Happy Friday, friends! It’s been a minute since my last happy list, and I thought this was the perfect week to bring a bit of light-hearted fun and frivolity to your screen time.

From the best ABCs you’ll ever hear to cute new arrivals, I’m hoping there will be something on this list that makes you smile. So scroll on through, and enjoy!

Here’s a snap I took while boarding my plane on the way to Dallas this week. Have you ever seen such vivid colors?! There isn’t a single filter or adjustment on this… and it was even more breathtaking in person. I couldn’t help but feel like it was a special little wave from God, reminding me of his presence in the midst of a hard week.

 

the happy list

 

• Cam has been one of my very favorite country singers since I first heard her in college. Her new album, The Otherside, is out today! (Fun fact: her song Diane was written from the perspective of the other woman in Dolly Parton’s Jolene.)

• New cookbook alert! Well… ebook, I should say, but potato potahto! I recently purchased the Erin Lives Whole Simply Whole Ebook and while I haven’t had the chance to cook from it yet, the recipes look amazing!

• Did you see the new Alexia Maria fall/winter 2020 collection? Dreamy.

• I’m in Little Rock, Arkansas with my family this weekend, and am getting my first taste of cold weather! It’s the best, and I’m writing this post cozied up next to a big fire.

• I thought it looked too good to be true, but the reviews on this $29 teddy coat are amazing. Comes in camel, pink and black!

• I’m wanting to re-learn my ABCs after this adorable video. Sure to put a smile on your face!

• Found: the sweetest pearl earrings ever.

• Eek! J.Crew has released new arrivals and they are so good. I’m especially drooling over this embroidered dog button down (trust me, just look at it), this perfect headband, this ruffle sweater and this cashmere wrap.

• One of my favorite small businesses, Honey & Hank, has released a new product in their adorable selection of state-inspired patterns. Melamine plates!

• Finally, the Halloween costume Andrew and I picked out… Lars and Sigrit from Eurovision! (Have y’all seen that movie? Thought it was so funny.) Sadly, I won’t be able to dress up as planned, but let me tell you… our costumes were legit. Let’s just say we even ordered Andrew a wig and silver lipstick. Maybe we’ll repurpose next year!

If you’ve spent any time around here, you’ve most likely heard of my love for dress designer Alexia Maria. Her feminine, timeless and classic pieces have held a special place in my heart and in my life, from engagement photos to weddings of dear friends.

I’ve been so looking forward to the new Alexia Maria Fall/Winter 2020 line for weeks now and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Filled with beautiful colors and, of course, lots of bows, these dresses are the perfect pieces to daydream about, even if you don’t have any black-tie events on your horizon.

Here are a few of my absolute favorites, but be sure to check out the entire line here!

 

alexia maria

FALL & WINTER 2020 COLLECTION

 

I’m especially in love with this formal white gown. To my future brides out there, wouldn’t this be just absolutely stunning for your big day?

I arrived in Dallas this morning, and am so looking forward to spending time with my family as we celebrate the life of my grandmother. I won’t be posting quite as frequently this week as I soak up this special time, but will be back to full speed ahead next week. So thankful for you all and your sweet messages, they mean the world!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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DRESS printed long sleeve mini dress (fits true to size, comes in this color too) | JACKET faux suede moto jacket (fits true to size) | BOOTS knee high heeled boots (fit true to size) | BAG mini croc-embossed bag | EARRINGS thick gold hoops (sold out, similar linked)

Of all fall and winter neutrals, I seem to always reach for warm browns, tans, and beiges most often. There’s something so cozy and perfect about these shades for the season, and one look at my wardrobe will show you just how often I wear them!

When it comes to layering, these colors all work beautifully together as well! I’ve been hunting for the perfect lightweight jacket for fall in a warm brown to top off various ensembles and was so excited to come across this $40 faux suede moto jacket. It’s even better on, y’all. So soft and cozy! And the gold hardware makes for the perfect feminine touch.

