Le Creuset Love

A few weeks ago a little invitation arrived in my inbox and I was absolutely giddy!!  A Le Creuset outlet is opening here in Indianapolis and I was invited to attend a special little event.  Tonight, I jumped at the chance.

I first visited the outlet in Destin while on vacation, and although this store seems slightly smaller, it certainly did not disappoint.  The shelves were packed with beautiful pieces of all sorts, in both function and pricing.

The majority of my pieces are in flame, save a few pieces of my grandfather's that are Caribbean.  While I'm a devoted traditionalist with the flame, this evening the pink caught my eye.  A mug may or may not have ended up in my basket which will, no doubt, bring a smile to my face each time I use it.

I would love to share the other pieces I snagged, but started my Christmas shopping and just can't spoil the surprises.  Instead, here are a few of my favorites.  In this hive, the Le Creuset gets daily use, and even though some of it is as old as I am, you would never guess.

My very favorite, and most versitile piece, is the dutch oven.  The possibilities are endless with this one...soups, stews, braised meats, roasted chicken, you name it, you can do it.

Whistling Tea Kettle

Stoneware Casserole

I'm certain there will be many more trips to the new store before Christmas (and let's be honest after Christmas, too)!  Do you, too, share a love of Le Creuset?  What color have you chosen?  What pieces are your favorites?

Happy Shopping!

*While Le Creuset kindly invited me to the opening this evening, this is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are strictly my own.  I have, however, included affiliate links for some pieces.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

Sip and Shop Sunday [Throws]

As the weather begins to turn we're slowly changing our hive around from light and airy to warm and cozy.  The easiest way is adding throws.  We keep our home pretty chilly, so not only do they add the look of coziness, they're necessary, too.

So this morning we're channeling fall and sipping Salted Caramel Mochas....

....and shopping for throws.

Plaid
Love the plaid and that it can be monogrammed!

Herringbone
Believe it or not, this one is $10!!

Perfect for Christmas

Electric Heated Throw

While this might not be the prettiest option, it's probably the coziest.  Hubby and I have been debating adding a heated throw to our collection.  

While I'm not quite ready for winter, I sure do love the change of season.  We will, however, be keeping Florida in our prayers and continue to pray for the recovery in Texas.  Hoping the weathermen are wrong - like they often are.  

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Greek Key]

Happy Sunday!  It's been quite a weekend! This weekend is my church's annual Greek Festival.  Think lots and lots of food, dancing, pastries, and our community's enormous sense of pride.  It's one of my favorite weekends of the year!

In honor of that Greek pride, today I'm sharing a true favorite - the Greek key.  Pretty much if it has a monogram or the Greek key, I'm sold.  It's just so classic. So, without further ado....

....today I'm sipping a chilled glass of Roditis.....

....and shopping for all things Greek key.

Pillivuyt makes such beautiful china.  While my Queen Anne is my favorite, this pattern is just lovely and so very classic (and currently on sale).

This tray is so versitile.



Towels

Southern Living's Embroidered Pillow

More china - because, my to Hubby's chagrin, I'm a firm believer you can never have enough china! 

 

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!  

Please find my full disclosure policy here.  

Sip and Shop Sunday [Happy Bee Day!]

In honor of National Bee Day yesterday today's Sip and Shop will feature all things of our beloved honey bees!  I explained my affinity for bees here, but since then we've encountered a bit of a problem, as Hubby has developed a severe allergy to them (as in we've made a couple trips to the ER).  Althouh we're still trying to decide exactly what to do, it doesn't dampen our love for them!

So today we're sipping honey lattes....(more to come on that later this week!)....

....and shopping all things bee....

Sam Edelman

Williams Sonoma

Honey Pot

Cosmetic Pouch

It's not just about the adorablness though.  The plight of the bee is troubled.  Beekeepers worldwide are struggling with sudden mass losses of hives. We've lost a few ourselves.  This image is a striking reality check for a potential life without bees.

There are somethings all of us can do to help.  Try to embrace the weeds and refrain from using chemicals and pesticides, and plant a bee garden (more info here).  Just remember....the bees are our friends :).

Happy Bee Day!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Planners, Back to School]

Happy Sunday!  We've been busy little bees today planning for the week: lunches are packed, clothes laid out, and dinners planned and prepped!  Makes things run so smoothly during the week.  While I sometimes dread doing it, I'm always grateful I did.

Speaking of planning and organizing, today I'm shopping for new planners.  I love starting the new year off with new supplies, and a new planner is no exception.  While I do schedule things on my phone's calendar, I'm oldschool and still enjoy taking pen to paper.

So, today I'm sipping Frappe....

