A Touch of Southern Grace

Earlie this week Sarah Flint released the Mirjana Sandal in Amalfi Blue Vachetta and Black Vachetta. I love the Sarah Flint Mirjana Sandals and am so excited about the two new colors they added to this style. They are just perfect for summer and are so easy to dress up or down! Use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

Two// Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients 

Does anyone else getting sucked into YouTube cooking series? My new obsession is a series where the professional chef and home cook trade ingredients and recipes. Honestly, probably none of the recipes are something you would make at home, but it’s just a fun series to zone out to

Three// J. McLaughlin Genevieve Wood and Cane Clutch

I am 100% so here for the Wicker and Cane clutches and handbags for this summer. This J. McLaughlin Cane Clutch is just so timeless and so perfect. And trend or not, this clutch is a classic for decades to come

Four// Spotify Coastal Grandmother Playlist

I am so here for the grandmillian movement. I just love the movies, style, and music from the 1950s-1970s. There are just so many feel good songs packed into this time period, and this playlist will definitely leave you in an upbeat mood!

Five// Make Ahead Mother’s Day Desserts

I feel like there is always a holiday around the corner, and mother’s day is next up on the list, and Southern Living already has us covered with a few delicious make ahead desserts

Six/ Will & Grace

With everything that has gone on the past couple of years and the news, every now and then I’ll have these rolling waves of heaviness and/or sadness, so I’ve been trying to take in more positive things and upbeat entertainment, and Will & Grace is such a fun escape. Can we please bring back the tv show and movie writers from the 90s and early 2000s? The storylines were just happier 

I strongly feel that there should be a throw tastefully draped over either a chair or sofa in every room. These cashmere throws are like a little touch of luxury at the end of the day, and I simply love this soft pink color

Blush Anna French Thibaut Floral Pillow

Brooke 3-Seat Sofa

I have been lusting after this sofa for years, and added bonus, it is currently on sale! Light Blue velvet… does life get any better than this?

Dawn Wolfe, Original Map Dress

I love these Dawn Wolfe pieces. I think they would just look precious hanging in a little girl’s bedroom or playroom, or even in a woman’s office or closet. I am just always so impressed how these maps are folded to create a work of art

Peter Ruck, Shaken Not Stirred

How amazing would this print look hanging over a bar cart or bar area. Also, why can’t men dress like this in today’s world?

Wilshire Bread & Butter Plate

Any white plate with a gold trim will also make my heart skip a beat. I also love the fact that white plates with a gold detail can basically be used with any pattern of plate and at any holiday.

Antoinette Table Lamp, Blue/Gold

This lamp is such a splurge, but so beautiful, and definitely timeless enough to be passed down for a few generations

Bridgitte Ornate Wall Mirror, Antiqued Gold

In my opinion, there is never such a thing as too many mirrors. Love the classic look of this mirror, and it is on sale at the moment!

Blue Cream Damask Wrapped ColorPak

Does anyone else have a thing about bookshelves? Books, flowers, and pictures just give a room life and a soul. I feel like this grouping of decorative books would be a great anchor to build your actual books and bookshelf décor around

Cloud Fringe Patio Umbrella, Light Blue

This has to be one of the prettiest umbrellas ever made. The tassel detail and the shade of blue is so beautiful and a definite node to an age of glamor 

Winterhur Estate Canopy Daybed

This is an amazing outdoor piece. I feel like its something that should be in an old Grace Kelly Movie

This story starts out with a murder {that is somewhat of a mystery to a couple of the characters} and follows the families that were friends/acquaintances o the daughter that fell victim to the murders. Each friend is part of an elite family that is in some way corrupt, dysfunctional, or some other issue. 

Although Christina McDowell can clearly write, I feel like there were a lot of unnecessary details in this book, like side stories that really went now where, a murder scene that was slightly too detailed, children who clearly had issues, abusive husbands, social climbers, and so on, at the end of the day I think this book had too many dysfunctional elements for to enjoy the storyline. Granted, D.C. is a place where these elements are laced into everyday culture, as well, as other place, but I feel like there are enough positives McDowell could have found to make for a more balanced story. On a positive note, I will say that she did a wonderful job of describing the physical landscape of D.C. and did a nice job of tying historical occurrences to add strength to overall book. However, like I said, this just wasn’t a book I enjoyed very much, but someone else might love The Cave Dwellers.

