Trouvaille Workshop Day One

Guys! I have been waiting patiently to share these lovely photos and it is finally time for the first recap of the Trouvaille Workshop. Hooray! 

In mid-April, I had the pleasure of attending Rhiannon's inaugural Trouvaille Workshop, a three-day hands-on experience hosted at The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon our welcome to the Pinnacle Room, which had a picture perfect view of downtown, Rhi had chocolate covered strawberries and drinks waiting for the 25 attendees. 

After greeting Rhi and giving lots of hugs to all the faces we had already 'met' on social media, each lady found their place at the long white tables. Immediately a warmth filled the room as everyone was eager to learn from the guest speakers as well as our fellow attendees. At our place setting was a calligraphy nameplate from Laura Hooper Calligraphy, a custom Trouvaille branded clipboard from Idieh Design, an advanced copy of The Knot Magazine (with a Hey Gorgeous Events wedding featured!), and a darling gold striped notebook from B is for Bonnie. The ribbon bow was one of my favorite touches as it polished off the look. (My ribbon is now attached to my travel luggage and serves as a reminder of the workshop every time I look at it. It was far too pretty to throw away!)

Rhi kicked the workshop off with a talk about Five Things She Knows For Sure. From client experience to outsourcing tasks that you don't love to trusting your gut feeling, Rhi passed along invaluable insight and answered every question we threw her direction. As a long-time reader of her blog and Instagram feed, it was so nice to finally meet Rhi and trust me when I say she is even more lovely and down to earth in person. Her heart shined through, not only in her speech, but in every detail of the workshop. Girl crush, anyone? (Hand raised high!) 

Oh hey there! Sam and Brad from Bradley James Photography were the official workshop photographers and I loved having them around to capture every special moment. 

Jodi Bos of Gwyneth Paige Letterpress was our second guest speaker and her honest, raw conversation was exactly what my heart needed to hear. The world preaches a bigger business is a better business and Jodi is a living example that sometimes a business with one core focus is the best thing you can provide for your clients. As I learned at Making Things Happen, small is the new big and at the end of the day, relationships with others are the most important thing for your bottom line.

After our speakers wrapped up, it was time to freshen up and head to San Chez Bistro in downtown Grand Rapids for our Trouvaille welcome dinner. 

From the bistro's signature sangria to seven of the most popular dishes on the menu, the ladies enjoyed time to mingle and engage in meaningful conversation with each other. The understated florals were the perfect touch to enhance the bistro's decor and another goodie from The Caramel Jar waited for us at our place setting. Oh and a downpour couldn't rain on our parade (pun intended ha!).  

The perfect kickoff to an unforgettable workshop. Next up is a recap of day two. Stay tuned! 

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Back In Town

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Guess who's back and better than ever? It has been almost one year since I posted on this little blog of mine and while a lot is still the same, a lot has changed over the last 365 days. 

I'm a type-A, OCD perfectionist. When working on a project, I want it to be the best thing anyone has ever seen. I put my heart and soul into everything I do... and sometimes my heart gets crushed. It has been hurt recently and in those moments, you have no other option than to figure out what is next. 

The motorsports industry has and will always have my heart. The relationships I have made will last a lifetime and I couldn't be any more thankful to be a part of a sport such as NASCAR. Can't wait to see what the future holds. 

But something most people don't know about me, is my passion for planning events and helping others create memories that will last generations. Southern Grace Events is a slice of my heart that excites and scares me. It makes me nervous but sets my heart on fire at the same time. And that my friends, is the start of something beautiful. 

Over the next few weeks, my intent is to blog regularly. The content will be a mixture of my lifestyle: business, sports, faith, fashion, home decor, food. You name it, I will most likely talk about it at some point. Updates on my 101 in 1001 list will be posted soon as well! 

Grab an iced coffee (or glass of wine), buckle up, and enjoy the journey. 

xo, smj

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Friday Favorites: Volume II

These past two weeks have seemed like a complete blur. One dear friend's brother diagnosed with cancer and one family friend going home to the Lord unexpectedly. To say I've been on emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. But as the warm sun shines through and birds chirp outside my window, I'm thankful for my health and family who love and support me. Even through the storm, I'm reminded that God is good. 