...and shopping for planners.  My favorite is the upper left -- to know me is to know that I'm alway running just a tad bit late - fashionably, of course.

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Lunchboxes]

There's something about a fresh, new start that I love.  The start of a new school year is no different.  I still love to browse the school supply aisles and this year that includes lunch boxes.  I have all sorts of plans to pack my lunch for the week on Sunday (today for the first time this year) and the prospect of a cute lunch box makes that all the more appealing.  So, without further ado....

...today I'm sipping Greek Coffee...

....and shopping for lunch boxes. I especially love the idea of monogramming for a kiddo.  Let's face it, they all misplace theirs at some point (usually left on the playground) and making it easily identified could only help -- not to mention how cute they look!

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!  

Please find my full disclosure policy here.  

Sip and Shop Sunday [Hydrating Mask]

Happy Sunday!!  Today we're keeping things simple and sipping on some lemon water.  I start every day with a couple glasses of water (one of them always lemon) followed by a cup of coffee.  You can read about the benefits of lemon water here.  Although full confession:  I just can't do it warm, always cold.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Today's the day, y'all!!!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today for cardholders!  I did a little online shopping this morning and they have some incredible deals!  Santa may have even scored a few good deals to knock somethings off his list, too.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

What's on your wishlist??  I'm excited to see everyone's lists!!  Such terrific deals this go-round!

Happy Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Kate Spade on Sale]

Happy Sunday!  It's a beautiful, sunny day here.  Spent much of the day lounging at the pool enjoying a good book, good company, and some sweet treats from the "Summer Bash".  Pretty perfect.

Sweet friend AK alerted me to some too good not to share deals on Kate Spade this afternoon.  So, I'm popping in with the "shopping" portion of Sip and Shop Sunday today.

Cobble Hill Mayra
Gorgeous shade of blue, a little larger than a purse, but not as big as a messenger bag, and marked down AND it's half off!!  You read that right -- half off!

Leewood Place Rainn Medium Tote
Love the sweet scallops on this one!

Lombard Street Bradie
The tile (a pretty pale) blue is especially pretty.

On Purpose 
While this one isn't on sale, but the pink and bow combo has me swooning!!  They have a wrislet, too!

Hope you have had a terrific weekend!!

Happy Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

PSA: Kroger ClickList

Well, friends, it's been quite a start to the summer.  The first week of the tennis program started off with a bang and while I thought it was just that stress that was causing me to feel like my heart was going to explode, I landed in the ICU the second week.  All is great now though!!  After a little shock (literally) my heart is back in rythm and it finally feels like summer can begin.

After all this excitement, Hubby and I just needed a few days to rest, relax, and take it easy.  With that in mind, we decided to try Kroger ClickList and boy were we glad we did!  It was incredibly easy, convenient, and allowed us to stock the fridge quickly with very little effort.

How it works:
Simply login to your Kroger account and click ClickList.  From there you can complete your shopping by adding items to your cart.  If you use a Kroger Plus card, there will be a special section for items you buy frequently.  If you're anything like me, this will speed things along as I tend to buy the same items over and over.  You can also shop sale items, by category, or simply search the item your seeking.

Within your selections you can give instructions, for instance green bananas or ripe avocados.  You can also choose whether or not to allow substitutions.

After your cart is full, simply choose your pickup day and time and head to the store.  (Hubby did this, and when I asked him to snap a few pics he looked at me like I had complely lost my mind. So, no photos....)

There are designated ClickList spots to park.  Call the number on the sign and within minutes your groceries are being loaded into your car.  They will alert you as to whether anything has been substituted and you have the option to decline the substitution.

This was absolutely perfect for our situation, especially considering the service fee is waived for your first three orders.  This would also be perfect for the busy working mom, ordering for a sick friend who lives far away, or when you arrive home from vacation to an empty fridge, not to mention when you just don't feel like shopping.

Now that the fridge is full, it's time to head to the pool for some more R and R....doctors orders, right?!?  ;)

Happy Shopping!

*This is not a sponsored post, just something that made life easier that I wanted to share with you!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Floral Maxi]

Happy Sunday!  With Summer quickly approaching, the weather becoming more and more beautiful, and the flowers blooming, I've been swooning over the floral maxi.  They're so reminiscent of my coveted Laura Ashley dresses from back in the day.  (Full disclosure: they may or may not still be hanging in the back of my closet...)

With the summer happy hour nearing, I'm sipping a Pink Sunset Delight....



...and I'm shopping for a floral maxi dress.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Asos

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Coffee Edition]

Happy Sunday!  Today I'm sipping on a basic cup of coffee, brewed in our Chemex, with cream and sugar.  I'm a traditionalist and, in my humble opinion, it brews the very best cup of coffee.

