As we enter our third full week of school, I’m reminded August is coming to an end and summer, in my mind, will officially be over. September 1st is my kickoff to fall. I cannot wait another minute to put out a pumpkin or two and change my door hanger to something Auburn related for football season. AHHH! I’m getting so excited! I’m really trying to be intentional about looking forward to things. Time moves so quickly, and I find that looking forward to something has really made it slow down for me…or seem like it, anyway. Like when you were a kid waiting for Christmas, the time would drag on and on. But become an adult and BAM, lightening speed. ………I don’t know how any of this fall talk pertains to my summer. Let’s reign it in, shall we?
The topic of today’s summer recap is: Most Worn Items/Favorite Purchases. If what I was wearing is not available, I’ll try to link this year’s version or just link to the shop I got it from. Not everything is clothes, but for the items that are, if you’re in the south with me, you know everything I’m about to share will be relevant in your closet until about November. Come on cooler temps! I’m ready for a sweatshirt!
Tag: Fashion
Granny and Granddaddy
Starting Off Right
While February is nearing its end, I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. I believe reflection is a great way to remember to be grateful for the things in your life. Helps keep things in perspective, ya know? So today I’ll be recapping the first month of the year and all the good and bad it brought with it.
Continue reading “Starting Off Right”April Favorites
Wow! Where did the month go? I feel like I blinked, looked at the calendar and it was April 15th. And now- Bam! It’s over! Don’t we always feel that way, though? I mean, except for January. I’m always glad to see that one go. But what a quick month it’s been. Maybe because it’s been so full of such wonderful things. We had Easter, I helped throw a baby shower for a friend, I went to the beach, we had state testing, which wasn’t a favorite of the month, but it was totally a huge part of the month and a stress inducer. There were hair appointments (always good days), a book release I was excited about, the premier of the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and so much more. Let’s dive in to all the good things I’ve deemed my favorites of the month.
Favorite Book of the Month
I can’t remember a time when Beth Moore wasn’t teaching me about Jesus. Her memoir was on my radar, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to read the physical copy or listen to her read it to me on Audible. I decided to go with the Audible version. And listen, I knew some of her back story. I mean, I’ve listened to countless interviews, done a Bible study of hers, and watched all the Youtube videos. (This one is my favorite.) But, y’all, I was not prepared for some of these stories. I was not prepared for her to share as much as she did. If you’ve been studying under Mrs. Beth and have been blessed by her, please consider getting on the waitlist at the library or using an Audible credit for this one. You’ll love it.
Favorite Purchases of the month
Paul’s counsin’s incredibly stylish wife started a new online boutique called Not the Norm that has the cutest clothes. She had her first pop up at the beginning of the month, and I scooped up two colorful tops, which are way out of my comfort zone, but I love them both! The next pop up is on Saturday, May 6th at the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. You should definitely come, you should definitely start following them on Instagram, and you should definitely go ahead and shop online.
It wouldn’t be a new month if I didn’t buy a book. This one was a highly anticipated release. So highly anticipated that I preordered it. If you’ve been around long enough, you know that I love Laura Tremaine. She wrote a book I loved called Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. She hosts a weekly podcast called 10 Things to Tell You that is a delight to listen to and learn from. And now she’s written a new book called The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs. It came out early this month, but I haven’t been able to start it yet. I can’t wait!
Favorite Thing I Watched
I am so behind on shows, but I was most excited about the return of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Though it’s the last season, I’m still excited to see how they will wrap it up for us. I sort of appreciate the weekly release of the episodes. It’ll help me savor it. I have been such a huge fan of the show since the beginning and have watched the previous seasons multiple times. It became on of those “comfort shows” for me. If you’ve never watched, you must start at the beginning. Know that seasons 3 and 4 aren’t always top notch, but stick it out anyway. The endings will leave you floored. And just one more reason to watch it- the costumes. Gosh, that fashion is divine!
