Happy (flashback) Friday/Valentine's Day!

Today has already brought on so many happy emotions and it's not even noon. I'm a huge fan of holidays in general, but this one is exceptionally lovely. 

{Meemaw and me in my favorite spot}

For starters, I went to the gym with my dad and used my early Valentine's present from JT again, and yep, I still love it. So the endorphins weren't a bad way to get things going. I got the sweetest card from my mama along with some valentines happys, and watched my dad sneak to the garage and get mama's present out of his toolbox (how stinking cute?!). 

While I was getting ready, I thought about my sister, and how very different this Valentine's is from last year. Then, she had just gone through her second miscarriage and was feeling particularly blue, as anyone would imagine. I purchased this happy (she's the one with the ring and pale nail polish, I'm the one with the lipstick-stained mug and dark nails--it really couldn't be more fitting for us) for her as a reminder that we'd always have each other and that I was (and am) so thankful for our bond as sisters. This year, she's mere weeks away from giving birth to her first bebe. God is good, and I can't help but smile when I think of how far we've all come since last year.

{at Mary Jane's wedding in what she called her "wedding dress" 

since she wore it to all her kid's weddings}

Next came the group text from my mama to my aunt, cousin, emily and me saying how this day is always kind of bittersweet because it's filled with so much love, but is a vivid reminder of my wonderful Meemaw who would've been 88-years-old tomorrow. It's beyond crazy that she's been gone over a decade. In some ways it's easier, but in other ways the void is still very apparent. We've chosen to dwell on the positive: her life, her love, and her powerful legacy of strong women in our family. Today, I'm wearing two rings that were passed down to me; subtle things like that always make me feel closer to her. 

{Left: JT's tiger ring, and my Meemaw's band-Ashleigh has the other :) // Right: Purple was her favorite color as amethyst was her birthstone, and she collected tons of amethyst jewelry.}

To top it off, JT sweetly agreed to go visit my Papaw with me tonight for Valentine's. I've got a good one, and today I'm especially thankful for his kindness and strong family values. 

So however you spend your day, I hope it's filled with crazy, stupid amounts of love. God is great, God is good, and God is full of love for you and me. 

Transformation Tuesday

For the most part, these transformations are reserved for awkward family photos or hilarious moments in the past compared to what you are now. In that regard, the title fits. 

No, I'm not including any awkward photos of myself (though Lord knows they exist), but rather I am addressing something that was not-so-subtly pointed out to me today: I'm willingly turning into Taylor Sterling.

Granted, I don't see this as a bad thing, nor does the glamorous individual who said it to me, but there's something to be said for the fact that I literally found out who she was a week ago and now stalk her every instagram post.

For those who don't know, Taylor Sterling is the founder and creative director of The Glitter Guide. She has a successful website, an adorable family, and a love for metallic polka dots (for this reason it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed).

She has a bebe (Elodie--yes, as in The Hills... as Mere would say, clearly she was team Heidi) on the way, a nursery that rivals royalty in cuteness, and somehow looks more glamorous at 9 months pregnant than I did going to a college formal. Added bonus, she's friends with my gal Julie of Gal Meets Glam.

 

{the coveted gold sheets}

I recognized the transformation was happening almost instantly. Yes, i share a love of gold, stripes and polka dots, but the fact that I found where her bedsheets are from (PB Teen) should have been my first clue. Next came the auto-correct of her name when I type in "Instagram" on my computer. Finally, please avoid Pinterest unless you want to see bookoos of annoying pins from me.

 

{yes, this is Taylor. The image everyone repins... it's actually her}

Again, I reiterate that I don't think having mentors is a bad thing, but there is a line of finding yourself instead of plugging yourself into a mold someone else created. Case and point, I am in love in Inslee Haynes. Truly, madly, deeply. Her illustrations make me smile, even when I have no relation to the image. Part of me (okay, a lot of me) views her blog and thinks "Wow, if only I could do _____."

I've since turned this obsession toward Taylor. When does designating a mentor cross a line into wanting to follow their footsteps instead of forging your own path/success? This is something I really gotta work on. Any advice is appreciated.

