As Seen on Instagram: Faking Fall

We're still waiting for Fall down here in the South, but I still want to break out all my Fall clothes despite the temperatures still being in the 90-degree range every day. Obviously that's not practical, so I've just been faking it instead. Below are five outfits I've worn recently that feel like Fall without feeling like Fall, ya feel me?

I've wanted a utility vest the past few years, but I wasn't willing to pay a lot of money for one, especially since I wasn't sure I'd be successful at styling it. Then I found this one at JCPenney for under $20 during a sale. It's very thin, which is perfect for a southern Fall. It comes in two other colors. I ordered in a medium but could have easily sized down to a small. Be warned, it wrinkles easily, especially around the pocket flaps.

Details
Vest: JCPenney - exact
Dress: Charlotte Russe (old) - similar
Shoes: Old Navy - exact

Nothing feels like Fall more than plaid. I love this sleeveless top from Target. It is so soft, and I love that there's a flap underneath the buttons so no skin can peek out. It also has the cutest ruffle detail around the sleeves.

Details
Shirt: Target - exact
Jeans: Kohl's - exact
Shoes: Old Navy - exact

I don't do a lot of shopping at Aeropostale these days, but they have some good Fall tops right now. I'm a sucker for anything floral, and I really like the pleats on this one. It's also pretty thin so I didn't get too overheated, plus I paired it with a denim skirt and sandals to balance out the temperature.

Details
Shirt: Aeropostale - exact
Skirt: Charlotte Russe (old) - similar
Shoes: ShoeDazzle (old) - similar

Who could resist this smoky blue plaid button-up? I can't wait until it cools off enough for me to wear it on its own, but in the meantime I'll throw it on over a dress, roll up the sleeves, slip on some sandals and go.

Details
Shirt: Aeropostale - exact
Dress: Wet Seal (old) - similar
Shoes: Target - exact

And the vest makes another appearance, this time worn over a ruffle-sleeve striped shirt with lace-up ankle jeans and leopard flats. I wore this while working an expo for a sister magazine and then to drive three hours back home.

Details
Shirt: Old Navy - exact
Vest: JCPenney - exact
Jeans: JCPenney - exact
Shoes: Target (old) - similar

A Day in the Life

There's no doubt going from working in an office to working at home brings with it a whole new schedule. That schedule change has been the biggest adjustment, mostly due to the lack of daily deadlines. So for fun, I thought I would share my typical daily schedule (on a day when my husband also works).

-Wake up when husband's alarm goes off. It's still dark outside. Roll over and try to go back to sleep. Fail. Kiss husband goodbye.

-Finally fall back asleep. Daughter comes in five minutes later. Turn on Little Einsteins.

-Shower. Fetch juice and possibly breakfast for the boss. Makeup and hair. Clothes.

-Get the little one ready for daycare. Try to make it by 9:00. Sign in at 9:20. Make mental note to leave earlier tomorrow.

-Pick up Mountain Dew on the way home. (Sometimes I go for coffee instead.)

-Back home. Work: send lots of emails, create social media graphics, build monthly guide and calendar, etc.

-Realize it's 2:00 p.m. and I missed lunch. Settle for a snack. Start thinking about dinner.

-Pick up little one around 4:00 p.m. Go by the store, run errands, etc. Get home. Play with daughter. Start dinner. Wait for husband to get home. Eat dinner. Bedtime routine.

Now this routine varies slightly on days my husband is off but not much. It's so so different from what I used to do, and quite honestly some days (okay, most days) it feels like I'm on vacation or in a college work study program, but I wouldn't trade this. It is exactly what I should be doing.

Life Lately

Life is good. Everything is moving along with the magazine. My personal and professional life are at a more natural balance. But I'm not at harmony with myself.

The last few weeks have been tough for me mentally. I've found myself in a place of loneliness, second guessing, and not quite happiness. I've felt disconnected from the people around me, unmotivated, and just generally like a failure. I think a lot of it can be attributed to the growing pains of adjusting to a new career, working from home, and significantly less human interaction.

I'm working to find my harmony again. So please be patient as I rebuild my motivation, inspiration, and energy. Part of that includes staying off social media as much as possible, reading more, and getting back to writing regularly. I also want to start a regular exercise routine, a housework schedule, and weekly meal planning.

