Sunday, February 27, 2022

Sunday Night Thought

 

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Transitional Pieces For Spring

 Serious question: why is February always the shortest, but longest month of the year? In Nashville I feel like we have like 5 different winters, a few false springs, back to winter, and then finally, one beautiful sunny {rainy} day spring decides to stay and paint a world filled with pastels, greenery, and a breath of fresh air. Needless to say, transitional clothes are key necessity for everyday life, in Nashville… One day it could be a beautiful 70 and the next I might be a chilly 40… it’s like a box of chocolates – you just never know for sure!

I think I have already said this {maybe more than once}, but in my opinion, the fashion is so much better this year than it was last year… I just couldn’t get into the mom jeans, crop tops, and big collars, but to each their own – I always think you should dress in a manner that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident and if that means mom jeans and a crop top, then I say you should completely rock that look! 

 

In the meantime, here are a few transitional pieces that will be perfect for this spring/summer and in between season!

Cole Hann Hooded Trench Coat// Is there any piece of clothing that is more iconic that a trench coat?! I love the color of this one complete with a belt to sinch in the waist and a hood for those unexpected rainy days 

Veja Rio Branco Sneakers// I love how the sneakers with dresses and pants/shorts/skirts thing is here to stay. Love these Veja sneaks for those cooler day and the neutral colors makes it so easy to pair them with anything

Vince Brushed Swing Skirt// How stunning is this skirt… I haven’t purchased it yet, but definitely plan to in the new future. I feel like the material makes it the perfect transitional piece, and it can be paired with so many different tops!  

Sun Faded Fields Mallie Dress// I love the floral print on this dress! It can be worn with a sweater or a Dudley Stephens on those cooler spring days, and perfect on its own for the warmer spring and summer days

Dudley Stephens Palmer Puff Sleeve Turtleneck in Pink// Speaking of a Dudley Stephens… I love the shoulder detail on this particular Dudley, it just adds an extra pop of something. Side note: if you haven’t ordered one of these top before, I would recommend going up one size {i.e. I usually wear an XS in most sweaters and wear a Small in this brand}

Loeffler Randall Thong Wrap Sandals// I have become such a fan of Loeffler Randall over the past two years; everything I have ordered of theirs is just so beautiful! Love how fun these sandals are and the strap details

J. Crew Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater// I know…I know… more tailored sweaters are in right now, but I was always love a relaxed fit sweater, especially when it’s cashmere. From my point of view, these sweaters can be worn all year round!

Rag & Bone Charles Check Blazer// A blazer is a wardrobe staple 100% of the time. These always go so well with a sweater, shirt, or oxford. Perfect for the beginning of spring and last bit of winter

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag// How beautiful are these little bags. They are not only the perfect transitional piece, but also a great travel accessory!

Sarah Flint Hidden Garden Scarf 90// I worked with Sarah Flint for about six months last year and have been such a fan of this company ever since. These scarf with its spring motif and little rabbit in the print is just so sweat. Would go perfectly with a trench, blazer, or top!


Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Tips For Online Dating

Dating during the 21st century is definitely a different experience from any other time in history. My grandmother met her husband at a weekly Friday night dance hosted by the neighborhood YMCA, my parents met at a fraternity party while, and today if you didn’t meet your significant other in college people seem to either met through work, friends/family, connections from the past, or… an online dating app. 

If you have been reading my blog for a little bit, then you probably know that I broke off an engagement a couple of years ago. {Sidenote: Out of respect of everyone involved, I obviously never plan to share any details other than to say that the whole situation was understandably, very disappointing on many levels}. 

 

For those of you who are newly single and freshly out of a long-term relationship, I would say learn from my mistake – take a few months, learn to be single again, and concentrate on yourself for a little while before you enter the dating world. I was exhausted for different reasons after my relationship ended and spent time going about my life during the day and at night would sit on my couch and watch one rom com after another. Fast-forward to about a month and a half later and I started spiraling a little, thinking of the family I wanted to have, meeting someone new, being alone, etc. and at times it honestly felt suffocating. The loneliness got the better of me and I downloaded a dating app, meet someone right before covid broke out, who was completely wrong for me, and spent time together for a few months. I hope this doesn’t sound unkind or like I used that person, but the biggest lesson I learned from that experience is that it is always better to be alone and wait for the right person, than be with a wrong person to fill a void. And honestly, since I was in an ‘almost right’ relationship I basically know exactly what I’m looking for and being with a ‘wrong’ person starts to feel empty, quickly. 


