A week ago I returned from my Spanish adventure with one of my best friends from college, Marie. The two of us spent our time in Barcelona and it was amazing! We packed all we could into four days, and I truly feel like we saw everything on our list. Barcelona was different than other European cities I've been to; it didn't feel as old-timey as I was expecting. Their main architect, Antoni Gaudí, really put his mark on the city, with intricate details and ornate designs. Below is a peak into our first two days touring around the city.

When apple picking last weekend, we were on the hunt for tasty apples to make homemade applesauce. This week, I finally got around to making mine. To give it some added flavor, I decided to use brown sugar instead of regular white sugar - and it's delicious! To make your own, you only need five simple ingredients and a slow cooker.

This past weekend, I kicked off the month of October by going to an apple orchard. My small group ladies and I went to Jomanac Apple Orchard in Malta, IL. The weekend we were there, they had a food truck festival, as well as their regular apple picking, apple cider, and live music. While there, I enjoyed an apple donut sundae, chilled apple cider, and brought home some tasty apples and honeycrisp wine. Spending time with these ladies is always such a blessing in my life. We drank cider, ate donuts, and had a mini photoshoot (featured below is a blogger friend, Kat of Ramblings of a 20 Something), but most of all, we bonded. We laughed, we talked, we shared. I couldn't have asked for a better start to fall.

On to the next fall adventure!

This month was so busy! Of the five weekends in September, I had something going on for four of them. I went to a concert, coordinated two weddings, and traveled to Barcelona. I feel like I really embraced my goal of being as social as I could be this month. Hopefully in October, I'll combine my joy of being busy with my current need of some serious R&R. 

Below: my September recap and October To Do List.

Have a Labor Day BBQ.

We had a classic family BBQ, complete with hamburgers and hot dogs.

Celebrate Southern Magnolias' one year anniversary.

You can read all about our first year of business here.

See Dan + Shay live in concert.

I thought I loved them before, but now, wow!

Hang wall accents in my bedroom.

Still need to buy ⅔ of my wall decor.

Successfully coordinate two weddings for Southern Magnolias.

The first one I did completely solo and the second I had my partner-in-crime.

Explore somewhere new in my city.

I went to candlelight yoga at Emerson Creek in Oswego with friends.

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

Still loving it; now I'm on season 5.

Renew my passport.

Fastest trip to Canada I've ever made.

Create a fun and adventurous Barcelona itinerary.

It worked so well to have a basis for our week.

Travel to Barcelona with my best friend!

What an incredible experience. I cannot wait to tell you all about it!

Complete my personal prayer challenge by praying for someone in my life each day in October.

Participate in fun fall activities.

Make homemade applesauce.

Have all the dog cuddles I want while my parents are in Italy.

Buy cute pedestals to finish my Aynsley China display.

Go on my first business trip (to Montreal).

Enjoy the last month of my human resources internship.

Watch the fall premieres of my favorite tv shows.

Spend time fostering friendships within my Bible study.

Celebrate Halloween.

Here's to a beautiful October!

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?

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.

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.