Got Acne?

Hey y'all!

I've been sick with what I'm convinced is the black plague. Bleh- any of y'all get it??

I've spent four days in bed with nothing to do, and I came across a bunch of fun stuff!

First things first. I had acne, bad acne. I've tried every potion, lotion, topical ointment, cream, antibiotic- you name it, I've tried it. Nothing has worked until these two things.

1- A dermatologist prescribed medication, Solodyn. It's worked wonders, and I would definitely suggest a trip to the dermi to inquire about it.

2- Cod Liver Oil. Holy smokes. Incredible. This article can tell you most everything you need to know, I highly recommend!

Hope all y'all are staying healthy, xo!

Handwritten Notes

I love handwritten notes. One of my New Years Resolutions is to write one handwritten note a week.

I'm excited more a few reasons. One, I really do think the art of handwriting and thought has been lost with all the technology over the past few years. Two, I can practice my handwriting and my thoughtfulness. Third, I have an excuse to buy pretty stationary all the time. WIN.

I think this Southern Living How to Write Thank You Notes article is a great place to start. With the Do's and Dont's, it makes it easy to know whats acceptable...and what's not.

I don't know about y'all, but I always draft my thank you notes before I write them on the actual stationary. I make sure all my grammar is correct, I don't have word repetition, and I make sure to express how much I appreciate the gift/help/thing I'm thanking them for.

I love these sets of stationary!

Emily Ley

Sugar Paper

Kate Spade

Ginny Marie Monograms

CCPaperDesigns

Do y'all like handwritten notes? Will you try to write more this year with me? 

xo

Friday Five/ Fail

I really must get used to making sure I post every Friday! Here is Friday Five a bit late!

Five Pins

At Home Gel Manicure

Recently, my nail lady who has been doing my nails for years moved away. (We still text, and I still hold a grudge that she didn't consult me before moving. Boo.) Anyways, I got my gel manicure done every two weeks. For years. Now what do I do? I'm currently in search of a new girl, but after thinking about it...I've spent hundreds of dollars. I figured I should at least give this a try!

Dream Home Source

I can't even begin to count the number of hours I've spent designing on here...

I just really love polka dots. 

Punchy Pink by Essie

I did this workout...WOOF. 

winter dry skin

Ick, I know.

But this winter, I have got a pretty bad case of dry skin. I have been putting on two different face moisturizers two times a day- and nothing is working. I have tried a plethora or cremes, potions, and lotions. I've tried old prescription lotion and every dermatologist recommended product out there. I'm almost to the point of scheduling an appointment with my dermi to see what I can do.

Anyone have any suggestions/ experiencing the same thing!? It's no fun- lets commiserate together :)

xo

Same old, same old?

I feel like I'm filtering through the exact same 10-15 outfits every couple of weeks this season. A few sweaters, pants, and long sleeves. I have my boots, my riding boots, and flats. I try to change it up each time with different accessories and hair (I either wear it straight or curly- more on that later!).

I have got an exorbitant amount of clothes- but am just not in the mood to put together outfits unless I have extra time in the a.m or pinterest inspiration!

Do y'all find yourselves in this same predicament?

Hope y'all had a great Monday. xo

Nashville: The Show

I just completely fell in love with the show, Nashville.

At first, I was thinking it was going to end up being a cliche, "southern" show. Uh, no. I was so, so wrong. I'm smitten. I watched all available episode in the past 36 hours- and the mid season premiere (I really don't enjoy when they split the season up like that!) on Wednesday at 10/9c! I totally suggest checking it out. Try to catch up a little though so it's not completely confusing.

One of my favorite parts is the music. The lyrics are quite touching and incredible. Hayden Panettiere is a) gorgeous. and b) an incredible singer (see below).

Nashville is such a dynamic, beautiful town and I really do think the show captures it the best you can.

What do y'all think? Any other shows y'all think I'll love??

Friday Five

Every Friday, I want to start posting one of four things- my favorite five pins from the past week, favorite five things that I have in my life that week, five people or five blogs that made me smile that week. I hope I can keep this up this year- expect 52 of these posts :)

This week I thought I might do all four! So....

five pins

A good reminder that not every day is going to be flawless. 

