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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Billion Dollar Brows

Hey y'all!

Since I got out of school, I have been so busy with Christmas shopping, finishing our cards, attending Christmas parties, celebrating the holidays, etc.!

But today I'm back with y'all to share one of my favorite new products (which would also be great gifts for any beauty lovers in your family ;)

The two products I want to highlight today are the Billion Dollar Brows Best Sellers Kit and the 60 Seconds to Beautiful Brows and I'm obsessed with both.


Since my wedding (when I first learned the phrase "eyebrows on fleek") I have been obsessed with a bold, yet natural eyebrow. 
I've tried several different drugstore brands of pencils, but I've not been really loyal to any one brand.


The Best Sellers Kit comes with 4 items (which is so fun!) and is valued at $42.

Universal Brown Pencil
This is just like it sounds, a universal product that works with any hair shade. It starts off light, but is build able and has a really nice, soft wax consistency that helps it blend easily.

Brow Duo Pencil
This is such a cool product that I've never seen before!
It's a two-ended pencil; one is a concealer used to cover blemishes (I love to use it to cover up those little hairs that I haven't gotten around to tweezing) and then the highlighter end to add warmth and definition to your brow bone. 

Smudge Brush
This helps to blend out the duo pencil perfectly.

Brow Gel
This helps to control any fly aways and helps set the brow pencil. It keeps your brows in place all day!


I am in love with all of these products; the brush is nice quality and my brows have never looked better.

These are the products that I use on days when I may be doing student teaching, going to church, or for a date night.


The Billion Dollar Brows "Sixty Seconds to Beautiful Brows" is up next!
It retails for $24.
Y'all know that some days you want to look put together but you can't or don't want to spend a ton of time applying makeup.

This is the product for you!


I had never, ever used a brow powder before trying this but now I'm wondering what I was doing?
This product is excellent for days when you only have a few minutes but want to look put together.

On a day when I use this I would just apply some CC Cream with a Beauty Blender, a touch of my blush/bronzer duo, a dash of mascara, and then I would use this brow powder. 

It gives a natural appearance and doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day, which is a winner in my book.


Both can be purchased online here and you can get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for their emails!
I know I want the Take Back Your Brows kit next!

And as an added bonus, Billion Dollar Brows is hosting a giveaway of their Best Sellers Kit that you can enter to win below!


What is your favorite brow product? Let me know below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 




Tuesday, December 29, 2015

New Years Eve Style Inspiration

I cannot believe we are only a few days away from the new year!
2015 was a great year, but I'm so looking forward to what 2016 has to hold.

Today I'm rounding up a few outfits that you might wear on New Years Eve, for any occasion.
Check them out below. . .

Glitz and Glamour New Years Eve
Glitz and Glamour New Years Eve

Dress/Shoes/Clutch/Bracelet/Earrings

I love this outfit for a fun night out!
The dress and clutch are both from Rent the Runway, so you won't waste money on things you'll only wear out one night a year.
The shoes are stunning, but are neutral so they can be worn many ways.
And the baubles are less than $30!

Simple Date Night

Date Night New Years

This is definitely an outfit I would wear on a New Years Eve date night with my hubby.
The leather-inspired leggings and lace top are both under $30, so I "splurged" on the Kate Spade clutch.
The jewelry is all from Kendra Scott-the bracelets are so cute stacked together and I love the the sparkle of the druzy earrings.

Cozy New Years Eve


Cozy New Years Eve

This is definitely my version of New Years Eve!
This was the first outfit I put together and I based it all around those fab Lilly Pulitzer pajama pants (less than $50!)
I think it would be so fun to stay in with a mug of hot cocoa, a face mask, and the coziest of fuzzy socks.



This year I think my husband and I are going to hang out at a friend's lake house, eat some snacks, and have a fire.

Although I won't be wearing any of these outfits (I'll probably lean toward leggings, an oversized sweatshirt, and duck boots!) I think they are all great options for New Years!

Let me know in the comments what your New Years Eve plans are!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 






Friday, December 25, 2015

In Vs. Out {December}

Can y'all believe Christmas was yesterday?!
I hope each of you received whatever was on your wish list & that you had a comforting and fun Christmas day.