When a spare moment came available this week, I escaped to these places. 

Here are a few of my favorite links...

- I'm pretty sure Florida Georgia Line's new album will be my go-to cd for the summer. If you have yet to listen to these tunes, roll down the windows and turn up the volume. It's a good one.
- Mackenzie released new arrivals to her online shop, Design Darling. How cute is this necklace? And this would look adorable in a bottle of vino. (I've been loving my latest purchases from the boutique: this notebook, these fun pencils, and this striped tote!)
- Blair from Atlantic-Pacific has done it again. This relaxed yet pulled together look is my ideal outfit. I swear I could wear it every. single. day. If only my closet looked liked hers.
- I'm finally getting my butt in gear to launch my business (more on that to come soon, I promise!) and I've been trying to learn as much as possible from women who have experience in the wedding/event planning industry. Rhiannon from Hey Gorgeous Events is just a doll. She has built a wonderful business while also taking time to focus on what matters most. As a fellow Making Things Happen alum, this balance is something I strive for Southern Grace Events. This post is spot on for tackling your inbox. A color-coded system makes my heart happy. (If only you could see my calendar.) Can't wait for our phone date, Rhi!

Alright, lovelies, it's time for this girl to close the computer and enjoy the beautiful Carolina sunshine :) There are some fun events on my schedule this weekend and I couldn't be more excited! Happy First Day of Summer! xoxo

PS: How gorgeous is the al fresco dining set-up pictured above? You can find more of my favorite entertaining spaces and ideas here. 

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Friday Favorites: Volume I

Happy Friday, lovelies! Despite the week being insanely busy, temperatures are on the rise, flowers are in bloom, and I no longer have to wear layers upon layers to stay warm. Cheers to that! 

Throughout the week, I seem to make a mental list of my favorites - a new song, a recipe to try, an outfit idea, another and another find for my wish list, a decorating secret, or just a honest, inspirational post. But why should I keep these finds to myself? 

So without further ado, here's the debut of Friday Favorites: Volume One... 

- Rachel at Pink Peonies killed it with these camo skinnies. As she shows, the pants can be dressed up with heels for a night out or with flats to run around town.
- A perfect post on Etiquette 101: The Handwritten Note by Waiting on Martha. My heart lights up when I receive a handwritten note in the mail!
- These picnic pie boxes are just right for a backyard barbeque or summer get-together. And in the coming weeks, these pretties will be available online at Anthropologie. Congrats, Stephanie!
- Kip Moore's new song 'Hey Pretty Girl' has been on repeat all week. Swoon.
- Can't wait to try Lisa's new recipe: Kale, Sausage, and Quinoa Scramble. Perfect for a Saturday morning with coffee!
- My next investment piece (number 54 on my 101 list!) will definitely be this Kate Spade two-toned watch. Love the idea of wearing it with silver or gold jewelry. Mix and match!

What links have you enjoyed this week? Always open to new finds! 

*image via

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Playing Favorites

Another month has arrived. And while most of the time, I'm asking for the days to slow down, I couldn't be more thrilled that March is finally here. Why you ask? Well, it's my favorite. Growing up, your parents always tell you not to play favorites, but in this case, it's just too darn bad. (Letting my teeny tiny rebel side take charge!) 

While looking at my calendar this morning, a smile came across my face with the flip of each page. My birthday (the big 23) is in nine days. Making Things Happen 2013 is in less than two weeks. Toss in the beginning of spring, warmer temperatures and Easter. What's there not to love, right?

Do you have a favorite month? 

Have a lovely Friday! xx

*image via 

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Weekend Wisdom

Happy Weekend, lovelies! Due in part to the never ending rainy weather, I seriously thought this past work week was never going to end. Needless to say once Friday afternoon rolled around, I was elated for 48 hours of quality rest and relaxation.

As I have confessed in the past, I'm obsessed with quotes. Any and all quotes. It doesn't matter whether the pieces of wisdom come from movies, music, books, historians, or just the average joe. And when I need a swift kick in the rear, much of my motivation comes from my quote book. So, I'm bringing back the 'Weekend Wisdom' feature. Each weekend I will share one of my favorites with y'all and hope to pass along the inspiration.

