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!

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 

Why Series Vol. 2

Why Statesboro? I still remember my first visit to Statesboro. I came in the spring for a Georgia Southern Open House mid-way through my high school career. It was a warm, April morning, with azaleas in full bloom and smiles on everyone's faces. The campus was gorgeous, and I fell in love.

My mother was determined to let me know just how hot it could get in South Georgia. So we headed back south in August that year, planning on being engulfed in oppressive humidity. To her disbelief, it was sunny and 75 that week. While it may have been a fluke, I've learned to love the heat {and how to make my hair cooperate} after too many snowy North Georgia winters.

Statesboro is a small town with a large college in it. Growing up in Clemson, I loved the energy the school infused into the local community. There are so many perks about living in a college town, besides Saturday football games and cheap drink prices at the bar. We may not have a Target, a well-known grocery store, or a Red Lobster, but we have fantastic local boutiques, some of the best food I've ever eaten at locally owned establishments, and some of the funnest and happiest people I've ever met.

I've lived a lot of places. I've seen all kinds of communities, but Statesboro is my favorite. It's one of the only places I've ever lived that I've felt 100% accepted, and not at all like I'm "not from here." It's somewhere I want to start a family--where I can take the Littles to First Friday Downtown each month before heading over to a football game on Saturday. Where I could possibly walk across the street to their preschool and visit during lunch. It's where I have life-long friends, and where I think Christopher and I can make so many "couple friends." It's a place where I have thrived emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Statesboro is home to yellow school buses, beautiful Eagle Creek, the prettiest little stadium and greatest university in America. It's where Cole Swindell got his start, as well as a dozen other well known artists, athletes, etc. It's the place that gives you those "Statesboro Blues" any time you drive through or reminisce about your college days. It's the place where the community has come together to progress to the top 15 of the America's Best Communities competition out of over 400 community applications.

It's the place that has made the most difference in my life...made me who I am...and where I can make a difference, too. That's why I love Statesboro.

#2015bestnine

2015 has been such a whirlwind of a year. Today, I'm exactly four months away from getting married and with New Year's Eve tomorrow, it seems like the perfect time for reflection.

2015 Best Nine Memories

My best memories of this past year don't exactly align with my most popular Instagram photos of the year, but they're pretty close.

1. Engagement pictures--this was something I had looked forward to for such a long time. We had a great day with the perfect weather, as well as an excellent photographer who helped me relax and perfectly captured our relationship. Christopher and I both talk about how much fun we had on that day, and how excited we were to look through the pictures only a million times. 
2. Dolls Do HHI--The first of hopefully many annual college girlfriends weekends during the last weekend of July on Hilton Head Island. Too many memories from this weekend to count, and too many we may not remember...oops. 
3. Georgia Southern football games--something I look forward to every year, but this year was by far the best. We got into a really good groove, and I loved having my regular weekend visitors stay with me!
4. My best friend's wedding--Niki's wedding was a definite reoccurring theme throughout 2015. Weddings seem to provide extra opportunities for fun times together, which I love. We had a great time going on her bachelorette in Chattanooga, and her wedding was perfection. 
5. Wedding planning--Once we settled on a date in early spring, planning my wedding truly began! Finally! It's been something I've really enjoyed and has been relatively stress free. I've had a while to cultivate a vision and feel for the day, which has helped the other events like showers and things come together seamlessly as well. Of course, I couldn't do this without my mom and Maid of Honor, as we hash and rehash everything a million times each night on the phone! 
6. Moving into my new house--I moved into a new house at the end of February which I am incredibly thankful for. It has been a place of serenity for me, as well as a home full of laughter and love, filled frequently with friends and family. I'm thankful to have the space to share and time together. 
7. Starting Therapy--maybe this isn't the cool thing to talk about, but starting to see a therapist regularly has been life changing for me. It's something I look forward to, and something I've grown from. Most people know that my life over the past two/three years has been tumultuous at best. After keeping a strong front, I finally wore down and could not handle the stress any longer. After working through some bigger, overarching issues, my sessions focus a lot of self development and being an emotionally healthy person. My goal from the beginning has been that I want to be my best self for my marriage. I feel like therapy has helped all of my relationships so much, but also my own personal sanity and physical health as well. If you're questioning it, don't--just find someone you're comfortable with and trust. It's life changing! 
8. Phi Mu--I've become an advisor for my Phi Mu chapter this year, and have also taken on an important role in the chapter's housing corporation. It's been challenging, but so very rewarding. I love spending time with the girls that were mine when I was the new member director, as well as learning from the alums that are still involved 60+ years after graduating.  
9. Friendships--My friendships have evolved a lot this year. I've also needed my friends more this year. It takes a while to transition from seeing your friends everyday in college, to incorporating them into your daily life postgrad in an intentional, real way. I've also developed more 'adult' or 'professional' friendships that I enjoy.  I'm thankful for the reconnections, the closeness, and joy that I've experienced in these relationships and can't wait to celebrate together in the coming months. 

