Ah fall.

Where the leaves change + the weather gets crisp.

At least that's how it is for almost everyone where else in America this time of the year, but here in Nevada, were still hitting the triple digits.

No matter the triple digit weather, autumn is my favorite, and I'm definitely in an autumn state of mind.

Speaking of fall, today I wanted to talk about my love for home decor + show you some of the beautiful floral inspiration that I've come across.

First things first, I wanted to say thank you to BloomNation for even asking for my input on how I incorporate floral inspiration into my home + what kind of floral eye candy works well for my style. BloomNation is an online community marketplace for local florists, they cater to all your floral needs by handcrafting beautiful unique bouquets. You can type in your zip code to search local florists & choose the bouquet of your liking through their website.

If you would like to learn more about BloomNation + what they do please click here. Other wise, read on! ;)

If you are just now learning about my blog + myself, allow me to let you to tell you a little about me + my life. I am a proud military wife of an United States Airman. We've been stationed in Nevada for 2 years now, and we've been in our apartment for about a year. In the past, I have bought the "cheap" decor, thinking it would be easier on our wallets, but I wasn't thinking long term, + I'm still adding new things to our apartment to make it more home-y to this day. The great part about decorating is being able to express yourself, it's like clothes for our homes + besides it's great to find new ways to add a bit of your own personality to your home.

A lot of people don't know where to start, especially in an apartment because you're limited on what you can + can't do. I did a post before hand on what I find easier to make your home feel more like a home, I didn't include flowers, but I sure should have, flowers add a since of class + wholeness to your home. Whether it be real or fake - what ever your budget allows, flowers help your home feel like home. You can add them to your living room coffee table, side table, your dining room table, in the kitchen, or in your bedroom + guest rooms. I am partial to sunflowers, they just seem so happy + full of life, which is my philosophy for life, live it to the fullest. I've decorated for fall + have incorporated my favorite sunflowers. Most of my decor, I have pre-bought. I try to use what I have, or what I can find on sale, for at a good price.

I have shopped in: Ross, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Home Goods, Kirklands, + Kohl's. My tip is also, if you like something, buy it. That is if you cannot DIY, or it cost that much if not more DIY-ing it.

I love fresh flowers in the fall + in the spring, my bouquet for the living room has sunflowers, mums, + more. It definitely is fit for fall + beautiful eye candy. It's the perfect balance of fall + decor which incorporates my favorite flowers!

Now what are my top 5 favorite floral decor eye candy? I list them below! (In no special order, they're all great!)

1. French Country Cottage had very beautiful antique + charm about her fall decor that was simple, yet so timeless.






All rights for these photos go to the French Country Cottage Blog



2. Home Stories A to Z had her fall decor + floral inspiration that felt just so feminine and pretty! I just fell in love with it all. Call me OBSESSED.






All rights for this photo go to the Home Stories A to Z Blog.



3. Jones Design Company is hands down one of my favorite blogs + she gives out a free fun autumn printable in her home design tour blog post! Her home decor just felt so fresh + beautiful.






All Rights for this photo goes to The Jones Design Company blog.



4. Inspired By Charm is my top favorite...I might be a little biased because sunflowers are my favorite, but can you really blame me? I mean look how gorgeous!






All Rights for this photo go to the Inspired By Charm blog.



5. Pinspiring Fall Floral Decor DIY - This pin I found gorgeous + very easy to remake for your home, even if you're not a huge DIY-er. It tells you step by step how to make the vase + you can pick out different flowers to your liking. :)





All rights for this photo + tutorial go to U-Create.

Kelsea Ballerini Concert + Mt. Charleston Photos

A few weeks ago I went to see Kelsea Ballerini, I brought my camera with me & trust me I got some beautiful shots of the scenery and the country musician. Enjoy!

Also, if you want to check out when I reviewed her album you can do so by clicking here. I strongly suggest buying the album if you haven't already, trust me it's worth the purchase!

