Happiness Is...

Green Jacket: c/o Fancy Frills Boutique || Jeans: J. Crew || Tunic: Lush (I own this in 3 colors- so good!!) || Booties: Vince Camuto (almost exact) || "Southern" Necklace: Simply Southern

I don't know about you, but it seems like the world desperately needs a dose of "happy" right now! There is so much going on, so many thoughts in all directions, and it can seem hard to find the positive spirit in this season. But, finding the positive is something I think I have a major skill for (ha!) so today I thought I'd share a few things that are making me happy this week:

1. Spending 1-on-1 time with my parents Sunday- as the older sister I didn't get as much once I left college and was on my own, so I cherish these times with them!

2. I've got a jam-packed week of meetings, but I love a busy schedule that is full of events that give back!

3. I get to see my bestie this weekend!

4. Planning a fabulous mimosa bar for Sunday's big game ;)

5. The perfect green anorak I've been searching for (thanks Fancy Frills!)

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Girl Meets Bow

Custom Tee: c/o The Greek Ink Press || Skirt: Loft (similar here) || Shoes: Converse || Apple Watch || Bangle: Lilly Pulitzer (almost exact)

This outfit (and all the sunshine) are pretty much a perfect match for my mood today! Even though it's Monday, I had such a sweet weekend that I am heading into the week so very thankful. On Friday I donated all my old furniture to an amazing local organization, the St Vincent House and then spent all day Saturday deep-cleaning my apartment. It sounds like the most "adult" way to spend the day but I am thrilled that I finally was able to get my place looking spic-and-span! Then Sunday all my new furniture got delivered and I am SO excited! My sweet parents came to help me get everything organized and set up (so thankful for you guys!) and I am just in bliss with all my new pieces that are helping my turn my house into a home. It's the best feeling! 

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Sunday Scripture + An Invitation

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Fancy Friday Finds (vol. 1)

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Happy Friday friends and welcome to a brand new series around here, my "Fancy Friday Finds"! In this series I'll be sharing anything and everything that tickles my fancy & makes me take a second look, laugh, smile, or just get happy! You'll get a little bit of everything here- fashion, celeb gossip, recipes, travel & more and I so hope that it's a way to share a bit more of me, with you! I'm planning on this series being at least once a month, but will do it more often depending on the amount of fancy & fabulous things I find :) Sound good?? So here goes...

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Workweek Chic: Lace Pants

Sweater: Loft || Pants: J. Crew Factory (Extra 35% off with code "THECOOLEST") || Wedges: c/o Oka-B || Necklace: J. Crew (on sale for under $20!) || Apple Watch || Bangle: Kate Spade 

Hey y'all! I realized that it's been a hot minute since I shared a workweek look with you, and that is far too long! I'll be honest, I've had some trouble getting inspired with my workwear lately, it just feels SO hard to get dressed for a professional atmosphere in the winter season. But, when I spotted these lace pants, it totally reawakened my imagination! Lace is just so ladylike, and in this gorgeous blush shade they made me swoon! I'm normally one to wear my darker piece on the bottom (you know that slimming effect & all) but I got outside my box and I loved the results! 

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My Go-To Healthy Recipes

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For the past six months, I've been on quite the journey of learning how to eat better and make the right choices in the kitchen so that I can better fuel my body for my busy lifestyle! I know I'm not the only one who feels like time is the hardest part of eating cleaner/better- there is just not enough of it! I certainly don't have hours to spend in the kitchen, more like an hour on Sundays, so I like to keep a stock of go-to recipes on rotation so that eating well isn't out of reach.

So today I'm really excited to share with you my five go-to meals! These are tried-and-true and always fill me up while delivering great flavor- and must for me :) 

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The Cutest Custom Apparel!

Tee: c/o Jenna Benna || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Boots: Sam Edelman "Penny" || Vest: J. Crew Factory

I'm pretty sure it has been well-documented around here that I L-O-V-E a good monogram; so when I learned about the adorable Jenna Benna company it only took me about 30 seconds to know that I had to create a custom piece- and fast! Although they are most well-known as a sorority apparel company, since every single piece is completely custom made, they can truly make anything - including a fabulous monogram! You can pick you fabric, backing, shirt fit/size/style- everything designed by you! 