Today I'm going to do a In Vs. Out post and link-up with Alison at Because I Said So!


IN

The fact that I'm casually obsessed with all of my Christmas gifts
My husband, my in-laws, and my family all were fantastic gift-givers this year. 
And more than that, I got to see everyone on Christmas day and that was the sweetest gift of them all.

Having a very {Married} Christmas
I love being married to Chris, each day is a new adventure.
We don't always see eye-to-eye (including on Christmas), but we always love each other.
That was so evident on Christmas and every day.

Giving 
Picking out a perfect gift for each person that's on my list is something that I so enjoy doing.
This year, Chris' big gift was an Old Town Saranac Canoe and since I couldn't very well wrap that and stick it under our tree, it stayed at my parents house.
I created a scavenger hunt (complete with cheesy poems, wrapped in boxes as clues) that he opened along our way there.
Needless to say, he absolutely loved it and it made me SO happy.
I can't wait for  days floating on the river this spring.

OUT

Hot Weather
Christmas just isn't the same when the weather is as hot and humid (and SO wet) as it was yesterday.
I couldn't even bundle up in the super cute and cozy cardigan that my MOL picked up for me from LOFT.

Christmas Break Coming to an End
As glad as I was that Christmas was here, I didn't want it to be over!
This is my last break of my college career and when I go back to "class" on the 4th of Jan. it will actually be teacher inservice at the school I'll be doing my student teaching at!
It's exciting, but also kind of sad at the same time.

Broken Phone Case
This may seem like a small thing, but the fact that my LifeProof case is practically disintegrating is killing me.
It does make me want to upgrade from my 5C to a 6 though!


I hope y'all enjoyed this little roundup and once again-I hope you had the merriest Christmas of them all!

Tell me below what's in and out for you lately :)

Until next time. . . 

xoxo, 


Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Home Tour & Last Minute Stocking Stuffers


Hey y'all!

To stay in the Holiday theme, I decided I would show y'all a little of how I decorated our home this year (our first married Christmas!) and also a few last minute manly stocking stuffers.
Aren't those men just so difficult?


I think stockings are a great place to add in some of his favorite things, or some useful things, without breaking the bank.

A pack of his favorite gum is a great little gift, and so easy to pick up anywhere!
I also love gifting little flashlights, they're great to keep in your car or around the house.
A nice leather bound journal is a favorite gift as well, he can use it to write notes in for himself and if you're feeling extra sweet-you can write him a sweet note in the front!
A nice pocket knife is always an excellent gift for any man (plus he can use it to help you open your presents for the rest of the day!)
A fun decal, like this one from Yeti is also a great gift. He can stick it to his vehicle, laptop, or a notebook.
A keychain is also a really nice gift, this Auburn one is a bottle opener too-perfect for tailgating!

A snack is also a super fun idea to stick in there, something that he can take with him maybe if you're traveling a lot on Christmas day?

Chomp's Snack Sticks are a favorite around our house and they are the perfect size for tucking in a stocking!
They also come in several fun flavors; original, jalapeño, and cran chomps are just a few.
These snacks are 100% grass fed beef and don't have hard to pronounce ingredients like crazy additives (think; a healthy version of slim jims) 


Now that I've shared my last minute stocking stuffers, I want to share my little "home tour" with all y'all :)


This is an overview of our entire living room (pardon the random chair in the middle of the floor, I was fixing the star before these pictures!)



These beautiful poinsettias are a gift from one of Chris' sweet friends to us, they're absolutely beautiful and make a perfect centerpiece for our large coffee table.
I love to display our family bible (a wedding gift from a sweet friend) and some photo books that I've done for us.





This is one of my favorite little nooks, my cedar chest was an estate sale find and I absolutely love using it to decorate. And of course my believe sign that was a super inexpensive Kirkland's find :)


A little Kirkland's decor in my kitchen, which doesn't really get decorated because I use it too much! But I thought this little tree was perfect!



I love how our living room is divided into little nooks, but is a cohesive room together. I love our chaise, it's such a comfy little place to read or sit. My niece calls it her "princess couch"!
I used a simple pillow from Target, some ornaments inside an oversized Mason jar, a Target dollar spot sign, and a vase filled with my dried bouquet from my best friend's wedding!