The Art Of Saying NO + Setting Boundaries

All throughout my life, I was horrible at saying no, or setting boundaries for other people in my life. I found myself saying yes out of obligation, or being taken advantage of, and depending on the person being manipulated into saying yes to things I felt uncomfortable with. To say the least I learned the hard way that self love and taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's necessary. Your health and happiness are two of the most important things that should not be put second. When you do try to people please and when you are uncomfortable in saying yes, then your health and mindset declines. There will be difficult people in all situations and at a variety of points in your life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle or be used as a punching bag.

As a young woman, I have found that my friends and I are at different places in life and it can be hard saying no to them because I never want to grow apart since I am also the worst at goodbyes. Peer pressure has become a problem for me even more so in adulthood. I start feeling guilty because my personality is so much different than so-and-so's and it's more of a forced friendship rather than just something that comes naturally. If you have read some of my personal blogs before, I have talked about how I get really bad anxiety. I will be the first one to tell you, people will use this against you, because they know how hard it is for you to say no and how hard it is for you to set boundaries because you don't want to be rude or unkind. I have been there and done that, and trust me when I tell you it's emotionally draining.

So how do I handle these awkward "NO" situations and putting boundaries in place? I listen to my gut. If someone gets rude, or uncooperative about respecting my boundaries, I take time to think about what I want to say and then I respond to them about how I am feeling. I honestly couldn't do that 2 years ago, it is an art form of patience in it's self to restrain because you become hurt at the situation, but just remember you do not want to sink to a low level, you must be respectful and kind even if that person isn't. The last thing you want to do is blow up and say something you might regret later, because words hurt, and being grown up is learning to not hurt the person who hurt you back, but to try to understand. You are better than that, and it can be very easy in the moment to forget that.

Another thing that helps me, is staying off social media, not being close to my phone and trying not to get dragged into the pull of the circus. You ever heard of that saying that goes, "Not my circus, not my monkeys?" That's basically what it means, you have your life whether it be career, school, ect. to focus on and spending hours trying to have a conversation with difficult people, or getting frustrated with social media drama is insane. You're better off just walking away, until you get a handle on your mindset. You also have to be careful of nosey people on Facebook, you know you have at least one person who asks a million and one questions when you post about something semi personal, and you just know them because you're acquaintances, you do not have to explain anything to anyone. If you feel uncomfortable answering, don't, just politely say I rather not say and keep it to yourself. Someone is either going to take it offensive, or understand, and if they take it offensive, you can just say I am sorry you feel that way, I'm sure that there are things you would rather keep to yourself, but if it is a problem that you're that curious when I post something and won't give you all the information because I would rather keep it personal for my own reasons, you can unsubscribe to my posts. That way you have been very clear about your boundaries and you give them a solution, instead of a negative answer back.

It's very hard to remain positive in a world that can become negative at times, but that doesn't mean we don't do our best. You can genuinely tell when someone is in your life because they care about you verses they "have" to because of what you give them, or whatever the reason is. The best you can do is stay true to yourself, realize that you know yourself better than anyone else, and that you don't have to have a negative outlook on yourself just because someone else does. Look at the blessings you have, make a choice to be happy, and when you do have to say no, or deal with an awkward conversation just be clear on your boundaries and why you have chosen to say no. They are either going to be negative about it or respect you, and you have the choice to cut out all the negative/toxic relationships and people that stress you out. You are not a punching bag, you are not someones excuse to gossip, you are not selfish, you are a badass just for being yourself, and you deserve a right to live the way you choose to.

5 Things I do on Sunday for a Productive Week

We all have busy schedules in general, whether it be us rushing off to work or school, or taking care of kids around the clock. Life gets pretty hectic and it can be hard to manage a blog on top of it all, but no worries, because I'm gonna tell you 5 things that help me have a productive week. You don't have to pick a Sunday but personally I have found it is my day to get things done around the house, with the blog, and run the errands I can't get done through the week.

Wake Up Earlier

When I choose to wake up earlier just on this one day rather than sleeping in, I find it easier to focus on the things I need to get done. I drink my coffee, eat a good meal, wash my face, and try to get woken up for the day. I feel healthier and more productive doing this as well.

Get Ahead On Writing Your Blog Posts

At this time I usually go through my journal to see what content is next for the blog and I write the blog ahead of time. Sometimes my inspiration comes flowing through, if I'm really feel like going crazy and being productive I get ahead 2 or 3 posts at one time, or at least started. This helps keep me on track when I do post.