Did you know you can go swimming with elephants in Thailand? Because you can. And it's officially on my bucket list. 

If I had had an incredible NYE party to go, I would have worn this phenomenal dress. 

I love Texas. L.O.V.E.

Monogrammed Louis, Bauble Necklace, animal print, and stripes. Perfection. 

five things 

If I wear it, it's kinda like I'm there- right?

Such an incredible book. Check it out. 

I don't know why I thought this was so funny. 

I made a ton of these homemade with double stuff oreos and white chocolate, topped with peppermint. But I gave them as presents to a few people, and I wanted some. But, alas, I was too lazy and opted for single stuffed white fudge. It happens. 

I started keeping a journal, I got a fresh manicure, and my Yurman. (Disclaimer: Not engaged. HA.) 

five people

The Cotton Bowl. Oh, my! Go Aggies! Johnny Manziel is my husband, if you didn't know- I don't know what all this crazy talk about his girlfriend is. Just some wannabe. Psh. 

I just really love George W. Bush. Always. 

Girl crush. 

We're sisters in the sense we're both princesses. Duh. 

I watched The Lucky One. I cried. Mainly because Zac Efron is hot. And he almost dies. 

five blogs

Classy Girls Wear Pearls ~ Love her. She and KJP have been my inspiration for the past couple weeks outfits. 

Southern Charm ~ Perfect for pinspiration!

Southern Curls and Pearls ~ Love her hair. Love it. 

Southern Vogue ~ I want to plan a party with her. She pays major attention to minor details, love it! 

Monograms and Manicures ~ Her name says it all. 

Brooks Brother Semi Annual Sale!

My favorite sale of the year- Brooks Brothers!

Here are a few of my favorites items for the ladies:

Linked Rings Necklace

Great statement piece! 

Quilted Calfskin and Patent Pump

Classic. 

Cable Cowl Neck Sweater

Who doesn't love a comfy cowl neck? 

Button Cable Capelet

I've always wanted a sweater like this. Um, ordering like 5 minutes ago. 

Argyle Wrap

Awesome for running errands! 

Wool Belted Coat

Trench me. 

For the gents:

Wool Plaid Tartan Cardigan

I've really been digging Tartan lately and this just solidifies my love. 

Supima Half-Zip Sweater

I do love a man in a half zip. But.....

Is there anything better than a man in a suit? YES. A man in a suit with a bow tie on. And this model is crazy pants hot. So, there's that. 

Regent Fit Mini Stripe 1818 Suit

(This broke my heart. I can't even bear to link a picture: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Winter-Warrior-Cargo-Pants/MR00186,default,pd.html?dwvar_MR00186_Color=BRGR&contentpos=33&cgid=0220)

Southern Gift Guides: For the Ladies

Wrote this post- never posted it/ finished it. New Years Resolution? Be a better blogger. 
I'm so glad I've chosen now to come back to blogger land- Christmas time is upon us.

Y'all should know that right next to summer- The Holidays are my absolute FAVORITE time of the year. I think they are just such fun- family, friends, food (read: sugar), and obviously presents.

I remember as a child reading Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera. If you've never read this book, go out to your bookstore and buy it. right now.

Auntie Claus always says "My darling, it is always better to give than to receive." 

(Please note I'm super partial and Auntie Claus and her fabulousness because she is über sassy and who doesn't love that? But she lives in New York. Bless her heart.)

BUT ANYWAYS. 

Christmas Presents. I love buying them for people, and seeing that look of excitement and joy when I've picked up the perfect thing. 

So here I'm giving you a few ideas that I know a few people would really enjoy this Holiday season!

Love, right? Such a simple piece that could easily make a look. I found this Gorjana line and have fallen in love with a few of their pieces. 

(Sidenote: I'm a member of MyHabit, you might have to make an account to buy!)

Seaport Pearl Studs 

Such a Kate Spade classic! 

Excursion Printed Vest

I have this is Navy Blue and I love it. I wear it all the time! I love it so much, I'm asking for another color. It's super versatile. 

(Sad story: I was walking the dog, hands in pockets with her leash in my hand. She saw a squirrel (typical lab) and went after it, ripped my hand out of my pocket, and ripped the seam! It's at the tailors now...fingers crossed!)