprouts & Company. Babysprouts & Company is a small-town handmade business specializing in baby accessories (teethers, pacifier clips) and apparel (leggings, harem pants).  We are a new company with a BIG dream! Our shop contains high-quality products with modern prints.

Receive 25% off with the code GIFTGUIDE14

Now for the free money! Thanks to these beautiful ladies we have $200 PayPal Cash to giveaway. Be sure to check them out to gain lots of entries!

Winning entry will be verified. Winner must have a valid PayPal account for money to be transferred.

a Rafflecopter giveaway