Fall Front Porch

I absolutely love having a front porch. One of my favorite memories from childhood was countless hours sitting on our front porch swing reading a book, and as I got older, rocking in the wicker chairs while talking to my mom. Someday I'd like to add a front porch swing to the end of our porch, too, and maybe a rocking chair or two. 

For now, we've got a few pumpkins and mums ushering in the slightly cooler weather. Waking up and stepping out into cooler temps each morning really helps freshen my mind and get me focused on the day. On the weekends, I'll make a pot of coffee and sit out on the front porch with the pups enjoying the breeze and the beautiful fall light. 

I don't really decorate for Halloween, but apparently we live in a big trick-or-treating neighborhood. While I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to dress up as, I have no idea if I need to add something "Halloween-y" to the front of the house? Nothing scary, but if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! 

Wreath: TJ Maxx | Hanging Basket Stands: Kmart | Mums in Galvanized Buckets: Home Depot 

picture practice

Last weekend, I spent the day in Statesboro hanging out with friends and enjoying the spring day. My Statesboro family had asked me to take some family and senior pictures, and I was thrilled and honored to practice my "fancy camera" skills. Kalli is a tried and true pageant princess, so she's super comfortable in front of a camera which made my job a lot easier.

It was great practice for me, and I'm so glad to still be taking part in their special family moments! 

Cozy Casual

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This weekend, CJM and I went to Atlanta for a really terrible football game that I honestly don't even want to talk about. Other than that, we had the absolute best time! Friday night, we got in kind of late, but our hotel was amazing--we stayed at The W Downtown, and it was so nice. We had a blast at the bar until way too late in the evening.

Saturday was a chilly and windy, but beautiful day. We walked to the Georgia Dome for the game, where I realized I forgot our tickets in the room {of course} about half way there. After the game, we had dinner at one of our favorite places: Ted's Montana Grill. There is something about a massive bison burger that makes both of us so happy.

Sunday morning we got up and brunched and shopped at Ikea before heading back south. It was really our first weekend getaway since the honeymoon, and we both left feeling so thankful that we had time together this weekend.

Saturday, I broke out a few of my favorite fall staples. I layered my favorite Old Navy chambray dress with this tan plaid Mud Pie wrap, topping it all off with a wool hat from Nordstrom and my favorite Talbots riding boots. The Georgia Dome has lots of rules about what you can and cannot bring in, but my monogrammed clutch from Walker Boutique passed the test...a little bit of sassiness may or may not have also helped make that happen, but a girl needs a bag!

P.S. Sorry for the poor picture quality...camera bags aren't allowed in the Dome either, so we had to do some quick iPhone photography!

New Car Accessories

Last night I got my first ever, brand new car! I'm sure the whole world is sick and tired of hearing me talk about my dream of a white SUV with a third row; I know Christopher was! After much debating on body styles and features, we decided to go with a Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium. It met all of my "requirements": white, tan leather, third row, sunroof; and was sporty looking in the body style for him.

But now comes the fun part: the accessories. The hubs puts nothing on his car, but I like a little personality and flair {monogram, anyone?}. These are a few things I'd like to deck "Fancy the 4Runner."

My favorite pewter GS Alumni license plate frame is nowhere to be found!
This one from Amazon would be a good alternative. 

If not going the Georgia Southern route, I am loving all things marble right now.
A monogrammed set from Etsy would do the trick! 

Speaking of marble and monograms...I may have already ordered
this Moon & Lola keychain in the "Blonde Tortoise" marble-y color
with my gold monogram! 

I've never really had to think about a trailer hitch before, but
this cover would be the perfect way to show my GS pride! 

School Spirit

Football season has arrived! With one game prior to Labor Day, I took that as an opportunity to wear my beloved white scalloped shorts just, as we say at Georgia Southern, one more time. The first game is usually miserably hot, but with Hurricane Hermine plowing through the day before, Statesboro was a beautiful, much cooler place for kicking off another great season. 

Niki, my BFF/MOH/Sister-in-law came down Friday night to stay with us and go to the game. It was great getting in some much needed girl time, now that she no longer lives just an hour away. After tailgating at my house, {aka watching Vanderpump Rules while eating boiled peanuts and drinking mimosas...don't judge}, we headed to the game with our other BFF/MOH/Sorority sister Kirstie, who had made the cutest gameday buttons for us!

