May 2018 recap including two banana bread recipes you HAVE to try, a movie to skip and a movie to watch!
WHAT I BOUGHT
Linen Blue and White Culottes
Linen Joggers
Linen Striped Top
Straw Tote {under $50}
Pink Espadrille Wedges
Navy and Blue Striped One Piece Swimsuit
Navy and White Seersucker Scrunchie
Neutral Leather Espadrille Loafers – order up half a size to a full size – they fit SUPER snuck!
Neutral Raffia Hat – if you saw my Instagram story two weeks ago, you probably know I ended up returning this hat. I was SUPER let down upon receiving it! A couple months ago I purchased this hat from the same brand and was absolutely in love. After wearing it nonstop I decided another one was needed. Well this one did disappoint and I would not recommend it! The hat is super flimsy and a different shade than shown online.
FOR THE HOME
Again, if you follow me via Instagram and watch my stories, you may have seen our old dresser that I tried painting in back. Painting the dresser the first go around did not work out and my sister had the joy of sanding it down {bless her}. I am planning to do a little more sanding and try painting again {with the help of others!}. Then it’ll be turned into our little bar for the kitchen. Stay tuned! I’ll definitely be sharing once it’s all complete.
Other than that, just a couple of additions to our guest room, which you can find the reveal to here.
WHERE I WENT
Cataloochee Ranch, NC – Hands down my new favorite spot in North Carolina. I am OBSESSED! I could literally go on and on about it but honestly, I already did here, here, and here haha. If you haven’t booked a long weekend here yet, you need to get that on the books stat!
Wild Dunes Resort, SC – With my love for Charleston I never really looked at any place close to the charming southern town. Oh have I been missing out! Isle of Palms is just about as adorable and then it has fabulous beaches! Wild Dunes is the place to stay and offers a relaxing beach vacation escape. We had such a great time exploring, lounging by the pool, and eating their fries {read more about them here}.
Lake Norman – Memorial Day Weekend we were off to the lake house to spend time with Joshua’s parents and sister. We completely lucked out with the weather and had lots of sunshine Saturday + Sunday. Definitely enjoyed the sun, family time, and some relaxation!
MOVIES WATCHED
Hyde Park on Hudson – This movie was actually 0% what I thought it was going to be. I don’t want to spoil it, while I loved the movie, I kind of ended up sad and disappointed in the end. Not with the movie but with one of the characters. I say, it’s a watch on Netflix kind of movie.
On Golden Pond – We watched this while with the family at the lake. Joshua’s mom said it was a must watch and that our grandma would be happy if we watched it. So we did! And we liked it! Jane Fonda and her father are in the movie. He is incredible and she looks incredibly fabulous! A sweet movie to watch with family for sure.
RECIPES TRIED
So I’ve been on a big bread making kick! May was a super stressful and trying month for me and baking is where I find comfort and relaxation. Also probably why I’m going into June a couple pounds heavier haha. But whatever, I enjoyed every single bite of the breads I tested out. The two below are my favorites. I plan on whipping up another this weekend as I really want to try out Blueberry Banana Bread, I’ll report back after and let you know how it goes.
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Strawberry Banana Bread
FAVORITE BLOG POSTS ON LOUELLA REESE
My Favorite: The Cataloochee Ranch
Readers Favorite: Creating an Outdoor Space for Entertaining
FAVORITE BLOG POSTS
Favorite Summer Movies – Hillheady – I just have to say, if you’re a The Notebook fan, you HAVE to check out this post!
#CampMackenzieChilds | A Visit to Aurora, NY – Hunter Premo
Zappos x Spring Step – Ruthie Ridley
Why I Love Jumpsuits – Gal Meets Glam – if anyone wants to make my life, I desperately want the denim jacket she’s wearing!
FAVORITE SONG
WHAT I WATCHED
I just finished this season of Grey’s Anatomy Wednesday night and LOVED it. Seriously have fallen back in love with this show and cannot wait for the fall season. Besides that, Joshua and I have been watching Bloodline. We actually watched the whole first season this month and are two episodes into the second season. We were slightly obsessed with the first season but really aren’t loving the second season at all. I honestly don’t know if we’ll continue. I am also watching The Crown. I’m halfway through season two. While the series started really slow and isn’t the fastest pace of shows, I really love it. I’m super intrigued by the royal family and also now, the Kennedy’s as they’re entering the series.
Have you watched the second season of Bloodline? Thoughts? Should we keep watching or call it quits?
Take a look back a previous monthly recaps here.
Thanks for sharing all of this! Great post dear
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Of course! So glad you enjoyed it!
xo Laura Leigh
Now I’m obsessing over that LANCO song too!! Upbeat love songs are my summer jams!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
So good, right? We will definitely have to go see them if they come to Charlotte.
xo Laura Leigh
This sounds so amazing! I really want to try the strawberry banana bread, sounds so good!!
XOXO
Cathy
You need to gal! It was SO good! Totally day dreaming about it now haha.
xo Laura Leigh
I’ve GOT to try this banana chocolate chip bread! Sounds AMAZE! And thanks for the shoutout! You always know how to make my day!!
xo, Hillary | http://www.hillheady.com
You really do need to Hillary! It was SO delicious – definitely making it again soon. Aka probably tomorrow haha. Of course gal! I loved your post!!
xo Laura Leigh
Omg I absolutely must try that strawberry banana bread recipe! Sounds SO yum!
xx Mollie
It’s delish gal! Highly recommend.
xo Laura Leigh
LOVE this May recap and love that photo! I wanna try that Strawberry banana bread! WOW~!
Thank you Ruthie! You need to – I am sure the kids would be big fans of it too!
xo Laura Leigh
This is such a great recap!!! I definitely need to try those recipes! They sound amazing. Thanks for sharing!!!
Aw thanks Morgan! I appreciate that gal! Thank you for reading 🙂
xo Laura Leigh
Definitely going to try that banana bread recipe!!
Hope you love it as much as we did!
xo Laura Leigh
I need to try those 2 banana bread recipes! x
Yes for sure! They were so good. Honestly planning to make them both again this week 🙂
xo Laura Leigh
Looks like you had a fun month. I will have to check out that movie and that recipe. I have been experimenting with chocolate banana bread without sugar lately and it had turned out DELICIOUS 😀
❥ tanvii.com
For sure! Another busy one ha. Oh my gosh, I want to try that. You’ll have to share the recipe!
xo Laura Leigh
Oh my goodness, girlfriend, I need those wide-leg pants! So cute! And I love that you’ve been traveling so much lately. Such a good way to start your summer. Good to know about the movies too!
They are my obsession, you totally do need them! Loved traveling but so excited to be home for awhile. Hope your summer is off to a great start as well!
xo Laura Leigh
Omg chocolate chip banana bread is my absolute fav!! Def going to have to try this recipe!! xo
New favorite too haha. Didn’t know I loved it so much until now! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
xo Laura Leigh
We’ll be visiting Lake Norman this weekend for a wedding. Can’t wait to be back in NC!
Oh that is so exciting!!! Hope y’all have a great time!
xo Laura Leigh
Ahh I love this idea for a blog post! So fun!
Thanks gal! Truly my favorite one to write each month.
xo Laura Leigh