Paul and I watched Daisy Jones and the Six like the rest of the world. It was just okay for me. No, that’s not true. It was actually very good and well done. But I had just reread the book and had so many ideas fresh in my head, and when the show didn’t match my expectations, I turned my nose up at it. I thought the book was perfectly done and didn’t see any need to change anything, so I had a hard time with the show. However, if you’ve never read the book, I’m guessing you loved/will love the show, and I do recommend it. And while we’re talking TV fashion, Camilla’s outfit at the album cover shoot…that head scarf and oversized sunglasses- PERFECTION!
Favorite Thing I ate
Having lived in Louisiana one can get used to a caliber of food that just isn’t matched anywhere else. And one also cannot replicate that food on her own either. During Lent, Paul and I were thrilled to give the boiled crawfish from Pip’s a try. It was delicious, and we made ourselves incredibly satisfied over who-knows-how-many pounds of crawfish one Friday night. We even called over my parents, who never got crawfish while we lived in Louisiana. While it wasn’t my dad’s idea of a good time, mom liked it pretty good. It was a nice taste of our other home.
My birthday falls at the end of April, and my mom offered to make me a cake. She made a delicious chocolate cake with chocolate icing last year, and I told her I’d like that again. She decided to do a different recipe this year from the one and only Ina Garten. It was delicious, and I recommend finding any excuse to make it.
Other Favorites
Red Aspen Press On Nails
in Nina On Cloud Nine
I cannot get over how wonderful these press on nails are! The learning curve is short, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the natural look, the longevity, and the price. Nina on Cloud Nine is the perfect white mani. If you’re one who paints her own nails, you know how many coats it takes to get an opaque white mani. This takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and zero dry time! Get yours here.
Naghedi St. Barths Tote
It’s been high time for a new handbag around here, and I was kind of digging the woven tote bags I’d seen some of the influencers carry. Most of the ones I saw were the larger size one from Amazon. I think those are so cute, but I was in the mood for a change- smaller purse, bold color. Enter Naghedi. I first laid eyes on the St. Barths Tote via @nashvilletash in the gorgeous orchid color (no longer available). But I wanted one that I could carry longer than spring and summer. That’s when I perused the website and found it in poppy. She’s a bright orange that I will carry all year round. It’s neoprene, machine washable, and thoughtfully made. There are tons of styles and sizes. It’s a bit of an investment but not a huge one in comparison with more couture bags. It’s a total win in my book!
Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion
I’ve droned on and on about my oily skin here, especially when talking about Beautycounter. Honestly, I’ve been dealing with it since I hit puberty. I was using and loving the Countertime Collection at Beautycounter, which is the anti-aging line that has a retinol alternative called Bakuchiol in it. It was super hydrating and I knew it was keeping those deep set wrinkles at bay. (Also, the eye cream is truly incredible and worth every penny!) Anyway, I just kept being EXTREMELY oily throughout the day, so I decided that I was going to experiment and see if a different moisturizing routine would help. I swapped the Supreme Cream (night) for the Soft Cream (day)- I put this on at night before bed. I was foregoing moisturizer in the mornings because the Soft Cream was too much moisture for my skin under my makeup, which happens to be a tinted moisturizer base.
I decided I needed some type of moisturizer in the morning, so I finally gave the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion a try. The beauty of this moisturizer is that it’s sort of like a mood ring for your face. It just knows what you are/need. I have been less oily than every before! It is so light and absorbs quickly into your skin. I cannot get over the sorcery that is in this product. 🙂 If you don’t love your current moisturizer, you must give this stuff a try! It’s pure magic!
I Feel Like I’m Missing Tons
April may have been fast and furious, but it was great! Lots of fun and lots of blessings. I hope April brought joy to your life, and I hope that May brings even more. We have another birthday I the house in May and let’s not forget the end of the school year! Counting down the days. Hope to share more soon.
Favorite Things of 2022
Happy New Year! We’re almost two weeks in to 2023, and I hope you’re all doing well. I’m hoping for good things for us all this year!
Today I want to share some of the stand out things of 2022. We’ll span the whole spectrum of categories, so grab a seat and read on.
