10 Ways to Encourage your Best Friends

by Lavender Elizabeth, September 12, 2017
I have been blessed by some incredible friends in my lifetime. Some have lasted since I was eight, others are new and becoming so special. Something that I've always loved doing throughout my friendships is finding little ways to show them I love them. Sending little gifts in the mail, a quick SnapChat, or hosting a girls night - I get such joy out of it. In honor of today being National Day of Encouragement, I'm sharing some of my favorite ways to encourage my best friends. Check out my top ten below! 


SEND SOMETHING IN THE MAIL.
Whether it's a little note or a care package, getting something in the mail is always so much fun.

PRAY FOR THEM.
Sometimes the best way to encourage someone is to do it in private.

SEND THEM A LITTLE "INSTA" LOVE.
Everyone loves a sweet comment or a like, especially from those you love most.

CREATE SOMETHING.
If you have a creative gift, like calligraphy, knitting, or painting, use it to create something special for a friend.

BRING THEM COFFEE.
A little pick-me-up in the form of caffeine.

REMEMBER THEIR BIRTHDAY.
Send them a little birthday love as they turn another year older.

TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM.
Simply hearing the words from your best friend can make the world of difference.

GIVE A SINCERE COMPLIMENT.
Love their outfit? Love their baking? Tell them!

SEND AN ENCOURAGING BIBLE VERSE.
Encouragement through the Word is as good as it gets.

SHOW UP FOR THEM.
Be there for opening night, watch their pet when they're away, or go over for a movie night. Find a way to show up in their lives.

What are your favorite ways to encourage your besties?

Southern Magnolias: One Year Anniversary

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, September 05, 2017
One year ago today, Bethany and I debuted Southern Magnolias - our wedding and event design business. This past year has been incredible. Working with my sister has been the most gratifying experience. We've been able to collaborate, design, and do business together, growing us in both friendship and creativity. Throughout this year, we've coordinated two weddings, styled six photoshoots, been published four times, styled a conference, consulted on an elaborate bridal shower, and now have two more weddings, back to back, later this month. To celebrate these past twelve months, here's a look at the work Southern Magnolias has accomplished in our first year of business.

My August Recap & September To Do List

by Lavender Elizabeth, September 01, 2017
I think I say this every month, but August just flew by! I can't get over how fast this summer went. But let me tell you, I am so excited for the start of fall! This next month is going to be busy, but incredible. Before we get into what's happening in September, here's my August recap.


Continue to go to Bible study and bond with other Christian ladies.
Loving this group so much! Aside from doing our study, we've gone for dinner, been to Top Golf, and went to church together.

Start physical therapy for my shoulder and ankle.
This is something I still need to start. Hopefully I'll get to it next month!

Head back to Urbana for a weekend (and maybe pack up more of my stuff).
It was so nice to spend some time with my sister, as well as my friends, while visiting.

Apply for a full-time HR role at my company.
I applied for an HRBP Specialist role, it got down to the two of us, but sadly, they chose the candidate with more experience. Crossing my fingers for the next one!

Be published twice for two separate photoshoots with Southern Magnolias.
Our Vibrant Cranberry Shoot was published on The Perfect Palette and the second half of our Pink Boho Shoot was published on Borrowed and Blue!

Start Reading a book off of my Christian Growth Book list.
I started Wait and See by Wendy Pope - it's an interactive book which I love.

Update Southern Magnolias' website with our latest weddings and photoshoots.
We'll be blogging our updates this month!

Return to my nighttime routine of reading, journaling, and praying.
It's been so nice getting back into this routine and reconnecting with God.

Buy a light blue bed skirt (and some matching accessories).
Decided against the blue bed skirt, but bought some great blue accessories!

Try out some different hairstyles with my new short 'do.
Tried out three simple styles and this month, I'm going to try curling and straightening it.


Have a Labor Day BBQ.

Celebrate Southern Magnolias' one year anniversary.

See Dan + Shay live in concert.

Hang wall accents in my bedroom.

Successfully coordinate two weddings for Southern Magnolias.

Explore somewhere new in my city.

Watch Game of Thrones for the first time (I'm six episodes in and loving it).

Renew my passport.

Create a fun and adventurous Barcelona itinerary.

Travel to Barcelona with my best friend!


Have a wonderful September everyone!
© Lavender Elizabeth · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS