this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• I'm currently obsessed with this Apple commercial - the combination of lyrical dance choreography, that romantic Sam Smith song, and the falling snow is pure magic.

SWOON.

W+E Photographie via Ruffled

• A Hallmark worthy Christmas wedding from Emmaline.
• Bre's sitting area is my #1 Christmas decor inspiration.
• At Ruffled, a festive Alabama wedding (all the wreaths!).
• Cozy-meets-glam cocktail party inspiration from SMP.

SMILE.

• Desktops: The Everygirl, Dawn Nicole, Design Is Yay.
• This crock pot Italian pasta casserole is a new favorite.
• Love Virginia's daily photo advent calendar idea.
• All about Harry + Meghan in the news this week.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My five favorite holiday recipes and geeky Christmas wish list. 
• 2014: My December favorites.
• 2013: Why Christmas is complicated for me and my holiday wish list.
• 2012: Honoring caregivers during the holidays and our Dickens-inspired decorations.
• 2011: Mr. Q and I got engaged and officially started Beyond the Aisle!

Pinspiration: Labor Day Weekend Style

Labor Day is next Monday, and I'm already thinking about what to do with my Monday off work - I'm hoping for an invitation to the lake, but staying home, turning on the grill, and watching Norma Rae again also seems like a good option. We've been in school for three weeks already and this teacher is exhausted.

What are your plans for Labor Day?

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• This might be my favorite Carpool Karaoke yet - it's Britney, bitches! I think my all-time favorite is still "Toxic," but I'm going to picture James from now on when I hear "Hit Me Baby One More Time."

SWOON.

• Pretty burgundy botanical inspiration from 100 Layer Cake.
• From APW, a sweet woodland wedding with lush florals.
• A dreamy boho outdoor movie night from the Everygirl.
• A romantic greenhouse wedding from Henry + Mac.

SMILE.

• Happy birthday to America's National Park Service.
• Sweet: a site that lets little girls design their dresses.
• Erin's to-do list system is similar to my lesson plans.
• So cute: an art exhibition designed for dogs to enjoy.

FLASHBACK.

• 2014: My faves for September and shared a Sunday Social all about the 5's.
• 2013: jewel-toned wardrobe picks, ceremony backdrop ideas, a guide to housewarming gifts, my "House United" wreath for football season, and a Southern game day outfit.
• 2012: end-of-summer Instagrams, orange and blue and apple orchard wedding inspiration, kelly green wardrobe ideas, geometric home and fashion accessories.  
• 2011: the cost breakdown of our DIY wedding flowers, photos from our rehearsal, and my favorite peach pie recipe.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Dash Photography via Style Me Pretty

• A lovely Florida beach wedding with precious details.
• A Georgia inspiration shoot with the colors of the year.
• Al fresco summer fete inspiration from Tomkat Studio.
• Photographer Monica Wang's bright, modern home.

SMILE.

• Bustle recaps the Olympics' most emotional moments.
• Bonnie Christine's swan wall hanging is so gorgeous!
• PureWow rounds up inspiring women from every state.
• Following Design*Sponge's list of rural Instagrammers.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: Literary Junkies, chambray transitional pieces, and geeks who inspire me.
• 2014: memories of fall and college, favorite Colonial home features, and summer in IG.
• 2013: Olive and moss wardrobe picks for fall and a classic preppy gameday.
• 2012: Neutral wardrobe inspiration and home decor, a mod citrus wedding. 
• 2011: Tropical destination wedding ideas.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Jennifer Daigle Photography via Found Vintage Rentals

• Inspiration to throw more dinner parties outside.
• At SMP, a stunning organic wedding in Portugal.
• I can never resist a glam blush and gold wedding.
• Pretty DIY floral party goods from Tomkat Studio.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Oh So Lovely, Roost, Soggy Musings.
• Emily's family road trip makes a stop in Virginia.
• Kate Spade's new collection is for chic cat ladies.
• Juliette's Olympics questions made me LOL.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: Visiting Sullivan's Island.
• 2014: A Sunday Social about my preferences, soft neutral summer wardrobe inspiration, music-inspired save the dates and wedding invitations.
• 2013: A forward-thinking Sunday Social, my favorite work outfit, colorful kitchen pieces, and inspiration for a soft coral and teal wedding.
• 2012: Navy blue wardrobe and home decor ideas, bohemian weddings and brides in forehead bands.

this week's clicks: Spring Breakin'

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• My favorite part of Spotify is definitely the "Discover Weekly" playlist that generates a list of songs based on what I'm listening to and liking. Aren't algorithms cool? This week, one of my favorites from the list was Firekid's "Lay By Me" - how sweet are these lyrics?

