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Gallery Wall with Mpix
This past summer, Greg and I took a quick anniversary getaway to Sulfur Ridge, Tennessee's First Luxury Treehouse, that just so happens to be right in our back yard. Our longtime friends and photographers, Zach and Sarah, offered to come out and take some photos for us because they knew the scenery at Sulfur Ridge was so gorgeous.
When I got our photos back in late summer, I started thinking about hanging a gallery wall. Although I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to execute the project quite yet, I was 100% sure that I'd be ordering my prints from Mpix.
Zach and Sarah took my senior pictures (when they were just getting started with what is now a booming business). They also took our wedding photos and basically every other picture of us that isn't taken on an iPhone. From the very beginning, Zach always told me that if I was going to print any of these professional images to do so using Mpix.
After my first order, I was hooked! The quality of even just a simple 4x6 is unmatched! I've also ordered a canvas of one of our wedding photos that is lovely. Mpix offers all kinds of different wall art options, and they even print holiday cards and wedding invitations! There are also tons of gift ideas on their website, all of which would make thoughtful and unique Christmas presents.
And to help with any holiday shopping you might be doing, you can use code abbylish2519 for 25% off an Mpix order now through November 30th!
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| The end result! |
On another note, hanging a gallery wall is NOT for the faint of heart. I initially bought cheap frames with poor hanging hardware and struggled to even get them on the wall. Three broken frames later, I returned what I hadn't ruined and started over with these frames from Target. They were a little bit more expensive but came with sawtooth hangers which are much more forgiving for a girl like me (a.k.a. not handy at all).
A few days and about thirty nail holes later, the frames are up and (mostly) symmetrical! I'm really pleased with the way it all turned out even though it was quite the labor of love (emphasis on labor).
Again, I don't think it would near as eye catching if I hadn't ordered my prints from Mpix.
Now that all the hard work is done, I can just sit, stare, and admire my beautiful gallery wall. That is until I get a wild hair for some other project...
What's been one of your most favorite home/DIY projects you've completed?
Let me know in the comments section below!
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This post was created in collaboration with MPIX.
The discount code provided is valid for one use per customer, cannot be combined with other offers (except free Standard shipping on orders of $35 or more after discounts are applied), cannot be used towards the purchase of E-Gift Codes, and expires on November 30, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. (Central).
I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.
Gift Guides
Holidays
Gift Guide for Her
Buying gifts for the women in my life has always been the easiest and most enjoyable for me. I just pick things that I either have and love or that I would love to receive as a gift myself. Another trick is if I see something throughout the year that reminds me of a friend or loved one, I buy it on the spot and save it for the holidays (sometimes I can't wait, thougt, and give it to them right away...gift giving is definitely one of my top love languages).
Below are some great gift ideas I've rounded up for your moms, sisters, grandmas, best girlfriends and gal pals. I also have an entire tab on the blog dedicated to gift ideas for the ladies in your life. Feel free to share it with your boyfriends and husbands. 😉
Idole Perfume / Leopard Scarf / Rose Gold Huggies / Pom Pom Beanie / Birth Year Necklace / Smashbox Lipstick / Crossbody Bag / Cocktail Shaker / Candle / Hair Crimper / Fuji Instax Camera / Glitzy Necklace / Retro Sunglasses / Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette / Monogrammed Bistro Mug
What's one of the best gifts you've ever given or received?
Let me know in the comments section below.
Happy Holidays!
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Gift Guides
Holidays
Gift Guide for Kids
If you're a parent you probably already know what your children want for Christmas. If your kids are anything like I was growing up, they've already got a Christmas list a mile long (written in red and green gel pen).
But, on the other hand, if you're also like me in that you don't have any kids of your own, buying gifts for the children in your life can be tricky. I, for one, want to be the "cool aunt" and get them everything their heart desires, but I know most parents don't want a house full of CRAP after the holiday season. And, I'm generally out of touch with what the kids are into these days as far as pop culture, so buying 18 different Frozen castles for them doesn't appeal to me. I generally try to stick with something that both the kids and the parents will appreciate.
