Well, the month of November came and went without a single post and here we are a week into December. So what was going on? Lots. and lots. 

October 29th I started my new corporate marketing position with a long term care company. A position where I am challenged every day and get to do what I love. A company where my husband also happens to work and I am privileged to wake up with him. Eat breakfast with him. Ride to work with him. Sometimes eat breakfast while I ride to work with him..... It's just fun. Plain and simple.

The 1st of November I flew home for a meeting at our Ocean Springs office.... and I was also able to surprise my (not so baby) baby sister on her senior night. This moment. Guys. The coolest. 

And it was soon there after we made the drive home for Thanksgiving, with a little pit stop in Starkville, MS to watch MSU beat Arkansas! Oh, such fun. We were able to hug some dear friends, eat at a few of our favorite restaurants, and wear maroon clothes. 

We had the most fantastic Thanksgiving celebration. In comparison to many years it was seemingly small, and Chris and I were blessed to share one meal with both families. There was turkey and dressing, fall veggies, fresh cranberry sauce and Mmm a spread of desserts that made me want to die... and the best part. We got to do it all over again at the Woods' house the next day, only with brothers! So much fun. 

During November we also celebrated the anniversary of our engagement and six months of marriage... I guess there is a reason that this is my very favorite time of the year (well, besides crisp, cool weather and pumpkin everything). So by celebrated, I don't mean a fancy dinner or gifts... I mean ordering wedding photos (finally) and reminiscing over every moment captured on film. 

Life is just happening folks-- and it's happening fast. I'm SO sorry for my lack of attention to posting, but I just don't want to miss any of these moments. If you are one of the sweet people who keep up with the Woods, don't you worry... I will be back soon! In the meantime, follow me on Instagram @missc_woods. 




Warm Tones for a Cool Day

Fall is certainly in the air, and I am feeling inspired by all things warm. I find comfort in these lovely images. It is my hope to pull together boards to inspire, just as this composition pulled together by Sarah Fritzler has inspired me! I will still try to make time to take pretty pictures of my own. 




Now, I will be outside decked in sweaters and boots if anyone needs me :)




As if I don't lose my iphone enough already...


How great is this Agent18 woodgrain iphone case?? (They have lots of other great patterns for the season... Gold chevron. Fall florals. Snazzy solids.) Just one of my goodies from a shopping day with Mama and Honey. Today we are off to play in Fayetteville. Oh, happy day!



Have you been dreaming about your wedding day basically forever? I did. 


Pictured right: My sister and I ages approximately four and six. Just a typical day around the house... I am dressed in a full length, polyester bridal gown, carrying my mom's bouquet wearing my grandma's veil which shows sign's of being well loved. These things were not preserved, safely tucked away in boxes in the deepest, darkest parts of a closet. They were in a vintage dress-up trunk that sat at the foot of our bunk beds among tutus, sequined get-ups, and my aunts' old prom dresses. 

Depending on the day, Cathryn was my dedicated bridesmaid (dressed for the occasion in a rockin' 90s sweatsuit), or my partner in a grand ballet production, or sitting by my side watching Disney movies in formal gowns. My oldest friend.

....and then there were three. 
Three girls. Three girly girls. 



Fifteen years later and these two stood beside me on my real, live wedding day. 
To them I am so grateful. 








This morning I am opening a few windows to let in the fall air. Wrapped in an afghan knitted with love by the hands of a sweet friend. Sipping Chai tea. Enjoying my home. 

When making our move, Chris and I were on a short timeline for finding a place to live. Things worked out nearly perfectly, but a huge draw back of our place was the lack of a balcony or an outdoor space. We clearly haven't hurt for time out-of-doors, but our most recent solution:

Bring the outdoors inside. 

How so? House plants. 


This cactus and succulent tablescape breathes new life into our little loft. 

We started this project with a variety of terracotta pots from 2"- 6" and some high-gloss white paint left over from another project. It was as simple as painting different sections of the pots for a more modern feel, with one quick, messy brush stoke. (not easy for a perfectionist, but quite liberating.) 
One brush stroke. I mean it. 



We picked out a variety of plants based on shapes and textures we love... This shopping trip proved to be a little dangerous. We learned AFTER we had completely red and thorny hands that there were gloves you can wear when handling these bad boys.  I recommend using them.   




Notice a critical step is not photographed.... things got messy. Real messy. Remember how I said we don't have a balcony?? This re-potting project took place right on our kitchen table. A before and after would have been appropriate (and entertaining). We don't have the greenest thumbs around, but the information card said they were resilient.. let's hope so. Surely we can provide at least as much nourishment as a desert, right?? I'll keep you posted. 