Our entertainment center doesn't get too much decor, but it is where we hang our stockings & display our cards!


Another small nook, this is a chair that I bought at an estate sale, I just dressed it up with a red throw pillow and a Target dollar spot pillow. 


I love our antler ornaments that are new this year (from Design World!) and our adorable patchwork fabric horses from Tractor Supply.


We usually get a new personalized ornament from the mall each year, but this year my sweet friend Gloria had given us this ornament at a wedding shower to celebrate our first married Christmas so that took the spot of honor at the front of our tree.



Our star is made of branches and was purchased two years ago at Target.



Our gift wrap is all from Target and Tractor Supply. I love the wood grain and antlers for Chris and the other men we buy for; the stripes and the plaid are so festive for everyone else!


This is our entryway (my daddy made this bookshelf when he was young!) and I love changing out it's decor for the seasons. The chalk plate is from the Target dollar spot and I attempted pretty chalk art (attempted being the word). Another Mason jar filled with ornaments, a JOY sign from the dollar spot, and two metallic trees from TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby, plus a burlap bow to finish it off.
Both picture frames are from Kohl's.


I wish y'all could see how this garland looks in person because this picture does it no justice!
It's from Sears and I absolutely love it!


This is just my little spot on the couch with another red throw pillow and a Hobby Lobby pillow find. 


Our guest bathroom got a touch of Christmas cheer this year; I filled my favorite apothecary jar with ornaments and added a tip towel that Chris received from one of his boys in the class he teaches at church on Wednesdays!
I kept my horse head bust and our initial out like always :)


And last of all, this shot that I took of my engagement ring and wedding band with our beautiful poinsettias.

I hope y'all enjoyed it!

What kind of theme is your decor this season?

Let me know!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


A big thank you to Chomp's Snack Sticks via BrandBacker for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Winter Skin Remedy

Y'all, I have a problem.

It's called winter is killing my skin! It has never been so dry and flakey, no matter how much moisturizer I apply. My face has been so dull and let me tell you, with all the pictures that are taken around the holiday season...I need a glow!

Enter in my newest obsession; Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel. I'm sure if you read Cosmo or any other magazine for twenty somethings, you've heard of the benefits of a peel. But who really wants to chance irritation on an already dry face? Not this girl.

But when I heard that this was non-acid and doesn't irritate, I was all for trying it out!
The product benefits are insane, but specifically it accelerates cell renewal (which gives you that bright glow), improves texture and tone (hello, no wrinkles!), and plumps the skin matrix (this firms and tightens skin). 

It exfoliates, so obviously that will help rid my skin of all that flakey dryness I've been dealing with (how gross is the word flakey....ewww)

I have loved my experience with this product for a couple of reasons. . .

1) It's super easy to use! You just pop the lid off, use two fingers to press down on the top and the right amount of product comes out. Then you smooth it into your skin in an even layer (no rubbing!). You can pat the excess into your skin, then wait five to ten minutes for the product to sink then, then moisturize!

2) The peel is going to help keep me from developing fine lines, which as we ladies age that gets to be a serious concern. Anything that I can do now to prevent that is a serious concern.

3) It evens the tone of your skin; This is perfect for anyone who has tanned a lot or maybe had a lot of acne in their younger years. The peel will help brighten your skin, taking away those dark spots and clarifying your skin.

4) It firms and plumps your skin! As women age, it's a fact that skin loses it's elasticity. This product can help combat that if it's already happening and can help prevent that if you aren't there yet. Like I said earlier, prevention is key!

5) I LOVE that you can peel every single day and it won't irritate your skin. It won't burn and it won't aggravate it at all. Plus, you leave it on and top it with moisturizer so you get to absorb all the benefits.

If you already use a peel (like the Performance Peel) this peel can be used in unison. Just use the Performance Peel (or whatever peel you're using) in the morning, then use the Non-Acid peel in the evening!

I love the tagline that Exuviance uses; No burn. Just benefits.

Guys, I know this is seriously last minute but think about what a great gift this would be for any lady in your life. Skin care (especially the good, more pricey kind) is always at the top of my list because I love receiving something that I would rarely purchase for myself.
The best part? You can pick this up at Ulta!