Thankful for an amazing 2015, but I know 2016 is going to be even better...I can't wait!

Weekend Recap: Game Day Getups

I just don't want to talk about it. Our last game, that is. Unfortunately the Eagles didn't pull a W for the last regular game of the season, but it was perfect weather for my oversized, golden cableknit sweater.

To be honest, I pick out almost all of my game day outfits for the whole season in August. That may seem weird, but I try to pick out my outfits on Sunday for the week ahead too, if possible. Here's a quick recap of the game day outfits I've loved this season, and where to get some of the pieces:

Crown & Ivy Spring 2015 dress 

Cheeky Bliss Statesboro dress 

Pixie pants in "gold miner" and gingham boyfriend popover from Old Navy
Navy vest from Entourage 

Dress & vest from Entourage

Dress from Entourage
Monogrammed crossbody purse from Marley Lilly

Cable knit sweater from Talbots, color 2014.
Similar in cream, here.
Sunnies similar, here. 

Falling Fast

Welcome, fall! It was wonderful this morning, taking the dogs out in the crisp, cooler air.

This fall is going to be a busy, but very exciting one. I'm looking forward to attending my very first bachelorette weekend in Chattanooga celebrating one of my best friends. October sees two home football games for Georgia Southern, including homecoming which happens to fall on the weekend before my birthday--happy birthday to me! Of course there is the fair on the week of my birthday, which is one of my favorite fall-time traditions. A family wedding, and my best friend's wedding all happen within the next month, too.

November brings Christopher's birthday, Christmas preparation, and wedding crunch time! I need to send out save the dates, order invitations, settle on flowers, and so much more. More weddings come in November, as well as the beginning of family-focused holidays.

Through it all, I want to make a conscious effort to take a moment each day and appreciate this exciting stage of life I'm in, and those who are along for the ride. And to also bake lots of pumpkin bread, topped with lemon curds which is like my favorite fall food...besides a Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks!

Happy fall, y'all!

Chicken Bog & Pie Day

When done, your CB will be sticky
and very filling!

I'm not totally sure how it happened, but months ago, we determined that in January we'd celebrate Pie Day at work. January is a bummer of a month--dreary weather, "healthy" resolution eating, and getting back into regular schedule all of which is no fun. So we'd have one fun day and have pies for lunch. Well I can't just have pie, I've got to have some protein too! So I decided to make the famous Chicken Bog {chicken=protein, you know}.

Chicken Bog is specific to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, and is different that jambalaya or gumbo--it's much drier, and spicier. It's hot, and sticky, and just warms you up all over. Absolutely perfect for a snow day or in our case, a 50 degree 100% chance of rain South Georgia day. And it compliments pie oh so well. Here's my recipe:

Piper's Chicken Bog
1 rotisserie Chicken (you can boil a whole chicken, but that is a hassle. Plus the seasonings from the rotisserie chicken add something yummy!)
1 lb. kielbasa (cut to bite size pieces)
8 cups of water
8 chicken bullion cubes
1 teaspoon each black and red pepper
1 teaspoon Lawry's
garlic salt to taste
1/4 cup of butter
three bay leaves
3 cups rice long grain

Shred the whole chicken, chop the kielbasa, then bring all ingredients except rice to a boil and cover on low boil for 20 min. Add 3 cups of rice, bring back up to a boil, and let the rice cook until done.

Chicken Bog freezes great, is always better the second day, and is best served in a Styrofoam cup with a plastic spork at a high school football game in South Carolina.

P.S. So January 23 is actually National Pie Day. YAY!

Fall Favorites

Happy Fall! The temps have already dropped just a little bit, and there is a chill in the air early in the mornings around Statesboro. I can't wait for it to be full-blown fall with sweaters, boots, and scarves a total necessity. I don't really have a favorite season {my least favorite is winter, for sure}, and there are lots of reasons that I love fall.

1. Sweaters, boots, scarves. Duh. 
   Boots and vests are easily my number one, go to outfit makers of the season. They make dresses last longer during the cold seasons, and dress up leggings and other basics. Also, why can't leggings be work appropriate?
   
   
2. The Fair! 
   The Statesboro Fair holds a special place in my heart. It's always the week of my birthday, and is where Christopher and I first met. We've gone every year except last year when I didn't live here, and it's what I always tell him I want for my birthday.
   
   
3. Salted Caramel Mocha drinks from Starbucks. 
   I like pumpkin stuff as much as the next girl, but anyone who knows me knows my greatest weakness is salt. Now before I hear another lesson on how unhealthy salt is, I'll have you know that I have the lowest blood pressure of anyone I know...which is saying a lot considering how wound up I usually am. This drink tastes like Christmas. It forces me into Starbucks, a place I normally avoid like the plague {cough..cough..Fivebucks}. I'm not really sure how to explain it, but this drink makes my insides feel happy.
   