In the mean time they sure do make a pretty center piece. 


The social [media] event of the season

Chris and I diligently planned our Black Mountain, NC wedding for six month. Every detail from weekend itineraries down to the seating chart was in place, but naturally one of my very favorite aspects of our wedding was unplanned. I want to clue you in because with a little extra planning, social media can take your event to the next level. 

1. #Hashtag 
An official wedding hashtag is an excellent way to organize all your post into one place. Our wedding party had the most fun coming up with this, and the fun didn't stop there. Come up with something catchy, or just use your last names! This would be great to include with your invitation (not formal of course), on your wedding website, or on a hand painted sign. Guests love being involved, and an official hashtag is a fun way to do it.




2. Live tweet  
How cool it was to see #weddingofthewoods trending in Black mountain... I felt almost famous. From rehearsal dinner to the trip home I knew what my guest were up to and that they were having a great time! We appointed our wittiest group of friends to live tweet the day. The chronological tweets allowed us to relive our wedding the next day, and the next, and the next. I recommend finding a way to back up these tweets if you want to revisit them. Unlike Instagram, your twitter hashtag has an expiration date.





3. InstaWedding
That hashtag comes in handy on Instagram too! In addition to the professionals, let your guests get creative! From their favorite details to silly moments, seeing the day through the eyes of your most loved family and friends... Awesome!


 

4. Facebook
Sharing photos, receiving warm wishes, and finally, that moment when you get to change your last name and go from being engaged to married! 
Something I really enjoyed was using Facebook to get to know my photographer and videographer better, and seeing sneak peeks as they edited my photos. It is important if you choose to share your professional photographs on Facebook that you talk to your photographer first-- give them proper credit and respect their art.

5. Live Stream
Although we did have a videographer, this is something I would have loved to have done to include my precious guests unable to attend. Ustream is offers free steaming, and from what I understand you have the option to make it public or private. 

Chris and I enjoyed sharing our wedding on social media because we were able to include more people than would have ever been possible in light of our destination wedding. This worked for us, but it is important to find what works for you and communicate that to your guest. That could mean a sign sharing your official hashtag or a clever way of asking them please not to use theirs phones or cameras, whatever your preference may be. Etiquette is slow to catch up with the ever evolving platforms... So be cautious! And when in doubt... Google.

When the fall weather rolled in... Chris and I could not resist playing outside. 
Our packs were packed before you could say sixty-five degrees and our projects were left with their first coats of paint to dry while we were on our way to Fern, AR. 

We set up camp with a dear friend from college, poped opened some craft beers and cheers-ed to those missing. The night was complete with chilly air, fleece, fire, s'mores (made with dove dark chocolate)  and stars. I slept in a hammock for the first time... It was a dream. Waking up to breathe in cold, fresh air. Nearly rolling out. Blogging camp-fire side with some fruity green tea. Climbing on rocks.

If there's one piece of advice we could pass to anyone fast approaching grown-up life it's play like a kid as hard as you can, whenever you can.... It makes the bills and long work weeks okay. 

For photos follow  @missc_woods on instagram
#woodsinthewoods

** photo above via pinterest 

Hi, friends. 

After six weeks of training, I'm home. 
I was greeted by a loving husband, a home-cooked meal, and a beautiful sofa-- the best welcome home party ever. 

Even though the big, empty space in our living room is filled, there is lots to be done to cozy up this loft. I am loving this Anthropologie piece by Joetta Maue [here] but it is wayyyy out of these newly weds price range. It's great inspiration for a DIY project and makes me not feel so weird for being attracted to vintage linens. 

We've got a couple house projects going on this weekend... We will be throwing open all of the windows and enjoying this fantastic fall weather. It will not be so long before you hear from us again. Photos to come soon!

Love,
The Woods


Making a home on a newly wed budget is not easy. Making a home when your rarely at home also has it's challenges. This weekend was my last weekend off before pounding through the last two weeks of training in Little Rock, so Chris and I camped out in our little space and worked on a few projects. The paint dried just in time to pull our entry way together before I leave...


Don't let this fool you, making a house apartment your own is a SLOW process (and quite stressful if you share my Type A personality), but can we agree it's worth the wait? There's still more to be done, which I will share with you along the way along with my budget tips and DIY... for now, how about some more photos?