Below are just a few gift ideas for the younger children in your life. I gravitate towards feminine gifts because 1. I like girls more (can I say that out loud?) and 2. there's simply more girls in my family, so sorry if this gift guide doesn't balance out super well.
1. Light Up Scooter - Because this generation of children needs to know what being chopped in the ankles by one of these bad boys feels like. / 2. Baby Scarf / 3. Baby Shark Towel Set / 4. Record Player / 5. Plush Dog - There's a lookalike for so many breeds! / 6. Throw Throw Burrito Game / 7. Baby Pea Coat / 8. Pretend Make Up Kit - Gifted this to a friend's little girl and got major brownie points! She loved it! / 9. Plush Robe for Girls / 10. Macaroon Bath Bombs / 11. Construction Dress Up Outfit / 12. Baby Hunter Boots / 13. Retro View Finder / 14. Cash Register
A few more tips if you're still struggling to come up with something:
1. Books seem boring, but lots of parents like when their kids get something other than toys.
2. For those awkward pre-teen years, a gift card never killed anybody.
3. Things that are mess free get you gold stars with the parents (so if you don't like the parents get the messiest thing you can find!).
4. I've straight up given a Walmart gift card as a gift to an infant before because let's be honest, the baby isn't going to remember getting a gift, and the parents truly need things like diapers, formula, and more sleep.
more great ideas
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fashion
Holidays
Style Tips
What to Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. In today's fast paced world of Christmas decor hitting the stores in July (yes, I already have me Christmas tree up too), Thanksgiving often gets overlooked. But I like to see it as the kick off to such a cozy and special time of year. Plus I'd never skip it because the food is 👌.
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| My Thanksgiving look from last year! |
My family has always kind of dressed nicely but comfortably for Thanksgiving. This is the time of year when I'm so thankful that low rise jeans are out and high waist leggings are in. Below are four outfit ideas that I would wear myself to any Thanksgiving / Friendsgiving event.
more fun options
Which of these four looks is your favorite?
Do you dress up for family holidays or go super casual?
Let me know in the comments section below!
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fall Fashion
Fashion
Style Tips
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you really can't go wrong with a "winter white" sweater for the cold weather months. This one is fuzzy, warm, and oh-so soft. It even has some blush undertones. Looks perfect with a pair of jeans, but I can also see it layered over a plaid button up or paired with a tulle skirt.
Sweater Season with Luxe Boutiques
Cue the angel choir, sweater weather is finally here!!
And in about 2 more months, I'll be wishing for summer again. Ah...the circle of life.
But, in the meantime, I'm going to be tearing it up in as many cozy sweaters as I can. I recently stopped by Luxe Boutique here in Cookeville, and racked up on sweaters. They have so many cute new arrivals for fall and winter!
If you haven't heard of Luxe, it's a local boutique run by two girl bosses who happen to be sisters-in-law. They offer unique and fashion forward pieces for the modern day woman. The employees are always so friendly and helpful. They offer great styling advice for everyday looks or for special events. Luxe opened a second store front in Chattanooga, TN. And, if you're not in Tennessee, you can shop online at www.shopluxeboutiques.com.
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| Sweater / Jeans / Similar Boots / Shades |
Can't stop won't stop with the retro vibes. Flare legs are BACK, and I'm so here for it. They look great with this chunky, olive sweater. It also came in three other colors that are simply perfect for fall. I sized up to a large for a roomier fit.
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| Sweater / Jeans / Hat / Bag / Similar Booties |
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you really can't go wrong with a "winter white" sweater for the cold weather months. This one is fuzzy, warm, and oh-so soft. It even has some blush undertones. Looks perfect with a pair of jeans, but I can also see it layered over a plaid button up or paired with a tulle skirt.
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| Cardigan / Cami / Jeans / Similar Boots / Necklace / Earrings |
I'm a sucker for a good cardigan. They're truly so versatile. This cozy one from Luxe is perfect for work or play. Layer it over a cami and pencil skirt for work, or throw it on over a t-shirt and leggings for a travel day.
