Friday, February 28, 2014

Happy Hour Time

Welcome, Welcome, to Happy Hour Time on this wonderful Friday! I can hardly believe that today is the last day of February! Even though you can get away with going overboard with pink and red and Valentine’s is always a fun time, I am glad to see February go; it is just one of those months that wears on a person a little.  I am sure everyone has some get plans for this weekend, whether it is catching up on some rest or going all in with the Mardi Gras celebrations. Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead, may March bring some great memories and warm weather! Cheers!

“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.”
~ Mark Twin

Drink Special! 
The Garbo Gargle
1 ounce brandy
¼ ounce fresh orange juice
¼ ounce grenadine
¼ ounce dry vermouth
1 dash crème de menthe
Ice cubes
1 dash port wine
Shake the brandy, orange juice, grenadine, vermouth, and crème de menthe with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: The 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Soiree at The Standard, Saturday, March 1, 9:00pm
New Orleans, LA: Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone Blues Party at Snug Harbor, Saturday, March 1, 8:00pm
Little Rock, AR: 3rd Annual Mardi Gras in Arkansas at Next Level Events, Friday, February 28, 8:00pm
Seaside, FL: Seaside Half Marathon & 5K Run at 30A, Sunday, March 2, 7:00am
Charlotte, NC: The 2nd Annual NoDa Gras Mardi Gras Bar Crawl at Cabo Fish Taco, Friday, February 28

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Joules Evedon Rain Boots

A few weeks ago Laura, who works with the company Joules, contacted me about working together to do a product review. When I found out the review was for the Joules Evedon Bow Welly I was all over that! Rain boots that have a bow in the back…ummm yes, please! Needless to say I did not hesitate to say yes when Laura offered to send me a pair of the Evedon Rain Boots
The Joules Evedon Bow Welly are available in navy with a red bow and black with brown trim at the top and of course a yellow bow in the back. I chose the black rain boots with the yellow bow; sometimes you just need a little yellow to brighten up a rainy day! 
I love the fit and style of these boots, plus they are really cute! I ordered the same size in the Evedon Welly that I wear in the Hunter Rain Boots and it was a perfect fit, they are also super comfortable! The height of boot hits just an inch or two under the knee and the gloss material is great, I love how they always look clean and the material seems really durable. 
I’m honestly not a huge fan of running errands and such in the rain, but I haven’t really minded the rain lately because I am always looking for a good excuse to wear these rain boots! 



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Stay Focused

{Via}
Lately I have been having the worst time staying focused or staying still for that matter. Lately I have had so much on my mind it has been hard to focus on that task at hand. Also the fact that I am starting to get that winter cabin fever thing from where it is cold and gets dark so early, plus lets face it sometimes I, like everyone else, would rather do something fun instead of do some type of work. So I have done a little research and have decided to share with you some tips to help you {and me} stay focused!
1.             Keep an organized space – I don’t know about you all but when the space I am working in is starting to look disorganized it makes me feel disorganized and it can be distracting. Cleaning off your desk to include only the things you need to do the work at hand, and of course leave out photos and such.
2.            Create an inspiring workspace – No one that I know of wants to work in a space that is monotone and boring. Make your work area as much your own as you can, especially if your work area is at home!
3.            Make a to-do list – Just for me personally I always feels much more accomplished when I am marking things off a to-do list. This way you can visually see the things you have accomplished and start seeing that list get smaller and smaller.
4.            Eat a good breakfast – I am basically a useless person till I have had a shower and have eaten something, I just don’t turn into a functioning person till those two things happen. Studies have also shown that breakfast improves attention and concentration, plus it starts up your metabolism for the day.
5.            Drink water & stay hydrated – Being dehydrated can make you feel slow and lead to a headache. Drinking water and eating fruit is key to staying hydrated so you can think clearly throughout the day.
6.            Turn on some music – It has been proven that music can change the state of mind you are in. So if you are feeling tired just listen to something that will get you pumped up and if you are feeling stressed listen to something mellow. I have to admit I am one of those people who can’t work when it is completely silence so I really like the use of music to help keep me focused.
7.             Take a walk – Taking a quick little walk can help clear your head and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on task at hand when you return
8.            Take breaks – Taking breaks can help prevent you from burning out or getting tired of work early when you still have at least half of the day ahead of you.
9.            Reward yourself – Come up with a little something to reward yourself with after completing a task.
10.         Meditate – meditation may help to enhance different brain functions associated with attention. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Winter Comfort Food