SWOON.

Studio DIY via Love, Maegan

• Maegan's got the DIY for chic palm frond balloons.
• At S+I, a beautiful veil and funfetti wedding cake.
• SMP features a pretty pink Korean-American e-shoot.
• A fun, colorful Austin soirée from Wedding Chicks.

SMILE.

• A cheeky little pin for Spring Break outfits.
• Loving the inspiration for Jen's style challenge.
• Her Universe's Marvel activewear line is here!
• Spring Break style ideas on my Pinterest.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I pretty much predicted the Colors of the Year for 2016.
• Two years ago, Sunday Social was about ideals and accomplishments. I featured my fave green and black and white picks, and rounded up my April favorites.
• Three years ago I rounded up rainy day fashions, white bridesmaid dress inspiration, explained how we save money on groceries, completed my second Liebster survey, and shared my love story with Mr. Q for the Love and Marriage series.
• Four years ago I collected inspiration for an April Fool's wedding.

2016 blog loves.

Three years ago, Ginger from Literally Inspired asked us to share our "blog-mances" - the blogs we were absolutely, head over heels, gotta-read-every-post obsessed with. I still love rounding up the impressive blogs that cover a range of of my favorite topics - art, lifestyle, home decor, cooking, DIY, reading - and that I think you should add to your reading list ASAP! This month, the topic for The Circle link-up hosted by Kiki from In Its Time was "Blogger Valentines," so it's the perfect time to share an updated list of blogs I've fallen for.  Here are five blogs I'm loving right now...

You Are My Fave

You Are My Fave - Melanie's blog is dedicated to diy projects, decorating and party ideas, gift guides, and other fun, quirky, and colorful finds. I fell in love with her blog thanks to her creative "in a box" series, like these TV shows in a box.

Oh Happy Day - If it involves parties, DIY, neon, interior design, larger-than-life photo props and backgrounds, or balloons, Jordan and the other creators behind Oh Happy Day have found ways to make it new and fun. My favorite feature is the weekly round-up of clever party ideas from around the web.

Camille Styles - Reading this lifestyle blog is like reading a fabulously glossy magazine about a well-lived life. The team features recipes, beauty tutorials, and wellness tips, along with sneak peeks at amazing parties, and pulls off sponsored posts in a way that isn't cloying.

Still Being Molly - Molly posts about her life as a mom, her love of essential oils, tips on how to manage money, real-girl fashion and wardrobe picks that support good causes.

Allons-y Kimberly - Kimberly seems to be on a bit of a hiatus right now, but I hope she comes back soon! Her lifestyle blog was one of my inspirations to share more of my geeky side (I love her "Weekly Wonders" posts) and join in the #5FandomFriday fun.

Previously featured blog loves I'm still freaking out over:  Corilynn, Southern Curls and Pearls, Nine-Thirty to Five, Putting Me Together, Un-Fancy, A Cup of Jo, Oh Joy!, Sacramento Street, Oana Befort, Sarah's Scribbles, The Everygirl, Fabulous K, Note to Self, Yes and Yes, My Life as a Teacup, The Perpetual Page-Turner, The Life of Bon, Bright Bazaar, Clean and Scentsible, Trash Is For Tossers, Everyday Occasions, City Farmhouse, A Thoughtful Place, {Ella Claire}, The Lettered Cottage, Earnest Home Co.,  6th Street Design School, The Vintage Housewife, Tidy Mom, A Farmgirl's Dabbles, The Gracious Pantry, SkinnyTaste, How Sweet It Is, Shutterbean, The Recipe Critic, Dinner, A Love Story

Which blogs always put a smile on your face?  Do you have any recommendations this month?

PINspiration: An 80's inspired Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner... and for some reason I'm feeling an '80s vibe! Bring on the sparkles, hearts, and NEON! Whether you're watching John Hughes movies with your girlfriends or roller skating with your boo, I hope you're all getting pumped for a totally radical Valentine's Day.

clicks of note: we threw our arms 'round this humdrum world...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• Here on the cusp of the new year, I like a good "carpe diem" song, and Josh Rouse's "A Lot Like Magic" is the perfect fit. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families, and I can't wait to see the wonderful things we'll accomplish in 2016.

SWOON.

