Thursday, September 30, 2021

October Goals

 In the words of Anne of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”.

I honestly cannot believe that it is October, I feel like the year has just kind of melted together for me since April… I’m hoping with the change of seasons it will bring about marks of differences and thankfully, things are definitely starting to calm down. I think I had mentioned in a previous that my grandmother passed away in July and I have been dealing with different family things since. 

 

Since April I have definitely developed some unhealthy habits and I have been so tired some nights that I never really accomplish anything and I am just so unproductive the next day, so I thought I would make a list of goals to hopefully accomplish during the month of October. 

One// Go To Bed Earlier

I have developed the worst sleeping habits over the past few months; I go to bed some nights around 2am, which, as you can imagine, makes me feel really sluggish the next day. 

 

Two// Read More 

At the start of the year one of my New Year’s Goals was to read 100 books, which at this point I’m pretty sure I’m not going to reach that particular goal… maybe in 2022… I am currently on book #38 & #39, so maybe I’ll be able to read 60 books by the end of the year. In August I read/listened to one book, this month I managed to read four books, which is a mark improvement from the previous month, so I am hoping I can read five or six books during the month of October.

 

Three// Exercise

I desperately need to get back into an exercise routine. Up until June, I either did yoga or went for a walk everyday, and I can so tell an overall difference in lifestyle when I do workout. My thinking is clearer and I sleep much better at night

 

Four// Stop Drinking Coke

Fact: Coke is my stress drink, which is so unhealthy, but I guess it is still healthier than beer, maybe? 

 

Five// Be Better At Saying No

I always felt so guilty telling someone ‘no’ – sometimes I honestly feel selfish in some ways when I do, and I end up neglecting things that I need to do. I just finished Malibu Raising, and one of the main characters in the book came to the realization that she doesn’t really live a life for herself, and that sentiment so resonated with me. Sometimes I feel like I get caught up helping someone with this and that to the point that I forget I need to help myself by saying ‘no’ and walk a path that is completely my own

 

Six// Take Better Care of Myself

I guess going to bed and exercising falls under this umbrella, but I also need to eat healthier, along with get back into a beauty routine, and not leave things to the preverbal ‘tomorrow’

 

Seven// Be More Organized 

For those of you who know me in real life, you know that being unorganized is completely out of character for me. I have been letting clothes pile up in my closet and email accumulate to a ridiculously high number. In other words I need to stay more on top of things

 

Eight// Post More Often On The Blog

I definitely need to be better about posting on here. Since the pandemic I haven’t done a very good job at being consistent with my posts and collaborations. To be completely honest I broke off an engagement at the start of 2020 – my life literally felt like a lifetime movie for awhile… the whole situation was just really disappointing on many levels… Once I started to move on from that my Grandmother’s health started to decline, and some nights everything just seems heavy that I just don’t really feel inspired to post. I really want to get married and have a family and sometimes I really worry about when that is going to happen, and I am so beyond ready to meet ‘Mr. Right’, but I have met some really nice people in the mean time. Even though I worry about it, I feel like I have a lot of good karma coming my way when I do finally meet him


Would Love To Hear Your Fall Goals!

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Favorite Fall Movies

 This might sound weird to some, but I really believe, that like ‘holiday’ movies, there are also ‘fall themed movies’. In my opinion, fall is the coziest time of the year – sweaters, fireplaces, and fall foliage are 100% up my alley. This may sound a little odd, but I love when an opening scene of a movie opens with a fall like scene in the background, it is just instant comfort and brings on a feeling of nostalgia. This time of year it seems like movies and fall just go together like peanut butter and jelly, so I thought I would share a few of my most favorite fall movies with you all!


You’ve Got Mail// In case you can’t tell… ‘You’ve Got Mail’ is my all time favorite movie. I honestly put it on basically every ‘favorite movie list. The fall scenes in this movie are just too perfect not to include in a fall movie list. I love the opening scene, Meg Ryan’s outfit, in her tights and coat holding a pumpkin. Plus, is there any place better than New York City during the fall season?


