St. Patrick's Season in Dublin, GA

I think anytime you live in a small town, people complain. There's not enough restaurants, shops, or things to do. I've always been one to throw myself into anywhere I've lived and be involved in {too} many activities and organizations so I always feel busy. March, and most of February, in Dublin, Ga., is definitely a season where there isn't "nothing to do."

I'm a part of the volunteer-based Dublin-Laurens St. Patrick's Festival Committee that works all year to coordinate over 50 events throughout our community from mid-February through the end of March. This is my first year on the committee, and I honestly didn't realized just how much goes on during these six or so weeks until I got so involved! This is one of my favorite volunteer activities because it directly benefits our little community, but also because there are so many great people involved in all of our efforts.

This past weekend, we had our annual Irish Balloon Fest and I got to experience my first ride in a hot air balloon! As someone who is terribly afraid of heights {with the exception of roller coasters...I know, makes no sense} I was really proud of myself for just hopping in the basket and taking off. It was the coolest thing! A little scary as we topped the trees, but once we were up high enough, the quiet and stillness of the sky was something magical. We were able to see a couple of miles out in each direction and landed right in Downtown Dublin. There was also a balloon glow and tethered rides Saturday night which is such a beautiful sight to see.

This is officially the week of green in Dublin, with something going on every single day! I'm looking forward to taking pictures at the Leprechaun contest Tuesday night, visiting the Capitol in Atlanta Wednesday for the official festival proclamation by Governor Kemp, working and eating at the Pancake Supper Thursday night and attending the 20's-themed gala Friday evening. Super Saturday will hold the parade, corned beef and cabbage lunch, arts and crafts festival, ShamROCK and Munchies in the Park with all of this capped off by a special St. Patrick's brunch at the country club Sunday morning.

It's busy, and I'm tired already, but it's so much fun being green. For more info and a list of all events, visit: http://www.dublinstpatricks.com/

Check out my St. Patrick's Highlight on Instagram for a recap of all the fun! @piperellice

Hosting Bridge

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting my first bridge game as a member of the Dublin Girls' Cotillion. When I tell out of town people that I play bridge, I'm usually met with a similar "grandma" remark. I honestly can't remember even being aware of the game of bridge prior to moving here, but in Dublin, it's kind of a big deal.

There are lots of different groups and clubs that teach and play bridge regularly, with annual benefits and competitions. But our group is really social, and it's a great opportunity to get together with some girlfriends twice a month and have a glass of wine while playing a few hands.

I served a homemade pound cake with fresh whipped cream topped with strawberries. Some of my snacks {peanut butter M&Ms for the win!} were served in vintage ice cream dishes. I attempted another batch of my "Fancy Cookies" but the humidity took a toll on the icing, and they didn't turn out as perfectly as I would have liked. Cute though! It's so nice to enjoy some of the finer things in life with friends! And hosting such an event is a really great excuse to do some fall cleaning and decorating too. 

One of my favorite things about playing bridge are all the beautiful card styles and sets. I have one with peonies, one with hydrangeas, and the multi-colored ones seen on the table above. Typically, I shop for all my bridge supplies from Smith's of Dublin, but have been pleased to find sets and score books on Amazon too! Here's a few of my faves: 

Cocktails at Sunset with Mint & Smith's of Dublin

Earrings 

Necklace  

Bangles 

Earrings

Barrington Gifts Tote & Travel bag -- Call to Order (478) 272-5112

Striped Jumpsuit | Navy Jumpsuit | White Top 

All photos by Molly Hensley.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend! Even though I'm not in school anymore, it feels like summer is ending as our area schools get ready to go back in the next week and a half. Doesn't it feel like this summer has just flown by? We've been so busy, and will continue to be through August and football season, but this weekend I'm taking some time to really organize my closets and pantry.

While you're relaxing this weekend, enjoy a sip of something delicious and scroll through the second set of photos from my photo shoot with Smith's and Mint of Dublin. I loved the lighting of this outdoor cocktail hour setting so much! Even the InstaStories of this was beautiful.

Two things I'm loving: the striped jumpsuit and the Barrington Gifts bags. The jumpsuit is the softest thing ever, and great for a date night during this warm weather! And I want to order these bags for myself--I have the tote in the brown pattern with navy monogram {for Georgia Southern games prior to the clear-bag rule}, but I love this white/gray pattern too! I'd like to see a navy and pink monogram personally, and the overnight bag is a really great size. Birthday presents anyone...?

Garden Party with Mint & Smith's of Dublin

Barrington Gifts Tote--call Smith's to order (478) 272-5112

Top: Crosby | Bracelets: Hazen | Wallet: Hobo

Top: Crosby | Cuff: Capucine De Wulf Victoria Cuff | Wallet: Hobo

All photos by Molly Hensley. 

Today I am thrilled to share with you the most perfect southern garden party, styled by Mint and Smith's of Dublin! You may have seen a few sneak peeks on my Instagram, as well as my "modeling" on Mint's social media, too. Kelly and Natalie are two of the best girl bosses I know, and I am so honored to work with them to help share their beautiful brands! Kelly's boutique Mint in downtown Dublin carries lines like Karlie, Crosby by Mollie Burch, Charlie Southern, and more. And Natalie's jewelry and gift store right next to Mint is your one stop shop for wedding, gifts, home decor, and more! 

