carolina weekend






This past weekend, Chris, Melly and I drove to Clemson to meet friends for the UNC game. We rented an adorable lake house in Seneca and drove in to campus to tailgate and go to the game.

It was my first actual Southern football game (I've tailgated before but never gone in. Not quite sure how I made it four years without attending one!) and it was so much fun. They are truly a production!

From the company to the weather, the weekend was absolutely perfect. Minus a Tarheel loss, that is!

PS: Right before the game I snagged this dress from Anthro on a major sale. It's not online anymore but if you're looking for a good fall dress, look for it in stores. I kept calling it a naked dress because it's so light and airy. :)

this is how we do october // weekend

This weekend was all fall, fall, fall. A bonfire, spiced cider, haunted house, homemade soup kind of weekend. A warm day, cool night kind of weekend. A happy kind of weekend. 


Friday, we celebrated Melissa's birthday. We had friends over for a bonfire (+ s'mores!) in our backyard. We drank cider and ate pumpkin cupcakes and everyone brought a fall brew to share.




It was the third year Mel and I have had birthdays since meeting. It was so fun to look back on the last few years, which have been, undoubtedly, some of the most transformational of our lives. With transient friendships, a variety of boyfriends and all of the emotions that come with each new year, every birthday has looked wildly different. I'm so excited to see what her year ahead holds. 


Saturday, Duke, Sam and I grabbed lunch and then I packed until the cows came home. I'm a really terrible packer because I always just use/wear whatever my mom and sisters bring on trips. They always remember everything. Extra shirt? Check. Shoes? Check. A toothbrush? Check. 

They totally enable me. 

I made a hearty pack list, ran around the house pulling every item I needed together, then sat on my floor in the middle of it all, trying to jam it into a hiking pack, along with 300 Sharpies, clothes for the kids and dental supplies (all of which were donated, so generously!). It was a challenge but, fortunately, I love challenges.


Saturday night I went to a pitch in with some friends. We shared our dishes, sat outside in the perfect weather and talked over the glow of a newly carved pumpkin.


After that, all of us went to Containment, the new haunted house at Atlantic Station. Guys. I can't even. It was so scary. I love scary things, so I was really happy about this. But it was probably the scariest haunted house I've ever been to. 

{photo taken pre-scare}

Sunday, I woke up with hot yoga and Robyn's vegan gluten free buckwheat pancakes. After that, I made meals for the week, including soup and a new pesto recipe (to share later!). I love slow Sundays, when the house is clean and smells delicious. 

After that, Abby came over to go for a walk and to get iced coffee. We sipped our coffees on the porch and talked in the glorious fall weather. Fall just beggggs for iced coffees in the sunbeams, don't you think? 

Sunday night, I went to church with Duke and Sam, then they came over to eat up the soup. Between a great church service, warm food and good conversation, I was filled to the brim. 

After that, I crashed into bed, with visions of Africa dancing in my head. Three days, friends!

What did you do this weekend? I hope it was the best!

bright&happy thursday

Am I in trouble? This morning I thought: I'm kind of ready for spring clothes...

I haven't even worn tights yet this season! I've barely even busted out my favorite cardis! I've still got piles of layers to work through...!

Although, I think it's more just a matter of wanting to wear bright colors - whether it be a kini or a coat need not matter.

So today, clad in a coral belt and neon headband, I greet you with a little extra spring in my step. Here's to a neon November!

Oh man. How much do these pencils make you want to color!?

one, two, three, four, five, six

heyyyy you guyyyys

Lately I've been trying to apply a "when in Rome" mentality to every aspect of my life. For example: While living in the south, I feel it's completely necessary to tailgate whenever possible, and go to a NASCAR race. When in Rome, right? You wouldn't spend a spring in Indianapolis and miss the Indy 500. I've got to respect the ways of the south, too.

And this season, I'm trying to do everything fally I can possibly think of. From carving to layering my clothes to Haunted Houses to Halloween parties, I'm walking around like a pumpkin spiced autumn addict. When in Rome fall.

As part of this effort, I recently tried making a pumpkin smoothie in lieu of my typical A.M. banana version. And while it was incredibly tasty, you need not be fooled by the word "pie" in the recipe title. It's not exactly the sweetest of smoothies. However, it did make for an excellent breakfast and kick-started my last two mornings with some pumpkiny love.

Happy fall you guys! (I'm not quite so southern as to say happy fall y'all. but maybe someday :) When in Georgia, right?)