PS... Check out my new 2013 inspiration board (here) and my past ones too (here and here). Do you have a favorite quotation? If so, let me know! Would love to add it to my ever-growing collection.

*image via

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Why Don't You...

...wear red lipstick on a week day? 

...start a jewelry collection? This bauble would be a lovely addition.

...paint your nails navy blue? I'm currently wearing this shade.

...read a stack of magazines? Can't get enough of this one. 

...go for a bike ride? Preferably with a cute partner ;)

So, what are you waiting for? Let's all do something this weekend that makes our hearts smile.

*Images via 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Hello 2013!

1 year. 365 days. 8,765 hours.

Every New Years Eve, I say the same thing... Where did the time go? Despite telling myself there are plenty of days and hours to achieve my list of resolutions, life takes over and half of the year is in the rearview mirror before I have a chance to blink. 

So I'm vowing to make this year different. Throw resolutions out the window (besides, I have my 101 in 1001 list!), cherish each moment, and take nothing for granted. To love and laugh. To forgive and forget. To be thankful and humble. To travel the path that the Lord planned for my life. And I have a feeling in my heart that this year will be my year. 

Cheers to 2013 and Happy (belated) New Year! 

*Image via

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My 101 in 1001 List!

It's finally here! My 101 in 1001 list is complete and I'm both excited and nervous to share it. As the sweet Mackenzie reminded me, it is one thing to put the pen to paper and a completely different thing to share it with others. So without further ado, here goes nothing! 

{4 down, 97 to go!}

1. Come up with 101 things (November 2012). 

2. Move into my first apartment. 

3. Start my own event planning company, Southern Grace Events. 

4. Upgrade to the iPhone (November 2012). 

5. Upgrade to MacBook Pro (December 2012). 

6. Graduate from college.

7. Send 50 handwritten notes to family and friends. 

8. Schedule routine appointments with doctor, dentist, dermatologist, and go at least once a year. 

9. Learn how to braid my hair. 

10. Find a beauty and skincare regimen that works for me. And stick with it! 

11. Eat the recommended serving of veggies every day for one week. 

12. Eat vegetarian for one week. 

13. Go 30 days without sugar and flour.

14. Drink eight glasses of water every day for a week. 

15. Try acupuncture.

16. Take all recommended vitamins and supplements.

17. Find out my blood type.

18. Read 30 new books. 

19. Re-read one of the classics. 

20. Take a cooking lesson. 

21. Try 30 new recipes found online (Pinterest, other blogs, etc.) 

22. Eat and cook homemade meals every night for one week. 

23. Grow herbs on my windowsill.  

24. Take a sewing lesson. 

25. Create a living will. 

26. Buy my first car. 

27. Go on a spontaneous weekend road trip. 

28. Complete 15 5ks (1 of 15).

29. Run a 5k under 25 minutes.

30. Try one out of my comfort zone workout class. 

31. Relaunch my blog with custom design. 

32. Tie up loose ends for blog and business - business cards, Facebook, Twitter, etc. 

33. Organize must-read blogs into a reader. 

34. Create two regular features on my blog.

35. Establish an editorial calendar for blog features. 

36. Guest post on a blog. 

37. Create a professional portfolio. 

38. Establish a media kit for Southern Grace Events. 

39. Connect with a blog friend in person. 

40. Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop. 

41. Attend ALT Summit. 

42. Attend Making Things Happen conference. 

43. Pay it forward to an unsuspecting person.

44. Create a daily devotional routine. 

45. Tithe consistently to Elevation Church.

46. Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. 

47. Volunteer at a children's hospital. 

48. Organize and plan a charity event for a cause close to my heart. 

49. Take a swimming lesson.

50. Take a calligraphy class. 

51. Ride in a hot air balloon. 

52. Go to a drive-in movie. 

53. De-clutter my closet. 

54. Invest in classic pieces - handbag, wallet, shoes, boots. 

55. Own a red dress. 

56. Wear the right shade of red lipstick. 

57. Own a piece of Lululemon gear.

58. Create an inspiration board. 

59. Create a bar cart. 

60. Have one of my events featured in a magazine. 

61. Plan my best friend's wedding. 

62. Plan a surprise party for a friend. 

63. Plan a New Years Eve party. 

64. Create a list of all states visited. 

65. Renew my passport. 

66. Use my aforementioned passport. 

67. Learn how to ice skate. 

68. Use my skating skills at an outdoor rink. 

69. Take my Mom to see Garth Brooks in concert. 

70. Spend a weekend with just my grandmother. 

71. Visit Savannah, Georgia. 

72. Visit Charleston, South Carolina. 

73. Go to a double-feature. 

74. Go on a stay-cation. 

75. Dance in the rain. 

76. Go apple picking. 

77. Sort through contacts and create address book. 

78. Have all email accounts down to zero. 

79. Organize photos. 

80. Organize iTunes.

81. Get rid of all magazines. 

82. Go to the CMA Fest with Amanda. 

83. Go to a performance at the Grand Ol' Opry. 

84. Buy something at a flea market. 

85. Learn how to shoot a gun. 

86. Go on a winery tour and tasting. 

87. Ride in a horse drawn carriage. 

88. Have family portraits taken. 

89. Invest in a camera. 

90. Take a photograph lesson to use camera. 

91. Send out Christmas cards. 

92. Make a homemade gift.

93. Create scrapbook for my grandmother. 

94. Go ziplining. 

95. Ride in a ferris wheel (November 2012).

96. Learn the Thriller dance. 

97. Buy flowers at the historic Radcliffe Flower Shop in Charlotte.

98. Reconnect with an old friend.

99. Go a 24-hour technology free period - no phone, laptop, etc.

100. Inspire someone to have a list of their own.

101. Put $10 into savings for every task completed. 

Read about making my list here!

Making A List

If you have read any of my previous posts over the last year, you will know that I'm a planner - inside and out. To-do lists make up my day and I usually have more than one on my desk at any given time. And yes, I'm that girl who does a happy dance when an item is crossed off. (Nerd alert!) 

One of my favorite bloggers, Mackenzie, created a 101 in 1001 list that I fell in love with from the moment I read it. For the longest time, I wanted to create one of my own, but fear of failure held me back. Until now. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been contemplating what to include on my list. Fun tasks and serious goals. Places to see and events to attend. The only criteria I gave myself was each item must be something that will ultimately make my heart happy and put a smile on my face.

In the coming days I will post my entire list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I'm both nervous and excited to share it with y'all, but hopefully it inspires someone else to push fear aside and go for whatever your heart desires. There is no better time to start than right now. 

*Image via

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Inspiration Board

One of my ongoing projects has been redecorating and organizing my home office. And thanks to Pinterest, the possibilities are endless. From the moment I saw this picture, I knew I needed an inspiration board above my desk. A place to put ideas, pictures, quotes, and any other odds-and-ends that make me smile and spark creativity. Do you have an inspiration board? What is on it?

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Life Lately

Carolina Panthers game followed by dinner in the city.

 Up in the clouds on my way to Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

 Night at the county fair with good friends. 

My new Saturday morning routine: manicure and magazine reading.

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Fresh Face

image via tumblr

Like most girls, makeup makes me giddy. I could spend hours in Sephora or Ulta looking at new and classic products, comparing and deciding which ones to bring home to my ever-growing collection. But during the 90 degree heat summer, nothing feels better than wearing almost no makeup at all.

Wouldn't it be great to have this fresh look every day?

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Deirdre Heekin's Vermont Cottage

images via House Beautiful

Confession: I'm guilty of spending the majority of my down time pinning, looking at design websites, or reading magazines. Recently while scouring for inspiration, I came across a tour of Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber's cozy Vermont cottage. The husband-wife pair infused their Italian heritage into the home's design style. 

How cute is the bar in the bookcase? And the classic white couch? Just lovely. Where do you find design inspiration?

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Monday Musings

image via falala designs

It is all about your attitude - you get to decide whether Monday is dreadful or delightful. Won't you make today a good start to the week? 