My outfit details: Lilly Pulitzer top | Mud Pie Scalloped Shorts | Designs by Devra Necklace | Monogrammed Clutch | Jack Rogers 

Niki's outfit details: Crown & Ivy Dress | Tory Burch Crossbody, similar | David Yurman Bracelets | Spartina Necklace

Nails on both: OPI Russian Navy 

Manda is getting married!

This blonde bombshell is getting married tomorrow!!

Both Amanda and her hubs-to-be Jared were two of my very first friends in college at Georgia Southern. We've spent a lot of time together throughout the years, and I am so excited to be a part of their very big day. Amanda and her family have spent the last few months putting tons of personal details into the wedding which will be held on her family's property. Her amazingly talented older sister even designed and created the invitation suite, and will be doing all of the flowers!

Best wishes for the soon to be Mrs.; I hope you love being married as much as I do! Can't wait to experience this beautiful {although scorching!} weekend with one of my very best friends.

Prom 2k16

I love prom season. Even before I was able to go, I remember buying the special prom dress magazines and picking out my favorite ones. I now have the pleasure of driving by two dress shops on my way to work every morning, and I imagine which ones I'd pick for prom now as they sparkle in the windows.

On Saturday, I went to Georgia Southern's Sweetheart Circle to take pictures of my best friend's little sister, who is now a lot like my own little sister, too! Her date was a little late, as he had to win a baseball game early Saturday afternoon, so it gave us an opportunity to get some great shots of her amazing dress/romper. He joined her in Savannah for dinner a little later in the evening, and they looked great together!

Prom dresses are so very different from when I was in high school. A lot more bling, and more 'pieces' than my solid dresses. I love seeing what everyone picks out to show off their personality!

My sweet Statesboro family

Isn't she a beauty?

Pretty & Pink Party

This past Saturday, my bridesmaids hosted a bridal shower for me in Statesboro. The best part? It was held at the Phi Mu house! It was so meaningful to have such a special event held at a place full of memories and meaning in my life. Plus, it's beautiful and pink inside and out which only added to the fun!



My maid and matron of honor prepped all the food and decor, which included a naked cake, my favorite lemon squares and deviled eggs, and other goodies.

Kirstie, my Maid of Honor, made a lot of the decorations using her sister's vinyl cutter, including this "Future Mrs. McAfee" pin that I wore! She spray painted cute frames from the dollar store to display a few of my favorite love quotes and important dates throughout the room. She also used the vinyl to make the countdown to "I Do" frame, to monogram the acrylic recipe box, and customize the "Bride" tea cup with the shower date.

The picture above in the gold frame is actually the first picture Christopher and I ever took together! It was the night of Phi Mu formal, and we took pictures in the cotton field across the street from my neighborhood. 

Publix petit fours are my mother's and my favorite treat! My Matron of Honor, Niki, picked up a tray decorated with pink flowers for the afternoon's spread. It was the perfect touch! 

Outfit Details: Dress | Earrings | Bracelet | Pumps

My mother and mother-in-law; both sweet enough to make the trip to Statesboro for the shower! So glad to have both of these women in my life. 

My lovely bridesmaid hostesses...I think we have a pretty strong Lilly following between us...

I apparently don't know how to cut a cake. Glad I have 40 or so days to figure it out! Kirstie planned one bridal shower game for me after we enjoyed our snacks. She had asked Christopher a variety of questions and gotten his answers, and then asked me to answer the same questions. For every answer I got wrong, I had to put a piece of bubble gum in my mouth. I got a bunch wrong, and ended up with a mouth full of strawberry gum--so much so, that I could barely breathe! Needless to say, I am not very good with questionnaires at showers!

Christopher and I were given so many beautiful gifts Saturday, and we're so blessed. But I am mostly so thankful for the time everyone has taken out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me and spend time together. It's made this whole experience so meaningful. 

Busy weeks are ahead: Easter this weekend, bachelorette bash the next, and our final shower the weekend after that. I can't believe how fast things have gone! Oh, and Happy Spring!

P.S. If you have any yummy "newlywed recipes" to share, please leave them in the comments below so I can add them to my fancy monogram recipe box!