A Touch of Southern Grace : February 2020

Friday, February 28, 2020

Links I'm Loving

Is it bad that it’s the end of February and I still have my Christmas tree in my bedroom up? I always justify that all the pink and white makes it alright to leave it up till Valentine’s and it looks so beautiful at night that I just always hate to take it down. I can’t believe that February is almost over; I say this about every season, but I’m just not ready to see winter go, so here’s to hoping that the Groundhog was wrong and we get a few more weeks and hopefully a few more snowflakes.

I always love doing this post; it is always fun sifting through weeks I have come across over the week and picking my top five that I love the most. Good news: even though I’m not ready to see winter go spring fashion is definitely looking up!

One// Gal Meets Glam x Margaux

Okay, so I am kind of obsessed with the whole Gal Meets Glam line. All of her things are just so perfectly famine, flattering, and has a nod to classic fashion with a fresh twist. I have not ordered any of her shoes yet, but judging by her dresses and coats I am sure the quality of the shoes are simply fabulous. I absolutely love the prints and designs; they are just simply beautiful.

Two// Pastry Chef Attempts to Make Gourmet Combos

Does anyone else remember Combos? My mom would not buy them so every time I went over to a friend’s house in the 90’s Combos were almost my snack of choice. I honestly could never decide if I liked them or not, but they were a forbidden food in my house so there was definitely a draw…

Three// Modern Love Season 1

I just started reading the book {love it so far} and it is embarrassing how excited I was when I found out that the book had been turned into an Amazon Prim series. I mean, how did I not know about this sooner!?!? I haven’t started watching the series yet {I want to finish the book first} but it looks fantastic!

Four// Hannah Pinafore Tier Dress

Like I said spring fashion is definitely on the upswing this year! I am so loving the print on this dress, the fact it can be worn as an everyday dress, and it just really is such a pretty and well-designed piece.

Five// Southern Living Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese

If you aren’t already following Southern Living on Facebook you need to ASAP! The always post the most delicious looking recipes and have wonderful ideas for holiday get togethers. I have never outgrown my love for Macaroni and Cheese; it is the best comfort food of all time. Southern Living posted this mac & cheese recipe this week and it not only looks delicious, but super easy to make!

Thursday, February 27, 2020

February Favorites On Repeat

I don’t know about you, but every month {new or old} I come across/rediscover different shows, clothing items, movies, beauty products, etc. that I just cannot get enough of. Winter items are always my favorite; I just always love the endless possibilities that come with the option to layer, trying new beauty products in an attempt to prevent dry skin/hair, or simply just staying in and getting caught up in a really good movie.

One// Cableknit Sweater by Tuckernuck

You know something is a great item when you have it in multiple colors. I love this sweater for the simple reason that it is such a classic, great quality, and it is sooo warm {which is key this time of year}

Two// Tory Burch Clara Leather Flats

Love, love, love this flat! Another item I have in multiple colors…I have a pair in the navy velvet, but for some reason I feel like the leather version is more everyday-ish… If something has a bow on it I am basically sold and these shoes are just so famine, comfort, and designed beautifully!

Three// Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

I have admired these bags for years and years, basically since I was 18, I had a lot going on over the past few months, and I decided to indulge myself and finally treat myself to a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag. I have been carrying around non-stop; It is a great investment for sure and I am so glad I finally caved and treated myself to one.

Four// Salvator Ferragamo Small Bow Headband

These headbands have a bit of a sticker shock to them, but they are seriously the best. Last year when I was in New York I bought a couple and I have been obsessed with them ever since. There are so comfortable and they actually stay in place through out the day.

Five// You’ve Got Mail

I always find a way to work this movie into every season of the year, it is just such a feel good movie and it always leaves you with such a feeling of hope and happiness. Since it is February I have obviously used Valentine’s as an excuse to watch it multiple times.

Six// Charlotte Tilbury Wonerglow

It took me a while to finally try a Charlotte Tilbury product, and ever since I have officially hopped on the Charlotte Tilbury train. All of her products are just so amazing and beautifully packaged. I love Tilbury’s Wonderglow; it acts as a primer and you can either put it on before or after your primer and it gives your skin such a healthy glow.

Seven// Remington Fuzz-Away Fabric Shaver

Does it make me old that I enjoy using a fabric shaver to get the pills off my sweaters?? It really is so satisfying just to watch the pills disappear. This hand help fabric shaver really is worth every penny of the $8.00 you have to pay for it, plus some

Eight// The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

This show is becoming my most favorite show of all time. I just love the dialog, the clothes, the storyline, the characters, the time period. I seriously want to transport myself back to 1959 and be Midge Maisel’s best friend.

