Charlottesville- A Love Story

This past weekend my boyfriend and two of our friends spontaneously decided to take a roadtrip 7+ hours north to Charlottesville, Virginia for the Clemson vs UVA football game. I love adventures so I was so excited when we decided to make the trip last minute. I didn't know what to expect from Charlottesville, but oh my goodness it swept me off my feet. I seriously don't remember the last time I visited a new place and fell head over heels in love. The historical buildings, incredible weather, and amazing intellectual/preppy vibe of the city make it pretty much perfect in my eyes. I honestly could see myself living there for a long, long time. But instead of rambling on and on, I'll just let the pictures from the trip speak for themselves!

The Downtown Mall 

The Lawn

I'm wearing a Ralph Lauren oxford & cable knit, Old Navy skinnies,  & Delias boots

The Rotunda

Scott Stadium

Gorgeous sunset over the mountains from the stadium

See what I mean? So so beautiful. Have you ever been to Charlottesville? My family and I might go back for Christmas and I'd love some suggestions on what to do! 

-Lanie W.

Liebster Award

Happy November y'all! (can't believe I'm actually saying that already...) I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! Im excited to kick off this month with a blog award from the lovely Emily of Pretty Shiny Mine! Emily nominated me for a Liebster Award and asked some great questions that I can't wait to answers- here we go!

[Sidenote: I'm seriously obsessed with her simple/elegant blog and know y'all will be too (if you aren't already!). Go check her out and give her a follow, you won't regret it!]

1. Where is your favorite place you've ever traveled?

This is a really tough one! I studied abroad during the summer of 2012 and visited Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, and Italy and loved each place in a different way. If I absolutely had to choose though I would probably say Barcelona, Spain- It was just such a vibrant, lively, incredibly beautiful city! From eating their amazing paella to the swimming in the Mediterranean it was just a dream location to experience.

2. How long have you known your best friend?

I met my best friend Makenzie one of the first nights of college freshman year (2010!). She was roommates with a girl that I went to high school with, and it didn't take too long before we realized we were basically the same person, or brain twins as we like to call it. We became pretty much inseparable and I practically lived in their room the rest of freshman year! We're now roommates and sorority sisters too, and I can't imagine my college experience without her! Here's us as babies that first year- 

3. What are your favorite types of flowers?

Peonies for sure.

4. Big city or quiet life?

Hmm. I'm going to be wishful and say I hope to have both of these throughout my life! I'd love to have an internship in a big city like New York, but I think I'd like to live in a quieter city like Charleston once I settle down! 

5. Why did you start blogging?

I could go on and on about this one, and already have! Go read why I started SPC in my very first blog post - here!

6. Who is the first person you go to with good news or bad news?

Probably my Mom or my boyfriend Brandon. These two are always there for me no matter what. I know they will cheer me up in my down times and celebrate with my during the good! 

7. Be honest: do you like dressing up or dressing down more?

Well, I don't get to dress 'up' that much so when I do I really love it! However, I really love dressing for everyday life as well. I'm going to have to call a tie on this one! 

8. What beauty product would you love to splurge on?

I'm not a huge beauty product gal. I keep it pretty simple and most of my makeup is from the drugstore or Clinique. However, there's something about a fancy lipstick that always screams 'ladylike' to me. So if I did splurge it would probably be on a great tube of lipstick!

This was so much fun! Thanks again to Emily for nominating me! Hope y'all have a great weekend!

-Lanie W.

Easy [last minute] Costumes

I'm going to be real here, I love dressing up. As a kid I would go through no less than five outfit changes a day. "Dress up" was one of my favorite ways to play, and I still enjoy it today! Costumes are just plain fun- I love feeling like a different person for a little bit. I always feel like I can let loose a little bit more when I'm dressed up as someone else! 

Last night our sorority had a Halloween mixer and my roommate and I found ourselves scrambling to put together our costumes at the last minute. I had a pair of Minnie Mouse ears, and she found a plaid skirt, so we decided to be Blair & Minnie!

These were seriously the easiest costumes to put together, and were made using items we already had in our closets! I wore one of my moms tops from when she was in college that I snuck out of her closet, a black skirt, knee socks, and black booties! I drew on a nose/wiskers with eyeliner and was good to go! Here's how to make your own super easy Minnie costume! 

Originally Makenzie was going to be Cher from Clueless, but then we realized she looked more like Blair from Gossip Girl since she's a brunette, so she went with that! She already had the plaid skirt, button down and loafers, and she borrowed my navy blazer and headband. Here's how to throw together this sassy look at the last minute!

What are you going to be for Halloween?? Can't wait to hear!

-Lanie W.

The Great Pumpkin

Eep, October is almost over y'all! I've been doing my best to soak up everything I can about this autumnal month- I've decorated my apartment, burned pumpkin candles, been apple picking, sipped pumpkin coffee, and watched Hocus Pocus more times than I'll admit, but one thing was still missing...Pumpkin Carving!

 Saturday afternoon I recruited my boyfriend into helping me with this yearly fall tradition and we had a such a fun time! 

Helpful tip- I always carve from the bottom of the pumpkin rather than the top. That way you simply sit the pumpkin on top of the candle instead of having to reach your hand into the pumpkin & risk burning yourself!

He made me get the 'guts' of the pumpkin out because it grosses him out (haha!) and I made sure to save my seeds so that I could roast them! 

This was the first time I have ever roasted pumpkin seeds and it was so easy! I simply rinsed/dried them, tossed in olive oil, sprinkled some seasoning and popped them in the oven (375) for around 5 minutes! They turned out really well and I may or may not have eaten them all in one sitting... #oops :)

Next came my favorite part- carving the face! I always go for the classic jack-o-lantern face- it's both easy and traditional. Win win situation!

Annnd the finished product! 

Pumpkin carving is by far one of my favorite autumn traditions and I'm so happy with how this year's happy little jack-o-lantern turned out! What's your favorite part of the halloween season?

-Lanie W.