It can also be ordered online here, but Ulta is definitely your best bet to get it under your Christmas tree this year ;)

Have any of y'all used an Exuviance product before? If so, let me know what you think of them, or let me know what skincare products you swear by!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


A big thank you to Exuviance via BrandBacker for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Finals Survival Guide


Y'all, finals are upon us!
Many of you are already done...like me ;)
But some won't even begin until next week!

I decided to put together a little list of a few things that might help you survive yours...although I don't guarantee A's!

Let's start with nourishment: Water is pretty obvious, that's why it's not on the graphic-but you need to stay hydrated! All nighters will kill you, so as long as you keep hydrated, you will make it to the other side. 

Do try to sleep, but if not, you're going to need Starbs and protein!
Grab your favorite coffee (I love the Chestnut Praline Latte!) and then pick up a fruit/nut/cheese plate (Starbucks has these in their refrigerated section, Publix has these where you can pick them up pre-packaged, etc.)
It's so important to keep your strength up, it will help your memory and keep you sane :)

Keeping up with your tasks via a super cute to-do list like this one; I always make to-do lists based on what has to be turned in first/what test is first. That way I know how I have to plan to tackle everything on time!
I also like to use cute sticky notes to remind myself of due dates and test times. These are also super useful for jotting quick notes and keeping your place in books.

Droptime is another suggestion I have for all y'all!
It's my favorite "Educational" app because it's a timer that tells you how long to study for (30 minutes) and then a break (10 minutes). It keeps you on task and has really helped me a lot, especially when reading textbooks!

My last suggestion is finding a good hygiene combination!
It's hard to find time to shower (let's be honest!) so you want to make sure you pick out a great dry shampoo & an even better anti-perspirant!

I tried out this one from Degree (it's spray on!) before a big final presentation, and y'all it works so well!
I was so nervous, but I didn't sweat bit (gross, but helpful to know!)


In the end, remember to just relax and do your best-that's all you can do!
And when it's over, pour yourself a giant bottle glass of wine and tweet the praise hand emoji!


What did you do/do you do to prepare and survive finals?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


A big thank you to Influenster for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Christmas Wish-List

While this might be some of the items off of my personal wish-list, I think it's safe to say that this is a good idea of gifts to give the twenty-something female in your life ;)  



Alabama Photo Frame
I think the theme of this gift guide should've been "Bama Girl" because I have so many state themed items! But I just love my state :) Plus, there are lots of similar items for different states if you google :)
I love anything by MudPie and this state frame would be cute to stick a wedding picture or a picture of us at an Auburn game in.

Alex and Ani "U" Bracelet
Ever since I saw one of these in the jewelry store where we bought our wedding rings, I fell in love.
It's so hard to find the letter U on anything, much less jewelry so I really want this!
It's less than $15 at Nordstrom Rack online so I think that's a great deal :)

To Kill a Mockingbird & Go Set a Watchman
I guess these really fit the Alabama theme too!
I read To Kill a Mockingbird a really long time ago (but no longer have that copy) and still haven't read Go Set a Watchman.
They're pretty affordable on Amazon and I would really love to add them to my collection.

Decorative Antler
I found this on Urban Outfitters and fell in love. It would be so pretty in our living room or in my dressing room (to display jewelry on!)

Tassel Earrings
A BaubleBar find from Nordstrom (less than $25), I love the festive green color that would last well into the spring!

Kate Spade Wallet
I have been dying for a real leather wallet and this Kate Spade is a classic.
I love the snap closure and that it has lots of card pockets (for the inevitable gift card pile up at the end of the holidays)

Dixieland Delight Sticker & Koozie
I am a huge fan of Lauren James designs, they're just so playful and pretty!
These two would be staples for me year-round (I would definitely put that sticker on my laptop).

Umgee Floral Tunic
This is my FAVORITE brand ever.
I used to hate tunics, but recently fell in love.
This one is perfect for winter because it's darker, but could transition well into spring too.

Alabama Tea Towel
I always love to display tea towels in my kitchen on my oven handle, this would be perfect for the in-between time when I don't have seasonal ones out.
It has many of the Alabama towns (including Auburn!)

Umgee Lace Shift
Another Umgee pick (I wouldn't be upset about seeing both under the tree)
I love the lace on this one and the neutral color palette.

