2015 - The Year of No Regrets

I am truly brought to tears when I think back on 2015 - it was the year of the highest highs and some of the lowest lows in my life (so far), but I can honestly say - looking back - that I don't regret a single choice I made. Not one (not saying I haven't forgotten something - because that is always a possibility).

I've learned a lot about myself this year, and about life. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that God always has a far bigger and BETTER plan for our lives than we ever dreamed. It doesn't always mean that plan goes the way we expect, or even he expects, but trusting in him has gotten me much further than I could've gotten walking this path alone. 

The biggest moment of 2015 was quite obviously our wedding day. A day I wish we could go back and relive again and again. It truly was the best day, a reminder that no job, no car, no house, no materialistic item, will ever come close to the value of the love of your soulmate and the most supportive friends and family. 

I am not where I thought I would be in many areas of life in 2015, but I do know I'm where I am meant to be at this very moment. I have dreams and aspirations for 2016, but this time I won't feel defeated if I don't reach them, because what's meant to be will always be in good time.

I hope my 25th year is filled with more moments and less stuff.

I don't know what 2016 holds for me, or D, but I do know with a little faith and hard work it will be another year filled with adventure, love and laughter -- and there's really nothing better than that.

M

Kate Spade Home

Kate Spade Home by morganwmynatt

Kate Spade wall light | Kate Spade rose rug | Kate Spade kitchen dining | Kate Spade gold home decor | Kate Spade holiday decoration | Kate Spade home decor | Kate Spade chair

Favorite Fall Finds

Fall is my favorite time of year. From football - our home away from home - to the crisp fall air, boots, and most importantly pumpkin spice lattes, this is the time of year that feeds my soul.

As we begin to make our house more of a home, I have started to incorporate some fun fall finds into our decor, plus as many "fall scent" candles that I can find. (I have a serious problem - candle addict)

I've included my favorites below:

The Rustic House - Harvest Candle

Football Signs - Kilbi Branch Designs

Shelf Sitter Turkey - Kirklands

Pumpkin Garden Flag - Ace Hardware

Booties - Steve Madden

DIY: Desk to Bar

We received some great glassware and other bar accessories from friends and family leading up the wedding, and I hate that I've had to hide them in kitchen cabinets (where storage is already limited). So I've been keeping my eyes open for the perfect piece to refurbish into a bar... and I finally found it! Patience pays off.

This little gem of a secretary desk cost me just $35 on one of those community Facebook yard sale groups.

We have dark floors and dark furniture, so I knew I wanted to lighten this piece up to add some much needed contrast, and with the veneer on the front not in the best shape, I decided chalk paint would be my best bet.

I found a more affordable version of chalk paint, Craie de Terre (legitimately $12 for a huge mason jar), thanks to a friend who'd done her research at Four Seasons Vintage here in Knoxville. I decided on sage, a barely there green that almost could be white.

I picked up some new knobs for $5 at Hobby Lobby and some $6 contact paper at Lowes and got to work!

Before I started cleaning, I decided it would be best to knock out this shelf on the inside, to make more room for glasses. With the help of a hammer and flat head screwdriver, we were on our way to  a bar!

I started with the drawer first, painting it, changing the knobs, and lining it with marble contact paper. 

Then I gave the desk two coats of the chalk paint, but decided to keep the inside of it the original dark stain. 

I am really happy with how this project came out, and for under $60 we have a great new piece of furniture, that is functional for us right now, and can easily be used for something else down the road. 

When I said I do...

Tomorrow marks three weeks since the day we said "I do" in front of God and our family and friends, and we got our photos back yesterday! This was the most joyful day, and JOPHOTO captured the essence of that perfectly. We had a slew of vendors who brought our vision to life of a classic southern wedding that ended with a party with those we are closest too.

I'll share pictures from our ceremony and reception in the coming weeks...

I, Dustin, take you, Morgan,

as the wife of my days

and the friend of my life. 

I promise to have the

patience that love demands,

to laugh with you in times of joy,

comfort you in times of sorrow,

to love you unconditionally

and without hesitation.

To take you as you are,

loving who you are now

and who you are yet to become.

With these words,

and all the words of my heart,

I marry you and bind my life to yours.

I, Morgan, take you, Dustin,

as the husband of my days

and the friend of my life. 

I promise to have the

patience that love demands,

to laugh with you in times of joy,

comfort you in times of sorrow,

to love you unconditionally

and without hesitation.

To take you as you are,

loving who you are now

and who you are yet to become.

With these words,

and all the words of my heart,

I marry you and bind my life to yours.

Venue: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Photography: JOPHOTO | Event & Floral Design: MOD Events | Rentals: Snyder Rentals | Bridal Gown: Moonlight Bridal Couture | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Maid of Honor Dress: Jovani | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff

Where's Grace?

Did you hear? Another "lunatic" shot innocent people. Again.

My heart aches for the victims, their loved ones, but my heart also aches for the shooter. Can you imagine living life with that much hate in your heart?

Every time this happens the same words are used: "terrorism" - "senseless" - "tragedy". The real tragedy is that we are too busy standing on our facebook status soapbox, playing games on our phones, or even binge watching a series on netflix to notice one simple thing: the person standing next to us.