I can't help but think of when my friends and I used to mock a stereotypical sorority girl (which we are- minus Eddie, who would ask the questions to us) by saying, "Q: What's your favorite band? A: Trotline!, Q: What's your favorite color? A: Glitter!"

Although I do find it a bit ironic that one of my favorite colors really is gold (glitter) now.

Merry Christmas, Darling

 

(inslee haynes illustrations)

 I know, I know, it's Thanksgiving! And I fully appreciate that... while mentally thinking ahead to the festivities that await. Whether it's a cookie exchange, a family get-together, a cocktail party or a night out... holiday looks are one of my favorite things about the holidays. And what better way to accessorize than with a fresh face? Any excuse to dress up, wear a red lip and/or fur and I'm in! Current looks I'm loving for holiday outings:

 

And to top it all off (pun intended)... these tanks (perfect under a fabulous fur coat... but appropriate for the blazing (fire-roasted) indoor temps once inside. Maybe it's time for me to address my obsession with black and white...

 

Left: $45 // Right: $25

 

Left: $25 // Right: $39 

 

Left: $25 // Right: $50 

Let Us Eat Cake

 

Today, just so happens to be mine. 

So, as Marie Antoinette once (allegedly) said,

 "Let them eat cake."

the above recipe:
1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
1.5 ounces cranberry juice
1/2 ounce champagne
Rim glass with Sprinkles
Combine vodka and cranberry juice in an ice shaker, half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into glass. Top with Champagne. Drop in cherry. Enjoy!

{nothing makes for a happier day than an inslee illustration}

Gang's All Here

Blame it on the journalist in me, my love of all things Entertainment (E!), or just plain curiosity, but I don't consider my day "started" until a few things have happened.

These things include, but are not limited to, drinking a large cup of coffee, scrolling through the top news on E! Online, and hanging out with the girls. 

In this scenario, the coffee has 2 sugars and heavy cream, E News is the only legitimate form of news (an argument for another post, but celebrity coverage is one thing a gal can count on in this crazy life), and the girls are my blogger consultants.

So yes, now is the time to insert any joke about cyber friends. Good. Now that that's done, I'll introduce you to the ladies I check in with nearly daily (besides my TNB's).

Sally Ann and Molly from A Piece of Toast. Amy from Dallas Wardrobe. Courtney from What Courtney Wore. Mary from Happily Grey. Julia from Gal Meets Glam. Helena from Brooklyn Blonde. Mackenzie from Design Darling. Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black. Erin from Elements of Style. and last, but not least, Inslee from Inslee Illustrations.


So, meet the gang and see for yourself why they're so spectacular.

TNB Look-Alikes

I'm am a firm believer that there is an Inslee Haynes illustration for every mood, occasion, and time of year; so, why would a beach reunion be any different?! (see here, here or here for proof of my infatuation with Inslee)

I'm beyond obsessed, and since I can't afford to commission a custom one for myself (much less my besties), although I'd love to, this will suffice. I've found the best of the best to depict our personalities. Ladies and gents, I present to you, my besties in illustration form:

First, we have the lovely Ashley, who unfortunately can't join us on our trip, but she is no less loved. She'll be soaking up the rays in SoFla with her main squeeze and her precious nephew.

Next, we have the wannabe twins, Kelsey and Mere. Seriously, it's freaky how often people mistake them for twinkies. That said, they both have impeccable style and will most definitely be sharing clothes on the trip.

 

Next up is my fellow Tennessean and our hair dresser extraordinaire, Claire. The top knot and ray bans sealed the deal for this image as you, my dear.

 

For my leetle baboosh {Erin} things got tricky... there were a number that reminded me of you but it took some finesse to find the most perfect one. For the baby-lovin, stylishly put-together nanny of the year, I give you, EZ-E. (note: bebe not included for reunion)

 

Last but not least, myself. Since my gurl Inslee doesn't make too many with curly hair, I was limited, but I think it works (key factors were my vanilla skin tone, crazy hair, Mary Poppins bag, and large cup of java to go).

 

Now, for the runner ups... I found far too many to not show you what was left on the cutting room floor. So, enjoy:

Ashley:

 

 Kelsey:

Mere:

 Claire:

 Erin:

 Me:

 

Can't wait to see y'all soon!

*note: all of these images are from Inslee Haynes' website and are copyrighted accordingly.