Happy Holidays Part 1 | Hello Georgia

Life keeps getting busier all the time. However, time moves slower in Georgia. It just a southern thing. This is why I love our family tradition of going down each year to visit our family friends. I was very grateful to have spent the first part of my break #ExploringGeorgia. During my week long adventure I was able to do all of my favorite things... ride, hike, ski, and of course eat. 

I love that I got to spend so much time outside. We were able to visit several trails on our trip. Some of my favorite views were from Berry College, Chattahoochee National Park and on Georgia farms.

Being gone all week wore me out and made me excited to spend some time at home for the holidays. I'm looking forward to relaxing in Kentucky with my family!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

xo | vSh

A Cozy Black Friday

If you enjoy sitting around the house with your slippers, a cup of coffee, How I Met Your Mother playing in the background, and casually putting up Christmas decorations more than dealing with the madness of Black Friday... Then you and I are the one in the same. However, this year's Black Friday offers so many good deals.  Lucky us, more and more stores are offering their in store deals on-line. So, stay in bed and peruse these stores' on-line deals.

xo | vSh

Design Darling

20% with the code MANYTHANKS
Great gifts for the girls in your life.
TOP PICKS
Monogrammed Pencil Cup | Camel Cocktail Napkins
Blue & White Jar Print  

BaubleBar
These two baubles are hidden gems. Both just 10$!!
Necklace | Bracelet 
Offering free shipping + beautiful gift wrapping

Talbots
50% off one item on Friday 11/28 (until noon) 40% off entire purchase on Friday 11/28 (until midnight)

Gap
50% off everything

BLKFRIDAY

J.CREW
30% off everything + 40% off clearance 

HOLIDAY

Kate Spade

Up to 75% off 

CHECK OUT MY HOLIDAY
GIFT GUIDE ON PINTEREST

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving full

Yay, Happy Thanksgiving all. We have so much to be thankful for! Enjoy this time with your loved ones. 

xo | vSh

Thankful for Classics: No Stress Thanksgiving Outfit

Dress | Jacket | Necklace | Heels | Bracelet 

Dress for the Holidays

I love this time of year! For me, November - February are full of dozen events to get snazzed up for! Not to mention all the plans that pop up unexpectedly. Here is a go-to list of holiday dresses perfect for Thanksgiving, Sorority Formals, Christmas and News Years. Many of these dresses are from my favorite website, Rent the Runway. There you can get that perfect dress for less than half the retail price. I'll take that!

xo, vSh

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Cleveland | Greiner Trip 2014

Not too long ago I would have never thought that I would make a trip up to Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, the city never had a huge draw for me. But three short weekends ago I chased down art, food and music. This crazy fun educational trip was a treat for art & art history majors at my college. Here are snapshots from the many museums, restaurants and in betweens from my trip!

What are your favorite places in Cleveland?

xo | vSh

Get Out of a Funk

Most can say that college is an overwhelming, stress filled blissful ride. But it seems that there is always more focus on the overwhelming and stressful aspect of it than the bliss. Not only do you have a never ending list of school work. But also, obligations to organizations and friends. Its creates fun sucking funks and not so much time for yourself.

Recently, I've felt myself start to get into one of those funks. Senior year is more stressful and demanding then any other year in my opinion. But also, there are so many pressures to figure out that concrete plan after college. I feel myself wanting to take on the day - do that adventure - and that adventure since I only have this year left. But then wanting to shut everything out and be productive.

This relates to something I read in a class from the book, The Guide for the Perplexed. The author Schumacher, says that part of achieving happiness is the balance of opposites in the world. His main examples were Freedom vs. Order. I read this a said to myself, "Perfect, just what I needed." In the case of Freedom and Order, he said that if one lives with entire freedom life looks like and insane asylum. While if someone lives with complete Order it looks like a prison house. This just clicked to me.

So today I decided to get out of my funk! Leaving my anxiety and fatigue behind, starting with a clean slate. Surrounding myself with creative, smart and dynamic people who inspire me to be the best version of myself each day. Focusing on the good and what's really important on my life. Supporting and putting myself first. Not beating myself up when I don't meet some crazy ideal I've set for myself. Writing a post like this can be inspiring and scary. My goal is to help someone else to get through their own funk. Maybe this will inspire someone to stop framing their own mistakes, to call a girlfriend to tell them how much you love them and to stop taking those loved ones for granted. We are lucky to be apart of a life that offers so much and keeps us on our toes.

Go live this crazy life with passion, enthusiasm, and love! Thanks for reading this novel of a post.