Nine// Wunder Lounge High-Rise Tight 28” Velvet

Fact: These are the most comfortable pair of leggings ever made. The velvet material is so light, warm, and easy to move in; they make for the perfect movie night pants or the perfect pair of leggings for a light yoga class. I honestly wear these every chance I get…

Ten// Generation Love Wilson Buttons Sweater Dress

The Sweater dress is basically the perfect winter outfit for everything. You can dress it up with a nice pair of shoes, clutch, and jewelry or you can style it to be super casual. Either way they are super comfortable and warm!

Eleven// Free People Angellic Sweater

I am almost ashamed to admit this, but I wear this sweater at least three times a week {shameful, I know}. It’s the perfect weight and looks great with either leggings or pants, enough said.

Twelve// Gal Meets Glam Jolie Coat

This has to be the most perfect coat ever made. I have an addiction to outerwear and this is my most favorite coat at the moment. The shade of blue is just perfection, the fit is extremely flattering, and I love the throwback look the design of the coat has about it.

What Are Some Of Your February Favorites?

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

5 Things To Do Before Bed That Make A Difference

One big thing I want to concentrate on this year is just being healthier all around: working out, eating better, and making sure I get the right amount of sleep. It truly is amazing the difference a good night’s rest can make and how it can affect you, both mentally and physically the next day. Here are 5 things that I have started doing before bed that I have found really make a difference!

Drink Water// Maybe it’s in my head, but I’ve noticed if I drink 16oz - 1 liter of water an hour or two before I go to bed my face look more refreshed in the morning and my skin just look all around healthier.

Establish a nighttime beauty routine// Confession: I am kind of obsessed with beauty products, day or night. For me personally, I find it so relaxing after my shower to but on night cream, use a facial roller, and a few times a week either do an eye mask or a face mask. I think just having a nighttime beauty routine helps me relax before bed and get my mind on other things.

Write it down// I’ve started keeping a journal for moments like these… if I had a day where I either accomplished something I was really proud of or had something happen/said to me that rubbed me wrong I have started to write it down. Before I started doing this I would toss and turn for a couple hours till I reached the level of exhaustion where I could no longer keep my eyes open… Writing things down and just getting it out helps so much, which leads to a more productive nights rest.

Read// Every now and then I will give in and watch Netflix before I go to bed, but if I do I always make a point to either watch a history related show or a show that I have already seen {aka a show/movie that’s easy to turn off}. However, for the most part I try to read a chapter or two of a book right before I go to bed and just having that little time disconnect for my computer and phone makes a huge difference. I am able to fall asleep so much faster and have a deeper sleep than I would other wise.

Get 8 hours// This is probably an obvious one, but it’s easy to over look and stay up a little later to complete one more task, read the last few pages of a book, answer one more email, etc. Whenever I get stressed I do not get the amount of sleep I need and I end up staying up and just doing different things to stay busy, and I can tell you from experience the amount of sleep you get affects your productive the next day, your temperament, and how you interact with people and different situations. So be sure to get those eight hours in!

Monday, February 24, 2020

Blue: It's The Color of The Year

Blue is pretty much my favorite color out there and I am so excited that it’s the color of the year for 2020 and that means we are about to get a healthy does of all shades of blue through out this year. It’s basically the next thing to a neutral; I honestly can’t think of a color off the top of my heard that it doesn’t go with.

{Via}

Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, trust, and heaven, and is considered to be a ‘calming’ color. After 2019 I can definitely use a little calmness in my life and all the positive that are associated with the color blue.

In my heart, blue is always my color of the year; hi, blonde with fair skin, it’s basically one of the few colors that is garneted not to wash me out. Plus, blue always seems to remind me of the ocean and Chicago – both great things in my book! Here are a few of my favorite blue items that I am kind of obsessed with at the moment.

Gal Meets Glam Josie Coat

Tory Burch Robinson Chain Wallet {can be found here}

Tell Me Everything

Line & Dot Bea Sweater {can be found here}

Vince Clark Loafers {can be found here}

Poplin Piped Pants Set in Dream

Oliver Peoples O’Malley Sunglasses {can be found here}

Gal Meets Glam Allie Dress

Via

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Sunday Night Thought

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Gourmet Makes

Don’t ask me why, but I automatically get super sucked into any cooking or baking show that happens to be on TV. There is just something oddly relaxing about watching things come together and other people cooking.

