I absolutely LOVE having my nails done! I always feel so pretty when my nails are painted; I look more put together and professional, but still have fun pop of color. In the summer, I love trying new shades! This summer, I'm really into pinks, corals, and blues. Here are my top seven colors to try out this summer!

There are certain items in the summer that I wear all the time. White jeans, jeweled sandals, and sunglasses are stapes in my wardrobe. Today, I'm sharing all twelve of my summertime shopping essentials. We're about halfway through summer, so why not add some items to your closet?

It's been a year, almost to the day, since I attended The Bloom Workshop: La Petite Bloom in Holland, Michigan. It was two months before we launched Southern Magnolias, so Bethany and I were eager to learn as much as we could before joining the wedding planning world. This experience was so useful! Over the past year, styled shoots have become some of our most popular business, having organized four to date with another happening on Wednesday. The premise of this Petite Bloom was to teach the attendees about styled shoots, so it was invaluable to us. There were three separate shoots set up for us to photograph, along with a Q&A with the vendors and an information session about styling and submitting. Each time we've submitted, we've referenced what we've learned from this workshop - and it's worked every time! We've been published on Artfully Wed for our Jewel Toned shoot; Cake and Lace for our Bright Boho shoot; and in August, our Lush and Elegant shoot will be on The Perfect Palette. We're so proud of the work we've accomplished this past year and it all started with this workshop.

I'm so excited to finally show you the images that I took while at La Petite Bloom! I hope you enjoy them!

Vignette #1: Bright and Joyful

Vignette #2: Light and Lavender

Vignette #3: Soft and Natural

Have you ever sipped on a cocktail and thought to yourself, now this is summer? This peach wine cooler is that drink. It's sweet, a little tangy, and super refreshing! I hope you enjoy this cooler just as I did last night - sitting on your deck, watching the sunset. It was perfect! 

quiet (kwahy-it) verb to calm mentally as a person

Waiting quietly in the Lord is not always easy. It can be hard to stop and be still when we live in such a fast-paced world. However, it's important. It's where we hear God and can meditate on His Word. It allows us to grow closer to Him, as well as a chance to be more like Jesus. Below are some verses to remind you of the beautiful benefits of spending some quiet time with the Lord.

Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."

Job 6:24 "Teach me, and I will keep quiet; show me where I have been wrong."

Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."

Psalm 62:5 "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."

Lamentations 3:25-26 "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Amos 5:13 "Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil."

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

1 Peter 3:4 "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

To read letters A-P of my alphabet word study, click here.

This weekend marks the official start of redoing my bedroom! I've measured everything, donated three garbage bags full of clothing, and ordered some beautiful pillows. Today, I wanted to give you a peak into the vision for my room. It's full of watercolors and florals, with a focus on soft blue, blush, and white. I really want my room to feel crisp, but homey, while also reflecting my personality. I am so excited to start putting all the pieces of my room together.

Blazers are quickly becoming a staple in my closet. I now officially have them in navy, white, taupe, and as of Saturday, black and white stripes. My office is super chilly, so they're a great way to warm up, while still looking cute and professional. I especially love them on casual Fridays - they just take my jeans look to the next level. This Friday, I'll be deciding between these two: my new striped jacket with added flair or the classic white. Which would you choose?

June was full of new beginnings for me - new job, new city, new home. It's been a great month adjusting to this transition and cannot wait to see what July has in store for me! Before we head over to July, enjoy my June recap below.

Spend time with my friends during my last few days in Urbana.

We went for rooftop drinks before I left - it was so fun!

(Still) finally get my Illinois license.

Yes! I did this! Finally!

Move to Naperville.

Can't believe I've been here a month!

Start my new job in Human Resources.

The job is so busy - and I'm loving it!

Rearrange and decorate my room at my parents' house.

This is a work in progress. I have my design and layout, just need to execute!

Begin planning Bethany's wedding.

The venue's booked, I'm officially her Maid-of-Honor, and she said yes to the dress!

Get my 50,000 mile checkup done on my car.

Ended up also getting my break pads replaced. Goodbye money. ;)

Read my Bible every night before bed.

I may have waited to start this until the 30th of June, but I did it.

Begin the 30 Days of Gratitude sketchbook challenge.

I started planning everything out, but sadly, didn't open my sketchbook.

Find a church in my new city.

I think I found my home church this weekend!

Happy Fourth of July weekend everybody! With so many picnics and BBQs happening in the next couple of days, I decided to try something new to bring - sangria popsicles! With frozen wine and fresh berries, I thought it was be a tasty, boozy treat for guests. It's also super festive with the blue and red berries! We tasted some this afternoon and let me tell you, they're delicious!

Styled shoots are a specialty of Southern Magnolias. We absolutely love taking a simple idea and turning it into a showcase for vendors' work. This shoot, in particular, is a favorite of mine. It was full of firsts: our first time being hired to style a shoot; our first time putting together this many vignettes; and our first time being published. Successfully coordinating thirteen vendors and getting published were our two goals for the shoot, and we accomplished both (and after our first wedding coordination the night before)! I'm so excited to show you everything we put together for this shoot.