Once again, Walmart Fashion has come through with a great selection of fall pieces. Over the past few months, it’s become one of my favorite destinations for finding affordable pieces that don’t skimp on style. A few of my favorite lines? Scoop, Time and Tru and Sofia Jeans!

There have been quite a few fun new arrivals recently, so I thought I’d share my fall favorites under $50 below. Enjoy!

 

fall favorites under fifty

 

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

Thank you, Walmart, for sponsoring this post.

If there’s one trend I’ve subscribed wholeheartedly to, it’s the headband! As someone who hates hair in her face, I find this accessory to be not only pretty but perfectly practical as well. And over the past few months, it’s safe to say I’ve acquired quite the collection.

When I popped on Instagram Stories this weekend to share this fun try-on haul, I got so many questions about the headband I had on, as well as the ones I had on display in the background. (Here is the display I use.) So today, I’d love to walk you through six styles, in particular, that I’m wearing and loving this fall and winter!

I feel the same way about headbands as I do about statement earrings… they’re so fun, but can go wrong in a flash. It’s important to choose those that have a perfect combination of shape, color, and fabric in order to complement ensembles instead of throwing them out of wack. This list strikes the perfect balance, and I hope you love it!

 

headbands

i own and love

 

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From the looks of things, it doesn’t appear that the headband trend will be heading out of the door anytime soon! And while I’m not usually such a sucker for trends, it’s one I’m quite happy to see stick around. :)

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

A few weeks ago, with the help of our wonderful handyman (linked here if you’re local and need a recommendation), Andrew and I were able to transform a few spaces in our home. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite update of all… our blue and white powder room!

So come on in and take a look around.

 

before

 

 

after

 

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details

mirror // wallpaper // vanity // drawer pulls // acrylic scarf frame // faucet // monogrammed hand towel (gift from a friend, similar linked) // natural wrapped glass // woven basket // scalloped ceiling light

 

Of every room in our house, this is probably my very favorite. I know.. sounds weird. A bathroom? Really? But it’s the one room I really went for it in terms of creating a fun, bright space that really reflected my style: classic, yet fresh and colorful.

Since we won’t be in Gainesville forever, keeping things budget-friendly was my top priority. That actually made the process surprisingly fun. I loved finding stunning inspiration and then scouring the web for affordable alternatives!

My favorite find was this Keller Ogee blue ikat wallpaper, which I found on sale for under $15 a roll! I originally had my eye on this much more expensive Schumacher Chenonceau, but couldn’t stomach the price. For around $200, we were able to instantly update the room with this fun, affordable pattern. I couldn’t be happier with it!

I also love this scalloped light fixture, which was another budget-find. It mimicks the style of this gorgeous Kate Spade light, but at a more attainable price point.

I wore this Hermes scarf for my bridal shower brunch the day before my wedding, and always knew I’d like to eventually display it. The colors are just so beautiful! So when I finally decided on the blue ikat wallpaper, hanging the scarf here only made sense. I ordered this acrylic frame from Etsy, which was pricey but much more economical than using a professional framer. It creates the most amazing statement and makes me smile every time I walk past it.

The biggest splurge I made for this room was this gorgeous Serena & Lily Lanai Mirror. I went back and forth on whether or not I should pull the trigger, but had trouble finding anything similar at a better price point. Now that it’s here, I am so glad I went for it. Something about it really pulls the room together and gives the space the classic-yet-casual vibe I was hoping to create.

Serena & Lily actually started one of their rare 20% off sales! Use the code LOVEHOME for 20% off nearly everything on their site. If there’s a special piece you’ve had your eye on, like the Lanai mirror now is a great time to add them to your cart! Here are a few other Serena & Lily pieces I’m loving:

This powder room refresh has me falling in love with our house all over again. With each little update, it’s started to feel more and more like our home, and I can’t wait to share more as it all comes together!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate