Dog Tired

Some Mondays are filled with so much activity and sunshine that they leave us feeling pretty pooped in the best way possible. Today was one of those Mondays.

P.S. This might be the first time I have used the word "pooped" on the blog.

Friday Notes 03

I can't decide if this week went by fast or slow so I think I will just tell myself it was the perfect pace and be grateful for another good week. This March weather might be inconsistent- which can definitely affect my mood- but I felt like I did my best to stay consistent with work and relationships and sometimes that's all you can do.

Monday
In the afternoon I met up with Maggie at Hendershot's Coffee to sit and work while she studied for exams. I was so encouraged when later she offered to make dinner at her house- which was deeelish. She also helped me wrap about 80 of these grits packs- bless you Maggie! Only 100 more to go :)

Tuesday
After running errands all over Athens like a mad-woman (coordinating wedding shuttle schedules might be the death of me) I finally got to settle down and enjoy time with T for his birthday. We went over to Banana Republic to pick out some new shirts and a sports coat and then went to dinner. I love how excited he is getting about business school and stepping up his "fashion game." Ha.

Wednesday
A final walk through brought me to The Hill - one of my favorite places in Athens. I have never seen the grass look so green and lush enough you could sleep on it! The day ended with another final-ceremony-timeline meeting, but this one was over margaritas and chips at Taqueira del Sol. So yummy!

Thursday
Although the day started off chilly, by mid-afternoon it was warm enough to sit outside and get work done - which included stamping 350 praline bags. My hand might be sore or bruised but the bags look great and that's all that matters right?! I met up for dinner with Bethany from Epting Events at Pulaski Heights BBQ so we could run through rental install times and I am so grateful to not only have such a trusted resource in the industry, but a great friend too. Have you noticed I plan a lot of meetings around meal time? I mean a girls gotta eat.

Friday
Today I'm working on preparing my PowerSheets (currently 25% off!!!) for April and getting very ambitious with goals. I have a month off from my part-time job which is such a BLESSING as I want to focus all time and energy to make the first 2 weddings of the year great. I keep wondering if I'll be going back to said part-time job...

Tonight kicks off Taylor's Terry College of Business MBA Welcome Weekend and we're going on a Georgia Food Tour! I cannot wait to watch how Taylor interacts with the other students in his program- I will be beaming like a proud little wifey all weekend long. Weather permitting, Lauren and I are going to venture over to the BouleYARD Sale Saturday morning and then do some planning for a photo shoot ;) I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Natalia is headed to Europe! Send her suggestions for a fun-filled trip across the pond.

A song for your weekend.

T and I just started re-watching episodes, so The Office Time Machine could not come at a better time.

Pretty clogs for skirts or shorts.

Concrete planters are a DIY I really want to try for spring.

xo

Art + Soul: Double Dutch Press

Ever since taking a screen printing course in high school, I have been intrigued and inspired by the process. And naturally I was thrilled when Double Dutch Press opened right around the corner from my house back in 2012. Although I haven't been able to work with Katherine and Amanda until recently, their shop has been a favorite spot in Normaltown for a little while now.

They offer workshops right in their studio and are always open to creating custom work - like welcome bags and coasters for an upcoming wedding. I personally love to visit their shop to pick up last-minute gifts like a print, card, or tea towel.

Doesn't their Facebook page look like they have fun ALL the time?! If you're an Athens local, be sure to stop by Tuesday through Saturday (after grabbing a donut next door at Ike & Jane) and take a peak at all their awesome-ness! If you're not local you can still visit through their online shop.

P.S. My wishlist includes this Normaltown print - the two dogs remind me of Chief and Kola :)

// Top, second and third image from Reclaimed Reporter. All other images from Double Dutch Press. //

Stay Busy

If there was a good kind of "busy" this would be it. Anyone else feeling a lot of refining and improving going on in life right now?

// Image via bloom //

Happy Birthday Taylor!

Happiest of birthdays to the one my soul loves! Taylor you are my very best friend and favorite person in the universe and I could not be more grateful that YOU were born 26 years ago. Here are 26 things I absolutely adore about you:

Over the Weekend

This past weekend was one for the books. The weather was perfect, we ate good food, we drank good drinks, and we spent time with some of our favorite people. Oh, and we celebrated T's birthday.

Friday Notes 02

Remember 5 seconds ago when it was March 1st and now it's March 21st? How does this happen? I am so happy that spring is finally here as many events I have been planning for over a year are right around the corner. My prayer is to not be anxious about anything but to be thankful for the work I get to do. Friday Notes are a recent addition to the blog (inspired by Lesley) and I thought it would be fun to share one thing I'm grateful for from each day of the week:

Monday:
I took a trip to Atlanta with Candice for a final walk thru at the Atlanta History Center. Candice has a bride getting married right in front of the Swan House (any Hunger Games fans geeking out right now?) and despite the rainy day we had a blast driving around the city and finalizing all the ceremony details.

Tuesday:
A custom wedding favor required a trip to Mills Farms where I got to meet THE red mule of Red Mule Grits. Athens is filled with so many talented, sweet and hard working individuals. I love being apart of such a creative community and incorporating personal touches into unique weddings.

Wednesday:
Maggie and I grabbed lunch at Big City Bread Cafe and finally got to catch up since she went on Spring Break. Her friendship was such an unexpected gift at the perfect time and I'm grateful she let me use her house for said wedding favor project :) My day ended at a coffee shop with T, each of us doing work, but it felt good to just be together.