Hocus Pocus// Okay, okay… this one is such a cliché and kind of a given that it would be on the fall movie list, but honestly, how does one make it through the holiday season without watching Hocus Pocus at least once? Confession: I have already viewed this movie twice already, and it isn’t even October…


When Harry Met Sally// It’s basically a fact that any movie Meg Ryan and/or Tom Hanks is in will be a great movie/classic. Although Tom Hanks isn’t in this one, it is still completely fabulous and gives off all the right fall vibes complete with a romance element


Practical Magic// I always feel like this movie gets glossed over and just really doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman do such a fantastic job with this movie. I love how a family curse, sister relationship, the mystery that surrounds a family of witches, and a love element is all woven together. Practical Magic is such a perfect movie for the month of October 


Remember The Titans// aka one of the ultimate feel good movies. I love the story of this football team and the soundtrack that goes with this movie is so on point

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Sunday Night Thought

 

Tis The Season Of Cozy

 Incase you can’t tell, I am slightly excited that the fall season is finally here. I literally cannot get enough of everything fall themed right now. It’s just a season of comfort you can wrap yourself up in and let Mother Nature’s cool kiss farewell to warmer days sweep its way through your hair. 

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I kind of love the fact that fall is the perfect excuse to have a cozy night in - ideally with a fire crackling in the background. I also kind of love every other aspect of fall: football, fashion, pumpkin themed food {basic, I know}, but mostly just having a relaxing night in with one of my favorite movies on, an appropriate scented candle, warm loungewear, and to top it off, flannel sheets!

Apparis Brady Blanket// Let me just take a second to gush about the softness of this blanket… it I like wrapping yourself up in a little piece of heaven, and to top it off, the blush color is just perfection!

Hotel Collection Black Velvet Candle// I am 100% obsessed with this fragrance company. Black Velvet is my favorite scent of the moment, but all of their candles just really smell amazing! Use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your Hotel Collection order

PJ Salvage Majestic Flannel PJ Set// This pajama set is perfect for every person out there that has an inner cat lady/Taylor Swift side lurking within; honestly, these pajamas are just too cute to resist

UGG Ansley Slippers// Obviously, any cozy night in requires an equally cozy slipper. I absolutely love these! After all, they are an UGG product; so obviously, they are the definition of cozy

Line & Dot Rosie Striped Mock Neck Sweater// Thank goodness sweater weather is so close… Is there ever such a thing as owning too many sweaters? I like to think the answer to that question is a firm ‘no’. I have completely fallen in love with this sweater; it is just such a classic that can be worn for years to come

Sarah Flint Mirjana Headband// Last year I worked with the Sarah Flint company for the better part of a year, and through working with them I have just fallen in love with the founder, their shoes, designs, and all their other products. This headband is just a dream. I love the gold tone that can be dressed up or down and the famine touch of a little bit of a bow detail. 

Dudley Stephens Cobble Hill Turtleneck// Warning: these turtlenecks run small, strongly suggest sizing up one size, but also, once you have a Dudley Stephens top, it will be the only thing you’ll ever want to wear

Williams Sonoma Pecan Pumpkin Butter// If loving pumpkin butter is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. I love all the little fall recipes you can do with this product, and the packaging is just beautiful!

Heathered Organic Flannel Sheet Set// I realize flannel sheets is one of those things in life where you either really love or the just aren’t for you. Personally, I really, really, really love them. These sheets come in the most beautiful colors! Incase you are wondering, the pink set is my favorite!

Bonjour Mug// It goes without saying that a beautiful mug, is an absolute must for this chilly fall mornings 

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Golden Hour Is My Favorite Season

 It is a well-known fact that ‘golden hour’ is the preferred time of day to take outdoor pictures. In my opinion fall is the golden hour out of all the four seasons; everything is just perfect about this time of year. The way nature transitions from those hot summer days to crisp autumn mornings, the way the air smells, the vibrant colors the leaves taken on, it is like mother nature is glows right before she goes to sleep. 

Since a fall tree line can sometimes look like a sunset on fire, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my fall inspired favorites from accessories to home goods!

