A Touch of Southern Grace : 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Rosegal Black Pleated Skirt

Earlier in November I literally looked everywhere I could think of for a basic black skirt that I could wear with pretty much anything and dress it up or down. I found plenty of black skirts but I wasn’t able to find one that was “my style” or one that I just really really liked. Luckily earlier in December Rosegal contacted me about doing a product review and last week I received the most perfect black skirt from them! Rosegal sent me the Vintage Empire Waist Women’s Black Pleated Skirt and I honestly love everything about this skirt: the fit, material, silhouette, length, just everything about it! My favorite aspect about this skirt is the wide waistband because it is so flattering to the waistline and the pleats on the skirt add some dept and movement to it.

Rosegal Vintage Empire Waist Women’s Black Pleated Skirt//J. Crew Boy Shirt in Black Watch Plaid//J. Crew Super-Opaque Tights//Ralph Lauren Earrings//Kate Spade Watch//Kate Spade Necklace {Similar}//Kate Spade Skinny Mini Bow Bangle//Givenchy Bracelet {Similar}//David Yurman Ring//Kate Spade Skinny Mini bow ring

I styled the skirt Rosegal sent with a plaid shit {I am kind of obsessed with plaid at the moment}, black tights, and some jewelry to make the outfit a little bit more dressy. I feel like there is an endless amount of ways to style this Vintage Empire Waist Black Pleated Skirt and cannot wait to try them all out!

To be direct to the Rosegal web site where the above skirt can be found or for more information on the skirt click here.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Pub5

Last night I decided to try out Pub5 located in Downtown Nashville, right across from the Bridgestone Arena. Since this restaurant is so conveniently located right across from Bridgestone Arena, it would is in the perfect location to grab a fast bite after a hockey game or concert. I love the cozy ambience Pub5 has about it; this is a three-story restaurant, needless to say the top floor has a wonderful view. Last night I dinned on the first level of the restaurant, which is very intimate and cozy.

I love the exposed brick and wooden beams in the lower level of this restaurant and the lighting just sets everything off. There is also a bar quaint area, softly lit by a charming chandelier and of course accompanied by a few TVs to watch the game and enjoy a few drinks.

Last night was absolutely freezing so I opted to have the Fried Chicken Thighs served with whipped potatoes, slow cooked greens, and pan gravy. This dish was the perfect Southern comfort food for a cold December night. The fact that the fried chicken was served over the whipped mashed potatoes, topped with slow cooked greens and pan gravy only enhanced the flavors of the overall dish.

For more information on Pub5 and to see all the menus offered at this restaurant click here.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sunday Night Thought

My Top Six 2014 Agenda Picks

One of my favorite things about a new year is being able to turn to a new page and start fresh with a new planner. I have always viewed a new planner as representing a fresh start, new possibilities, a positive omen of things to come; a blank canvas to draw on, a future to be filled with whatever we want and obstacles that may come our way, good or bad. The optimist I am unquestionably shines through at the start of a new year{maybe to the point of being a little annoying}…I have to admit I already have a mental list of things I want to accomplish this coming year and certain things already noted in my 2014 planner.

Here’s where to shop for my above top six 2014 planners! Click on the name of the planner to be directed to the website.

1. 2014 Kate Spade New York 17-Month Agenda

2. Parisian Chic Weekly Planner 2014

3. Smythson Fashion Diary

4. May Designs Customize Agenda

5. Tory Burch Robinson Agenda

6. Lilly Pulitzer 2014 Luxe Agenda

What are some things you hope to accomplish in 2014?

Saturday, December 28, 2013

New Year's Eve Dress

With the year coming to an end and a new one getting ready to start up, in my opinion, you have to end the year with a bang and start the New Year with some glitter and style! I cannot get over how fast the year is winding down, in just a few short day it will be time to celebrate New Year’s Eve! I have to say I love the fact that New Year’s Eve gives one a reason to wear as much glitter and sparkle as your heart desires! To ring in 2014 with some style, glitter, and charm below are a few wonderful dresses I have found for just the occasion! Click on the name of the dress, located below the image, for the link!

Anthropologie Sugarberry Dress

Adrianna Papell Lace Fit & Flare Dress

J. Crew Clara Dress

Anthropologie Triolet Shift

Kate Spade Vail Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Fulton Dress

Free People Shimmy Shimmy Party Dress

Ted Baker MIYAA – Feather appliqué motif dress

Anthropologie Amalie Dress

Shoshanna Noelle Dress

New Year's Eve Party Ideas

There are so many New Year’s Eve options one can choose from: Celebrate the New Years in Time Square in NYC, have a New Year’s Eve dinner with some close friends, simply stay in and watch a movie and avoid the crowds, have a New Year’s Eve date night with that special someone, go to “the party” on New Year’s Eve, or throw a party of your own. I have done pretty much every New Year’s activity I listed above; sometimes it’s fun to be around a ton of people if you are in mood for it and other times it is wonderful to have more of an intimate party if you are looking for something more low key. Throwing your own New Year’s Eve party is a great way to ring in the New Year with friends and family, plus this way you can avoid the crowds and the lines…oh, the lines on New Year’s Eve! Below are a few New Year’s Eve party ideas.

Via Whimsy

Via ciao! newport beach

Via 100 Layer Cake

Via Best Stuff

Via Etsy

In an age of selfies, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, what would a party be without a photo booth type area. Besides who can resist play with some photo props and having their picture made against a fabulous backdrop!