Via

A few years ago Bon Appétit popped up in my YouTube suggestions {worst combination ever: YouTube + Cooking Show = Black Hole} needless to say I was an instant fan. I especially love Gourmet Makes; the whole premise of the show is that Claire Saffitz tries to recreate a food item like Oreos, Pop-Tarts, Twinkies, and so on. All the videos are so fun to watch and some of them give you total childhood nostalgia when you see foods pop up like Hot Pockets or Warheads. And sorry to say this Clair, but the videos where she struggles a little are so fun to watch just because everyone in the test kitchen gets super involved and seeing her finally reach the end result is all that more exciting.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

New (To Me) Beauty Favorites

I have such a weakness for makeup and beauty products; the amount of makeup palettes I own is borderline ridiculous. What is it about makeup that just makes you feel better when you’re having a bad day? I kid you not, a new tube of lipstick is basically my adult equivalent of buying a Hello Kitty pencil when I was 5; equally excited about both and can’t wait to try it out. My skin tends to get a bit dry during the winter months so I get a little bit more into beauty products this time of year. I have recently come across a few new-to-me products that I just couldn’t help but share with you all!

One// Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Luxury Eyeshadow Palette

Okay, so… I have officially hopped on the Charlotte Tilbury wagon; all of her products that I have tried so far have been completely amazing! I love how natural her eyeshadow palettes are and the fact that when you are applying her eyeshadow it doesn’t flake off and land on your skin. Added bonus, the packaging and colors are just beautiful!

Two// Shiseido Facial Cotton

How have I not heard about Shiseido Facial Cotton Pads before? I used to just buy the cotton rounds from the grocery store, and I never realized how scratchy and abrasive those are until I tried Shiseido cotton pads. The feel and you can get like a pack of 100 pads for $12 – better product and better deal, for sure!

Three// Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

This is my new favorite facial cream! You get really great surface coverage out of it and it doesn’t have that greasy quality to it that most face creams have, and I kind of love the fact that there is a special Charlotte Tilbury tap method to go along with this product!

Four// Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Removing Solution For Sensitive Skin

This is the best makeup remover I have ever come across! It just melts makeup away, leaves your face feeling clean and fresh, and it does not leave behind that oily sensation that almost all makeup removers do. Plus it is such a great product at such a great deal; you can get a 16oz bottle off of amazon for $14! I used to pay $40 per bottle for the makeup remover I used to use, and Bioderma is 20 times better than my old makeup remover.

Five// Slip Silk Scrunchies 6 Pack {can be found here}

My hair is such a head ache to wash and dry, it’s thick and curly, and on days when I have to wash my hair it is an 1.5 – 2 process start to finish depending on the humidity. That said I try to get as many days out of my hair as I can. To help do that I usually sleep with my hair in a super lose bun and touch it up in the morning. The Slip Scrunchies are so great to use if you sleep with your hair up at night. They don’t leave line or break your hair, and they are very comfortable to sleep in.

Six// Kitsch Rose Quartz Roller {can be found here}

It took me a while to catch onto the whole facial roller thing, but now that I have I think they are completely wonderful! Everyone seriously needs to add facial rolling into their beauty routine. There are different methods for using the roller depending if you want to detox your skin or roll to firm – both ways fell great and it’s so relaxing.

Seven// Kitsch Jade Roller {can be found here}

The Jade Roller basically does the same thing as the Rose Quartz Roller. I’m not a 100% sure what the difference is between the two, but the jade roller feels a little more abrasive than the rose quartz. Both are great, but if I had to choose one I would pick the Rose Quartz Roller. It is nice to have both thought, just for the sake of mixing it up every now and then.

Eight// Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This is the first time in my entire life that I have ever owned a foundation product. I have just always hated how the ones I tried seemed to just feel heavy. A couple weeks ago at Nordstrom there was a makeup artist there doing makeup, so why not get your makeup done when you have nowhere else to go? Anyhow, she used the Giorgio Armani foundation and I fell in love with the product; its sheer so it still looks very natural, feels extremely light, and gives your skin just a polished healthy glow

Nine// Grace & Stella Anti Wrinkle + Energizing Under Eye Masks

I love, love, love this product! Try it, you will not regret it – the product’s results speak for itself.

Ten// Besame American Beauty Lipstick

I stumbled across Besame’s website a few years ago and I was completely sold just looking at their packing – their products are just so beautiful. Their lipsticks are my absolute favorite; they have so many beautiful colors to choose from and they will stay on for a long time. I just recently tried the American Beauty Lipstick and it looks wonderful with every single clothing and eyeshadow color I have worn it with so far.

Eleven// Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer

I cannot speak highly enough of this product. It is one of the few things that I use every day. It is so great if you are running and don’t have a lot of time to spend on makeup because it gives your skin a nice flawless, rested glow that really bumps up the other products you are wearing.