The warm weather and the brief reminder that spring is almost her was nice while it lasted but unfortunately the bitter cold temperatures of winter are slowly making a return. Luckily there is a plus side to everything. One being that Nashville has a chance to actually get some snow, literally everywhere around Nashville has gotten snow, even Alabama and Mississippi have gotten snow…Nashville is due for some of that white stuff! The other plus side to another cold snap is winter comfort food! In my opinion it just doesn’t get any better then some old-fashioned cheese grits when it is freezing outside. Above are some dishes that I came {on Pinterest of course} that would make for some wonderful comfort food dishes. 

Here’s where to get the recipe. Click on the name of the dish to be directed to the website where you can find the recipe.
1.             Skillet Baked Ziti
3.            Paula Deen Potato Soup with Shrimp

Monday, February 24, 2014

Gobi Straps + Giveaway Winner

If you have been keeping up with my blog lately you might have noticed that I teamed up with Gobi Straps to host a giveaway. If you aren’t the winner don’t worry because I just happen to have a Prom Code so you all can get 15% off of Gobi Straps. I don’t know about you but sunglass strap + bottle opener included in the design + 15% off= winning for me. To get 15% off of your Gobi Straps order be sure to use the promo code GRACE15 at checkout! Above are a few of my favorite Gobi Straps. 

Click on the name of the Gobi Straps to be directed to the website.
1.             Everyman Plaid Sunglass Straps
3.            Key Lime Pies Sunglass Straps
5.            ZigZag Pink Chevron Sunglass Straps
6.    Red Gingham
           
And of course last but not least the winner of the Gobi Straps Giveaway is @mhsellers! 
Thank you to all of those who entered! Don’t forget to use Grace15 at checkout to receive 15% off of Gobi Straps!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday Night Thought

Oh Shift!

Ok…Ok…so I know I already did a post on Lilly Pulitzer Swimsuits earlier this past week, but I mean…is there ever such a thing as too much Lilly? In my honest opinion I would say NO, a girl can never have too much Lilly Pulitzer in their wardrobe. I don’t know what screams spring more then a Lilly print on a classic shift dress. Below are a few of my favorite Lilly dresses from their new Spring Collection! Click on the name of the dress, located below the image, for the link. 

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Favorite Buttondowns

With spring just around the corner and the weather warming up little by little, I have noticed that stores have started to put out their spring collection. One of my favorite wardrobe essentials that I wear a ton in the spring and fall are buttondowns. I personally love the embellished collars and a little extra something that is being incorporated into the traditional oxford shirt this season. Below are a few of my favorite buttondowns that I have recently come across. 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Happy Hour Time

Welcome, Welcome to Happy Hour Time and thank goodness it is Friday! I can hardly believe how fast this week has flown by! I hope everyone has been enjoying they warmer temperatures! Here’s to a great weekend and to many memories and good times to come! Cheers!

“Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that – that is what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself.”
~ Amy Poehler

Drink Special! 
Jungle Fire
1 ounce cherry brandy
1 ounce brandy
½ ounce Benedictine
½ ounce Pargait d’Amour
Shaved Ice
Ginger Ale
Stir brandy and liqueur with a spear, pour into a tall glass filled with shaved ice, and top with ginger ale.