Life
Paul and I started going back to church in the summer and have really enjoyed it. We haven’t always been able to go to church together. His work schedule never really allowed it while we lived in Louisiana, and when we moved back to Alabama we weren’t really sure where we fit. Anyway, I’m just really happy to be able to attend church together and to grow together in our faith. God opens doors right when we need him to, and I am so grateful that he does.
This summer was the first one that I didn’t have a second job. I fully embraced summer vacation and took time off. It was glorious. I read so many books!
Other highlights of the year were:
Growing tomatoes for the first time and acquiring a second rose bush and a lime tree that is incredibly high maintenance, but the limes are GOOD!
Marrying off my best friend in the sweetest ceremony.
Attending two Auburn football games.
2022 had a few upsets for us too. One being the loss of my Aunt Sharon. We share a birthday and had a very special bond. I miss her terribly, but God continues to show His goodness and faithfulness even in times of loss, grief, hurt, and disappointment. On the morning she died, I was heading out the door to work, and when I opened it there was the biggest cardinal just sitting on a powerline looking at me. I gasped, and it flew away. I hadn’t heard the news yet, but in that moment I knew it was my sign that she had passed. As I was pulling into the school parking lot, my mama called to tell me my aunt had died early that morning. My friend told me the cardinal was a God wink to let me know she was okay. I believe it. God works in mysterious ways and no doubt knows that old saying about cardinals showing up as lost loved ones. His goodness and faithfulness never fails.
Listening
Nicolle Galyon released her debut album called Firstborn. Nicolle is a songwriter of many songs that you know and love in the country music genre, but she finally put out her own album, and It. Is. Incredible. She is one of the most gifted songwriters of her generation, and I could listen to her album over and over again and never tire of it. Oh wait, I did that.
Towards the end of the year and still now (let’s blame it on Yellowstone coming back in November) I started listening to Lainey Wilson (specifically Bell Bottom Country), and I think I really like her. If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ve likely heard her songs popping up in stories. I wake up singing one almost every morning.
Watching
The White Lotus on HBO Max was a show Paul and I tried in season one and couldn’t really get into it. Well, a podcast I listen to started devoting their episodes to season two of The White Lotus and that made me very curious. I wasn’t sure if I needed to finish season one to fully get season two (you don’t) but I powered through it and ended up really liking it.
But season two!!!
That was the better one for me. It’s set in Italy so it’s breathtaking scenery, and I liked the characters better. Highly recommend.
House of the Dragon was the other show I was very excited about watching this year. It came out in August on HBO Max and is a prequel to Game of Thrones focused on the ancestors of Daenerys Targaryen. I thought it was incredible and can’t wait for more. I think if you’re a GOT fan then you’ll like this one.
Reading
Hands down my favorite book of the year was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. It is nearly 900 pages, but it is the most beautiful and complex storytelling you’ll read. I laughed and cried and cringed my way through. There were things I could never imagine living through, and then the next page would have me wishing I was right there with the Hat Creek Outfit. After reading it I started watching the mini series, but I couldn’t bring myself to watch the last part of it because I had the notion in my head of what the ending of the book was supposed to be like. And even though Robert Duvall could not have been a better Gus, I could not let the show influence my vision of how the ending of the book went. If you read one western in your life, please make it Lonesome Dove.
A very close second and a complete shift in content is another book I have to share with you, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. This book follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1960s, who hosts a cooking show that teaches women far more than cooking. It’s about her life and the struggles of being a woman in the world of science in a time when women “belonged in the home”. There’s also a dog in the book named Six-Thirty, and I’ve never loved a fictional animal more. What a delight of a book. Add it to your TBR list.
Wearing
Boyfriend button down (Size Large) | High wasted jeans (could have sized down one) | Similar Sneakers | Similar Earrings (mine are black) | Loopy Phone Case (Plaid)
Blazers have taken over my wardrobe. I bought one several years ago and have worn it now and again, but as I started seeing them pop up in the fall fashion trends, I decided to jump on the bandwagon. I’ve gotten one locally, one from Amazon, and one from a thrift store. I think blazers are an easy way to elevate a basic look, add a sophisticated layer, and provide warmth without the bulk. I’m not sure I’ll be quitting these anytime soon.
