High Tea at the St. Regis Atlanta!

A goooood cup of tea and a few precious souls to giggle with.

That's all a girl really wants, right?

Well, that's all THIS girl wants. I love tea time so so SO much, and my mom was the sweetest and decided to treat me and my sister to a fancy afternoon out. She said it was our Valentine treat (3 weeks later, ha), but really I think she just wanted to play with us. We needed to have a little girl time together. AND -  she gave us these amazing essential oil diffusing bracelets! We are pretty oil-heavy in this family (I recently jumped on the Doterra train and I am just reeeeeal happy about it). I love all of this gal's jewelry - I am usually wearing either one of her necklaces or bracelets everyday!

It's been a busy season for everyone in my family. Over the past few months, my parents completely downsized from their large family home into a quaint 500-squarefoot apartment. They were ready to enact Marie Kondo in their own lives, and I am super glad they did, even though it was hard letting go of my family home. We spent a lot of time moving them out of their large space, helping them decide what to keep and what to pitch, and then the day I went into labor with Daxton they closed on their house. Needless to say, Christmas was 10 days later and then I was in was newbornland and my Dad has been swamped at work (not to mention Stevie, too) and oh, by the way, my sister and her husband are looking to move out of state and if one more major life change happens this year I might come unhinged. Deep breath.

So my mom decided it was high time for tea. Time for high tea, actually. (see what I did there??)

This place is just so gorgeous. Even the bathrooms were immaculate - literally everything was marble. MARBLE you guys.

Obligatory bathroom selfie. Because - all that marble! (Also, my mom is all ,"WHY do millennials take so many selfies??")

The Astor Court at the St. Regis has been rumored to have one of the best high tea services in Atlanta. After enjoying our time here I am completely hooked. This is the perfect way to spend a lovely afternoon - we sipped champagne and told stories. We got a lesson in tea from our waiter and picked our favorites (my sister and I chose the Mad Hatter tea, my mom chose the Jasmine). And one of my favorite things about the tea situation were the itty bitty fanciful sandwiches. Most places only serve 3ish sandwiches as part of tea service. Not the St. Regis! We had a good 7 types of tea sandwiches, and I just really appreciate a hearty balance to all the tart/scone/muffin/cookies that are always served with tea. Sometimes a girl just wants a savory bite. Every other bite :)

I just loveeeeed this experience with the women in my family. We were pretending like my older sister Kara was also with us (she lives in Florida), and we toasted in honor of my thoughtful mom.

I'm not going to lie. Sometimes I think about the fact that I have two boys, and no one to really enjoy high tea with once I get old and decrepit (just kidding, I plan to be awesome when I get old). It sounds silly, but every so often I have a feeling of sadness that I can't do tea parties or shopping dates with a daughter. If I only end up with sons (which I am totally wonderful with because who am I kidding, my boys are absolutely amazing and I am like the luckiest person in the world to get to raise them).. but if I never have a little girl, then I am going to have to cozy up to my daughters-in-law to get them to play with me. Is it weird that I think about this kind of thing? Like, I have a newborn. I should not be thinking about how he's going to get married and leave me one day.

But here I am, thinking about it.

So I'm going to live up my sister/mama time because I am so unbelievably blessed to call these beautiful women my kin. Holding them close and teasing and laughing and perhaps snorting because we laughed so hard in the fancy tea room at the Astor Court. These people, these are my people. I don't need to worry about what the future holds for my future tea companions quite yet :)

P.S. - I'm wearing this dress from Target and my sis is wearing an extraordinary one-of-a-kind dress that she bought for her wedding (though she ended up wearing something else), but here is something kinda sorta similar.

Happy Friday, friends! What are you up to this weekend? We are heading into Atlanta to have brunch + outdoor time with friends! Happy weekending to you! xox

Love you, Mom.

Love you, Mom.

She woke up early to fix your breakfast before school. Fed you. Bathed you. Changed your dirty dirty diapers. Made a big whooping deal about your birthday. She was never upset when you woke her up because your tummy hurt. She laughed when you played dress up in her closet. She was always at your school play, your chorus concert, your big game. She came early to bring snacks. She helped with your homework, ordered pizza for you and your friends on Friday night, and let you go to that really awesome concert downtown. Because she trusted you. Although it didn't stop her from calling your cell phone A LOT. She took you shopping for prom dresses. She let you cry on her shoulder about that dumb boy who didn't deserve you anyway. She slipped a twenty in your hand when you were going back to college after being home for the weekend. She helped you move time and time again, coming behind you to clean the bathroom while the boxes were being transported to the truck. She let you travel the country, the world, and didn't let her worries about you being so far away affect her ability to let you go. But she sure did pray. She smiled through her tears on your wedding day. She held your hands while you were pregnant, answered every question when you asked "How bad is this gonna hurt??", and was by your side when you finally, exhausted, welcomed your wiggly, darling baby into the world. She was always, she is always, and will always always be there. For as long as she has breath in her body, she will give all her joy to your existence.

Okay, that was my mom.

But I bet yours was something like that, too. At least, I hope so.

