A Touch of Southern Grace

For Thanksgiving all of the Murphy’s gather in Peachtree Bluff to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Ansley being the mother to three daughters and grandmother to five never experiences a dull moment when they are all together, and on top of everything else, the storm of the century is heading for Peachtree just shortly after Thanksgiving. 

Caroline’s daughter, Vivi, has made reckless decisions since the announcement of her parents divorce, and she soon makes one that puts everyone in danger. The Murphy sisters and their family evacuated to New York, but Vivi stayed behind, planning to go on a trip with her grandparents. However, just a few hours before Vivi, Ansley,, and Jack were supposed to leave, Vivi learns some new that upsets her and runs off. Her reactions leaves the three of them stranded in Peachtree with little provisions, the water rising, and no power. Caroline comes up with a plan to take her boat, The Starlite Sisters, to Peachtree in order to get to her daughter and bring the town supplies to help rebuild.  

Even through this book is technically the forth book in a series, and I highly recommend the other three books of this series, it is not necessary to read the other three to understand/enjoy this one. Kristy does a wonderful job of weaving information from the other three books throughout this one so you never feel lost or out of the loop. Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a book that will 100% put you in the Christmas spirit!

I haven’t watched Vogue’s 73 Questions in so long, but the other day one of their video’s popped up in my suggestion sidebar, so obviously, I had to watch their newest 73 Questions with Adel! 

I honestly think she is one of the most talented singers of our time and she always comes across as a really nice person. If you didn’t think it was possible to love Adel anymore than you already do, just wait till you watch her 73 questions interview!

Two// Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, by Kristy Woodson Harvey 

I am so excited for Kristy Woodson Harvey and the release of her tenth book, coming out this coming Tuesday! I recently had a chance to read an advance copy and it is a book that will 100% put you in the holiday spirit {even though it isn’t Halloween yet…}. I have read all of her books, so obviously a fan, and this particular one is definitely a favorite of mine!

Three// Hill House Nap Dress Holiday Collection 

Towards the end of the summer I had to see what all the hype about the Ellie Nap Dress was about and now I am completely obsessed with them! They recently released their holiday collection, and of course, I had to order both plaid dresses… Keep in mind that Nap Dresses run large, so be sure to size down

Four// Elton John, Dua Lipa-Cold Heart

I have been so obsessed with this song for the past few weeks. Love Elton John and the spin that was put on this song is completely fabulous!

Five// Chicken Pot Pie

This is hands down my favorite dish to make when the weather starts to cool off. Chicken Pot Pie is basically the high point of comfort food. I played around with a few different recipes and eventually came up with once of my own, and it is always a crowd pleaser!

-       Olive oil

-       Cherry tomatoes 

-       Loaf of French bread

-       Shredded mozzarella cheese

-       Fresh basil 

-       Balsamic Vinegar

-       Salt

-       Pepper

Directions:

1)     Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place on a foil lined half baking sheet. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place tomatoes in oven and bake at 400 F for 20 minutes 

2)    Take tomatoes out of oven and let cool

3)    Place slice pieces of bread on a foiled lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400 F for 2 minutes

4)   Spread roasted tomatoes onto toasted bread and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese

5)    Toast bread until cheese it melted

6)    Top bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette glaze, and sprinkle with fresh basil to top everything off

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like Joe is a next level Dan Humphrey? Either way, Joe is without a doubt a chilling character. Season 3 of ‘You’ does not disappoint. I was honestly a little worried that the storyline would be a bit of a reach since the show is in its third season, but so far it has been equally as chilling and nail biting as the first.

Two// Maid

Full disclosure, great storyline, but this show can be a little depressing, so if you are feeling down or are getting out of a bad relationship this might not be the best show for you to watch… The cast of this show is amazing and I absolutely fell in love with the main character. It truly is a show of determination and goodwill does pay off in the end. This series also does a great job of raising awareness of domestic abuse and delivers the message that abuse comes in many other forms than physical.

Three// The Babysitters Club

Maybe I am too old to enjoy this show as much as I do, but I completely love how Netflix has revived The Babysitters Club. I remember reading this books when I was little and watch the 90s version of this show on the weekend when I was maybe seven or eight. The casting for this show and just so perfect and it is such a great escape from everything.

Four// The Great British Baking Show

I have to confess, I kind of like the British Baking Show better than any American baking competition. Everyone on the show is just so nice and encouraging towards one another, and overall it just makes the show more enjoyable and relaxing to watch, plus, I love the way everything looks that is baked on this show

Five// Emily In Paris

This is like my third time watching this series, no shame. It is just such a fun show to get lost in. Between the shopping, fashion, men, and drama, how could anyone help but love this show

Cashmere sweaters just make even the worst days better. Vince is just such a great brand and the quality is just outstanding! 