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Winner, Winner

A few weeks ago, I entered a bracelet giveaway over at Waiting on Martha. Since this lovely lady's blog is one of my daily reads (and it should be one of yours too!) I wanted to support her partnership with ML Pearl Designs. However, with numerous giveaways happening all over the blogging community, never in a million years did I expect to win. Much to my surprise, the unexpected happened and yours truly received this gorgeous pearl and chain bracelet.

Ever since it arrived in the mail, this piece has become a staple in my jewelry collection. With a touch of femininity paired with tough chain link design, the bracelet can be worn from day-to-night. Thanks Waiting on Martha and ML Pearl Designs!

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Monday Musings

Fresh gardenias straight from a coworker's bush.

Another week is upon us and while motivation is usually hard to find on the first day back to work after a relaxing weekend, I seem to be kicking today's to-do list out of the park. Pretty proud of this accomplishment if I do say so myself! {It is Monday, after all.}

I honestly make lists for anything and everything because if I don't write it down, I will probably forget it. So, last night before getting some beauty sleep, I created a list of goals for this week. And what better way to hold myself accountable than to share my goals with y'all?

• Eat breakfast daily. 
• Drink eight glasses of water daily. 
• Mail two handwritten notes. 
• Workout three times. 
• Clean out my email inbox. 
• Try three new recipes. 

Do any of you lovelies set small yet attainable goals at the start of the week?

Cheers! xx

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Dreamin'

via tumblr

Ever since I started Southern Grace, I've dreamed of creating this little blog of mine into something that represented all the things I love - faith, family, fashion, food, and entertaining. A combination of time and wanting everything to be perfect has kept my dream from becoming a reality. Until today.

After much thinking, I realized there will never be a perfect time to start making my dreams come true. I've got to strap in for a wild ride, work hard and enjoy every moment. And this applies to much more than just this blog. It applies to all aspects of life.

Stay tuned for new features to start Monday. Can't wait to share my ideas and personality with y'all. Any ideas and feedback are always welcome.

Cheers to the rest of the weekend!

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Summer Kick-Off

Sweet summertime is finally here in Carolina! Weekends at home filled with sunshine, patio dining, and concerts are the norm and I wouldn't have it any other way. My last three days in pictures...

  {A few of my favorite things: getting a pedicure, reading magazines, and wearing pretty clothes.}

{Girls night out with my best friend, Megan. P.F. Chang's was so delicious!}

{First country concert of the summer! The girls loved Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker.}

{The gang: Cuz, Mel, Kay, Rob, Toe, Lindsay, and yours truly.}

      
              {Sunday lunch after church with the parents. The Q is a must visit in Uptown Charlotte!}

Cheers to a great and productive week!

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Waiting Room

Hellllo Monday! Time to start another week of classes, work, and appointments plus spring cleaning and organizing. Sounds exciting, huh?

Yesterday at church, my pastor, Steven Furtick, preached one of the best sermons I've ever heard him give. While we are currently in the middle of a series titled Waiting Room, Pastor Steven's message was all about the question, 'What are we waiting for?'

So often we wait for the Lord to provide us with something that we have asked Him for. Peace. Understanding. Forgiveness. Happiness. But the stripped down reality is that He has already given us all of these things and we are too busy standing to the side with our arms crossed, unwilling to look around and see them. Everything we need, we already have. But the real question is will we unfold our arms and be open to see the blessings that He has already provided for us? Will we walk in the gifts we already have?

Don't ask the Lord for joy, be joyful. Don't ask the Lord for happiness, be happy. It's not about the Lord providing, it's about walking in what he's already given us. We are waiting for an invitation when the party has already started.

It's time to get moving. Instead of us waiting on the Lord, He is waiting on us to get moving in the direction He has called us to. If you're waiting on the Lord, you're going in the wrong direction.

This message hit me hard. Right in the heart and gut hard. I get caught up in the daily routine of my to-do lists and waiting on the Lord to provide things that when I stop and look around, I already have. So starting today, I have decided to pray that God brings awareness to the blessings in my life and get moving to bring Him glory. Stop waiting and start doing.

If you would like to watch this particular message, you can do so here. I think these 45 minutes could change your life. I know it did for me.

Cheers!  xx

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