Izzy Hudgins Photography via Ruffled

• Ruffled features a whimsical, sparkly Savannah fête.
• You must see Jennifer Blair's magical Colorado shoot.
• At Southern Weddings, an elegant, glittery wedding.
• A rustic glam Montana wedding from Style Me Pretty.

SMILE.

• Lindsey and her husband created a new last name.
• Audrey found the perfect dress for New Year's!
• Cyd's confetti glitter vase is perfect for a party.
• Shiny, shimmery NYE inspiration from Pinterest.

REFLECT.

• 16 things you should say goodbye to in 2016.
• A technique to help respond to stressful situations.
• Love Bonnie Christine's motto for 2016.
• Christy Tending on New Year's Resolutions:

"We can choose to take on fewer things to fill our lives, and do them with total commitment and complete kindness. We could choose a handful of life-priorities and follow those with all of our hearts. We could take guidance from quiet and guidance from less."

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I rounded up my most popular posts of 2014 and my personal favorites.
• Two years ago, I counted down my most popular posts of 2013 as well as my personal favorites, and shared my Midnight in Paris inspired New Year's Eve tablescape.
• Three years ago, I shared my favorite posts of 2012, rose gold inspiration for New Year's Eve, and my favorite movies and books of 2012.  I kicked off 2013 by listing my annual organization goals and rounding up cool and cozy gray wardrobe picks and home decor ideas.  Laura nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award.
• Four years ago I rounded up gold and champagne inspiration for New Year's Eve and listed my organization goals for 2012.

clicks of note: i believe we can...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN. 

• Thanks to Spotify, I'm in love with In the Valley Below's song "Dove Season." It's so unique I don't really know how to explain it... almost like what would happen if The xx teamed up with the Civil Wars. I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Photography by Leah via Snippet & Ink

• Snippet and Ink features a quirky, pretty garden wedding.
• Peacock-themed perfection from Doerman Photography.
• A sweet, colorful engagement session from Korie Lynn.
• At Wedding Chicks, a charmingly classic Savannah fête.

SMILE.

• Adding these cute sticky bookmarks to my wishlist.
• From Lia Griffith, DIY whimsical paper fairy crowns.
• Embroidered Instagrams for you scrapbooky types.
• Loved reading Micah's post about finding happiness.

FLASHBACK.  

• Last year I participated in a Sunday Social about my favorite 3's, rounded up some style picks for a tropical getaway, shared inspiration for a modern Alice in Wonderland wedding,
• Two years ago, I participated in a Sunday Social about food, shared beach bag essentials in bright shades of red and blue, rounded up quirky ceremony backdrops, and shared my summer blog loves.
• Three years ago, I saw President Obama speak in Roanoke, shared summer and fall wardrobe inspiration in shades of gray, rounded up inspiration for a destination beach wedding, and participated in a fun Sunshine Blogger Survey.
• Four years ago I shared thoughts on what makes a wedding fun and inspiration for traditional, modern, eclectic, and rustic weddings with a gray and yellow color palette. 

13 Going on 30

Guess what, y'all?

Why yes, I am having a milestone birthday today. 30 seems to freak a lot of women out and if the media is worth believing I should probably be stocking up on wrinkle creams and Metamucil right now. I'm not having any kind of midlife crisis - my life is, absolutely, better than it's ever been. In addition to being the year of my birth, 1985 was the year of "We Are The World," Care Bears, Super Mario Bros., Carmen Sandiego, New Coke, Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club. All I wanted for my birthday this year was an 80's themed party with my tribe, and that is exactly what I'm getting from my own personal John Hughes and Molly Ringwald, Mr. Q and Breeze. I can't wait for tonight - I decided to go full geek on my friends and make gift bags full of 80's nostalgia. I'm calling it 13 Going on 30, because a.) I love Jennifer Garner and b.) That's a pretty good summary of my life considering I spend my days roaming the hallways of a junior high school.

1. Jelly bracelets - Pretty much the first thing I think of when I think of the 80's - I used to love the ones with the water and glitter in them, but they always broke and made a mess. The rubber ones are super cheap in the kid's jewelry section at Wal-Mart.

2. Crown and Ivy top - The Crown and Ivy line at Belk is full of adorable pieces that will appeal to Lilly Pulitzer fans and actually includes petites! I fell in love with this neon tee with a crochet overlay in the front.

3. Pixy Stix - The Breakfast Club is my favorite 80's movie, so this is my little tribute to Allison's weird, weird sandwich.