AGOLDE Lana Mid Rise Vintage Straight Jeans

This is hands down my most favorite jeans brand. The fit is always so spot on for my body type and I love the materials they use. In my experience these jeans run true to size

Loeffler Randall Daphne Knot Flat Sandals

I have had my eyes on these sandals for the longest time; they are the perfect shoes when you want to slightly dress up an outfit or when you feel like wearing flats to a nice event

Canton Collection Wine Bucket

Blue and White wine bucket – need I say more…

Cinq a Sept Santina Dress

I love the color of this dress and it would look so perfect with boots for the fall season and the addition of tights to the outfit will carry it right over into the winter season 

SHASHI Figaro Anklet

Usually I am not one for ankle bracelets, but I am one for gold and tassels and this anklet has both!

Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Tote

A neutral tote is one of my top must-have wardrobe staples. I have this one in a couple different colors and I completely love it – highly recommend  

Lele Sadoughi Petite Jeweled Knit Headband

I ordered one of these headbands this past summer, and I am completely hooked now. They are a bit of a splurge, but completely worth it!

En Saison Poplin Mini Asymmetrical Dress

I love the shade of this dress and the fit just makes it the perfect weekend fall dress

Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Suede Boots

These boots are such a classic and an item you will have in your closet for years to come! Definitely a wardrobe investment!

This collaboration has to be one of the prettiest I have seen so far. The colors chosen are just beautiful and can so be easily worn during the fall, winter, and spring months. 

Two// Anthropologie Christmas

I am slightly in disbelief that it is already time to start thinking about the holiday season and gift shopping… I know I have said this before, but I feel like it should still be summer! However, Anthropologie’s holiday collection makes this whirlwind year already landing us in October kind of worth it. I have already added so many things to my online shopping basket. I’m going to try to have will power and edit it, but no promises 

Three// Southern Living Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls

Is anyone else a complete sucker for seasonal food, especially when it is holiday themed? Because I am a 100% for them! I haven’t tried to make them yet, but these pumpkin shaped rolls are just too cute and look reasonably easy to make!

Four// J.Crew 30% Off Sweaters and Outherwear

Sweaters, coats and jackets is like 50% why I love the fall season so much! J. Crew has such a great selection right now, and this sale just makes everything that more tempting 

Five// Shopbop for Men

Shopbop finally added a section for men! I am so excited for this addition; it came just in time for the holiday season, making Christmas shopping that much easier!

If you haven’t read this book already, I highly suggest you do. This is the first book I have read by Sharon Cameron, and I cannot wait to read more of her books - absolutely beautiful writing!

Stefania, a Polish teenager, in the midst of World War II, is faced with many challenging decisions, but always chooses humanity and love over the easy the way during Polish life in the 1940s. Stefania takes on the responsibility of her six year old sister, and short after takes on the task of hiding 13 Jews in her home, despite the obstacles the present themselves throughout the book. 

The Hard Way Home, by Jean Grainger

This was one of the audiobooks I listened to last month. I have to say this book has a great narrator, but I honestly wish some things in this particular story would have turned out a little differently for the main character, Liesl. 

Liesl left Berlin with her brother at the start of the war in 1939 on the Kindertransport bound for Ireland, and has never truly felt at home anywhere since. She is presented with the opportunity through her University to go back to Berlin to compete in a debate contest. While there she has a chance encounter with a childhood friend that brings back a flood of good memories from her younger years and sparks a connection to her past that she hasn’t experienced in years. Unfortunately, what appears to be a whirlwind romance takes an unexpected turn. 

The Optimist’s Guide To Letting Go, by Amy E. Reichert

I feel in love with Reichert’s writing after The Coincidence of Coconut Cake {highly recommend}, and was so thrilled to come across another one of her books. I have to admit that I like The Coincidence of Coconut Cake slightly more than this one, but The Optimist’s Guide was a really great read as well!

After losing her husband, Gina does her best to make it through each day while trying to raise a teenage daughter, and is really only able to find comfort in her daily process of running her grilled cheese truck. When Gina’s mother suffers a stroke it forces her to look in herself and explore the unexplained and unanswered moments of her mother’s past, which takes both Gina and her sister on a journey, and the understanding the find in the past eventually sets them both on a happier life path of their own.

Malibu Rising, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you need a distraction from your own life, then this is most definitely the book for you. Without a five out of five star book – the character development, relationships, and storyline is something to be applauded.