Classic Ring Chandelier

Jennifer Behr Charlize Headband in Velvet

Wilshire Dinnerware Collection

En Saison Tiered Babydoll Dress

Alfie Blazer 

Stand Studio Lolita Tote

Old Port Herringbone Beige Blanket

Golden Goose Wish Star Boots

Maeve Checkered Maxi Skirt

Gleaming Primrose Mirror


Thursday, September 23, 2021

August Reading List

 At the start of the year I set a goal for myself that I would read a hundred books for the year of 2021 {give or take a few}, and I am still going to try to land as close to that number as possible, but I have a feeling I am definitely going to fall somewhat short on that particular goal. 


The summer honestly felt like a whirlwind and I for one am glad that a new season has greeted us with a cool gentle breeze. I had a lot of family things going on the past few months, and all the months have just really seemed to melt into one another. I normally put together a monthly reading list around the first of every month, but I have dragged my feet on publishing one for the simple reason, that I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I only read one book during the month of August… and I didn’t even read it, read it, because it was an audio book… However, I am glad to say I am making more progressing with my reading this month! I am currently finishing up book 4 and starting on book 5. For now though, here is a review of the one book I did read/listen to during the month of August.

How To Change A Life, by Stacey Ballis

Since I only read one book in August, I am happy to say it was ‘How to Change A Life’. It was such a good read that just goes to show you that life throws us curve balls, good and bad, there is always a positive to come out of even bad circumstances, time tends to take care of things in its own ways, and all relationships, of any kind, require a certain amount of work and understand to make them last or eventually welcome certain people back into our life. 

 

Eloise is a happy and successful private chef. She works for an incredible family whose children adore her, and has a few other clients on the side. When Eloise’s favorite high school English teacher passes away and she is reunited with her three best friends, she starts to understand just how lonely she has been over the past few years. 

 

In Celebration of their high school English teacher and their May birthday month, which they all share, Eloise and her friends decide to make a list of goals, some simple and some easy, that they must complete. The two who fail to complete the least items on their list have to make a donation in honor of the English teacher. 

 

One of Eloise’s bucket list items is to meet a significant other, and she succeeds in the most fabulous way, until a chance encounter leads her to discover that her new boyfriend is one of her best friend’s ex-husband… will the budding romance survive the road block and will this group of friends be able to make it to the finish line with their bucket lists…

 

This book truly is such a great lighthearted read. Definitely recommend!



Saturday, September 18, 2021

Links I'm Loving

 I literally cannot remember the last time I put together a ‘Links I’m Loving’ post. Things have just been so crazy and I feel like it is getting harder and harder to grab the string of time. I’m starting to wonder if telling myself ‘things will calm down’ is just a kind lie I am telling myself. I am going to be optimistic and say that it’s not and that things will truly slow down and the sails of time will soon shift in a calmer direction. But for now, here are a few links that I am completely loving!

P.S. The candles in the photo are from Hotel Collection; they smell completely divine and you can receive 20% off your order when you use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout!

One// The Chair

I know that people have varied opinions about Sandra Oh’s performance in Grey’s Anatomy, but I feel like her whit and dry sense of humor completely made the show. She brings the same dynamic personality to the new Netflix show, ‘The Chair’, and the whole series is just addicting to watch. 

 

Two// Shashi Mini Hoop Earrings

Personally, I wear stud earrings most of the time just because the are easy and super light weight, but I am so loving the mini hoop earring trend. They are just as lightweight as studs, but like a notch up, and Shopbop has such a great selection of them!

 

Three// Design article on How to Mix Patterns 

I am so glad we are back in a wallpaper period again, and luckily it looks like it is here to stay this time. I feel like it is basically personality on the wall, and I feel like interior designers, and setting such better trends than the last time wallpaper was in. Plus, I just love it when pattern play comes into play in a home décor setting. 

 

Four// Le Lion The Back Puff Sleeve Crew

Okay, so this sweater can either be worn with the bows on the front or the bows on the back, but I have to say I like it worn with bows on the back of the sweater better. The color of this sweater, monogram, and the bow details just make this sweater so charming

 

Five// Jennifer Garner Oatmeal Cookies

Jennifer Garner and her mom are basically the cutest cooking duo, ever. This video is so adorable and this cookie recipe looks so delicious!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Sweaters, and Blazers, and Coats, Oh My!