On another honest note, it probably took me to June of 2021, about 16 months, to reach a point where something broke in me and I mentally thought ‘it’s time’, and I started looking for someone with intention, rather than making an effort to ‘get out there’. I will say if you are newly single don’t wait too long to put yourself out there, because I think the longer you wait the harder it will probably seem, and sometimes you need force yourself till you have a break of mental clarity where the hand of the past totally lets you go. 

 

In case you are wondering, no I don’t think I have met the ‘right person’ just yet, and no, I did not met my ex through online dating. I will say on an optimistic note, for those of you who are thinking about trying online dating/currently are on a dating app, I do know a good amount of people who have married people they met through online dating {via the league, bumble, hinge, match, etc.}.  And if you are still on your journey, in the words of Kathleen Kelly {You’ve Got Mail}, there is always the hope of someone new. For now, here are a few tips for dating apps


Tip 1:

In my experience, I think it is better to use one or two apps/websites at the most, otherwise it just seems overwhelming {at least for me}. Even at the minimum, I sometimes find myself getting frustrated and deleting and downloading again just because they can be overwhelming and frustrating at times, and sometimes I feel like I need a fresh start with an app

 

Tip 2:

Be true to yourself and honest about who you are. There someone out there for you, and everyone is looking for something different. Make a point to make you profile as true to yourself as you can so you can possibly met the person who is looking for you!

 

Tips 3:

Use good pictures. Use picture that look like ‘you’. Also, everyone has different preferences, but I would say to post pictures mainly of yourself

 

Tip 4: 

Know yourself, and have an idea of what you are looking for 

 

Tip 5:

Always go with you gut. If you don’t feel like you connect with someone/are unsure/or have a weird feeling about someone, just move on. There’s no need to waste your time or someone else’s; in my opinion, your gut is right more often

 

Tip 6:

Always make a point to be safe. Google the people you plan to meet, make sure they are the person they say they are, and if you want to be extra cautious there are online background sites where you can pay like $20 a month to run a light basic background check on someone. 

 

Tip 7:

Meet somewhere you feel comfortable with and make sure a family member or a friend knows where you plan to go and who you’re meeting 

 

Tip 8:

Have fun and try not to stress. Things usually workout how they are supposed to and what’s meant to be will be. 

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Favorite Recent Purchases

 I feel like fashion for 2022 has been so much better than 2021 thus far. Sorry, not sorry, but I was never a fan of the jean, crop tops, and pilgrim collars that were so popular last year {I really hope that statement doesn’t make me sound old…}. So far, I am absolutely loving the colors, new arrivals, and just everything so far this year. 



This time of year with the shorter days, cold weather, and cozy nights in, it is so easy to over indulge in online shopping, plus, it is self-soothing in a way… It always seems like February is the longest month of the year, which of course means online shopping… So, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite recent finds!


Glossier Lipstick// I love the light weight and natural color of this lipstick. It really works with any look


Mi Golondrina Olivia Blouse Blanca Nieve// The is the perfect blouse to wear under cardigans and blazers right now, and would look so lovely with a pair a shorts or jeans for the spring and summer months

 

Victoria’s Secret Satin Long PJ Set// I get so completely swept up in all things Valentines during the month of February; the more pink, red, and hearts, the better. Personally, I love Victoria’s Secret Satin Pajamas – they honestly feel like an element of luxury, at a fairly reasonable price



 

Wilt Deep V Tee// Why is that a simple tee that fits nice is always so hard to come by? Either the V-neck is too deep, or the fit is off, or the fabric doesn’t feel right. This tee is a splurge, but 100% worth it!

 

Mirjana Barrette// Love this hair barrette and the headband version of it. The shade of blue is beautiful, and it can be dressed up or down!