Off we go, shall we!

xo | vSh

Madewell: PINCHME sale

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It'll fall ya'll! Time to stock up up your closet and bring out neutrals. If you're into denim and classic looks then you've probably been in a Madewell store. This younger version of J.Crew has become an essential stop when I go shopping. Also, lucky for us the avid shoppers. They are very generous on their sales too! Right now Madewell is adding an additional 30% off their sale section with the checkout code PINCHME. 

Wait, doesn't everyone consider cheetah, tortoise shell and denim to be neutrals?  If not, they are defiantly staples for any closet. Here are my favorite items from the PINCHME sale. At school I love having items in my closet that can easily be worn in the classroom, out to lunch or a night out partying. I especially love pairing up my favorite jeans with a fun top and flats. 

So don't wait to long to check out the sale.. Unfortunately it wont last forever! 

What are staples for your closet at school? 

xo | vSh

Young | Neutral | Western

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These pieces are great bases for any interior. Neutral colors, wooden accents with pops of color are always classic. I'm especially biased toward the western touches. Enjoy this interior daydream! 

xo | vSh

Fall Basics

Although summer is my favorite season by far. Fall is a close second and with back to school just around the corner I can't help but to think about football games, coffee on chilly mornings and colorful leafs. One thing I love about fall clothing is that it isn't bulky and you can go crazy with classic neutrals. Some of these items are in my own closet and others are on my wish list. But all of them will make perfect outfits this fall.

xo | vSh

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Love August

When my calendar flipped to August, I felt a pang of panic. How could this summer be almost over?! With summer's end approaching fast I'm deciding to embrace change and August. Here are 4 reasons to love August.

1. With most summer jobs and internships finishing up (for normal people, not me) take this free time to complete ANYTHING you want. The bliss in summer as a child was the possibility each day brought. So go have that lunch date with your girlfriends, run that race or finish the book thats been sitting on your bedside table.

2. FOOOOOOOOOOTBALLLLLLLLLL! I know I'm not the only girl that loves football (and not just for the tailgates) but sometimes it feels like it. There is something in the week leading up to a big game, forgetting the chill because of your excitement, the sense of community, kick off and the game changing tackle. Plus, all football is good football in my opinion. #GoPackGo #BBN
If you're not excited about football watch this.

3. I'll admit it, I might have a shopping problem.. there. But why is this great for August? I'll tell you... fall shopping, duh. And as we saw in the Nordstrom anniversary sale the collections this fall are as good as ever. So time to stock up on new vests and boots, ladies.

4. Get to use, buy and organize your new planner!! Yes. This is a real reason to love August. Check out this, this, and this great planner. Or get personalized with a planner from May Designs, they are having a sale now too!


Why do you love August?

xo | vSh

Home Decor

I continuously day dream about  having my own apartment. But as I do not want to wish away my senior year, already. I've been looking for items that could be easily used in my room in my sorority house too. I think these accent pillows and camel print will be highly considered for this fall.

xo | vSh

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anthropologie summer sale

Stumbled across an awesome sale at anthropologie. Here are my favorites, but there is plenty of other amazing things and deals.

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Why I Came to Love Trail Running

Before coming to Jackson I had always thought, "Yeah I'm active and fit!" However, in the first week of hiking some common trials and being passed up by pregnant ladies and runners. My opinion of myself soon changed. Jackson-tonians? are to put it simple - super humans. So with my competitiveness leading the way, I decided to push and challenge myself to the limits for the next 3 months.

Along this journey I have become a fan of hiking, yoga and the most surprising/recent - trail running. All of which I had never or rarely done back home. 

My interest in trail running came from a mentor in Jackson, who found time every day at lunch to hit the trails. To say the least she has been my role model and simply a badass. So when looking for some trails to try out on my own, I came across this article. To my surprise and excitement a trail in Jackson had made the list, Phelps Lake in the Teton National Park. After running this trail and several others around Jackson.. I'm hooked on trail running! And here are 4 reasons why.


1. Get bored on road runs easily? Yeah, every runner has had one of those days that you just can't get into the flow. However, on trail runs there is always different scenery. Also, the trail will always have your attention looking for your next step.

2. Want to unplug... for real? A key item I bring on my road run is my phone for music. It's like I've convinced myself that without some pump up playlist I'll have a bad run. But as I said above, with trail running there is no need for music. You're mind stays into your run by looking for your next step. Also, you tend to find yourself isolated. I say this by you will most likely run in the woods and come across the occasional hiker... keywork being hiker. No cars or buses.

3. Need a better workout? Yes, trail running is a better workout all around than road running. You are constantly being challenged. Either your getting an interval workout up steep hills or doing agility ladders between stones. In trail running you are working your thighs, hips, booty and core to say the least. Also, it can be better on your precious knees getting off the hard asphalt.