When did we become a country that cares more about money than fellowship with our neighbors? A nation that cares more about having our opinion heard than working towards one common goal? A nation that care more about what car we drive than protecting our citizens?

You know what's funny? When true tragedy affects us personally - then we step up. Not when we see a child crying, or a mom ravaging for food in a dumpster, or an elderly person struggling to walk across the street - we don't step up then. But if a family member dies, a child is diagnosed with a deadly illness, or a friend suffers a tragedy - then we want everyone to help us, when we couldn't be bothered to help them.

We stopped seeing the good in people, but worst of all we stopped seeing the good in ourselves. We are better than our current circumstances. But we have to care more about the betterment of the future as a whole, rather than our individual needs.

I believe that people are inherently good. I believe that at the core of us, we have the ability to love more than we ever thought possible. I believe that we imitate behaviors - good and bad - of the people we surround ourselves with, but I also believe that it takes just one person refusing to be a part of the cycle to make real change happen.

It doesn't mean we'll always get along, or always agree, if that were the case life would be pretty boring. But it does mean we respect our neighbors, we love them in spite of differences, we let them know that regardless of the situation - we have their back.

No one ever became poor by giving.

Motivation

Challenge: Writing

In grade school I always made good grades when it came to writing, and for the most part in college too. Although, I did leave Dr. H & Dr. A's classes in tears on occasion. 

But I don't think that I ever truly pushed myself to be a better writer, and I quickly took on the mindset that I wasn't a good one. However, I was smart enough to ask for help, and thanks to a book my boss gave me, I now realize that "great" writing has far more to do with the process than it does with the words you put on the paper. Don't get me wrong, that is still VERY important.

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley can give even the most apprehensive writer the confidence to tackle any assignment.

There are two things from this book that truly changed my perception and my writing.

1. The Ugly First Draft

• I have a confession, unless required by school, I (used to) never write a first draft. *GASP* I'm probably the minority when it comes to this, but it's true. As a teacher's kid. I could spell and use proper grammar, before I probably needed to, and I would develop that information as I went and then review one time and wash my hands of it. In Everybody Writes, Handley encourages you to go against this conventional style and

2. The Writing GPS

• I won't give everything away, because that's Handley's job, but I will say that this section of the book helped me to see what my writing was missing. I was having a hard time seeing the holes in my content, and it was like a light bulb went off after reading this chapter. 

If you want to be a better writer, or if you're just feeling uninspired about it, I encourage you to delve into this book. I promise your writing won't be the same and your content and your audience will be better for it. 

Write on,

M

24 Things Learned in 24 Years

I turned 24 on Sunday. This means I am much closer to 30. I have experienced a lot more than I thought I would in 24 short years, so I thought I'd expound my wisdom on those who care to read this... all two of you! (probably true)

1. Pursue Your Dreams

2. Dreams Will Change

3. Work Hard Every Day

4. Treat Yourself

5. Parents aren't Superheros

6. A House is Just a House

7. Memories Go With You

8. It's Okay to Cry in the Work Bathroom. 

9. Go to Class, Even When it Sucks.

10. If you Bomb a Class, You Will (probably) Still Graduate. 

11. Friendships Change.

12. Losing Pets is Hard. 

13. Losing People is Harder (sometimes). 

14. True Love Happens

15. God Laughs at Plans

16. You Will Survive whichever Road You Take in Life

17. Apples & Peanut Butter Really Do Put You in a Better Mood

18. Your Skin will Pay for Your Poor Food Choices. 

19. Friends Will Be Your Life Blood. 

20. Life Won't Ever End Up the Way You Think.

21. It's Okay to Quit Your Job.

22. Faith Will Bring You Through.

23. You Can Have Your Dream Job Before 25. 

24. There is ALWAYS a Sunrise & a Sunset.

xoxo,

M

The Great Purse Debate

I like big purses and I cannot lie.

I like them to have the capacity to hold my planner, my wallet, my laptop and all my other essentials in one handy place.

I currently have, and am still obsessed with, my Michael Kors Jetsetter exclusive from the Apple Store in fuchsia. I got it for college graduation from my fantastic aunt & uncle. But now, I think it is time that I have another option, because we all know a girl has got to have those.

I'm currently obsessing over these bags, if I will commit to one or not is still TBD:

Dagne Dover - The Tote

Kate Spade Cedar Street Medium Harmony

Tory Burch Tote - Marion Printed Nylon

Camden Michael Kors Large Leather Satchel

What's your go to bag that works for all aspects of your life?

Work it girl,

M

Farewell to 2014, Hello to 2015

As I reflect back on 2014, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by all the amazing things that occurred not only for me, but for my family and friends.

I think innately as humans we have a tendency to focus on the negative in the day to day moments, holding ourselves to a higher standard than our peers would, and many times falling short of those expectations we have for ourselves and others.

But when we look back on the big picture, on a “year in review”, it is amazing how we see mostly good moments and memories.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict what the next day, week, month or year will bring us, and (as a closet pessimist myself) it’s easy to brace yourself for the next bad thing, but there is so much good even in the tough times.

My resolution is simple for 2015:

Be the good. See the good.

(and maybe try to blog every day too)

I challenge you to make one resolution (instead of that long list of unattainables) one that will change your heart and those you care about most.

I wish you joy, peace and unwavering love in the New Year.

Cheers from the beach,

M