APL Techloom Wave Sneakers// I usually wear Brooks to workout, but have been wanting another pair of sneakers that can be used as more of a ‘fashion’ shoe, and I completely love the lightweight of APLs!



 

LoveShackFancy Ruffle Miniskirt// I feel like you can never really go wrong with a white skirt of any kind. I did order this skirt one size up from what I usually wear for a touch more length. I know summer is a few months away, but I love the tier ruffle effect, and think it would be perfect for the beach or a day spent by the water


 

Deluxe Dream On Candle// I am completely obsessed with Hotel Collection candles. They smell amazing and definitely adds an element of luxury to any home! Use code ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order!


 

J. Crew Relaxed-fit Washed Cotton Poplin Shirt in Bold Stripe// This shirt is so incredibly comfortable, and I just love the color. I ordered it one size bigger than what I usually wear because I wanted it to be a touch oversized and it works perfectly with either jeans, leggings, or shorts!




Golden Goose Superstar Glitter Low-Top Sneakers// This is an item that is a bit of a splurge, but I always feel like you have to look at this type of purchase as a cost per wear thing {are you going to wear them enough to make the cost of the shoe worth it}, and does it have fashion longevity. For me it hit both of those points, and I have a weak spot for things that glitter… 



Thursday, February 17, 2022

Dealing With Anxiety

 The word ‘anxiety’ has become so commonplace; I see “anxiety”  mentioned in so many places: texts, emails, conversations, and social media. I think it is fair to say that the past two years have been a lot for most people, and not just because of the pandemic. I have to say though, at times, in the mist of the pandemic, it seems that a mental health epidemic has manifested in the mist of everything else. 

I think the environment right now just fosters a sense of anxiety on certain days, and I for one struggle with anxiety from time to time. I honestly have to fight off anxiety sometimes and just try to concentrate on the present, what I’m doing, what I can do, and if there isn’t anything I can do about something I just do my best to try to let it go. At the start of 2020 I had just gotten out of a long-term serious relationship, so when the pandemic hit I really made it a point to concentrate on certain things, letting stressful things go, and reducing my anxiety level that naturally developed over 2020. Here are a few things that I have started practicing within the past two year that have helped me, so hopefully they will help any of you who might need a little help managing you anxiety levels at times. 

Yoga

I started practicing yoga around 2014 and absolutely fell in love with it. The mediative element, concentrating on your breath and body really do help to center to center the soul and the mind. If you are having trouble sleeping, managing stress or anxiety, I highly recommend giving yoga a try. 

 

Devotion

I have started this year out with the denotational book, 100 Days of Believing Bigger, and it is honestly my favorite one I have used so far. The devotionals are just long enough, always lead you to a positive form of reflection, and leave you with the feeling that there really is something out there bigger than yourself. For me personally, I feel like this is a good way to center myself and redirect my mind. 

 

Less Sugar

I feel like this one is probably  a pretty obvious one for most… but I thought I would put it in here because every time I have one too many cokes or a little extra sugar than I should, it takes me a little while longer to fall asleep.

 

Unplug

I have found that Unpluging an hour before bed makes all the difference in the world. Just reading and making a point to set my phones aside at night really does make for a better nights rest

 

Water

I feel like water has so many health benefits overall, but I have found drinking water at night really prevents me from snacking or reaching for a coke

 

Showers 

Showers just seem like a natural end of the day routine to me. They are always relaxing and a way to single to my body that it’s time to start winding down

 

Reading

I wouldn’t recommend a thriller before bed, but just a nice low key book helps me to get to a point where I’m ready for sleep 


Talk to Someone

I am so glad that mental health has been brought to the forefront. In my opinion it is just as important as physical health. From my perspective it always helps to talk with someone 



Friday, February 11, 2022

Movies For Valentines

 I always love when Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, Monday or the weekend, for the simple reason that it can be stretched for a few extra days. Also, when is Valentine’s Day going to be declared an actual holiday? A day that is named after a Saint and celebrates love of any kind, deserves its own day of acknowledgement and a little time off… 

I am such a rom-com junkie and firmly believe that they are a cure for basically anything: stress, breakups, bad days, sleepless nights – you name it, and they will instantly put you in a better frame of mind. I also love rom coms, for date nights, girls nights, nights spent in, or just because. Basically, rom-coms are a strong go-to movie genre. More than any other time of the year the day/week of Valentines is so perfect for a good rom-com movie fest! 