Jeans | Pumps (Color: Chestnut)
I was in desperate need of a pair of black pumps when I found a pair in Target and bought them on a whim. I fell in love. So in love that I bought them in a nude color, too. Are they the most well made pump you could own? Nope. But are they comfortable, the perfect, comfortable heel height, and affordable? Yep. I wear them all the time and with everything. I’ll report back if I get the courage to wear them all day teaching.
Another Target shoe I bought in black and then again in nude is this two-strap sandal. I also wear these with everything and do wear these all day at school. Those block heels can take you the distance! They are comfortable and have a cushiony foot bed. Love ’em.
I’ve reached borderline obsession status with my next favorite: Vivian Drew Earrings. I have slowly been collecting pieces from this brand for several years, but it turns out that when I send her Instagram posts over to Paul’s DMs, he buys them and gives them to me for birthdays and anniversaries and Christmases. Take that tip to the bank, girls! Works every time. 😉 The quality is excellent. The very first pair that I bought still looks brand new. Check out her site here and give her a follow on Instagram.
Beauty
I have been with Beautycounter for several years now, but I have never tried the Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick until October and wow, wow, wow! I decided to get the At the Red-y Lip Duo holiday set, and I’m just wondering why I never got this lipstick before. It really is conditioning and the color payoff is surprising for a sheer lipstick.
The other thing I’m still loving is the Countertime Line from Beautycounter. It’s the anti-aging line that uses Bakuchiol in place of Retinol. This makes it less harsh and safe for those who are pregnant and nursing. I truly love it.
Shop my faves
Here’s your one-stop-shop for all of my 2022 favorites.
- Lonesome Dove Book
- At the Red-y Lip Duo
- Amazon The Drop White Blazer (fits TTS)
- Vivian Drew Earrings (this style currently on sale)
- Countertime Skincare Regimen
- Target Nude Two-Strap Sandal (fits TTS/wearing color Chestnut)
- Target Black Two-Strap Sandal (fits TTS)
- Target Black Pump (fits TTS)
- Target Nude Pump (fits TTS/wearing color Chestnut)
- Lessons in Chemistry Book
Here’s to 2023!
More good music. More interesting books. More entertaining television. More affordable fashion. More safer beauty. More church. More Auburn football. More relaxing. More time with friends and loved ones. More God winks. More blessings.
Until next time.
Small Shops I’m Loving
This Christmas I was gifted several things from small shops. Some were local, some were Etsy shops, and one was an independent bookstore. I have had such pleasant experiences with them that I wanted to shout their praises here today. I also hope this reminds you to support all small businesses that you love. We shop big box stores and Amazon so often that we can forget what these creatives and hard working people have to offer.
Greenville’s Gems
The Roost- Ronaldo Bracelet
Now that I work at The Roost, I once again have access to an inventory of Ronaldo jewelry. For those of you that didn’t know, when the Wisteria Cottage storefront closed, The Roost was able to acquire their Ronaldo inventory. Well, not too long ago, a shipment of new Ronaldo bracelets came in, and I fell in love with the Drawn to You bracelet. I was very happy and surprised to open it on Christmas and have worn it almost everyday since! If you’re a fan of Ronaldo jewelry, The Roost can help you get the perfect piece for yourself or a loved one.
True South- Hat
True South is always a fun store to go in that has unique and trendy pieces. I know I can always count on some good accessories there, too, and that was just the thing I got. I have quite a collection of hats, but I didn’t have a navy blue one. Plus, this particular hat is red on the bottom side of the brim, and that is just the type of detail that can totally elevate an outfit.
McFerrin’s- Cross Necklace
I have pretty much lost count at the number of times I’ve received a McFerrin’s box over the course of my life, and it isn’t lost on me what a privilege it is to say that. When I opened another one this Christmas, I was extremely touched by what I found inside. Paul and my mom worked together this Christmas to match a gold cross from my childhood with the perfect gold chain. Jehle found the perfect color match and length of chain to create exactly what I wanted. Job well done to all three of them for giving me a very special piece of jewelry that I’ll cherish forever.