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Check out my Insta Stories today to get more info on the fit of all three of these sweaters plus several more! If you head to one of Luxe's stores, be sure to let them know I sent you. If you shop online, use code ABBY15 for 15% off your purchase!
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*This post was created in collaboration with Luxe Boutique.
I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fall Fashion
Fashion
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4 Looks for Fall with Maurice's
A few weeks ago, one of the managers from my local Maurice's slid into my DM's (in a non-creepy way) and invited me to come to the store and scope out all of the Fall arrivals. I have to admit, I was eager to go but not really sure what I would find because I truly hadn't bought anything from Maurice's since high school. The storefront isn't next to the other stores in town where I shop a lot, so honestly, I often forget about it.
I won't be forgetting about it again, though!
I was welcomed into the store by such friendly staff who truly love styling! They were super helpful in getting to know my personal style and recommending pieces that would fit that. They brought tons of cute options to the dressing room for me to try on. I so enjoyed feeling pampered by them and left with bags full of awesome fall pieces.
I created four fall outfits with some of the items I picked up from Maurice's, but you better plan on seeing several more. I've already made an order from their website (which often provides online only discounts), and because their fall pieces are both unique and classic, they can be styled in several different ways.
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Look 1
How cozy is this look?! Someone take me to a pumpkin patch already!
This plaid babydoll top is so soft and lightweight. I love the peach undertones in the plaid as well and think it looks so pretty paired with deep red (hello holiday season...).
This sherpa vest feels just as fluffy as it looks, and believe me when I say that this bad boy will keep. you. warm.
Look 2
Fell in love with this poncho as soon as I saw it. Such a statement piece, and again, another top layer that will truly keep you warm. It's reversible too (the other side is tan), so you can just flip it inside out for a different look! Throw this poncho on over a cozy long sleeved shirt and leggings for a upscale version of loungewear. Or pair it with a dress and riding boots to feel deliciously equestrian.
Look 3
Anybody looking for something to wear to a fall wedding? Look no further! Maurice's has tons of cute dresses and jumpsuits that would be perfect wedding guest options. Depending on how you style it, this jumpsuit would also work for date night, a birthday party, concert, rehearsal dinner, or wedding/baby shower. I love it paired with this faux leather jacket to add some edginess to the florals.
Look 4
This look is my favorite! Probably because it fits into my 3 C's: cute, casual, and COMFY! This poncho (which comes in a few other colors) is soooo lightweight and soft. I can see myself wearing it with leggings and sneakers just as much as I can see it paired with skinny jeans and boots. These flare legs jeans are also full of stretch, and stretch pants are my most favorite friends.
I also really love the retro vibes of the flare jeans combined with the turquoise necklace and hair scarf. I truly believe I would have thrived in the 70s.
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Which of these four looks is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and the LiketoKnow.it app to see more of my Maurice's finds, and reach out if you buy any of these pieces because I'd love to see how you style them!
Happy shopping!
XOXO,
Abby
More Maurice's Favorites
*This post was created in partnership with Maurice's.
I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Budget
Fall Fashion
Fashion
Fall Finds from Wal-Mart
If you've been following me for longer than five minutes, you know that I'm a firm believer in the fact that you can stay on trend without breaking the bank. That's why I love shopping at places like Walmart. In years past, I feel like clothes at Walmart weren't the cutest. But recently, Walmart brands have been upping their game!
Walmart has changed their website recently to be a little more like Amazon and provide products from third party sellers as well as their own brands. I personally think it makes the website a little difficult to navigate, so I've done all the hard work for you and rounded up my favorite fall finds from Walmart!
Keep scrolling to check them out.
What do you think of this round up? Which one of these looks is your favorite?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fall Fashion
Fashion
Style Tips
Pink Lily Picks
If you didn't already know, I recently became a Pink Lily ambassador! I've been a fan of Pink Lily for a long time, so I'm so excited for this opportunity. I love supporting a brand that began near my neck of the woods (they have a store in Bowling Green, KY) and is one of the fastest growing online boutiques in the country. They have some of the cutest clothes, shoes, and accessories, and I genuinely love sharing them with you guys!