A few weeks ago we worked with the incredibly talented Molly Hensley to show off some of their fabulous new items. Be sure to check out Smith's website for the beautiful jewelry, Barrington Gifts tote, planners, and tabletop items. Mint will have you covered beautiful with a number of Crosby by Mollie Burch items, Hobo wallets, and Lilly Pulitzer Swell bottles. And right now, you can get 15% off on any Crosby item from Mint when you enter the code "PIPER" at check out!

Pinch Proof | All Things Green

Charleston Rice Beads Necklace & Bracelet | Gold Shamrock Studs | Gigi's of New York Green Clutch | Collyn Raye Top | Green Cashmere Poncho | Green Beaded Tassels

This post contains affiliate links.

It's the time of year where all things in Dublin, Ga., begin turning green! With green bows on mailboxes and shamrocks on doors, there's more than enough green to go around. I rounded up a quick list of a few of my favorite green {and gold!} St. Patrick's things to wear throughout the month of March and into spring.

Of course I love the Charleston Rice Beads green necklace and bracelet combo. These are two great pieces to add a touch of green to any outfit; I particularly like adding it over a black dress or a white top with navy pants. Dainty gold shamrock studs don't scream green, but are definitely festive, and would look so cute with the lime gingham Collyn Raye top with white jeans.

This jade monogrammed clutch is on major sale {50% off!}, and is another piece that can be added to a non-green outfit to make it St. Pats appropriate, just like the cashmere poncho. And finally, who doesn't need some green tassel earrings. These look just like the ones from Baublebar but are only $10 and come in so many colors.  Plus, Prime, so go get a pair or two!

Erin Go Bragh! 

One Year Here

One year ago today, we closed on our house here in Dublin. This was one of many firsts: buying a home, living together full-time, moving somewhere to create a life as a married couple. While it was 'home' for Christopher, my heart and my home is all over the East Coast and I was expecting a move to a small town in South Georgia to present some challenges.

While there were a few along the way {The Great Flowerbed Flood of 2017, and Hurricane Irma just to name a few} the move was surprisingly smooth. I'm not sure that I've ever felt as at peace about living somewhere as I do here. And while a lot of that has to do with my husband, a lot of it also has to do with the people here. I've lived a lot of places, and people are not universally accepting, kind, or excited to get to know the new person. Usually there is some hesitancy and distrust of those coming it to a tight-knit community that causes the transplant to rescind and not make further attempts at developing connections and relationships.

I've never felt more universally accepted and liked than I have here in Dublin. I've met so many people who are genuinely interested in me, my husband, our lives, and in making a deeper connection. I'm not sure I've ever lived somewhere that so many people are as deeply rooted in their faith and are actively living it out. The people here are kind, and inclusive, and loving.

While we have a short list of shopping and dining options {Target will never happen here, y'all.}, we have a growing and thriving downtown community that I'm proud to work in every day. I've been included in an amazing Bible study group with some wonderful ladies that I wouldn't have met if one person hadn't taken a chance and asked me, a virtual stranger, to come over for dinner. And I feel so blessed to live in a community that values family, my marriage, and our commitment to each other.

I've learned to value the little things more, thanks to living in this small town. Even though my mother cries every time she has to make the almost five hour drive to see me and I have to Amazon my face wash each month, I appreciate the fact that it takes me five minutes to get pretty much anywhere any day of the week. I love the fact that we have 52 official St. Patrick's Day events that start in February...and don't expect to find a green bow for sale anywhere after Valentine's Day. I love that my in-laws are just down the road. I laugh at the sheer number of parades we have that makes it feel like I'm living in my very own Stars Hollow. And anytime we go somewhere, I'm always ready to get back home.

So here's to here, and a great year. Cheers to many more.

Valentine's Home Decor

Valentines Day has become one of my favorite holidays as an adult. I don't remember much fondness of it growing up, but since I met Mr. Right, it's always been a special day for us. At home I'm working on growing my collection of V-day décor. While we have a lot of great florists and other places to shop for wonderful items to fill your home, I have to say that I really miss having a Target/HobLob/Michael's/etc. during the "off season" holidays. And maybe it's just me but I feel like the only Valentine's décor I do see is "galentines" focused which is great, but I kind of love the traditional xoxo, be mine, and sweetheart pieces personally!

I stopped into Classic Florist here in town, and saw this precious garden flag. It really kicked off this next round of holidays for me. I missed decorating for Valentine's last year because we moved that same week, but I intentionally began pulling my pieces as I was putting away Christmas a few weeks ago. Transitioning straight into another season of celebration has definitely helped with the post-Christmas blues.

A lot of my pieces are from my very first bridal shower which you can check out here. And if you'd like to see how I styled them in my last house, read this post. 

What do you love most about Valentine's Day? Do you have any fun traditions or memories? 

Love to you all!