Twelve// FRESH Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

I have always had a hard time finding exfoliators that aren’t too rough on my skin. A couple weeks ago waiting in line at Sephora I grabbed a small travel size of this product just to try and it’s my new favorite exfoliating face wash. The fineness of the sugar is fells really gentle on my skin and it’s so easy to use because all you do is gently rub a little on your face till the sugar has dissolved and then you just rinse it off!

What Are Some of Your Favorite Beauty Products?

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Links I'm Loving

It has been awhile since I have done one of these post, which is crazy because they are my favorite to do. It is always so fun coming across links throughout the week to share with you all and wrap the week up! Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend {if they had one} and are ready to hop back into the week!

One// 2020 Whitney English Planners

Call me old fashioned, but I have never jumped on the train when it has come to using the calendar on my phone…I have just always preferred one you can pick up and play around with. Whitney English has some absoutly adorable planner {blue and white} on her website right now, and bonus, they are half off with code HALFOFF

Two// Perfect Attendance Pencil

Seriously, how does Ellen find the cutest children with the best personalities to be on her talk show? This Perfect Attendance video is too adorable and the little girl is just so matter of fact – the whole thing is just precious

Three// ASTR the Label Melba Sweater {found here}

Okay I love the slight puff sleeve detail on this sweater, the length of the sleeves, and the cute polka dot print; it’s basically the perfect transitional sweater and it is marked at such a great price!

Four// Jennifer Garner Instagram Post

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Jennifer Garner anymore she goes and does ballet in an airport, on a walk way

Five// Gal Meets Glam Allie Dress

I am completely loving the new collection, but this dress has caught my eye. The shade of blue is just so perfect for spring and summer, the print is perfection, and I love the fact that you can dress it down with a pair of sneakers or dress it up with a wedge or heel

Monday, February 17, 2020

President's Day Sales

There are always perks to a long weekend: four day work week, you can sleep in an extra day and avoid those Monday blues, and of course the sales. This time of year always seems like the perfect ‘treat yourself’ moment; we’re just coming off the high of celebrating and we are all just trying to make it through those last through weeks of winter, till those first signs of spring arrive and we gain an extra hour of day light. Fortunately there are some great sales going on today and below is the round up!

Abercrombie// up to 50% off

Anthropologie// 20% off furniture

Ann Taylor// extra 60% off all sale styles

Banana Republic// 40% off everything plus online bonus: 10% off

Country Club Prep// 30% off {some exclusions apply}

Gap// 30-50% off everything plus an extra 10% off

J. Crew// up to an extra 60% off sale plus 30% off almost everything else with code WEEKEND

J. Crew Factory// 50% off everything, online only

Joules// up to 30% off over 300 lines, plus an extra 20% off clearance with code 20US

Kate Spade// up to 60% off sale styles and 25% off full price items

Lake Pajamas// Sale up to 60% off

Lands End// receive 40% off your order with code FAMILY

L.L. Bean// up to 70% off clearance

Loft// up to 70% off all sale styles

Mark & Graham// Premier One Day Event 70% off plus free shipping on all orders over $100 with code SHIPFREE

Nordstrom// up to 40% off through February 23

Old Navy// 35% off your purchase

Pottery Barn// Premier one-day event up to 70% off

Tuckernuck// up to 80% off new sale items

Vineyard Vines// 25% off everything plus an additional 30% off all sale styles

West Elm// Premier Day Event up to 70% off

Williams Sonoma// 20% off your order plus free fast shipping with code WEEKEND

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Sunday Night Thought

Friday, February 14, 2020

My Top 15 Valentine's Day Movies

I love the holiday seasons, and I know that we still have Easter to look forward to, but I have always considered Halloween and Valentines the two bookends of the holiday season. I have to say I kind of love the fact that the whirlwind of holidays comes to a end with a holiday who’s colors are red and pink and completely love the fact that it’s a day that is centered on love.

When you don’t have plans to go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day the next best thing {and in some cases, preferred choice} is to get take out, watch a few good Rom-Coms, and maybe have a glass of wine as well. This year is the first year in forever that I have not had a Valentine’s date, which is slightly weird, {I recently broke off an engagement} but there is definitely a part of me that is looking forward to staying in and watching a few feel good movies. And as Kathleen Kelly, from one of my favorite movies, ‘You’ve Got Mail’, once said, “There is the dream of someone else.” For now here is a roundup of all my favorite Rom-Coms to watch this Valentines! {click on the movie’s title to watch the trailer}

You’ve Got Mail// Obviously have to start with this movie, since I just used a quote from it, and it really is my most favorite movie of all time! I saw this movie for the first time when I was 12 years old and I just fell in love with everything about it: the characters, the music, the story line, everything was just so perfectly done and Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks just make up the best Rom-Com couple in the history of Rom-Coms. It was the first movie that I ever cried in and till this day I can still watch it over and over again and just never get tired of it. If you haven’t seen this movie, you most definitely should check it out.