Go Through Email

I also respond to emails, or get caught up on them, and attempt to throw away the junk mail, because lets face it I struggle with this, but I've been trying to keep the mind set if you throw it away now, you won't have to later.

Run Errands

After going through my email I can walk Aria (my dog), wake my husband, and run the rest of my errands that I need to do. This can include, getting the car washed, blanket washed, house work, paying bills, ect. Whatever it is, it will get done by sunday night.

Go To The Gym

You don't have to do this, but I usually find that this helps me get to bed earlier, since I'm not "physically fit" I just personally feel healthier the next day when I do take time out of my day to go work out, this doesn't always happen, but I do push for it. If you don't do gym's then you can always play some music and dance around the house while doing house work for some fitness. ;)

How To Stay Close To Loved Ones When You Live Far Away

It's no secret, that were a little challenged in distance with my husbands Airforce career. Even I'll admit I was nervous going from knowing everything from Carolina to knowing nothing in Nevada, but it's a change you get used to and pick up tricks to keep your loved ones closer. So I'm here to share my tips + tricks that have helped me deal with being away from my family + friends over the course of 2 years.

Text or Call To Talk About Your Day

Sometimes when I'm having one of those days where everything is going wrong, nothing makes me feel better than to talk to my mom. It's true, I'm a twenty-three year old woman, who still needs her mom. I have no shame in that. :) She is one of the few people who can calm my anxiety down & reassure me I'm going to be okay. No matter who it is, it's good to have people in your life who will just get it and be honest with you even if you just need an opinion.

Skype + FaceTime

Everyone who has a friend/family member knows about these two glorious inventions + thank God for them! I enjoy when my parents and I FaceTime with my other fur child/family dogs back home or even when my mom asks for my opinion about home decor she's bought, it keeps me close + like I'm there...only I'm not. :P

Send Videos Back + Forth

Not too long ago my mom sent me a video of my dad snoring,in hopes that it would make me feel a little less homesick. Little videos like that personalize our conversations, it shows that you are missed + they will make you smile. :)

Send "Thinking of You" Cards or Gifts

Every once in awhile, if my parents go somewhere like when they went to Ruby Falls, they got my husband + I a little souvenir. This was a sweet gesture knowing how much I love Tennessee + that it was hard because we can only really take vacations back home with how expensive the plane tickets get. Never underestimate a hand wrote letter either, this too kept my husband + I closer while he was at basic. ;)

Always share + post photos

I try not to give a play-by-play in my social media, because let's be honest, if you're repetitive then what you do, how you do it, ect. becomes less + less exciting to read about. If we go on a trip, or sometimes I'll post "selfies" of us together, that way family members can see our faces + keep up with our crazy adventures, + when all else fails, I blog about it. ;)

I hope that I have gave food for thought if you have been struggling on how to connect with your loved ones. These are just things that have helped me deal with being home sick + made me feel still part of my family + friends' lives.

2 Year Marriage Anniversary!

So our 2 year Anniversary is tomorrow, August 17th to be exact. I try to be as open as I can with y'all because I love my life & the people in it so much that it's almost selfish not to share! I thought since I've been letting you in on something in my personal life that I'd share with you some of my favorite things from our wedding to celebrate 2 years with my wonderful husband.

Our ceremony was the most important part to me. There were a few venues in mind, but "The Spivey House" located in Downtown Conway, SC. Was the one I fell in love with + had to have.

I did as best as I could make it feel well like us as a couple when I bought certain things. The blue mason jars were our wedding favors, because well their versatile, and I even put a little pun on the sticker - Just call me pun queen. hehe. We had our family help a bunch when it came to decorating, but I think it turned out wonderful! :)

The Trustle Resturant & Bakery, also located in Downtown Conway, SC catered as well as made our cake. We were very pleased with how it all came out & made our day all that more special.

