Homecoming Weekend

(My homecoming game outfit-of-the-day via my instagram)

As I mentioned, homecoming weekend at the college from which I graduated is always a huge celebration. This year was no different. My two best friends stayed through the weekend and we had a fantastic time- just like we were back in college! It was the first time that many of my friends had met B which made it even more exciting!

Enjoy the pictures below that we snapped throughout the weekend. . .

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(The traditional Friday night gathering before homecoming on Saturday)

(Happy Homecoming!)

(Some of the best friends a girl could ask for)

(Fall days with best friends)

(My sorority's banquet on Saturday night)


(All photos belong to me, taken by friends)

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 Happy Monday, friends! Here's to a great week ahead!

In Motion

(Images via Belle of the Ball)

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It's been such a busy week.
Sometimes, I just need a little reminder to slow down and be thankful for what's going right, instead of complaining about what's not.

Today, I'm stepping away from all the motions and saying thank you for. . .


Waking up this morning
Having a coworker bring homemade biscuits for breakfast
The rain that is sure to come
A colorful scarf to brighten the rainy day
A long talk with my mom on the drive to work
Hearing I love you everyday from someone who makes my heart nearly burst


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XoXo

Simple Fall Decorating

(Image via we heart it)

Nothing says fall like colorful, cozy arrangements of mums and pumpkins at one's front door. I love fall decorating probably as much as Christmas. It's much less high maintenance and creates the same warm feeling in your home. This year I simplified my decorations a bit, focusing more on single bold pieces rather than lots of little elements. Overall, I'm thrilled with the results, inside and outside.

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(I don't have a lot of room at the front door of my townhouse, but what little room I have, I try to maximize all of its potential.)

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(I love to dress up pumpkin stems with fall ribbon- I think it adds the perfect touch. And I've never incorporated purple mums into my outdoor decor until this year, and I love it!)

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(My lovely monogram garden flag from Trishy still fits in perfectly with all the orange and yellow. I found a great new wreath this year at TJ Maxx that I just couldn't pass up.)

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(This gorgeous jeweled sunflower came from Hobby Lobby and adds just the right amount of sparkle at my entryway.)

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(New sunflowers and seasonal candles are staples in my indoor fall decorating.)

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(This arrangement of jeweled pumpkins and corks was a complete accident, but I love the way it looks. I filled my two apothecary jars on my buffet with leaf garland this year, for a change.)

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(My mantle is always a favorite spot to decorate. This year I chose a very simple arrangement complete with a vase of orange twigs, new glass pumpkins atop my old candle holders, and a fluffy strand of garland.)

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(All photos taken by me)

(I don't think any decor is complete without fresh seasonal flowers. For the first week of fall, I displayed two pretty purple arrangements on the entry table and the stove top.)

There you have it, simple fall decorating that adds just the right touch of coziness to your abode! I rarely subscribe to the 'less is more' theory, but when it comes to seasonal decor, I even surprise myself!

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(All photos belong to me, taken by friends)

I haven't shared an update recently on my newly budding romance. While it isn't brand new anymore, it is still budding everyday. Here are a few photos from a friend's wedding we attended a couple weeks ago. I'm such a lucky, lucky girl.

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XoXo

Glittery Weekend Nails

(Images via Belle of the Ball and EmmaKissTina)


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There's honestly no other beauty product I love more than nail polish. If you've been following this blog for any length of time then that comes as no surprise. After reading reviews on various blogs, I was quite excited about testing out the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips for myself. The results were magnificent, and I simply couldn't resist sharing my glittery weekend nails with you!


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- Colors of the weekend -
Fingers: Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Frock Star
Toes: OPI Nail Lacquer in Shorts Story

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The items above come in the Salon Effects package: 16 polish strips, cuticle stick, mini file/buffer.

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I sorted through the package of strips and fitted each one to my fingers before application. This simple step made it so much easier when applying and shaping the polish.

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Make sure your nails are clean, dry, and well manicured before application. My personal preference is for them to be cut fairly short. All the Salon Effects colors are quite bold which I think looks better on shorter nails, but it's totally up to you!

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It's really as simple as peel and stick! Shaping can be a little difficult with the first few. Getting used to the durability of the strips can be intimidating, but after that it's a very easy process. I also slicked on a layer of top coat for extra lasting power.

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(All images taken and edited by me)


Voila, the most perfect glittery nails! Makes my heart just skip a beat!


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I had been saving these for a special occasion- I know that sounds kind of silly. Seeing as Brad was coming home from being gone for three weeks, there was nothing more perfect to celebrate! Saturday night consisted of dinner and a live production of Beauty and the Beast at a local theatre. . .

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Wishing you all a happy Wednesday!

Two of My Favorite Things

 (Images via Pinterest)

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(Image via Belle of the Ball)

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Happy Tuesday, loves!

When Brad and I were in Nashville a couple weeks ago we had the most incredible dinner at this local establishment. The best part of the meal (aside from the pineapple mojito!) was a gourmet gruyere, hickory bacon macaroni and cheese- of which both of us desperately needed a second helping. Since then, I can't get this quote out of my head. 

Isn't it just perfectly fitting?!

Current Happiness

(Images via 1, 2)

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Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's hard to believe it's already the middle of the week, and this girl couldn't be happier about it! I got back home on Monday evening from visiting B in Nashville and didn't even know where to start catching up. We truly had a wonderful weekend together hopping around the city and experiencing new sights together. We listened to live music, did a little shopping, ate way too much, visited the zoo, and spent time with some of B's family. Honestly, the weekend was far more than I could've ever wanted.

After such a wonderful few days, I thought today was the perfect time to share a few things currently putting a smile on my face.

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(Making lists and plans before a trip)

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(Fresh daisies in my kitchen and dried roses from the wedding bouquet I caught)

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(My new Kate Spade All Wrapped Up cards, with a July-inspired
black and white background!)

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(Nashville boutique finds, pretty gold bangles)

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(Gifts from friends- new coin purse, stationery, and pink reusable shopping bag with gold fleur de lis pattern)

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(Kate Spade Twirl roller ball for my purse)

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 (A sweet little package from B's mama)

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(The thoughts of an Essie manicure in Smooth Sailing accompanied with my new ring)

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(Indulging in chocolate macarons on the street in Nashville)

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 (Spending the day with some of my favorite animals)

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(And this sweet fella who manages to make me smile bigger than anything else could)

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XoXo