Is any special occasion complete without a dish or dessert compliments of an Ina Garten dessert? If I could just spend a day in the Kitchen with Ina and Jennifer Garner, I’m pretty sure my life would be complete; they just bot seem so nice and amazing in their own right. On to the topic at hand, these cupcakes with a Peep topper is just too cute and too perfect to resist! 

Two// Sarah Flint x Gracie Collection

Sarah Flint always teams up with the best people and companies for her collaborations. The fabric that was created for this shoe collection is just stunning! If you see a pair of shoes you like, remember to use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

Three// Southern Living Favorite Easter Menu Ideas of All Time

Always love a Southern Living Recipe! Incase you are in need of a little last minute Easter lunch/dinner inspiration, Southern Living has you covered!

Four// Anthropologie x Mark D. Sikes

Mark Sikes taste is basically flawless. I love all the blue and white he uses, the nod to past design/fashion inspirations, and just his overall aesthetic is truly beautiful. The collection he dreamed up with Anthropologie is instantly classic while staying relevant to today’s style. 

Five// Jennifer Garner and Tiler Peck

I love Jennifer Garner’s Instagram; all of her pictures and posts always have such a feel-good vibe about them. If you aren’t already following her on Instagram, I highly recommend you do! 

In 1958 Paris, Rose, a seamstress at a fashionable atelier, has been entrusted with designing one bride’s wedding dress, who of course wants a dress very similar to Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. Rose, against her better judgement, becomes friends with the bride and falls in love with her brother who is engaged to someone he has known since childhood. 

Fast forward sixty years later, and Rose’s granddaughter, Rachel {aka Rocky} is getting married in the dress her grandmother wore sixty years ago. The only issue is Rocky does not want to wear the heirloom wedding dress because she feels like it is not really her ‘style’. Rocky finds herself in a difficult situation, worried about disappointing both her mother and Grandmother Rocky finds herself in a difficult situation. 

Just like with anything else that holds any importance there is a history of emotion attached to the piece and a story that belongs to the individual that has had it before it was yours. Like with anything else beauty is found in the imperfects and the hard moments in life make the good ones that much better. 

The Grace Kelly Dress is a truly lovely read!

With summer just around the corner I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite Sarah Flint sandals. All Sarah Flint shoes are handmade in Italy and some of her sandals are even made in a factory that is located on the Amalfi coast, which I feel is extremely fitting!

The first pair of sandals that are up, are the Mirjana Sandals. These are currently available in three different colors right now {a blue pair will soon be added to this style collection}. I just received these a few weeks ago and have already worn them a ridiculous amount. I love the intricate design of the bow, the hidden elastic detail in case your feet get a little warm during those hot summer days, and they go with pretty much everything. 

Next up are the Grear sandals! I think it's safe to say that I love a gold sandal! These are probably my most favorite pair of Sarah Flint shoes I own; they are just so comfortable, go with everything, and how the ties are remindful of a point shoe just throws the Grear sandals over the top for me! All of Sarah Flint shoes are so worth the investment. These are probably the pair I have had the longest and they still look new! In full transparency, I own these is three different colors, so I obviously highly recommend these shoes!!

The last pair of Sarah Flint sandals I’m featuring that are just perfect for the summer are the Perfect Block Sandal 30 {also available in 60 & 90 heel height}. I was gifted this pair of shoes and completely love them. I feel like they are such a Charlotte shoe from Sex and the City - stylish and timeless. Just add a shift dress/pencil skirt/fit and flare dress are you will be ready to channel your inner Charlotte York. 

 

Confession: I am not a heel person, at all. I usually only wear them on a ‘need-to basis’ and I have already worn these three times and I have only had them two or three weeks. I haven’t tried the 60 or the 90 heel height yet, but the 30 is just as comfortable as a normal pair of sandals, and in some cases, more so. The arch support these shoes provide and the extra cushioning is just everything! I honestly cannot recommend these shoes enough! 

When you treat yourself to a pair of Sarah Flint shoes, be sure to use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!!