During the week we use our Cuisinart for ease and the programmable setting, but on the weekends we pull out the trusty 'ole Chemex and slow brew a tasty pot.  Using their filters slowly pour the water over the grounds, allowing time for them to bloom.  The pot can be kept warm over a low gas flame.

If I had my druthers we'd have the Ottomatic , which does the slow drip for you, and use it daily, but the price tag is too high at this point.  I'll just keep enjoying the manual pour and the look of the carafe on the stove.

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend!  Cheers!

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

The Best is Yet to Be....

With Valentine's Day approaching I'm again reminded of how grateful I am to be going through this journey with Hubby and especially happy that he's still here and doing so well.  We are truly lucky.

For our last anniversary I knew I wanted to incorporate the quote "grow old along with me, the best is yet to be."  What could possibly be more fitting after the year we had had together?  I searched Etsy and discovered ModifiedMetals who specializes in beautiful metal gifts and is based in nearby Crawfordsville.  The local connection convinced me it was perfect.  I must admit, after chatting with shop owner David a bit about my order, I knew the stars had aligned perfectly.  It was a true delight working with him.

Although they do custom work and will use your favorite saying or verse, I chose the "Grow Old Along with Me" sign measuring 22 x 22.  It fits perfectly over the gate leg table (a birthday gift from Hubby, who knew I've always wanted one) in our bedroom.  The quality is terrific and is a quiet little reminder about what truly is important in life.

There are a few other signs which caught my eye as well.  This Tree of Life is lovely.



How adorable would this moon be hanging in a nursery?  They have the same saying, in a couple different versions and fonts. 



There are many that would serve as the perfect wedding or shower gift or a too.  (Or even a last minute Valentine's Day gift...it wouldn't be the first time I wrapped a picture of the actual gift.)  Take a minute to pop over and see for yourself.  The craftsmanship really is beautiful.

Happy Love!

*Please note I was not compensated for this post....I merely just loved the shop and the product and wanted to share.  

Sip and Shop Sunday [All About the Lips]

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!  What else would we focus on than champagne and kissable lips ;)?

Sipping....

How about a blood orange mimosa??  Instead of mixing the champs with the traditional orange juice use the juice of a few blood oranges.

Shopping....
I've recently rediscovered my favorite lip stick, Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.   It's lightweight, glossy but not sticky, and the perfect shade (although it deceptively looks purple in the picture, trust me it's not).  It's the perfect balance between natural and color....your Valentine won't be able to resist.

Happy Valentine Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Keen Shoes]

Happy Superbowl Sunday!  Our team didn't even make it to the play offs this year, but we will be rooting for the Falcons tonight.  We still claim Dwight Freeney as our own and are hoping to see him sack a certain (not well liked in this hive) Patriot quarterback.

Sipping...
Today is the perfect day to sip a Panache - one of my favorite things I sipped while in Paris, so light and refreshing.  It's a simple as mixing half(ish) part French sparkling lemonade, such as Lorina, with one part Lager.  I haven't tried it yet with Sparkling Ice Lemonade, but think it would probably work well.  Trader Joe's also has a French Market version.  Mix to your personal taste - I like it just a bit over 1/4 lemonade.  Just make sure to use a light beer, perfect the Superbowl tonight.

Shopping...

 

Brother #3 gifted me with the Keen Sienna Mary Jane for Christmas and I've worn them nearly every day since.  They are darker in person and are the most comfortable shoes!!  I go all day at school and my feet still feel good when I finally crawl into bed at night.  (Which is saying something for my picky, pain-prone feet.)

This isn't the first pair of Keens Brother #3 has given me...in fact, it's the third.  Knowing how much I have loved the first two pairs of sandals (the first of which are 10 years old and are still kicking) and being sick of seeing me in them in the dead of winter even, he decided it was finally time for me to have a winter version.  (I have a purple pair and a pair that are the color of the pink stripe.  Nordstrom carries other colors as well as different styles.)

I promise you...your feet won't be sorry!  Who will you be rooting for this evening??

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Dreaming of the Beach]

The past few weeks we've had sub-zero temps, snow, freezing rain, high winds, and dreary skies.  I've been dreaming about a week at the beach for Spring Break coming up soon and am so excited I can hardly stand it.  As I currently gaze out the window at all the gray, I'm yearning for all things Lilly, bright, and sunny.  So, with that in mind, this week's Sip and Shop has a decidedly beachy theme.

We'll be sipping on Sweet C's Whimsea Fizz....

 

Sip and Shop Sunday [Cocktails & Christmas Lights]

Sipping on a Grown Up Shirley Temple....