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2016 Recap : Happy New Year

What an incredible year 2016 has been! You know how they say that whatever you do to ring in the new year sets the tone for the year ahead? Well, we started off 2016 on a vacation with my best friend Kate and her husband Niko, where they announced they were pregnant, and that has definitely set the tone for 2016. It’s been an incredible year full of exciting life changes for me, my friends, and family! Here are a few things that happened in 2016...

We got married! May 21, 2016 was the best day spent with our closest family and friends!

Two of my best friends, Callaway and Maggie, got married too! All three of us wedding planning the same year was so much fun and gave us so much to celebrate!

Baby Cap joined the world on August 19, 2016! Ella is just perfect and I've loved seeing Kate as a mom!

- Max became one of the Chiefs Residents of the UAB Emergency Department (so proud!)
- My mom retired from 30 years of teaching and has started teaching a sweet little pre-k class
- My brother discovered that he is an incredible spearfisher – who knew?
- My cousin Emily moved all the way to California for PA school and is loving every minute of it!
- My cousin Casey began working full time for her non-profit - Soundside Marinelife Rescue Center

- My aunt Leisa opened her own studio in Candler Park, Studio A - Presmanes Interiors
- Max accepted an EM ultrasound fellowship at UC Irvine, so we're moving to Cali!

All these incredible changes happening over the course of just one year makes me realize how quickly life happens. This year, Max and I rang in the new year in Laguna Beach California so I have a feeling 2017 will be another year full of change and adventure!

I hope you all had a very Happy New Year!

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4 Christmas Mantel Styling Tips (that work year round!)

There's something so fun about styling your mantel for Christmas so, in honor of Christmas week, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite Christmas mantel styles! Whether you prefer a classic look or something a little more fun and funky, there’s surely something to inspire you! (I mean, how fun is this vintage mantel collection?!) Your mantel is a great place to do something a little different and show off some of your Christmas favorites. Here are a few simple mantel styling tips, that work year round:

1. stick to a consistent color palette

2. pick one piece large enough to visually anchor the mantel

3. include horizontal and vertical pieces of various heights and levels

4. don’t forget to include texture and something sculptural for interest (like a plant!)