 I know it is still technically summer, but I am so ready for a change of season, and fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I feel like I didn’t really have a summer this year… my grandmother passed away and I have spent the past couple months helping sort through her things, and the months have just seemed to melt into one another; I honestly feel like it should still be June. Needless to say, a change would be much welcomed.

I love when the thick sweetness of the summer season starts to fade into the cool crispness of fall. Plus, I love fall and winter fashion; give me all the sweaters, jackets, and layers, please! I cannot wait to be able to break out a few of my favorite chunky sweaters and classic blazers and thought I would a few of my most recent favorites with you all!

Nili Lotan Francine Velvet Jacket// I love the rich chocolate color of this blazer and the gold buttons just really set everything off! 

Free People Never mind Cardi// I am completely loving the oversize cardigan trend that is currently happening. I love the fabric of this one and the fact that it is perfect for an everyday casual fall look

Dudley Stephens Palmer Puff Sleeve Turtleneck// I have finally hopped on the Dudley Stephens bandwagon and I am loving the ride so far! I love the puff sleeve detail on this particular palmer – it just takes it to the next level and makes it a little easier to dress it up. Side Note: definitely go up one size. 

Chai Removable Dickey Sweater// Confession: I am currently having a love/hate relationship with the collar trend… I am not a fan of the oversize collars at all, they can stay on the set of Little House on the Prairie as far as I am concerned, but I really like the smaller ones. I love the color of this sweater and I love the fact that the collar is removable so you can wear it with or without the collar. 

J. Crew Classic Lady Day Coat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool// This is hands down one of my favorite J. Crew coats. The style is just so classic and I love how flattering the waistline is.

Dorset Blazer in Albermarle Plaid// Can one person ever have too many blazers? I like to think the answer to that question is a firm ‘no’. I love the look of a slightly oversized blazer and the plaid print on this one is just perfection!

Canada Goose Alliston Jacket// I have been debating whether or not to invest in a Canada Goose coat for years, and this year might be the year I finally cave. The cut, length, and style of this one just makes it so easy to wear

Helene Berman Faux Fur-Trimmed Knit Coat// This coat is most definitely a statement piece in the most amazing way. I mean, how fabulous would it look with a black on black outfit1?

Monday, September 6, 2021

Labor Day Sales

 I honestly feel like it was just Memorial Day Weekend… I feel like this summer season was so unusual for me, personally, that I honestly like I didn’t really have a summer… However, it is a well-known fact that time marches on whether you are ready for it to or not. 

One thing I love about any holiday are the fabulous sales that are associated with them. Labor Day sales are always the perfect opportunity to stock up on a few wardrobe staples, do a little early Christmas shopping, or just treat yourself to something that you have had your eye on. So… without further delay, below is a list of all the Labor Day Sales I have come across!

Abercrombie// 40% off select styles

Anthropologie// 20% off ready-to-ship furniture & décor

Ann Taylor// Sale Styles up to 75% off original prices

Brooks Brothers// Up to 70% off

Club Monaco// 25% off everything with code: BYESUMMER

Country Club Prep// 30% off + free shipping

Crew Lala// 15% off + free shipping

Dudley Stephens// 25% off sitewide with code LABORDAY

Hotel Collection// 25% off sitewide and you can receive an extra 20% off when you use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout!

J. Crew// 40% off with code HELLOFALL

J. Crew Factory// Up to 60% off entire site and storewide

Kate Spade// 30% off sale styles with code: SOLONGSUMMER

Lands end// Up to 50% off with code: SWIM

Loft// 50% off 2+ styles and 40% off 1 style

Madewell// 30% off all sale styles with code: CHEERS

Mark & Graham// Warehouse Sale up to 70% off 

Nordstrom// Summer Sale up to 60% off 

One Kings Lane// 20% off sitewide with code: OKLTAKE10

Pottery Barn// Warehouse Sale up to 70% off

Rifle Paper Co.// 25% off sitewide with code: LABORDAY

Tuckernuck// 20% off you entire order with code: YOUROCK

Vineyard Vines// Up to 60% off with code: SUNSET

West Elm// Up to 70% off