The Age of Adaline// Not sure if this one officially qualifies as a rom-com or not, but I absolutely love this movie and it is an undeniably epic love story. Not to mention Blake Lively’s hair styles and clothes are just so on point in this movie.

Something’s Gotta Give// My life goal is to one day own a beach house that Nancy {Diane Keaton’s character} has in this movie; it’s seriously stunning. I have to admit that the first time I saw this movie I was in high school and super skeptical about a movie who’s story line revolved around two characters who were at least in their 50s, but there are just so many funny moments and Diane Keaton is just such a great actor and it just truly is such a fun film to watch.

Sleepless in Seattle// Did I or did I not just say that Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are the best rom-com couple in the history of rom-coms? This is such a movie for the hopeless romantics {hi there} and I always just get so wrapped up in the sentimental touches. Just everything about this movie pulls at your heartstrings.

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days// I used to watch this movie on repeat when I was a teenager. What better way to start off a romance than with a bet and the battle of the wills.

When Harry Met Sally// I think at this point we can just go ahead and crown Meg Ryan as Queen of Rom-Coms, not to mention she always had the best hairstyles – she can seriously pull off anything. It’s probably not everyone’s taste, but I always thought it was so sweet how at different points during the movie there were couples telling their story of how they met their significant other.

Groundhog Day// Believe it or not, til last weekend I had never seen this movie. For some reason I always thought that it was heavily tied to a golf theme… I was way off base. I’m sure you can imagine my surprise when I found out that the actual story revolved around a weathermen {Phil}, an actual groundhog day, a time loop, and Phil’s growing romantic interest with a co-worker, Rita. When Phil and Rita were dancing to the song, You Don’t Me {one of my favorite songs} on a snowy night, that was it for me, I completely got sucked into the movie, that one scene was just everything.

Kate and Leopold// I know…I know…another Meg Ryan movie, but she is just always so great in rom-coms. When this movie came I honestly don’t think it got enough credit. I just love how the two character’s relationship develops over the course of the movie.

Notting Hill// You know a movie is great when you can say just one line from it and everyone knows what you are referring to… “After all…I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” I always hold my breath whenever I hear Anna Scott say that line, you just want her to have a happy ending so badly. {Spoiler alert, she gets her happy ending!}

It’s Complicated// Meryl Streep is another one of my favorite actors, she just seems like she would be such an interesting person in real life and definitely someone with a lot of resilience. The family dynamic and the different love story and relationship developments that take place over the course of the movie are just so interesting and in some cases a little heart breaking.

While You Were Sleeping// For some reason I always consider this movie to be a Christmas movie…but I obviously love it as an everyday rom-com. I’m sure we have all been there before, at some point in our life we have come across someone that we know nothing about, other than the fact they are attractive and dream up some ridiculous story about them and a fictions romance. In the case of Lucy though she rescues her crush, his family then falls under the impression they are engaged, fall in love with her, all while her crush is in a comma and a love story slowly starts to unfold between her and the brother.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s// Obviously I had to work at least one movie from the 1960s onto this list and there any other movie out there more iconic than Breakfast At Tiffany’s

The Holiday// Okay, this is another movie that is probably more along the line of a Christmas movie, but it just has such a great story line, scenery, music, and cast that I had to include it.

13 Going on 30// If Jennifer Garner and I ever meet in real life I feel like we would be BFFs in like the first five minutes. I just love her Instagram and pretend cooking shows. This is just such a feel good movie, not to mention that there is a whole dance scene to Michael Jackson’s song, Thriller.

Sabrina// I know Audrey Hepburn was the original Sabrina, but for some reason I just really love the 1995 version. There was just something so sweet, romantic, and sophistic in how Julia Ormond portrayed Sabrina and Harrison Ford’s Linus was just the perfect balance to her Sabrina.

What Are Your Favorite Rom-Coms?

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Galentine's Day Gift Guide

Okay, so, can I just start off by saying that I 100% love the fact that Galentine’s has gained so much popularity that it now has a specified day all to itself, February 13! Let’s face facts, Valentine’s Day is really meant for girls anyway; I mean, how many guys out there are actually going to get excited about a holiday who’s official colors are red and pink anyways?

There is no better way to celebrate Galentine’s than to treat some of your girlfriends or even treat yourself with a few sweet pink and red Valentine’s Day treats!