Etsy Shops
Shop Hello Harper- Holiday Styrofoam Cups
This holiday season I helped host a Christmas gathering with some friends, a Christmas Crawl, if you will, and I was responsible for hosting the cocktail hour of the crawl. In my search for the perfect coup glass, I found that my budget did not match my taste in barware. Go figure… Then I started thinking that maybe I could turn this into something cute, memorable, and travel friendly. Enter Etsy and Shop Hello Harper. The shop offers tons of styles and personalized options at a great price point. I was very pleased, and they carried me through several holiday gatherings.
Engrave This, Inc- Roman Numeral Bracelet
During Holiday Market this October, I stopped at a booth, Engrave This, started talking to the adorable owner, and ordered the show-special bracelet. My sister-in-law, Anna, was with us and suggested I have my anniversary in Roman numerals engraved on it. After a quick Google search of the date, I wrote it down for the owner, and she said it would be her first bracelet with a Roman numeral date. Mrs. Robyn bought it for me and gave it to me for Christmas. I love it so much. Unfortunately, I don’t see the bracelet in her shop, but she has many beautiful pieces, and I love all the engraving options.
The Bookshelf
I have been a long time listener of From the Front Porch Podcast that is hosted by the owner of an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia called The Bookshelf. Annie gives me tons of titles to read, and I just love her honesty about reading and life and just all the things. I had a few books on my list this Christmas and wanted to support her shop, so I was thrilled to receive not one but two copies of Hill House Living by Paula Sutton. Naturally, I wanted to return one and get the other book that was on my list, so I emailed asking what I should do to return the extra book I had received. The customer service could not have been nicer and more personal. I have the highest respect for the women who are running that very successful bookstore. Give the podcast a listen here if you like reading, and see all of Annie’s book reviews on Instagram here. And check out the website for books and gifts that are sure to fit the likes of many a book lover on your gifting list.
So, this got me thinking about other bookshops that I could support that are geographically closer to me. Here’s what I found:
Wetumpka, AL- Sweet Home Books
Birmingham, AL- Little Professor
Auburn, AL- Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers
Fairhope, AL- Page and Palette
I know most of you know how important it is to support our local and small businesses. I am guilty of taking advantage of the convenience and low prices of online shopping, but I know what a great feeling it is when we support these small businesses. Let’s support them more in 2022. Have a great day, friends!
Leopard for Fall and Winter
Leopard print is one of those patterns that has truly stood the test of time. We wear it year round but we tend to love it more in the fall and winter months. I think it’s because of the warm colors and the way it goes with the darker ones like plum, forest green, and mustard yellow. I raided my closet and scoured the internet for some great options for us this season and next (though it feels like winter out there right now).
Continue reading “Leopard for Fall and Winter”Old Navy Fall Fashion Wish List
Paul recently told me I needed to cool it with the spending. Oops! In all honesty, I did make a few big purchases this past week that I wanted/had to make, and I’m pretty sure both of our iPhones are on their way out of commission. Ugh! So we’re staring down another big purchase in the near future. I probably should cool it. In the meantime, I’m going to “shop” for YOU. If ever there is a favorite time for me to shop, it’s now. Give me all the fall fashion! I was scouring the Old Navy website and found a bunch of cute fall staples that can be paired with things you already have in your closet and can be worn for months to come. Everything is linked! (These are not affiliate links. I am not that cool yet, but if you guys keep engaging with me here and on Instagram, then I’ll be able to provide those for y’all soon, hopefully!)
Continue reading “Old Navy Fall Fashion Wish List”The Tank Top You Need Now!
Ladies, I have hit the tank top lottery! It’s modest, lightweight, breathable, soft, and extremely versatile. And here’s the best part: it’s under $5!!! Yes, my friends, this tank top is from our beloved Walmart. I heard my girl Meghan talking about it on her Instastories, so I knew it had to be good. She has the best finds from Walmart, y’all. Anyway, she was showing the black one, so I went out and picked one up the next time I made a grocery run. I literally wore it two days in a row. (I washed it.) And on that second day I went back to the store and bought another black one (I know; don’t judge.) and a white one. They come in several color ways, but you all know how I tend to stick to neutrals.