Marry Me

I am so excited for the new Jennifer Lopez movie! I haven’t seen it yet, but the previews look so fun and I have yet to meet a JLO movie I haven’t loved – she can seriously do it all! And every rom-com she has been in has always been so uplifting, so I am definitely looking forward to watching this one

 

You’ve Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail is hands down my all-time favorite movie. It was the first rom-com that I saw and actually understood, and even cried at the end. Plus, AOL instant massager is a key part of the story line, and what pre-teen girl didn’t love a good AIM chat back in the late 90s?! 

 

Runaway Bride 

The storyline and the album in this movie are just outstanding. I love how the message is that you may come close to love many times, but the love that is meant to last will always come back into your life when you’re ready or the timing is more appreciate

 

Sleepless In Seattle 

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are pretty much the rom-com gold standard as far as movie couples go – they always have such great on screen chemistry and they both seem like they would be wonderful people in real life. As you have probably predicted, love the story line of this movie as well… It just goes to show you that sometimes following your heart and a blind leap of faith pays off in the end.

 

Serendipity

I really do believe that Karma is a real thing and what’s meant to be will always be, but sometimes destiny needs a little help. Such a perfect feel good movie for Valentines weekend!

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Tis The Season Of Pink

 By the time the middle of February rolls around I am more than ready for spring, brighter colors, and a little bit more sunshine. However, the fact that February is the month of all things pink, red, florals, and the fact that there is still a chance of snow in the forecast definitely helps to get over that slightly winter hump. 

I love pink and red, separately or together, equally this time of year, but this year I am feeling a little more pink than red… there are just too many beautiful rosy shades this year that I just couldn’t help but fall in love with a few items. 

One// Mi Golondrina Flores Midi Dress

I actually have this particular dress and it is even more beautiful in person. The embroidery details on top of the floral fabric is just amazing, and the light shad of pink will be flattering on any skin/hair type


Two// David Yurman Hear Stud Earrings 

Stunning, need I say more?


Three// Juliska Galleria Mini Vase Trio

Juliska makes the most beautifully vases, and I love how their pink vases are always a perfect shade of blush


Four// Jo Malone London Rose Blush Cologne

I used to love Jo Malone Cologne, but unfortunately haven’t used, however this packaging job has called me back, and the fragrance is as lovely as ever!


Five// Choc About It Valentine’s Hot Cocoa Bombs

I feel like hot cocoa bombs are everywhere right now, and this set is just so precious. Plus, this time of year, flowers and chocolate are always a must!


Six// Loeffler Randall Penny Pleated Bow Sandals

I am always such a sucker for anything with a bow detail, and these rose gold heels are just too beautiful to say no to.


Seven// Sugarfina Valentine’s Day Love Story Bundle

Sugarfina always has the most beautiful holiday packaging as far as candy goes, and this box even lets your customize what flavors you would like!


Eight// Loeffler Randall Ballet Leonie Soft Ballet Flat

This style of shoe honestly took a little while to grow on me; I love a ballet flat, but the strap threw me a little… This is such a beautiful shade of pink and I love how they look with a pair of fitted jeans and classic top


Nine// LoveShackFancy Emilie Aplaca Cardigan

LoveShackFancy is one of my current favorite brands at the moment. I love the whimsical feel to their design and the famine touches added in the details. I feel like this sweater is one of those thing that you will either love or not be a very big fan of, but I completely love the little flower details and covered buttons


Ten// Vogue x Music

Is there ever such a thing as too many coffee books? I like to think the answer to that question is a hard ‘no’


Eleven// Lele Sadoughi Neoprene Knotted Headband

Lele Sadoughi headbands are a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. Wonderful quality and all day wear comfortable. 


