Today’s tidbit: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

First off… as this beautiful day begins, today is different. Take time today to reflect, remember and never forget 9.11.

There are some HUGE things planned for September and October.
September: Allie’s bridal shower + South African adventure!
October: Friends wedding in NY + Photo shoot with a new family + Allie & Brian’s wedding!

This past weekend we celebrated my sisters bridal shower in Roanoke, VA. It was a wonderful weekend and I can’t wait to share more on that when I return from my trip! I will be spending the rest of September in South Africa exploring with my mom. Our flight is THIS EVENING!!! When I return in October I won’t be staying put just yet. I will then be going to New York with John for a friends wedding. AND then one of the most exciting and important events is mid October, another wedding… my other half, my twin sister!! Allie and Brian will be getting married at a gorgeous venue in Southern Virginia! Phew, I have to try not to blink or before I know it November will be here!

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

Goodbye summer, hello fall. Although spring and summer are my favorite months, I am looking forward to what fall brings… and with fall comes pumpkin, cinnamon and apple everything, which I can’t get enough of starting with the pumpkin spice latte 🙂

So, starting with the first big thing… going to one of my dream places to explore: SOUTH AFRICA! I’m not looking at it as a vacation or time to relax, but rather as an amazing adventure and what I’m sure will be a life changing experience!

My mom and I will be traveling all over the country, going with different tours and staying in a variety of hotels and ranches. Right now, I am most excited to be able to spend a night here: Heia Safari Ranch. My mom has been here before and said she woke up to a giraffe in her window. As the website states, “Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Blesbock, Impala and Springbock roam the hotel grounds freely along with “Zonky” (Zebra + Donkey cross breed) and three rare black Springbock.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I will be sleeping with one eye open and my camera in hand.

So why South Africa?! It has been on my bucket list for a few reasons:

1. Wildlife + terrain
2. History + culture
3. Landscape + beauty

The last few days I have been packing, packing, packing.

Neutrals + Safari. I have lots of neutrals for all of the safari game drives we will be going on early in the morning to see wildlife. Normally my shorts are just that, short so I had to go out and buy some longer shorts and capris. Luckily since fall is starting here, all the summer clothes is on sale and I was able to get a bunch of options.

South African rand is really beautiful. I love the detail + color. I’m ready to go explore and shop!

I am ready for the long flight and to get this adventure started! I will have limited internet access but may post a few pictures to Instagram while I’m there.

When I get back in October I will catch up on blog posts, starting with Allie’s bridal shower + wedding stationary and then her bridal shower weekend. Have a wonderful September!