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| This graphic tee is one of my new favorite pieces from The Pink Lily! |
The Pink Lily has new arrivals every day, so it's important to sign up for text & email alerts so you can stay up to date on all of the new pieces and get sale and discount alerts too. They have tons of new items for fall coming out right now, and wildly enough, things are already selling out!
Keep scrolling to check out some of my Pink Lily favorites for fall!
Clockwise from Top:
Look 1
Look 2
Look 3
Look 4
Because I'm an ambassador, I get a small commission from any sales that are made through my specific Pink Lily links. So, as always, it means the world to me when you all take the time to shop using my links. Thanks so much for all of your support!!
XOXO,
Abby
Fashion
Lifestyle
Work Wear
I read a statistic one time that most people change careers 5-7 times in their lifetime. Careers, not jobs. When I read that, I think I was in college,painfully slaving away working diligently towards a nursing degree, and I thought, "there is no way I would ever do anything else after working so hard to become a nurse. I will die in scrubs with syringes in hand." LOLOL 21 year old me was so dumb.
Now that I've been a nurse for 5 years, I could confidently say that I would walk away from the nursing profession as a whole if given the right opportunity. I do enjoy my job (for the most part). Surgery interests me, and I consider myself good at my job. But, (a.) it doesn't define who I am, (b.) hospital drama and politics get old really quick, and (c.) I can honestly just see myself doing a lot of different things.
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If I Wasn't a Nurse + Introducing Work Wear
I read a statistic one time that most people change careers 5-7 times in their lifetime. Careers, not jobs. When I read that, I think I was in college,
Now that I've been a nurse for 5 years, I could confidently say that I would walk away from the nursing profession as a whole if given the right opportunity. I do enjoy my job (for the most part). Surgery interests me, and I consider myself good at my job. But, (a.) it doesn't define who I am, (b.) hospital drama and politics get old really quick, and (c.) I can honestly just see myself doing a lot of different things.
For the majority of my young adulthood, I was so set on nursing, and just healthcare in general, that I didn't even consider any other career paths. I briefly thought about exercise science in college, but ultimately decided I could still be involved in the health and wellness realm while practicing as a nurse. I'm a certified group fitness instructor, and I do enjoy teaching different fitness classes.
Here are a few other things I wish I had considered in the past (and that I'm honestly still considering now).
Up until now, I've steered away from sharing workwear on abbylish.com because I felt like I wasn't the best person to recommend it. However, I started thinking that while I might not personally wear a lot of business clothes, many of y'all do! So I thought I could still share some of the workwear that I like (and live vicariously through you all when you wear it!).
I've created a new Workwear Tab on the blog full of pieces that will appropriate for the office. I'll be updating it as I find new pieces, so check back often. Like everything else I share on abbylish.com, my goal for this page is to share workwear pieces that are functional, fashionable, and most importantly, affordable!
Click here to check out what I've found so far!
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What do you do for work? Have you ever considered doing something else? What's your dream job??
Let me know in the comments section below!
XOXO,
Abby
Here are a few other things I wish I had considered in the past (and that I'm honestly still considering now).
1. Dental Hygiene
My Dad just retired from Dentistry a few years ago, so I feel like I'm well versed in the profession. Let me tell you...dental hygiene is where it's at. Around these parts, hygienists make great money, and their schedules can't be beat. Most dentist's offices are only open 4 days a week from 7am-4pm and are closed on all holidays, weekends, and school breaks. Oh, and there's no call, and hygienists generally aren't worried about their patient croaking in the chair.
My Dad just retired from Dentistry a few years ago, so I feel like I'm well versed in the profession. Let me tell you...dental hygiene is where it's at. Around these parts, hygienists make great money, and their schedules can't be beat. Most dentist's offices are only open 4 days a week from 7am-4pm and are closed on all holidays, weekends, and school breaks. Oh, and there's no call, and hygienists generally aren't worried about their patient croaking in the chair.
2. Marketing / PR
Since starting my blog, I'm really regretting never considering learning more about marketing and PR. I think I would be good at it, and the knowledge would be so helpful!