Continue reading “The Tank Top You Need Now!”Currently Loving- February 2019
Um, where did February go? I feel like the month went by so quickly that I don’t have as many favorites this time. However, the Oscar Fashion portion is going to be pretty lengthy, so it’ll make up for the lack of other favorites. 🙂 I hope you all had a great month and that March will be even better.
Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards
I was completely in love with her whole look that night. The dress was so eye-catching and glamorous. Her hair and makeup was sultry. And that necklace was the perfect compliment to the dress. Then she went and changed for her performance, and I lost my mind. More sparkle, and she looked fabulous.
I’ve never wanted to be a rock star more. So many people criticized her performance for being terrible and strange. But like my favorite quote says, “The things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful.” Keep doing you, Gaga.
Where the Crawdads Sing
This book was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was incredibly descriptive, heartbreakingly beautiful, and I was surprised all the way to the end. I could not recommend Where the Crawdads Sing more. Ms. Owens is a phenomenal writer, and I hope she gives us more of these types of books.
Oscars Fashion
Oscar night is like my Super Bowl. Heck, it might as well be as exciting as Christmas morning. I love this day so much because there’s actual “pregame” programs on TV starting at 4pm and sometimes earlier. E! covers a ton of the red carpet, and I tend to stick with them until showtime. This year there was drama about Kevin Hart being the host of the Oscars which led to there being no host at all, and I actually enjoyed the show better that way. I didn’t have to listen to someone push their political agenda through a monologue, and I didn’t have to cringe through bad jokes. I thought the night flowed quite well, and I enjoyed it a lot. I mean, Queen opened the show! How much better does it get? In my opinion, there doesn’t need to be another host. Each song that’s up for Best Original Song gets performed throughout the night, so why not let one of them be the opener? I think most people enjoyed Queen singing with Adam Lambert. I know I did.
But this section of the post is titled Oscar FASHION, so here are my favorite looks of the night.
Now for some Vanity Fair Oscar Party looks:
Here’s a few more looks that I liked (I can’t help myself.):
Some of my favorite moments:
And if you need more and differing opinions plus alternative looks, head to Erin Gates’s blog post here. She’s put together an incredible Oscar fashion post that’s even pretty funny.
Homemade Pizza
On Oscar night I always eat pizza. This started when I would drive to my friend Rochelle’s house and we’d all eat pizza, sometimes in our PJs, and watch the show. However, we’re older now and takeout pizza doesn’t sit well with our aging bodies, so we have taken to mostly making our own pizza or very carefully ordering and taking lots of heartburn medication before we go to bed when we do order out. Ha! I knew immediately this year that I wanted to make my meatless white pizza, so I did just that. You can get the recipe here.
Paleo Brownies
I also knew I’d want dessert after my pizza, so I whipped up these delicious paleo brownies again. I made them for the last book club, and I really enjoyed them. If you aren’t following Elisabeth and Butter on Instagram, you’re missing out on some amazing recipes. Not all of them are paleo or healthy. But she makes some delicious looking stuff, y’all. Get the recipe for the brownies here. (I subbed brown sugar for the coconut sugar but kept everything else the same, and they were amazing.)
Well, it was literally fashion and food this month with one book thrown into the mix. What can I say? I am who I am.
What were your thoughts on Oscar fashion? I want to know your favorite look. Have you seen any of the movies up for Best Picture? I’ve watched four so far: Black Panther, A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody, and BlacKkKlansman. Really want to see The Favourite and Green Book. I’ll watch Vice, but I’m not dying to see it or anything. Thinking about watching Roma since it’s on Netflix, but I know I’ve got to really commit because of the subtitles. Which ones have you seen?
Anything else fun happen during February for you? Tell me in the comments. And cheers to March!