jessica mcdougall

I'm revisiting the haircut I had almost exactly one year ago today - minus the baby bump!

Jeffrey and I made Charlotte Observer's Scene and Heard page yesterday!

I am trying an all-new packing strategy (same packing style) for our upcoming trip over the Atlantic on Friday. I've picked a palette of black, gray, cream, and white and put together multiple options with different shoes, coats and accessories.

The idea is that I'll get more wear out of the things I am packing and if I happen to find some delightful little numbers along the way that fit into this scheme, I can immediately incorporate them right into this travel wardrobe.

Don't you love when your current horoscope is in line with what's going on in your life?

Super cute. Delightful styling.

A family outing to the park - and swinging in the sunshine.

Delicious Eclat Chocolate. (Thanks Suzi!)

Sitting front row at Lore Emelio's Charlotte Garden Party show. Love her shoes!

And red lips to feel fancy. (I need to do this more!)

Homemade chicken pot pie

Inspires an outfit 

1. Oversized Technical Taffeta Tote 2. Go Ahead Pumps 3. Bateau Neck Dress 4. Double Breasted Trench Coat 5. Rooster Necklace 6. Solid Opaque Tights in Cobblestone 7. Silk Twilly 8. Classic Aviator Sunglasses

And fills the cheeks of little one.

I've wanted to make fresh pesto for some time. I can now cross it off my list. And it turned out wonderful! (Special thanks to a simple basil pesto recipe and my friend, Cusinart!) I served it with sliced (poached) chicken and some Cipriani pasta.

Jeffrey and I had a good laugh because as we were talking pesto, we both remembered (at the exact same time) the sandwich I always used to pick up before flights in the airport Starbucks - a sandwich that he then came to love. It was a turkey/pesto/dried cranberry baguette that was amazing. They stopped carrying it a couple years ago. I may have to reinvent my own version!

Love orange. Love Heidi Merrick.  

Dear Spring,

We cannot wait for are patiently awaiting your arrival.

Thinking of you,

Jessica's sandals.

I'll be having my hair extensions removed before our trip to Europe later this month and I'm considering the color in these shots (from J.Crew Collection's latest look book) as my next hair move. Referencing my childhood hair color, I believe I may have found the perfect color for me.

Loved Portland's Ace Hotel in the Pearl District. Ali and I were a little unsure when we arrived to offsite parking and no bellman to help us - with two cars full of luggage and three kids, but we decided to rough it out and make it work.

So many chic little details that make this hotel cool, like dark but calming hallways.

And actual keys with dog tags.

There are hipsters in the lobby sipping their Stumptown Coffee. (Gabrielle made friends!)

And you can step into the lobby photobooth.

Fun.

Much of the decor is very Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 RTW (which I LOVE).

I ordered room service from Clyde Common after Gabrielle fell asleep one night - and had to laugh out loud when this arrived as my $15 "fruit, cheese, and bread tray."

And here's the "bottled water." 

Next time, I'll just head downstairs to Kenny & Zuke's.

Salami and eggs, anyone?

This was a nice place to call home for the week.

We loved looking out to the city and watching life move by.

Gabrielle and I had a wonderful mommy and me trip out West to visit family - and ended up extending our stay for an additional week so she could get over her slight cold before the return flight home. Our home away from home was first at my sister's house in Eugene, Oregon, and then at Portland's Ace Hotel (more on its greatness in my next post).

After several hours of flying cross country, Gabrielle and I got in the rental car for a cruise down I-5. A drive between Portland and Eugene would not be complete without a stop at my favorite pizza parlor in the country, Pietros! I called ahead and picked up a small pepperoni and mushroom pizza to enjoy during the remainder of the drive. Delicious.

This little one wasn't doing too good. With long flights + new timezone + big black dog + new environment + new foods + new bed + no papa + no Bruna + a cough that she caught on the flight, she just wasn't herself.

I took her to an urgent care center in Eugene and the doctor said not to give her any meds. I decided to ramp up her water intake and try to give her as much rest as possible.

But who wants to rest with this little beauty to play with?

Ali was a great host to us - and took us to some of her favorite places in Eugene including Ruthie B's and Marche at the 5th Street Market.

I had the cauliflower and blue cheese soup with a croque monsieur.

And a cup of hot tea.

My nephew Simon has a new fan club member!

"She really likes me, Jessie."

Gabrielle is just now partaking in a much needed nap after such a wonderfully fun week and weekend with cousins and auntie/uncle and grandma!

I've been hearing good things about this book.

And this gumball a day idea makes me happy. 

The sweatshirt. Restyled. Love it.

Little lovelies for Valentine's Day.

Happy to have had this Loved by Us image created by Kal for sweet Gabrielle.

Oh how I love her so. 

Jeffrey's new Ace of Sales program can help you create your email magazine. Check it out!

Sweet little tea bags. 

Delightful Hammond's ribbon candy.

Beautiful detailing on Max Azria's reptile-print tunic.     

I love the new Coke size.

A laugh for the day (courtesy of The New Yorker Book of Mom Cartoons).

And I'm loving this song today. Go tell someone you love them!