3. Aesthetician
There's an aesthetician who I've seen for years, and honestly she's the only reason why I would ever consider this career. She's so sweet and gives the best facials. Her work environment seems so peaceful and zen. However, I can't stand watching Dr. Pimple Popper, so maybe this wouldn't be a great choice for me...
4. Interior Design
Again, another thing that was never on my radar 10 years ago but something I really enjoy doing and would love to learn more about.
5. Country Music Star
Obvi.
I also know of a few careers/jobs that I could never do.
1. Teacher
I just can't. I'm not very patient when it comes to teaching. I've always been one of those people who would rather just do something myself than watch someone else struggle to get it right. Plus, I would absolutely lose it on thoselittle shits certain children who like to push teachers' buttons and probably end up fired or in jail.
*I would only consider teaching for the clothes. Teachers have the best outfits.
2. Nail Technician
As a nurse, I can handle some pretty gross stuff. But, there is just something about sketchy feet that sends me right over the edge. When I was in nursing school, I had a clinical at a homeless shelter. One of our tasks was to help with foot care, and I almost quit. It was like the scene from Dumb & Dumber. I clipped a guy's toenail, and it flew off and hit me in the forehead. 😐 I've been traumatized ever since.
3. Farmer
There's no way I could raise animals for slaughter. Don't get me wrong, I eat meat. And I'm thankful for farmers, but I couldn't do it myself. I'd name all the animals and get too attached.
From a clothing perspective, I majorly failed with my career choice. Scrubs are comfy and all, but they are so. boring. I truly get sad sometimes thinking about all the clothes I could be wearing on the three days that I'm at the hospital. 😂 I've always been so impressed by "business casual" style, and I kind of like the challenge of stying outfits that are both business appropriate and fashionable.Since starting my blog, I'm really regretting never considering learning more about marketing and PR. I think I would be good at it, and the knowledge would be so helpful!
3. Aesthetician
There's an aesthetician who I've seen for years, and honestly she's the only reason why I would ever consider this career. She's so sweet and gives the best facials. Her work environment seems so peaceful and zen. However, I can't stand watching Dr. Pimple Popper, so maybe this wouldn't be a great choice for me...
4. Interior Design
Again, another thing that was never on my radar 10 years ago but something I really enjoy doing and would love to learn more about.
5. Country Music Star
Obvi.
I also know of a few careers/jobs that I could never do.
1. Teacher
I just can't. I'm not very patient when it comes to teaching. I've always been one of those people who would rather just do something myself than watch someone else struggle to get it right. Plus, I would absolutely lose it on those
*I would only consider teaching for the clothes. Teachers have the best outfits.
2. Nail Technician
As a nurse, I can handle some pretty gross stuff. But, there is just something about sketchy feet that sends me right over the edge. When I was in nursing school, I had a clinical at a homeless shelter. One of our tasks was to help with foot care, and I almost quit. It was like the scene from Dumb & Dumber. I clipped a guy's toenail, and it flew off and hit me in the forehead. 😐 I've been traumatized ever since.
3. Farmer
There's no way I could raise animals for slaughter. Don't get me wrong, I eat meat. And I'm thankful for farmers, but I couldn't do it myself. I'd name all the animals and get too attached.
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| Necklace is from The Jewelry Emporium. Earrings are Rocksbox. Get your first month FREE with code abbylishxoxo! |
Up until now, I've steered away from sharing workwear on abbylish.com because I felt like I wasn't the best person to recommend it. However, I started thinking that while I might not personally wear a lot of business clothes, many of y'all do! So I thought I could still share some of the workwear that I like (and live vicariously through you all when you wear it!).
I've created a new Workwear Tab on the blog full of pieces that will appropriate for the office. I'll be updating it as I find new pieces, so check back often. Like everything else I share on abbylish.com, my goal for this page is to share workwear pieces that are functional, fashionable, and most importantly, affordable!
Click here to check out what I've found so far!
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What do you do for work? Have you ever considered doing something else? What's your dream job??
Let me know in the comments section below!
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
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