I'd love to know how you find and keep your personal harmony. I think talking about our low points are essential to finding our highs and staying there. Let's help each other find that balance. Happy Monday, friends.

10 Tips for a Budget-Friendly, Mostly Stress-Free Wedding

Six years ago I married my best friend. We got married in a barn, threw out the programs, served our guests BBQ, opted not to hire a wedding planner, and broke so many "traditional" rules I lost count. Looking back on that day, I remember the happiness and love and fun. Of course there were some stressful moments leading up to the big day, but everything worked out and we had the wedding we'd hoped for. So as I reminisce on the day that started our journey through married life, I want to share some of the things we did that helped us stay on budget and cut down on stress.

Tip 1 - Shop around...for everything. We wanted really simple invitations and didn't want to fool with RSVP's. After comparing prices of online companies, retail stores, and local printers, we ended up going with a local printer. I never would have thought they'd come out cheaper, but they were at least $100 under the other guys, had more designs to choose from, were more flexible on everything, and were faster.

Tip 2 - DIY Centerpieces. I don't know if we saved a significant amount of money by making our own centerpieces, but we were able to customize the look of our wedding. We were also able to make just the right amount, and I had a pretty good time making them with my MOH. Bonus: my mother-in-law took all the jars afterward and was able to use them for canning.

Tip 3 - Borrow what you can. We were able to borrow hay bales and ferns to make our aisle. We also borrowed some other decorative pieces from a family friend including burlap table runners.

Tip 4 - Get everything in writing. When we reserved our venue, we asked about specific things like being able to light candles. It was in the contract we signed that candles were allowed as long as they were in containers. On the day before the wedding, we were getting everything set up when one of the venue managers came in, took one look at our centerpieces and told us we couldn't have the candles. Turns out, the previous weekend another wedding had managed to catch something on fire with a free-standing candle and they decided to change their policy. Luckily we still had the contract we signed and the crisis was averted.

Tip 5 - Make use of payment plans.

Tip 6 - Say no to programs. It'll save you a good bit of money and make your reception way less stressful. Trust me.

Tip 7 - Enlist help...family, friends, friends of friends, friends of family, etc. My granny made both of our cakes (and they were delicious). My aunt did my hair and my best friend (MOH) did my makeup. My cousin directed the wedding ceremony. Another aunt and family friend handled cutting the cakes. Still another aunt kept the guest book and was over gifts. Our wedding was a labor of love, and I truly believe that made all the difference.

Tip 8 - Wedding party eats first. Otherwise you won't get around to it. Besides, it's your day. You should eat.

Tip 9 - Don't make your wedding guests wait on you to take pictures before the reception can begin. Or if you insist on not letting the groom see the bride before the ceremony, make sure there's something for your guests to do so they're not just sitting around bored. Wedding pictures take a long time!

Tip 10 - This is the most important tip and needs no explanation. Do what makes you happy, no matter who may disapprove.

My Super Flavorful, Not Overly Spicy, Chunky Chili Recipe

Chili is one of my family's favorite meals. It's simple and inexpensive to make and filling. I made a big pot for Alexis's third birthday party, and it was a huge hit, so I decided to share my easy recipe.

What You'll Need:

-1 lb. Hamburger Meat

-1 pack Original/Mild McCormick Chili Seasoning

-2 cans diced tomatoes (brand optional)

-2 cans Bush's chili beans

-Spices: Garlic salt, Cumin, Red Pepper

Step 1: Brown your hamburger meat. I like to season mine with garlic.

Step 2: While your meat is cooking, add the other ingredients into a big pot.

2 Cans Diced Tomatoes + 2 Cans Bush's Chili Beans. We like to use brown and white. Keep your cans! You'll need them later.

Step 3: Add hamburger meat, drained.
Step 4: Add your chili powder to the pot.
Step 5: Fill up your now-empty bean cans with water and add to the pot. Stir well. (If you want your chili to be more soupy, add another can of water.)

Step 6: Add cumin and red pepper to taste.

Step 7: Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes.

And you're done. Voila! An easy weeknight chili that's big on flavor but won't give you heartburn.