How fun will this be to walk into when I come home to stay? Kick of my shoes to be greeted by a snuggle Persian rug and a handsome husband.  I'm already full of miss, but this stubborn white paint still on my hands will be a reminder of this sweet, reno-weekend.   

If you follow me on instagram you know I was quite the ballerina today (no formal training).
If you were in my head you would know this is the song playing over and over that put a little extra pep in my step.


This song [At Home by Crystal Fighters] has been the anthem to my Friday.  And every Friday. 
It means a long week of training is over and I am on my way home for a weekend with the husband. 
It is quite complementary to the scenic drive across Arkansas. I just turn it up and sing my little heart out. LOUDLY. 

Tonight we will have a date night in which means take out sushi from downstairs and apartment DIY projects... Our little home is coming together... Slowly, but surely! 

Happy Birthday, Cathryn. 




When Cathryn was born I could not have loved her any more. What's not to love??-- have you seen those big blue eyes?

When Cathryn was born I could not have been more proud (and I had the t-shirts to prove it). I called her "my baby". Sometimes I would even let people hold her. 

Today, "my baby" turns twenty. TWENTY!! I love her more everyday, and I have never been more proud. 

I miss you sis!








Thank you, Steve. For silly movies, great banjo diddlys, and inspirational quotes. 

Training week 3 is now underway, and what better way to ring it in than with an iPhone alarm clock?.... At 2:55. AM. Nope, no mistake here. 2:55 with thirty brief minutes to get ready and hit the road for a forty minute drive. I typically consider myself a morning person.... But 4am?

 I'm re-evaluating. 

I think I will insert a clause:  I am a morning person*
*if there is a sunrise and/or breakfast involved

I rewarded a hard days work (and averted a nap) by browsing a few of the Conway, AR antique shops and flea markets only to stumble across a real gem, where I met the newest addition to our loft... (more on this later)

But first, the Target tour of Arkansas continues. Little Rock. Conway. Fort Smith. Fayetteville. Little rock. In the next four days.  (insert: weekend with my husband) Then, three more weeks taining in Little Rock.


Yay! It's Friday! And there is nothing I'd rather do (besides go to dinner with my husband who is visiting me in Little Rock) than show some love to my readers with a Friday-treat giveaway! 

 And the winner is.......



Stephanie at The Phanie Pack

She will be getting this fun red surprise in the mail from me:
Papyrus card
Essie "Russian Red" polish
And a Target gift card 

... And it is way past due for me to get out of this Red and Khaki and go out with Mr. Woods. Let's do this again soon! 

Every time you read this blog you get a look inside this crazy mind of mine.  





If you looked in one of these journals, you'd see... all of my crazy thoughts in list form. 

1. Planner 
although I'm aware I can do nearly everything ever from my iphone, I don't make it far without my trusty hardback moleskine planner. This bad boy is packed full of travel dates and daily to-do lists.

2. Moleskine large ruled notebook 2 pack
One of these kelly green beauts has been filled with wedding details: monthly and daily lists, countdowns, vendor info and IDEAS. It's already been fun to look back on since the entire process can become much of a blur. 
It's twin journal fit's ever so nicely into the back of my khaki's. It is filling up fast with Target business college notes, how to's, and advice from my team members. 

3. "She's a dreamer, a doer, a thinker. She sees possibility everywhere"
Snagged this sweet notebook during the target back to school madness. The inspiring quote on the front cover makes it a perfect pad for me to jot down blogging outlines, ideas, and resources. 

4. For the night stand
Some times it's hard for me to turn my mind off at night (and sleep is VERY important to me). Keeping a journal bedside allows me to leave my thoughts. sleep soundly. and pick up the next day where I left off. It hold true that some of the weirdest (and grandest) ideas come in the middle of the night... it's always good to have a pen and paper ready. 

5. Line-a-day gratitude journal
There is certainly something good in every day. Someone may have lied to you and said being married is easy and always beautiful, moving to a new place isn't difficult, and grown up jobs are a walk in the park. It all comes with challenges (most of which are very comical). Chris and I enjoy reflecting back on the day and recording a positive memory for the day, so we can look back on our first year of marriage and remember the happy times we've shared.

6. Love Letters
While Chris and I were apart during his back country trip to the Yukon, Canada we kept Journals for each other, and exchanged them upon his return. They are so happy to be in the same household on the same book shelve. These words from my husband are truly my most treasured possession. (I just love seeing the inside of his mind!)