Twelve// Camilyn Beth The Francesca Dress

The sleeve details of this dress have me in a total state of swoon. I love how versatile this dress is and the fact that it can be worn almost all year round




Saturday, February 5, 2022

January Reading List

 Unpopular opinion – I know people may have different opinions, but I actually really enjoyed the month of January. I honestly felt like it was a true fresh slate this year and that nothing residual in a negative way spilt over into the new. Plus, all the snow that graced Nashville was just amazing. Normally we are lucky to have at least one good snow {aka an inch of winter magic}, so I am taking the snow as a sign of good things to come for 2022. 

I choose not to make any New Years goals/resolutions {explained in an earlier post}, but even without the strings of the yearly new year’s goals to guide you towards certain things, I think reading more books will forever be a goal of mine. 

One// Comfort and Joy, by Kristin Hannah

This is such a great story, and so unlike anything else Kristin Hannah has whitened {as far as I know}. Christmas was once Joy’s favorite holiday, but after Joy’s husband leaves her for Joy’s sister, the Christmas holiday loses a bit of its luster for Joy. Joy makes a spur of the moment decision to take a vacation over the holidays, and everything takes a very unexpected turn.

 

Two// Christmas at Fireside Cabins, by Jenny Hale

This was the last holiday themed book of the season I read, and to be honest, I was a little Christmas storied out by this point, but even so, Christmas at Fireside Cabins is such a sweet wintertime read. 

 

This is a story about a group of four friends who always organize a trip over the Christmas season. This year’s trip brings about new friendships, love interests, and the pull of a little Christmas magic.

 

Three// Two for Joy, by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch

Two for Joy is part of the Magpie Society series; I read ‘One for Sorrow’ last year and was so glad when the second book in the series was finally released. Two for Joy is such a great sequel to the first, and definitely leaves you wanting more. I love how Sugg and McCulloch do such an amazing job of dreaming up an English boarding school with endless amounts of twist and turns. Highly recommend

 

Four// The Ballerinas, by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Growing up I could not get enough of anything ballet related, and even as an adult I love basically any book that features a ballet school/company/theater/etc. 

 

I honestly could not put this book down. The Ballerinas takes place at the Paris Opera Ballet and the story centers around three friends. Thirteen years ago, Delphine gives up her prestigious soloist spot for a new life in St. Petersburg as a chirographer. Delphine returns to the POB as chirographer who is expected to choreograph new dances to kick off a new era for the Palais Garnier Opera House. Delphine hopes to make things right with her former friends from childhood but finds the new life changes and dynamics harder to navigate than she thought. This book is full of twist and turns and wonderful characters – highly recommend! 

Thursday, February 3, 2022

30 Days of Yoga

 Towards the end of December, I was definitely feeling the repercussions of the holiday celebrations. I have turned into such a foodie over the years, and holiday food is such a treat, but the amount of cheese, creams, milk, sugar, starch, alcohol, eventually starts to make me feel a like I desperately need a detox. Maybe it’s a mental thing, but I feel like the fat in the food even affects the texture {and definitely the quality} of my skin…

I have heard so many wonderful things about Adriene’s 30 days of yoga, so thought I would give it ago to shed the holiday gunk. I have to say this series definitely lived up to the hype. I loved the original 30 days of yoga series so much that I have even started Adriene’s 30 days of move yoga series

 

Aside from the obvious benefit of a daily yoga practice toning and having a positive physical affect, it has so many other health benefits, plus it definitely acts as a detox of some sort. The biggest benefit that I personally experienced were mental benefits. Over the past two years I have had the absolute worst time going to sleep at night, and I have noticed that the meditative element of yoga brings about a peaceful mindset, especially if you choose to practice yoga during the evening. 

 

Another benefit I have noticed is that it seems to reduce stress. I feel like the past couple of years have been high stress for me on a personal level… I have been mindful of it and try to make a point to just live in a day-to-day mindset, which can be a bit of a challenge some days… but yoga definitely helps with stress and anxiety 

 

Maybe it is just me, but I feel like certain foods can make my face a little puffy, and yoga helps prevent and do away with puffiness, which I consider to be a huge benefit by itself!

 

I have noticed that practicing yoga everyday also provides mental clarity. My mind honestly feel like an attic sometimes – all my thoughts can collide together, and the mental clarity from yoga helps me to compartmentalize and prioritize everything.

 

If you haven’t tried a 30 days of yoga series yet, I cannot recommend it enough!