I ordered Sarah Flint’s Mirjana flats close to a month ago and I completely love them! The intricate bow design is just so beautiful and so detailed, plus, I absolutely love the fact that they included a little hidden elastic to allow for a little extra room for those warmer days of summer. The Mirjana flat goes with pretty much everything and is just such a dream! Be sure to use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to save $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!

Two// Southern Living Cinnamon Roll Bunnies

How cute are these bunny cinnamon rolls?!?! I would have never thought to make bunnies out of cinnamon rolls, maybe snowmen {circular shapes}, but never a bunny. I have a feeling that these sweet cinnamon rolls are going to have a featured spot on a few kitchen and dining room tables for breakfast this week!

Three// Netflix Makes Deal with Nancy Meyers

Nancy Meyers are just everything. Think of some of your favorite movies and I guarantee you that at least 3 of your top 10 favorites are Nancy Meyers movies. With title like The Holiday, Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The Parent Trap, Something’s Gotta Give, and so many other titles under ones belt how is she not everyone’s’ favorite person? Netflix just made a deal with Nancy Meyers, and I simply cannot wait to see what they dream up!

Four// J. Crew Home Collection with Liberty Fabrics

Always love a liberty fabric print! Just when you think the spring season can’t get any better J. Crew and Liberty create a bedding and table linens using Liberty’s iconic fabrics! 

Five// LoveShackFancy Nashville

Nashville just elevated the shopping experience with the addition of LoveShackFancy! They just had their grand opening Friday, and I cannot wait to check them out! I’ve ordered a few dresses from them, but I am also so afraid to order skirts without trying them on, or at least having a reasonably good idea of what size I would probably need, so I am so excited to be able to actually shop in a physical store of theirs! It just looks like pink perfection!

I have been such a fan of Elin Hilderbrand since I have read my first book by her, Summer of 69. Like all of Hilderbrand’s other books this one was 100% addictive.

The Matchmaker is set on Nantucket {of course} and follows the story of forty-eight-year-old, Dabney, a Nantucket native who has a gift for matchmaking, and is happily married to Box, a Harvard professor. However, things take an interesting turn when Dabney revives an email from her old boyfriend, and love of her life, to let her know that he will be moving back to Nantucket. 

Two// Run Rose Run, by Dolly Parton and James Patterson

I was so excited to learn that James Patterson and Dolly Parton teamed up to write a book together! I am such a huge fan of Dolly Parton; she always seems to have such a great outlook and she contributes to the community in such a positive way. Then in college, James Patterson books were always my go-to ‘for fun’ books. 

It has been almost a decade since I have read a James Patterson book, and Run Rose Run was such a fun dive back into the world of Patterson. The duo writing contributions from him and Dolly made for some truly dynamic characters and storyline that is well woven together. 

AnnieLee Keyes, like so many, moves to Nashville with the hopes of making it big, which can be a bit of a challenge. However, with AnnieLee’s natural talents, a little help from a friend and the influence of a Country music icon, AnnieLee quickly turns into a star on the rise. Unfortunately, AnnieLee finds that no matter how hard you try to outrun your past it can catch up with you…

Definitely recommend!

Three// The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, by Chanel Cleeton

Love Chanel Cleeton! A couple years ago I read “When We Left Cuba” and “Next Year in Havana” and I was so excited to learn that she has a third book that is part of the series. Obviously, when I saw Cleeton’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” on in my Audible recommendations I had to download it!

In “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” Cleeton intertwines the story of three notable women during the Spanish-American War and the Cuban fight for independence. It is truly a beautifully written story! 

Four// This Golden State, by Marit Weisenberg

Confession: young adult books are my guilty pleasure. ‘The Golden State’ is one of those books that you can’t put down, and at the same time never want it to end. 

Poppy doesn’t know why her family has been running her entire life…but they live by 5 rules, the main one being that no one knows their true identity and they never stay in one place too long.

When they move to California Poppy becomes increasingly more interested in who her parents really are and takes a DNA test to hopefully find out their real names and her own family history. Just as she is settling into her new math course and even has a possible love interest the result of DNA are released, causing a bit of a situation for all involved.