A Touch of Southern Grace

Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Chocolate Craving

Lately after I workout I literally cannot get a chocolate item in my mouth fast enough. Typically people spend 30 minutes to an hour working out – one deserves one or three pieces of chocolate after all that hard work right?

When I am in need of a chocolate fix my go-to is the Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Squares. As good as those little squares are nothing beats the taste of a homemade chocolate desert that has just been freshly made.

Here’s where to get the recipe. Click on the name of the desert to be directed to the website where you can find the recipe.

1. ChocolateMacaroon

2. ChocolateLasagna

3. GiantDouble Chocolate Cookies

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

I am not a big television watcher; there are maybe five shows that I really enjoy watching, but other than those few…honestly, TV is usually not that great. Off topic, but I have this theory that the TV and movie companies conspire together on the weekends so the viewer is forced to either go to the movies or rent a movie from a Redbox or On Demand. There is never a good movie on during the weekend except for sunny Saturday afternoons when you would much rather be outside. Now, to the point… The Mindy Project is one of the few shows that I actually enjoy watching, plus I love Mindy Kaling, the writer of show. She was a writer for The Office, acted on The Office, writes, produces, and acts in The Mindy Project, and on top of that has a pretty awesome Instagram, and writes books.

I will devour any biography, autobiography, memoir, etc. that is set in front of me. I always think it is interesting to read about others perspective, because of the insight, knowledge, and appreciation, for your own background that is gained. There is always something to take away from a non-fiction book that can be applied or relayed to your actual life or a lesson/experience you are able to relate. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is hands down the funniest book I have read that falls under the biography/autobiography/memoir category.

When Mindy Kaling first appearance as Kelly on The Office it almost seemed like she just fell out of thin air and was an over night success story. Kalings book is entreating to say the least and will have you laughing at least every few pages. As entertaining as the book is the reader is allowed a glance at just how much work and perseverance went into Mindy Kaling finally making a break.

Mindy Kaling takes the reader on a journey of the different stages of life she has gone through; the child of immigrant professionals, an obedient “chubster”, the loss and gain of friends in high school as she discovered who she is, a big fish in a small pond in college, and finally into the world of writing and comedy. She also offers advice on different topics, some of which are insightful.

IsEveryone Hanging Out Without Me? Is the perfect book to take to the pool, on a beach vacation, or just to read a few pages before you go to bed.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Favorite Leave In Conditioners

{Via}

When it comes to appearances everything can be wrong: I can hate the outfit I’m wearing, have no make up, have on an uncomfortable pair of shoes, and be fine, but when my hair doesn’t feel right or I am just having a plain old bad hair day my whole day goes off course and my mood is subpar.

I have used the same leave in conditioner for years and years - it works so fantastically I was never tempted to branch out. However, last week I was forced to; the store I usually buy my leave in conditioner at no longer carries it. I was out of leave in conditioner, no where in Nashville carries Evo LiquidRollers, luckily I was able to track some down on the internet, but in the mean time I had to experiment to try and find a leave in conditioner stand in for the time being.

Some of you may think I am over reacting, but for those of you out there who have curly hair you understand that the struggle is real…use the wrong product and a bad hair day will descend upon you. Finding a good leave in conditioner to temporarily take place of the one I normally use was definitely trial and error. The first one I tried dried my hair out so badly, I was one step away from looking like Ruby Sue from Christmas Vacation. Fortunately, on my hair car adventure I found a few other wonderful leave in conditioners, below are a few of my favorites!

Evo Liquid Rollers Curl Balm

Garnier Fructis Sleek &Shine

Paul Mitchell Full Circle LeaveIn Treatment

It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-InProduct

Bb Leave In Conditioner

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Sunday Night Thought

Friday, May 8, 2015

Happy Hour Time

Well helloooooo Friday! Where on earth have you been all week long! I feel confident in say that I am sure almost everyone is glad that it is finally the weekend. Bring on some sun beautiful weather, horse races, and of course Mother’s Day festivities. Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead. Cheers!

“ Do your thing. Do it unapologetically. Don’t be discouraged by criticism. You probably already know what they’re going to say. Pay no mind to the fear of failure. It’s far more valuable than success. Take ownership, take chances, and have fun. And no matter what, don’t ever stop doing your thing.”

~ Asher Roth

Drink Special!

Horse’s Neck

1 full lemon peel cut into a spiral

Ice cubes

2 ounces brandy

2 dashes angostura bitters

Ginger ale

Place peel in a highball glass. Fill glass with ice, add brandy and bitters, and fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale

Around Town!

Nashville, TN: Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park, Saturday, May 9

Birmingham, AL: Cathedral Caverns Cave Tour at Cathedral Caverns, Saturday, May 9, 10:15am

Charleston, SC: Music in the Park at Isle of Palms Recreation Department, Saturday, May 9

Houston, TX: Samurai: The Way of the Warrior at Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sunday, May 10, 11:00am

New Orleans, LA: Wetlands Art Tour at Clouet Gardends, Saturday, May 9, 9:00am

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is just a couple short days away and I am sure there are a few out there who have let the clock wind down to the last minute before picking out of gift. Luckily there is no need to worry, just because you waited to the last second, it is not excuse not to get a great gift. Sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge to pick out “the perfect gift” for one of the most important people in our lives. People tend to associate the word, “mother” with a kind, loving, supportive, nurturing person. Here are a few gift ideas I have rounded up for Mother’s Day!

Here’s where to shop for the above Mother’s Day gift ideas. Click on the name of the item to be directed to the website.

1. VanityFair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age

2. Mother’sDay Card

3. TheThongshow Sandal

4. MastBrothers Chocolate

5. VintagePajama Set

6. YSLLipstick

7. CapeFloral Printed Scarf

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Lilly Luxletic

Don’t get me wrong, I love Lululemon {especially the hounds tooth leggings and theherringbone leggings} and Nike as much as the next person, but sometimes it is fun to add a pop of color and cute print to your workout look, and unfortunately most athletic brands don’t fill that.

Lately I have been hitting up Devon Maryn for their colorful prints, but I just discovered Lilly Pulitzer has a couple cute workout tops and yoga pants. Needless to say I am ecstatic to have two places I know I can find cute colorful workout clothes.

The LillyPulitzer workout clothes seriously makes me wish I was running along side the ocean. Between the Conch print and the Navy Star Crush print you just can’t help but be in a sunny beach state of mind.