I went to a few dress shops, but Magnolia's, is one of the dress shops that was very flexible and welcoming to me and my needs as a bride. The Bouquet was actually just a hand picked one from a grocery store, who says you have to go to an expensive florist? And what is a rustic southern wedding without a girls' pearls & pair of cowboy boots? The boots come straight from Nashville & had a special meaning behind them. :)

When I said thank you for attending & being there for us at this special time in our lives, it wasn't just me being polite. I'm so glad everyone came out to see us get hitched and all that jazz. ;) Our wedding party was carefully hand picked, I hate to brag but we got the best of the best. :P

The photographer is Kristy Roderick, she also did our engagement photos, and believe me when I tell you this was equally as important to me as the ceremony venue. We had inquired about her doing our wedding, but didn't know if it was possible, but one thing led to another and she agreed. We were her first wedding, and she did wonderfully. I can't tell you how appreciative of the photos she did get documenting our special day. The First look isn't for everyone, but I had my reasons for deciding to fit it in our schedule. I've never been one to believe in a lot of superstitions, the groom seeing the bride before the wedding is one rule that I broke. I felt this helped calm my nerves on our big day. We had about 2 months to throw this wedding, as well as no rehearsal was- regrettably- had. So I'm just glad that our first look didn't suffer. However, if you're going to do this, be sure you clarify it is private, have it where not a lot of foot traffic is, we had early guests come & it felt a little awkward, when it was supposed to be a sweet moment for us. All together, I think it was successful and can be scene in the black in white photo. :)

The best part of the wedding hands down was getting to make memories with my best friend & my husband. This was a huge start to what is the very beginning of our lives together and even when I look back at all the stress it was those 2 months getting things done & ready for when he flew in from Tech school, it was all worth it. I know that these 2 years have been the better years of my life just because I've had someone as special as my husband, and he so sweetly shares his birthday with me as if I'm the best present he's ever gotten - and I am ;)

Story Of Our Apartment + How To Make Your Apartment Feel More Like Home

When I said yes to marrying my husband knowing he was going into the Military, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew I loved this amazing man and I would've followed him to the moon and back if he asked. The wedding planning part was a rush, I was stressed out because his schedule wasn't wrote in stone and you never write it in stone, we didn't know what tomorrow would hold, but we were excited to find out.

When I said I do to my man in uniform, it went by in a flash, before I knew it he was on his way just days after our wedding to our first base in Nevada. Of course we had to get an apartment, or live on base, but there were no houses available at the time for us, so we were wait listed. We ended up getting a 2-Bedroom in our first set of apartments. To say it was small would be an understatement. We both agreed, long-term we needed something at least a little bigger, or at least a more open floor plan.

Fast forward months and months later, we finally signed the paperwork for our new apartment and moved in. It had the open floor plan we wanted, a little more money than our old apartments, but it definitely has felt more like home since we've been here (a little over a year). Not only does the floor plan work well for us space wise, but design wise it's nice as well. I love to put little personal touches on it and I have upgraded a lot since we first moved in.

I wanted to post a few tips + favorite things that I have learned when making an apartment feel like home.

Lots and Lots Pictures + Picture Frames

These both can be decorative and personal. My favorite thing to do is buy the frames I really want with a coupon or when they are on sale at Michaels. Of course I shop else where like Home Good for frames, but honestly I have found out here, Michaels has different but similar styles so they match without all being the same boring patterns.

Decorative Pillows

These can be a little pricy depending on the type and where you find them. I love to mix match patterns and colors that are within my color scheme, but be-careful of clashing patterns. Take photos of different ones, or if they are in the same store match them up right then and there! when all else fails, find out the stores return policy.

Candles

Get candles that remind you of thing you like. I'm just a tad obsessed with anything coffee/espresso smelling, so generally I always find some kind of coffee candle to keep my home smelling like a small quaint coffee shop.

Monograms

This may just be the southern girl in me, but I have found no matter if it's our last name, our initials, or just a simple first letter of our last name, this personalizes all throughout our house.

Comfy Decorative Rugs

I made the mistake of buying a cheap rug and let me tell you that rug had over stayed its welcome. So we invested in a rug at Home Depot. It's both super soft and even has a pretty pattern on it. Don't settle on this, trust me. Invest the money on one of your liking.

DON'T SETTLE

Lastly, don't settle on anything unless the apartment or home you want is just too expensive. That's another deal, but what I mean is if you can't DIY, invest in it. Make a home, not just a place to stay.