Via The Sweetest Occasion

Via Partyz Co

Via Mr. Penhorwood

Lastly, a New Year’s Eve party just wouldn’t be complete without some balloons and glitter to ring in the New Year!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Happy Hour Time

Well hello there Friday, fancy meeting you here! I don’t know about you but for me this week went by in the blink of an eye! I can hardly believe that Christmas has come and gone and that New Years is just around the corner…I have to say, I definitely prefer how 2014 sounds over 2013! Keeping an eye out the next few days for New Year’s Eve posts such as what to wear on New Year’s Eve, party ideas, and a few other festive posts I have planned out. I hope everyone had a lovely and blessed Christmas Day with family and loved ones. Here’s to a memorable weekend surrounded by the ones we love ,creating unforgettable memories. Cheers!

“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”

~ Cecil Beaton

Drink Special!

Jingle Juice

5 cups orange juice

1 cup vodka

1/3 cup orange liqueur

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup maraschino cherry juice

candy cane sticks, cherries with stems, orange and lemon slices for garnish

Stir together orange juice, vodka, lemon juice, and maraschino cherry juice; serve over ice and garnish. {Recipe found on MyRecipes}

Around Town!

Nashville, TN: Nashville Predators v. Los Angeles Kings at Bridgestone Arena, Saturday, December 28, 7:00pm

Big Stone Gap, VA: Festival of Lights at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, Friday, December 28 – Tuesday, December 31

Atlanta, GA: Callaway Gardens Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens, Friday, December 27 – Monday, December 30

Hot Springs, AR: Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Friday, December 27 – Tuesday, December 31

Houston, TX: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Toyota Center, Friday, December 27, 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Christmas Rewind

It never seems like the Christmas season is long enough, I am always amazed at how fast Christmas Day goes! Christmas morning comes bright and early with gifts to be open, a winter breakfast to be eaten, and family to be enjoyed, a perfect day ahead to be had. I never grow tired of the twinkle lights, Christmas decorations, music, and everything else about this holiday. I have so enjoyed doing different Christmas post throughout this month, and I have to confess, I will probably still openly listen to Christmas music up till New Years Day! I love what Christmas represents, that it creates a certain bond among human kind and brings loved ones together this time of year. I wish I would have taken more pictures on Christmas but I always get so wrapped up in what’s going on that I sometimes forget all about pictures! I thought I would share with you a few photos from Christmas Day. I hope everyone had/is having a lovely time visiting with friends and family this holiday season! Warmest wishes on this beautiful day after Christmas!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house of and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger’. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’."

~ Luke 2:1-14

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy First Birthday

I can hardly believe that it has already been a whole year since I first started A Touch of Southern Grace. Christmas Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year so I am thrilled to be able to celebrate A Touch of Southern Grace’s birthday on this night! This blog started off as a creative outlet and has grown into something I love doing. I would like to thank everyone for reading my blog and for all of the lovely comments and support. One of my favorite things about blogging so far has been the relationships that have been created through this blog and the opportunities that have come my way. I have many exciting things planned this coming year for A Touch of Southern Grace that I think you all will love! I would love to hear any feedback or suggestions! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas Eve filled with many wonderful memories to hold close to your heart.

Winterlicious

A few days ago Zoe over at That’s Zoe Life Advice included me in the Winterlicious Tag. I love the festive questions that are asked in this tag, and instantly thought this would be the perfect tag to post on Christmas Eve!

1. Favorite winter nail polish? Essie Shearling Darling

2. Favorite winter lip product? My favorite lip balm is Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Black Tea and my favorite lipstick is Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

3. Most worn winter Clothing piece? Leggings, I wear them way too much. They are comfortable, stylish, warm, and go with everything.

4. Most worn winter accessory? I wear my David Yurman and Kate Spade Skinny Mini Bow Ring literally every day

5. Favorite winter beverage? Starbucks Hot Chocolate with extra whip

6. All time favorite Christmas/Holiday movie? I love so many Christmas movies that it is hard to pick just one so I will give you my top five: (1) It’s A Wonderful Life (2) White Christmas (3) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (4) Elf (4) The Polar Express

7. Favorite Christmas/Holiday Song? It is a toss up between The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole and It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year sung by Amy Grant.

8. Favorite Holiday food/treat? Honey Baked Ham and Jack Daniel’s Chocolate Cheesecake

9. What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year? Twinkle lights, it just wouldn’t be the Christmas season without them!

10. Favorite gift received as a child? One Christmas when I was six I received the American Girl Doll Samantha. She is my favorite American Girl Doll of all time; I even named my black lab after her!

11. What do you want for Christmas this year? Tory Burch Brita Riding Boot

12. What are your plans for the holidays this year? Spending time with family and friends and just enjoying the holiday season.

Happy Christmas Eve

I can hardly believe it is already Christmas Eve! I am happy to report that I have finally finished all of my Christmas shopping and am able to relax and just enjoy the holiday season. I have always enjoyed Children’s Christmas stories, they are so beautifully illustrated and written. One of my favorite family traditions is reading Twas The Night Before Christmas as a closing on Christmas Eve. As much as I love Twas The Night Before Christmas the story/letter of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus has always held a special place in my heart. I love how the letter to Virginia is written and the message behind it. Even if at times you may not be able to see something it is important to hold onto what is good in life and embrace the magic that is in the acts of love, kindness, and generosity. I knew I wanted to share a Christmas story with you today and I debated between Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus but in the end I decided to go with the latter because of the message behind the story. Wishing Everyone A Happy Christmas Eve!

{Via}

“DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is not Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

115 West Ninety-Fifth Street

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

~Response written by Francis Pharcellus

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