A Touch of Southern Grace

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

I'm Gonna Soak Up The Sun

I have never been one of those people that can venture out to the beach, pool, or lets just be honest…the outdoors, without sunscreen. My skin is so white the sun just reflects off it for a little while, then it is instant sunburn if I do not have on sunscreen.

Growing up I spent a ton of time out in the sun playing outdoors and I am probably a little overly cautious about my skin now. I know the majority of people think they look better with a tan, but I am one of the few who feels like they look better without a tan or at least not much sun. Usually when I “tan” the sun brings out the red in my face and as you can imagine that does not look good in any situation.

I use sunscreen like my life depends on it in the summer and have a few favorites. Now not to sound like a grandmother, but…the sun actually does have the positional to give you long lasting skin damage. My advice to you is if you are going to spend time outdoors wear at least a 15spf or 30spf sunscreen {I wear 70spf}. Here are a few of my favorite sunscreens.

Supergoop

Neutrogena Clear Face LiquidLotion

Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector

Aveeno Protect + HydrateSunscreen

Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum

If you are wanting the look of having a tan without actually tanning, a bronzer can work wonders! It’s time to soak up the sun!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Work It Out

{Via}

Lately I have been really good about working out on a regular basis; I went to the gym five times last week – I gave myself a high five and a cookie for that one. I find the hardest part of working out is making it part of your daily routine.

I have never been one to get dressed up in a sense to go workout; I still haven’t figured out why some choose to wear makeup to workout in the early hours of the morning… However, I am loving that a good amount of people that pair a cute top and leggings/shorts together for a cute workout outfit. Admittedly, I have never been one to be “fashionable” {believe it or not} while working out, I usually a t-shirt paired with some yoga leggings or shorts. I am really tempted to go out and buy a few cute workout pieces. Why can’t one be stylish and get in shape all at the same time!?

Since I have obviously been contemplating expanding my workout wardrobe options I have done a little online shopping to get a few ideas… Here are a few of my favorite workout picks!

All Tied Up Tank

High Times Pants

Salutation Long Sleeve

Live In 2 Capris

Vola Tank

Namaste Leggings

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Sunday Night Thought

Friday, June 5, 2015

Happy Hour Time

Welcome one, Welcome all, thank goodness it is finally Friday {aka the best day of the week}! I hope everyone has had a wonderful first week of June! I may be biased, June is my birthday month, but next to December June is my favorite month. Here’s to enjoying the beautiful outdoors, sip on some sweet tea, and spend some time with friends and family this weekend. Cheers!

“Spread love everywhere you go let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”

~Mother Teresa

Drink Special!

Bee’s Knees

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

½ ounce gin

Ice cubes

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass

Around Town!

Nashville, TN: First Saturday Art Crawl at 5^th Avenue of the Arts, Saturday, June 5, 6:00pm

Ashland, VA: Annual Strawberry Faire at Randolph-Macon College, Saturday, June 6, 10:00am

Tupelo, MS: Elvis Tupelo Festival at Tupelo, Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7

Atlanta, GA: Atlanta Braves v. Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field, Sunday, June 7

Seaside, FL: Central Square Cinema at the Amphitheater, Friday, June 5, 8:00pm

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Time For Bed

{Via}

Lately I have been having a little trouble falling asleep, so I have mad a few adjustments in my nighttime routine that I thought I would share with you.

1. Every night before I go to bed I take a shower to relax and wash away the stress of the day. I try to take my showers as close to my bedtime as possible, otherwise I get wound up again if there is too much time between my shower and bed.

2. Comfortable pajamas are a must. I know most people prefer the typical pajama bottoms, but I prefer to sleep in legging type pants and a fitted shirt – it always bothers me when pj material gets tangled up in the night… I also wear sock that come up to my knee to bed… I bet the image you have in your head is the epitome of a nerd.

3. Once I am showered and have on my pajamas complete with ridiculously long socks, I brush my teeth and put on some Clinique youth surge face cream – after all, who wants to have a dry face? We sleep about one-third of our lives on a mattress, so you should take sleeping very seriously. I found some interesting tips from topmattress.com that mentioned a few tricks to fall asleep faster on your mattress; if interested you should read them.

The Short Story

The summer season is widely associated with sundresses, skirts, bikinis, and of course shorts! There is nothing easier than waking up on a summer morning taking a refreshing shower, then slip into a pair of cute shorts, cute top or v-neck, and ta-da! Cute, easy summer outfit, you are now ready to start the weekend, ideally with a walk on the beach.

I have rounded up my favorite pairs of summer shorts for this season. Of course I have included the classics, but I have also included some new as well – the Lauren James bow shorts and Southern Marsh shorts are undoubtedly cute and stylish. I have to admit I was in a very pink frame of mind when I put together this post…