It turns out a good attitude and the perfect shade of red lipstick will go a long way. Not only does it make for a happy Monday, but it makes a red and khaki uniform fancier (if the new name tag didn't do the trick). Today I wore MAC Brick-O-la, but I want to know your favorite shades. Leave a comment and you could receive a little red surprise from me! (psssst.. You'll like it!)

Simply:
Become a follower of this blog
Leave a comment with the brand/shade of your favorite red lipstick(s)
Include an email address at which I can reach you if you win
* winner will be chosen with a random number generator on Friday

Today's inspiration came from this lovely photo and a pep talk from Honey (my grandma/cheerleader).

*photo via pinterest 

#woodsinthewoods

Oh, what a weekend. 

As I told you yesterday, my husband had a surprise up his sleeve... and there we were. Pedastal Rock in Ozark National Forrest for the greatest [meteor] show on earth! 





Beautiful, right?

I have been known to be a bit high maintenance.  In fact, it's hard for me to imagine how Chris even puts up with me... but he does. Much of the time he even indulges me. For example, while packing for this trip.. He graciously made room for wine, chocolate, my electric toothbrush, and two cardigans-- which I almost didn't get away with, but I simply explained it might be chilly or chilly-er and it just never hurts to be prepared. (And when it was in the sixties-- yes, SIXTIES this morning, guess who wasn't cold!) 

We are learning more and more that marriage is often about compromise.

I am grateful to have someone to wisp me off me feet and into the woods. I often believe it is his passion that drives our relationship (or at least gets us in to some pretty entertaining/fun situations). I'll go ahead and speak for Chris, and say, he is also grateful for me yelling for us to pull over at several antique shops on the way to camp. (and also for pointing out good places to U turn since we had already passed them.)

Last night we watched stars fall until we couldn't hold our eyes open, fell asleep to night noises (instead of our "river" noisemaker to drown out the bar next door), and woke up to rain drops (I brought two cardigans, zero rain jackets). Packed up just in time to scurry down the mountain and grab some donuts for breakfast. 

We will be heading to work this week feeling quite refreshed. Time spent outside is good for the soul. 









I am blogging on the go... Where to? Wish I knew. All I know is there is a giant pack in the back of the car, a fabulous meteor shower tonight, and a very excited husband.

We'll catch up soon after a quiet weekend and some much needed R&R.


My first day of training for an Executive Team Leader position at Target felt something like the first day of grade school. I made a check list. Went over said check list about ten times. Laid out my clothes. Got in bed early. Tossed and turned (not sure if I was nervous or excited. Both. I was both.) Woke up way early. Ate breakfast-- the most important meal of the day. Headed out the door with a lunch packed by a very loving husband. (See Instagram photo, follow @missc_woods)

11 hours later, I am quite exhausted. I am also incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement of my husband, family, and friends. Your texts, Tweets, and Facebook messages have brought me lots of smiles today. 

Now, it's time to pack a bag full of Red and Khaki because tomorrow I will head from Fayetteville, AR to Little Rock to start my hands on training. 


Photograph/Quote via Amanda Raborn  @ It's an Easy Life's Word Pinboard. Friend. Mentor. Inspiration. Check out her blog. 





Fridays have historically been a day for treats, and by historically I mean, my whole life. 
When I was young it meant an after school stop at the gas station for an ICEE with mom, which recently evolved into Iced Chai teas from our favorite local spot. 
These sweet visits are something I already miss. a lot. 

So here I am at noon. Still in my PJs. Blogging (with the dove chocolate candy jar at arms length). Fully enjoying my last Friday of being a stay-at- home wife. Only, let me tell you it's not ALWAYS so glamorous... yesterday was a little rough. I don't want to bore you with the details... but I was certainly in need of some TLC (a day early). With the hubby at work, and not knowing a soul in this town-- I was the only person for the job. 

I plugged the nearest TJ Maxx into my iPhone maps and indulged myself in a little retail therapy. 

a few treats:








I could just root around in this store for hours (and I did). I started with a full buggy (hoping Chris could appreciate how much I put back) and left only with:

a bicycle journal (and I have a reason for this one!)La Petite Presse thank yous (my weakness)Cute cross body bag (to replace the one my sister adopted)And a date night dress in my favorite summer hue


Yay! for the weekend. Be kind to yourselves today, friends.


*Chris was not convinced by my putting things back method, and we had a executive budget committee meeting to follow... I do not recommend online shopping during said meeting. 

* *I am not encouraging reckless or excessive spending.