4. EARN YOUR BEER! Who doesn't love a nice cold beer after work or on the weekend... I know I do! But what would make that beer taste even better is knowing you kicked ass and earned it out on the trail!

What are your experiences trail running? What are your favorite exercise? 

xo | vSh

Back to School | Backpacks

School is just around the corner... shucks yay! Even though I'm sad that I'll be leaving Jackson and one of the best summers of my life. I'm ecstatic to return to my campus and Chi Omega sisters. However, I'm still in denial that this fall semester is going to actually happen.

But, in all seriousness I'll being going back soon and starting my senior year. A huge chapter in life and one step closer to the real world. I've wanted to update my traditional backpack for a while. These are my top picks!

What is your go to backpack at school?

xo | vSh

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If you're not so interested in actual backpacks check out this or this as awesome alternatives! 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

For anyone that has been living under a rock.. the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is going on and ends on August 4th. This is the chance to rack up some amazing deals on the upcoming fall collections. I've been oozing over several things and here are my top picks.

xo | vSh

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H&M Home

Good morning! Here is some exciting news to brighten up your Wednesday. My favorite style on budget store H&M, is opening a home section at their (New York) store. However, if you don't find yourself in New York anytime soon you can go to their website and shop online.

For all of those like me who will be living on their own in a year too soon, this is a great place to get bang for your buck! Here are some pieces that instantly caught my eye.

xo | vSh

Pitcher $14 | Pillow $22 | Plate $7 | Basket $18 | Tray $7 | Throw $20

Book Cover Archive

Recently, I've stumbled across a design lovers paradise. Book Cover Archive, will make you forget the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover". Created by Ben Pieratt and Eric Jacobsen, BCA organizes book covers on an online platform. While BCA can be used by the design enthusiast, its serves as an excellent browseing website for a lazy day. Enjoy and dive into this great data base -- fun fact, you can filter through art directors, photographers, illustrators and yes, even typeface.

Making the List

Crossing off something everything on a to do list is one of my guilty pleasures. I make lists for about everything from simple to dos, shopping or goals. The simple action of crossing something off gives me pure joy and peace. I've currently been looking into purchasing some new notepads for the upcoming school year. Below are some of my favorites!

xo | vSh

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The 4th in Jackson

Good morning and happy Monday! The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays (other than birthdays and Thanksgiving of course). The fact that it fell on Friday this year makes it all the better. Other than the celebration, food and good times that seem to revolve around this holiday. I love the fact it is in the middle of summer and filled with sunshine.

My weekend revolved around parades, fireworks, fixing food, floating and mimosas. Take a peek below!


xo | vSh

Current Must Haves

Notebook | Pillow | Necklace | Bracelet

Yellowstone | Weekend Trip

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was the first of it's kind? Yes, that is right. In 1872, the land where Yellowstone is located now was set aside to be thee first national park. Oh, and how happy I am that it is! This past weekend was one that I'll never forget. Not only did I go on my first camping trip and crossed off the first item on my 101 in 1001 list, I saw so much of Yellowstone and my first herd of bison! 

On Saturday afternoon we headed up to the park to the campsite. Our group had chosen a campsite just off of Lewis Lake and it was beautiful. Thankfully the weather from earlier had cleared up and gave us one amazing sunset to watch over the lake. Below are some pictures.

Early the next morning we packed up camp. Being a pampered first time camper I brought some Starbucks ice coffee for the morning. I'm still so sad I didn't rough it and drink the instant coffee that the boys drank, ha! After being properly caffeinated the day started with hitting all the major sights in Yellowstone. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mud Pits, Grand Canyon and the falls.

Along the way to seeing these sights I saw hundreds of bison. Now, ever since my visit to Buffalo Trace I have been in love with these animals. Which made me curious about the ones that inhabit Yellowstone. If your interested, this link will tell you some awesome facts about these guys.

Can't wait to spend more time in the park!

xo | vSh

Bourbon It's a Kentucky Tradition

So this post is coming a little late. Before I left Kentucky for Wyoming, I went on a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was such a great time to learn about one key parts of Kentucky. Buffalo Trace is located on the Kentucky River in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Bourbon has always held its own in Kentucky. Children are basically brought up on it, kidding. However, the bourbon business is booming in Kentucky. In fact there are more barrels of bourbon in Kentucky than actual people.

If you are visiting in Kentucky or live there, I highly recommend going to Buffalo Trace or any of the other distilleries along the Bourbon Trail. I left my visit with a bottle of the amazing bourbon cream from buffalo trace and an adorable stuffed bison, who I've affectionally named Benny. Even though I love my time in Wyoming.. Kentucky will always be in my heart!

xo | vSh