This year is my first Mother's Day. I can't believe I'm allowed to be a mom. I can only hope to measure up in the tenderest way, because I have incredibly large mom shoes to fill. Well, not true. She has dainty little feet. But her footprint over the journey of my life has been immeasurable, innumerable with oodles and oodles of loving tracks. Inexplicable. She has given me her life's blood and her hearty Hungarian laugh. Her full cheeks and strong thighs. I am the mother that I am, because she was the mother that she was. I will probably screw up a lot, but she taught me that having grace for myself is one of the best gifts I can give to my family.

There is no perfect mother, but I would like to argue that she is. Close.

I hope you give mom your whole heart of love today.

A little more about my mom here.

Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide

Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide by oykristen

She deserves a present. 

I was doing a little happy hunting for my mom for Mothers Day and I thought I would share a few fun picks that inspired me. Friends, don't forget, Mother's Day is May 10! Waiting until last minute normally doesn't pan out too well (plus, all the good cards are taken!), so make sure to plan a bit early. You still have time to score an amazing, thoughtful and pampering gift for that woman who BIRTHED YOU. Mom, if you're reading this, you aren't getting any of these - the surprise shall remain intact.

1. Diptyque Gardenia Candle

These delicious candles are totally a luxury and they smell ahhhhhmazing. They feel like a decadent gift because it's not really the kind of thing you would ever buy yourself. But to receive as a gift? Well that's just fancy pants. Include along with a vial of bath salts and you might just win the kid-of-the-year award for this one.

2. Terrain Hydrangea Petal Cuff

My mom would rock this cuff so hard. It's so pretty and delicate, and yet the bronze material is sturdy and tough. Wow. A metaphor for moms everywhere - pretty, delicate, sturdy, tough. I'M WRITING THE POEM FOR YOUR MOTHER'S DAY CARD RIGHT HERE. Copy and paste. You're welcome.

3. Rifle Paper Co. Vintage Blossoms Notebook Set

This is such a goodie. If someone gave me anything Rifle Paper Company, I would melt. These products are just so frilly and inspiring. And let's face it, moms everywhere could use a pretty journal. We have thoughts.

4.

Anthropologie Papua Fedora

Because there is very little in life that can say what a peach fedora can say. (In case you're wondering, it says I LOVE YOUR SWAG, MOM in that hushed powdery shade).

5. Terrain Zinc Sphere Hanging Basket

You could put a plant in this one and really knock her socks off. Who doesn't want a bit of green earth hanging in the corner of the room? INSTANT ATMOSPHERE BOOSTER.

6. Anthropologie Color-Daze Scarf

This scarf makes me want to eat a Popsicle. Here mom, have a popsicle scarf.

7. Sundance Glass Jewelry Box

A dainty home for all the necklaces you've given her for the past ten Mother's Days. 

May 10! May 10! May 10! DON'T FORGET!!! K you've been fairly warned. May 10. Mom's day for the win.

The 10th Day: Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Her by oykristen // 1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch // 2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan // 3. Orla Kiely Umbrella // 4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick // 5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat // 6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box // 7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen // 8. Keani Jewelry MerRing // 9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball // 10. Merimekko Coin Purse // 11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner // 

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her.

Another gift guide! And this is the best kind, because its for all the "hers" in your life - your best friend, your sister, your mom (ahem, and maybe a little something for you? You've been awfully good this year.) 

1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch

Every watch she makes is magic. But this one is a fun twist on the typical Kate Spade watch, and I love it! 

2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan

There is nothing cozier, and this one looks especially dainty.

3. Orla Kiely Umbrella

Because rainy days should all be this much fun.

4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick

This lipstick is such a surprise. Amazing pigments and it stays put. No smudges, so you can do all the smooching you want! 

5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat

A splurge for the bendiest gal you know. This swanky mat will make you want to stretch!

6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box

How gorgeous is this box? I love it because it's the kind of thing you would never buy yourself but totally use and display!

7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen

OMG. This book's recipes are so scrumptious I could cry. I can't wait to snag my own copy!

8. Keani Jewelry MerRing

If you don't know Keani, you should. Her Hawaiian jewels are unusual masterpieces, the kind of beautiful pieces that no one else has. 

9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball

Smells so unique and is formulated with really excellent (no chemicals!) ingredients. 

10. Merimekko Coin Purse

This makes me want to carry coins in an age of plastic.

11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner

Why have these sisters thought of everything. This day book makes me want to make plans.

I know. I could go on and on adding to this list, because it's full of all things I like! But I truly think that all these items would make gorgeous, memorable gifts for all the special women in your life. Now get shopping, friends! And happy 10th day of Christmas!

She.

She.

Her laugh is easy and often. Her prayers are fierce and fearless. Her journey? Simply unlike the others. She is a forerunner. Inquisitive. Unafraid to be different. Unafraid of the consequences of being different. She embraces the season she's in. She really looks you in the eye. She knows all the verses. She craves the ocean. And essential oils. And popcorn. She is freakishly disciplined. She jumped out of an airplane once. She is spirited. Stubborn. So stylish. She listens. Does yoga. Doesn't doubt.

She loves hard.

She's the absolute best one I know.

I'd say thank you, Mom, but it's almost silly to try. So I will just revel in your graciousness a bit. You are a stunning, stunning woman.

What a privilege it is, being yours.