Thursday:
Many hands make light work which could not have been more true yesterday as I assembled 175 bags of said grits with some of the Chancey Charm interns. More on that (and this fun fabric) next week!

Friday:
I am wayyy behind on my Daily Bible readings (by a week! yikes!), but I'm grateful that each day is a new start. I'm also grateful to be done reading Leviticus...Tomorrow we are celebrating Taylor's birthday with friends at one of our favorite spots in town. I hope everyone enjoys their first weekend of spring!

If money were no object - Coclico sandals would be ordered in a heartbeat.

This book seems interestingly good

I want to make a practical magazine holder for the bathroom :)

How am I just learning about Burt's Bees Blemish Stick?!

A two-toned tumblr

Oh how I wish I could attend and learn from the best!

Noted.

xo

Sending Good Vibes Your Way

One of my dear friends is going into an exciting job interview this morning and I am praying that it leads to an incredible opportunity. The job search can feel so daunting and confusing- a true test of faith, patience and trust- but I am a firm believer that something so good is always on the other side of the mountain.

// Image source unknown. Found via grace.wit.poise.heart. //

Currently Following: Lesley Graham

You know how some people on Pinterest seem like your visual/aesthetic soul mate? I think mine is Lesley Graham. A picture of her home tour on Pinterest led me to her blog (I know, I'm way late on this cool train) and now I can't get enough.

Lesley is a Georgia girl who writes about marriage, motherhood, DIY projects, style, killer recipes and so much more. Her Weekend Notes actually inspired me to start a consistent feature on what I appreciate about each week (more on that tomorrow).

I might be biased to her blog because she's a fellow red head, but I truly enjoy her authenticity and heart for writing. And I secretly hope I run in to her in Atlanta so I can tell her just how much I love her blog...but I think you will really like it too!

// All images from Lesley Graham //

A New Season

Hip hip hooray for a new season! 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

// Photo by Haley Sheffield. Florals and styling by Ginny Branch & Ashley Woodson Bailey //

What You Do

I don't have much to share today except that being a "doer" is much more exhausting than being a "sayer." Rewarding, but exhausting. Is it Friday yet?

// Image via silver blonde //

Art + Soul: The Fresh Collective Co.

This week's Art + Soul feature is a twist on a local artist as Puddleduck Paper Co. (based in Athens) recently teamed up with Heather Green of Garland of Grace to launch the first items on The Fresh Collective Co.'s website! Was that a run-on sentence or what? Anyways, I first stumbled upon Heather's blog when it was featured on Once Wed and have enjoyed her photography, recipes, DIYs, and gorgeous tutorials ever since.

When I learned Puddleduck Paper Co. and Heather were joining forces for The Fresh Collective Co. launch I was thrilled and I love their sweet and simple mugs. Wouldn't they be the perfect reminder during your morning quiet time or as a gift for the leader or members of your small group?

Can't wait to see what other items come to the shop!

// All images from The Fresh Collective Co. //

Event Planning, Photo Dumping & Goal Accomplishing

 

One of my March goals was to finally add some client photos from last year's events to Pinterest. While taking full advantage of Sunday's crummy weather, I worked on this goal and also thought I would share the photos and event details here as well.

Last summer I planned an event for Relational Equity that took place on August 22nd at Chukkar Farm Polo Club and here are some of the pretty photos taken by the amazingly talented Morgan Blake. Let the photo dumping begin!

Food was prepared by The Georgia Pine Restaurant and the southern hors d'oeuvres were so. darn. good. I still think about their jalapeño corn muffins, topped with the sweetest butter you've ever had.

Florals were provided by Stylish Stems and those seersucker runners were made by yours truly-with much help from my mom. Event planning has taught me many things- but one major lesson- if you can't source it, DO IT YOURSELF.

Paper goods were created by Post Script Press and we carried the event date logo through the event favor - which was an etched pilsner glass from a local company, JWR Engravers. One of my favorite aspects to this party was the charming food truck- CRAVE- that creates gourmet shaved ice, topped with ice-cream. Heavenly, really.

The night ended with entertainment by Chris Cauley and Chinua Hawk who had everyone on their feet- even the venue owners :) I have so many good memories from planning and executing this event that it's getting me beyond excited for wedding season ahead!

// All photos by Morgan Blake. Event Planning by Marilisa Schachinger for Chancey Charm. See feature here. //

Friday Notes 01

With three separate trips to Atlanta this week I am wiped out. Wedding season is right around the corner so I am protecting my free weekends like a hawk and embracing the fact that not making plans does not mean I'm less busy. In fact my free time is focused on what matters most- being with Taylor and resting. Rest is so essential and we shouldn't feel guilty for enjoying it! I hope everyone has a nice and easy weekend.

An interesting list...although I feel like I already enjoyed most by my early twenties.

We could all learn to say this more effectively.

Since I love simple lists, these marriage tips are perfect.

No-bake St. Patrick's cereal bars!

Hahahaha

Lovely (and moody) prints

CAMP is starting back up! Woohoo!

// Top photo of the little bunny during morning snuggles. Kola is getting so big! //

Currently Following: Cautiously Obsessed

Graphic designer Cristina Martinez has a sweet blog called Cautiously Obsessed that I discovered somehow through the inter webs of social media and Instagram (duh). I love her clean and simple aesthetic- I couldn't help but go back through her old posts and continued to find great design inspiration.

On her blog Cristina shares her recent projects, tips for working as a freelancer and other fun features like free wallpaper.  You can also check out her work through her shop!

// All images from Cautiously Obsessed //