Since I'm pretty dressed up during the week for work and meetings, when the weekends roll around I love to cozy up in long sleeve tees like these. I'm all about the ultimate comfort factory while still looking pulled together (since I inevitably run into people I know, perks of a small town). If it wasn't frowned upon socially, I'd probably wear this tee everyday- it's that comfy! And I can't get over how fun my monogram is on it :)

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A Little Bit Boho

Dress: c/o Fancy Frills Boutique || Boots: Sam Edelman Penny Boot || Hat: c/o Brooklyn Hat Company || Apple Watch || Bangle: Kate Spade

Today's picture have QUITE the story that go with them, grab your coffee and settle in :)

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Plaid on Plaid

Plaid Button Up: J. Crew Factory || Plaid Vest: TJ Maxx (under $25!) || Jeans: Loft || Converse: Nordstrom || Pearl Necklace: HSN (similar here) || Apple Watch

Have y'all ever heard that saying that a woman's mind is like a browser with 100 tabs open all at one time? Well that's pretty much what my mind has felt like lately! I think I kind of assumed that after the holidays life was going to slow down & chill out and that hasn't happened at all. I'm not trying to complain, because it's all joyful and wonderful things that are keeping my on my toes (bridal showers, baby showers, work trips, bachelorette parties, etc)- but I'm having the hardest time focusing on any one task because there is so much to do every minute of every day... and I just can't get it all done!

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Chambray Layers

Dress: Loft (on major sale!) || Vest: Old Navy (similar here) || Booties: Vince Camuto

Alright, so who watched The Bachelor last night?! This season is a complete train wreck, but I cannot look away! I'm already ready for Corine to go home, girl needs to grow up, but I know the producers will keep her around awhile longer since she's so good at starting drama. I still love Rachel, but I don't think she'll make it to the final 2- but I'm guessing final 4?! My guess for final 2 is Danielle M & Vanessa (I mean homegirl puked on their date and he still kissed her!) Who do y'all like for Nick? and the big question... is Nick really there for love or fame?!

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This and That + Early Spring Favorites

Today's post is a little bit random in nature- but I think that's what makes it so fun! I've had a ton of "little tidbits" I've been wanting to share with y'all, so rather than post 10 short blog posts I decided to add them all up in one post... TA-DA! So welcome to all of the random ramblings in my head and fun finds I've been loving!

{DRESSING ROOM SNAPS}

I had a return to make at the mall this weekend, so of course I popped into the Loft to check out their epic 60% off sale, sale! Also, I have to tell y'all that Florida was 79 degrees this weekend, hence the white shorts I pulled out ;) It is feeling like spring here and I'm not complaining!

Loft Floral Peplum Blouse ($18 on sale!) *Wearing size Medium but it does run big/boxy so I am ordering it in a small online || Old Navy White Shorts || Converse White Tennis Shoes

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Sunday Scripture

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Ruffled Red

Red Blouse: Loft (on sale + additional 60% off!!) || Jeans: J. Crew "Toothpick" || Wedges: J. Crew Factory || Apple Watch || Bracelet: Alex & Ani "Godmother" Charm Bracelet (gift from my best friend!) || Pearls: Imperial Pearls

Sharing the last of my holiday photos and I have to say, it makes me a little sad! The holidays are such a special time of year that I've loved stretching them out a little longer and reliving the holiday cheer through these pictures :) 

Today's look is actually what I wore on Christmas day, but I also think it would be perfect for a casual Friday look at the office. I adore dressing up denim for work. When I was younger I lived in dresses, and I could probably count on one hand the number of times I wore jeans in college, but the older I get the more I see value in my denim and how versatile it really is! From a low-key weekend running errands to a sassy night out, good denim can really take you anywhere!

Also, I feel like I've been a failure of a #SouthernGirl because I just got my first pair of pearl studs & a necklace! I've always love the classic and timeless look of pearls, but had yet to invest in a piece. I bit the bullet as a Christmas gift to myself, and now I don't know how I lived without them!

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Travel Guide: Girl's Weekend in Nashville

Hey y'all! This post has been way too long in the making, but I've been so excited to introduce more travel to the blog that I wanted to make sure it was ready before sharing!