4. Rubik's Cube - Oriental Trading seems to have run out of the mini puzzle cubes that I am using as party favors, but they are available from a few other sources.

5. H&M striped skirt - Nothing complements neon like graphic black and white!

6. Party City Buttons - It was the "I Wear My ⌐■-■ at Night" button that got me.

7. Razzles - "First it's a candy, then it's a gum. Little round Razzles are so much fun!" I don't think I ever actually ate these as a kid, but they remind me of 13 Going on 30 so they are a must!

8. 80's music - My little side project this week has been building the most amazing 80's station ever on Pandora. For me, that means movie soundtracks and lots of Hall and Oates. It is literally impossible for me to hear "You Make My Dreams" and not smile.

clicks of note: if you truly wish to be...

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• I don't care how stressed out I am, the Muppets will always make me smile. This video has me wishing the powers that be had chosen Josh Groban to play Willy Wonka instead of creepy Johnny Depp. Linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

• China pattern fans rejoice: the new White House set.
• Are you loving the brass kitchen hardware trend too?
• SMP features this elegant multicultural wedding.
• At SW, a creative, beautiful equestrian center soiree.

SMILE.

• Desktops from Card Store and Going Home to Roost.
• If I ever start my own school it will have rainbow stairs.
• How cute is Lia Griffith's jellyfish beach party garland?
• Beautiful paintings inspired by Searching for Sunday.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared a TV flashback themed Sunday Social post, rounded up lemon yellow picks (including my favorite scent) and inspiration for a rustic lemon wedding, and shared a typical day in my life as a teacher.
• Two years ago I shared my past and made predictions about my future.

year in review: most popular posts of 2014

We've come to the last few days of 2014, and it's time to reflect.  Google Analytics, Blogger, and Pinterest are handy tools to use to see what posts were popular this year and where visitors to Beyond the Aisle were coming from.

Here's a peek at my stats from 2014:
Visitors - 16,991 (up over 1,000 from last year!)
Unique Visitors - 15,351 (up over 3,000 from last year!)
Pageviews - 23,260 (up over 2,000 from last year!)

Visitors from these countries visited Beyond the Aisle in 2014:
1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Australia
5. Germany
6. France
7. South Africa 
8. Philippines
9. Brazil
10. Mexico

These cities are home to Beyond the Aisle readers:
1. Charlottesville
2. New York
3. Chicago (up from #7 last year!)
4. London
5. Washington
6. Baltimore
7. Hialeah
8. Toronto
9. Los Angeles
10. Houston

Most popular posts:

10. Sunday Social: Beauty Edition - I really miss the Sunday Social link-ups - the questions often got me thinking.  While beauty doesn't seem like a really in-depth topic, I think we all know that women are actually very interested in each other's routines.

9. Patriotic Washi Tape Decor for Independence Day - let's be honest, this was the easiest DIY ever!  I still wanted to share my little burst of creativity with the blog world for one of my favorite holidays, and I'm glad people liked it!  My candleholders and vases made a few appearances on Pinterest as well - easy crafts for the win.

8. My May Favorites - Another now-defunct link-up, but I'm still posting my favorites each month - and I still love everything I've posted in these!  A bit of sad news for 2015, though, is that my favorite jewelry company, Lia Sophia, is going out of business.

7. Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness - We did a big Light It Up Blue week at school and I enjoyed bringing that over to the blog.

6. eShakti Dress Review - One of my favorite posts of the year because Mr. Q helped me with all of the photos and we had fun.  It also brought one of my real-life friends to the blog through eShakti!

5. Winter Style: Classy in Cranberry - You're going to be seeing a lot of burgundy and maroon shades this year since Marsala was chosen as Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015.

4. Inspiration for a Dreamy Mint and Baby's Breath Spring Wedding - Dream wedding round-ups are still one of my favorite things to do here on the blog.

3. Series: My Favorite 2014 Golden Globes Looks, My Favorite 2014 Golden Globes Hair and Makeup, Oscars Style: My Favorite Hair, Makeup, and Accessories - Clearly, you all are award show junkies just like I am!

2. The Boy Behind the Blog: Mr. Q's Turn to Post! - His answers were short, sweet, and to the point.  AND YOU OBVIOUSLY LOVED IT.

1. Rock and Roll 50th Birthday Party Ideas - My best work friend worked so hard on her husband's birthday party and Mr. Q and I were happy to help out by lending our photography and DIY skills.  I'm still really proud of my chalkboard project and it has become popular on Pinterest as well!