   
4. Stores decorating for Christmas. 
   It's never too early! I don't care what you say! I'd honestly prefer it if we skipped Halloween and Thanksgiving all together and just plowed straight into Christmas with arms wide open. Hobby Lobby may or may not have begun putting their Christmas things out in July, and I may or may not already be stocking up on new ornaments and decorations. 
5. Pumpkin bread, and other fall baking. 
   Punkins...punkins...I love pumpkin bread. I usually just whip up the Krusteaz box mix from Sam's Club, but the real kicker is the lemon curds. Lemon curds, you ask? Oh it makes pumpkin and gingerbread goodies the ultimate cold weather foods. The tangy jam makes the spices come to life, and I can't have pumpkin bread without it.
   
   
6. Football. 
   Football is kind of a big deal in the South. I grew up a Clemson girl, and went to Georgia Southern, so obviously football is kind of a big deal to me too. What do I love most about football? All of it: the all day tailgating and late game nights, the dressing up in the perfect combination of colors, the screaming until you can't scream any more, getting the perfect game day picture in your game day sorority button, and if you're not actually attending the game...finding the only place in town that's playing your game and settling in to watch it with some wings and spinach artichoke dip.
   
   
7. Festivals. 
   Apple festivals, cotton festivals, even the marble festival in my mom's hometown--I love them all. Some of the best fall memories come from watching cloggers while eating boiled peanuts and fried Milky Way's outside by some rock jewelry makers. 
8. That smell in the air. 
   I can't describe it, but you know. It's crisp, a little smokey, and comforting. The first time I sense it, I get butterflies. 
9. The slant of the sun. 
   I started noticing it at the end of July, and now the sun is almost completely gone by 7:30 p.m. It's dark when I wake up now, too. I have diagnosed myself with SAD {Seasonal affective disorder}, so I cling tightly to the disappearing minutes of sunlight each day. I hate winter, specifically post-Christmas, because it's always so dark, and the sun looks funny, and there are no Christmas lights up any longer to light my way. 
10. Blankets. 
    Have you ever known anyone to sleep with only a sheet? This is unacceptable. I need blankets. Preferably three on my bed, and one to snuggle with...and wrap around my neck like I'm trying to strangle myself in my sleep like my mother says. I want blankets on the couch, in the car for football games, everywhere! 

What are your favorite things about fall?
Also, follow me on Instagram for more fun pics! @piperellice

Join the Journey

This past Saturday, September 6th, was a big day in Statesboro. It marked the first home game for Georgia Southern, who began it's first year in the Sunbelt Conference the week before. All week was a celebration of "Paint the Town Blue" and gearing up for a day of fun. I was excited to have all the girls in town over for brunch before the game. Everyone brought a little something, with highlights being the Mimosa bar, pigs in a blanket (thanks, Tommy!), and a yummy breakfast casserole.

Where the boys should be...
in the kitchen!

Before the game started, there was a special ceremony recognizing the important flags that fly in Paulson Stadium. The first was the moving of the National Championship flags. Georgia Southern has won six National Championships, more than any other team! The six flags will now hang permanently by the new Football Operations Center. Then, they hung the Sun Belt Conference flag. 

 

I had no clue how awesome this first game would be. Fireworks, smoke, and an extremely long and misdirected flight by Freedom during the first few minutes of the game gave me chills. 

First Kick-off
ONE MORE TIME!

Look at this stud!

The Military Appreciation game is one of my favorites of the year. This year, the team wore red, white, and blue, and the "Eagles" on the field was decked out in stars and stripes. And of course, there was the parachute drop which is always a lot of excitement.

Besides being rained on, followed by it being blisteringly hot, and essentially sweating to death, it was a really great game day. I was pretty anxious about it, especially considering it was my first true game as an alumni, but it was a lot of fun. The night ended with a great 83-9 win for the Eagles! Now on to September 25th and the App State game...

That is All...

Throwback Thursday: Homecoming Edition

Georgia....Southern...!!! 
Whose house? Our house! 

It's that time of year again--Homecoming! I've missed the campaigning, voting, socializing, and Doo-Dah-ing of Georgia Southern Homecoming Week so much this year! I can't wait to spend Saturday on campus with all of my Phi Mu sisters and GSU friends tailgating and reminiscing. It's going to be so strange to attend the alumni brunch at the Phi Mu house as an actual alumni for the very first time. In honor of this fun-filled weekend, here are a few of my favorite football pics!

Homecoming 2010

Toga Party Social, Homecoming 2011

Football Season 2011, a.k.a. the day I grew a sixth toe,

had multiple wardrobe malfunctions/changes, and sprained my ankle

Homecoming 2012, with all of the Phi Mu house girls

and my bestie roommate, McKenna!