As I've shared with you, my girlfriends and I take a trip once a year- a tradition we've been doing for about 5 years. It's always the sweetest time of catching up, making memories, and having fun (the most important thing on any trip!) We always rotate who plans the trips, and this year was my turn! The girls voted on Nashville in late October and I was thrilled to tackle the plans for our weekend. I'd been to Nashville once for a conference, so I had a few ideas of what to do/where to go, but I had to research a TON to get all the details in place so I'm sharing all my secrets with you here to make your next trip planning easier!

PS- Scroll to the bottom of this post for an easy to reference list of all my favorites/recommendations/info!

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Bundled Up

Chambray: Gap (old, similar) || Skirt: J. Crew Factory (GMB favorite!) || Vest: Old Navy (sold out, similar) || Boots: Sam Edelman || Headwrap: Francesca's (option 1/option 2) || Apple Watch || Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties

Good morning y'all! We got our first cold-snap here in Florida this weekend and it was actually FREEZING! Sunday when I walked Buddy it was only 30! So y'all I had to pull out all of my layers and stack those babies on, because this gal didn't know what to do with that kind of cold :) I'm seriously obsessed with my head-wraps for those early morning walks, they keep my ears from becoming popsicles :)

Speaking of becoming a popsicle... I'm jetting off to NY today for work and the high is 29!!!! (!!!)  As in when I wake up and workout (I always walk a few miles in the morning since I sit in showrooms all day in meetings) it will be in the single digits! Ummm... I don't even know what to do with that?! I've packed so many sweaters, coats, jackets, and boots but I'm still terrified I may become ice before my trip is over! Any tips to keep me warm?! Please send them my way!

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Sunday Scripture

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Let's Shop! Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale!

Today's the day all Lilly girls dream about... it's the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale!! As you're reading this you may be waiting in that darn virtual line (patience my friend), or maybe you're deciding what to buy; so today I've rounded up some of my favorite pieces and styles to give you an idea of how everything fits! If you have any questions please let me know in the comments below & be sure to share what you score!!

Lilly Pulitzer Ali Dress (wearing size Medium)- this is a great new style from Lilly! It has a bit of swing to it and the comfort factor is 100%!

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The Plaid Shirt I've Been Living In

Plaid Top: Gap (same shirt, different colors) || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Vince Camuto (on sale!) || Apple Watch

First of all, I have to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart for your overwhelmingly positive response to yesterday's post! Opening your heart and discussing your insecurities can be a scary, scary thing, but it leads to such great conversations & my love-tank is so full by your support! I will definitely continue to open up more and share my heart this year- so get ready :)

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Tips for Shopping the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale!

We'll I have some news that is about to make your Tuesday REAL exciting... the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party sale is confirmed for January 5-6!!!! Yes friends it's true, the best sale of the year will be here at 8am on Thursday-Friday of this week!!

Y'all have let me know that my tips have been helpful in prepping you to navigate this one-of-a-kind sale, so without further ado here are my tips for the After-Party Sale:

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On Embracing Confidence

Dress: c/o LulaRoe Pris and Julie (Instagram/Facebook) || Booties: Vince Camuto (almost exact) || Necklace: Kendra Scott || Clutch: BP (same clutch, different colors) || Apple Watch || Bangles: Bourbon & Bowties

If you've been reading this blog for awhile than you know that form-fitted and body-hugging styles are pretty much something not featured on here often. But as I get older (hiiiiii late-twenties) I've begun to embrace a new idea of body confidence that I've never had before. In the past year I've worked harder than probably ever before to lose those stubborn 10 pounds, fit the gym into my busy schedule, and eat healthy. And because it has literally taken sweat, time, & inevitable tears to look in the mirror and feel a sense of confidence - I'm working to embrace every curve I have and stop being afraid to show them off. 

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2017: New Year's Resolutions

I don't think I've ever been as excited to share my New Year's resolutions as I am today! 2016 was truly a transformative year for me, and I learned so much about myself, what I want, where I'm going, and what I need to do to get there (and I had some pretty incredible support along the way!). So 2017 is my year to put those learnings into action, and stop being scared of the "what if" and just go for it!

So, without further ado, here are my personal & blog goals for 2017:

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