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Brad Paisley at Bridgestone Arena, Saturday, February 22, 7:20pm
Franklin, TN: Three Blind Vines at Liberty Hall, Friday, February 21, 6:30pm
Charlotte, NC: Soul of the South Uptown Food Tour at Uptown Charlotte, Friday, February 21, 4:00pm
Atlanta, GA: Demi Lovato at Philips Arena, Friday, February 21
Seaside, FL: Mardi Gras Concert at Lyceum Lawn, Saturday, February 22, 2:30pm

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Monogrammed Glassware

The retro look of a bar cart always adds an unmistakable charm to a room. Bar carts have been on the rise and I think it is safe to say that they are back in style! Back in July I did a blog post, Bar Cart Styling {click here to see}, which contained different tips on how to style a bar cart and make it your own. For today’s post I thought it might be fun to share some bar cart glassware. As you all know in the South we love a good whisky/bourbon {the official man drink of the South}, a Mint Julep, Mimosa, a Hotty Toddy, and of course a good night cap. Along with these classic drink options Monograms are acceptable on anything down here, even glassware! Below are a few monogrammed glasses and bar tools that would look great on any bar cart! Click on the name of the item, located below the image, to be directed to the website. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Lilly Pulitzer Swimwear

Firstly, I apologize for not having a post up the very first thing this morning. I was exhausted last night, I got in the bed early last night read some of The Fault in Our Stars {and yes, it is living up to the hype so far}, didn’t even look at my computer last night, and went to sleep. 

This week in Nashville it has been so warm compared to the Polar Vortex temperatures we have experienced over the winter. I have to say, all this warm weather is making me excited for the summer time! It is 65°F right now, how awesome is that! So of course since it’s warm outside I thought it only appropriate to share some of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer swimwear, their prints this year are fabulous!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Giveaway :: Gobi Straps

I have to say, I was pretty excited when Gobi Straps contacted me a few weeks ago to team up with them to do a product review and giveaway. If some of you are wondering what a Gobi Strap is, it’s what happens when you marry the sunglass strap and the bottle opener, these two things married together created the perfect preppy sunglass strap! 
I honestly prefer the Gobi Straps to the typical croakies now! I love how the fabric lays against your clothing when you’re not wearing your sunglasses and using the bottle opener to be used as the device to adjust the sunglass strap to the desired length was ingenious! 
Since I have been having somewhat of a plaid obsession this winter I choose the Everyman Plaid to try out. I am thrilled to finally have a pair of sunglass straps that are perfect for the fall and winter season! I might have to purchase a pair of Gobi Straps from the Seersucker Collection for the summer... I’m not sure I can go back to a normal pair of croakies after having a pair of Gobi Straps! I mean… Fabric Strap + cute patterns + a bottle opener = perfection!
Needless to say the bottle opener in the back comes in quite handy! I personally think everyone would agree that a Gobi Strap would be perfect for tailgates, horse races, sporting events, parties, and just everyday wear. Heck, Gobi Straps would even make a great gift!
Be sure to enter the giveaway, located below, to win a pair of the Everyman Plaid AND a pair from their Tailgate collection! This giveaway to win two pair of Gobi Straps will be open for exactly one week, so be sure to enter! 
A Touch of Southern Grace

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday Night Thought

Blue & White

Blue and white is hands down my favorite color combination, it literally looks great anywhere and on anything! Clothes, dishes, wallpaper, fabric, bedding, etc. it doesn’t matter, blue and white is always a winning and classic combination! A few days ago when I was in J. Crew I spotted the blue and white jewelry tray {the first item in the above image}, which served as the inspiration for this post. I can honestly say I have yet to meet a person who does not like some shade of blue paired with white! So for today’s post I thought I would share with you some of my favorite blue & white items I have come across this season. 

Here’s where to shop for the above blue & white items. Click on the name of the item to be directed to the website.
1.             Ceramic Jewelry Tray
2.            Printed Silk Snood
3.            Blue Seahorse Pillow
4.            From The Deep Dinner Plates
5.            Baja Beach Pants
6.            Lazuli Dress