Honorable mentions go to. . .

I love their jewelry and home decor

Kirkland's
I love all of their home decor; specifically their throw pillows, apothecary jars, and I'm lusting over their big leaning mirrors (I want one that looks like it's framed in barn wood)

Don't let the name fool you, they have the cutest clothes ever!
I'm dying over their ponchos and kimonos.

I'm a makeup lover but hardly ever spend $$$$ on high end makeup.
I would love to try some goodies from Philosophy, Lorac, Tarte, Benefit, etc. or maybe a really nice brush set :)

A monogrammed necklace like this one from Baublebar has been on my wishlist forever!
I want a gold in vine and a silver in block ;)

This wouldn't be a gift guide for me without a little Lilly, now would it?
I LOVE Elsa tops to teach in; I'm lusting over the new Let's Cha Cha, Flirty, Southern Charm, and the "plain" Tropical Pink.

Also Lilly related but not from Lilly; I would love this cooler for beach and pool trips! And of course, a new coffee mug would make me smile as well :)


I hope those of you out there that are shopping for me got some good hints and those that are just reading for fun, maybe you got some good ideas for your wish lists!

What are you wishing for this season?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 









Saturday, December 5, 2015

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide: For Him

Who else has the hardest time trying to find the perfect little gifts to tuck in the stockings of the men in your life?
I know I do!
But, I also love the challenge of finding gifts that are useful but also special. 
Here are a couple of my favorite ideas!




1) Pocket Square:
This is for the classy guy in your life. I love the color of this silk pocket square from Saks Fifth Ave. (Terra-cotta)
At $14.75 it doesn't break the bank, but is something very special.

2) Southern Proper Cotton Boll Drawls:
I'm a sucker for giving cute boxers as gifts, they're useful but also kind of unexpected.
These green boxers from So Pro have little cotton bolls all over, which give a nod to my southern heritage (but there are lots of other cute options like this and this for those of you that aren't southern!)
These are only $19, but the two honorable mentions are less than $10!

3) Fossil Money Clip:
This is a Nordstrom find (hello free shipping!)
It's a little more expensive at $22.50, but it's real leather and sturdy so he could use it every single day and it would hold up.

4) Head Lamp:
This is a Kohl's find (make sure to use those coupons) and only $10.
I know my husband works late into the night so having these stashed in every truck is so useful.
But I think if your guy goes camping or works on cars (or stash this in an emergency car kit!) this could be a great stocking stuffer.

5) If You Don't Love Southern Girls Koozie
Like I said, koozies are a necessity in every southern stocking and I love this one.
It's only $4 with the code KMSSJSU at checkout, so it's basically a steal!

6) Southern Proper Farmer's Koozie
This is an honorable mention to the first koozie since this one is $5 (10% off with the code WELCOME at checkout)
But I love that it gives a nod of respect to farmers, which I might be biased but I think farmers are pretty darn important.

7) Hand Conditioner
I love to give gifts that are useful that the recipient might not buy for themselves.
Most men that I know don't like to use girly lotions and potions, but this is formulated just for men.
It's only $4.50 and will moisturize his hands after a hard day in the fields, in the board room, or just from the cold weather!


What are you sticking in your guys stocking?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


Friday, December 4, 2015

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide: For Her

'Tis the season for gift guides!
I think my favorite (& the easiest) gifts to pick are the little ones for the ladies in my life.
These gifts are perfect to tuck in the stocking of your wife, girlfriend, mother, best friend, sisters, or daughter!
The only problem with this gift guide is that it makes me want to buy them all for myself!

Tassel Earrings/Tree of Life Necklace/State Bracelet/Note Pad/Naked Flushed Pallet/Stone Key 
Chain/Candle/Koozie/Coffee Cup

1) Tassel Earrings:
These gorgeous maroon beauties are BaubleBar originals, but are available from Nordstrom for under $30 right now-that means you get free shipping as well!
I know I would love to see these tucked into my stocking ;)

2) Tree of Life Necklace:
This necklace is a steal from the Lauren Conrad line at Kohl's.
It's on sale for less than $10 right now and they always have coupons available.

3) State Bangle:
A beautiful gift option for women and girls alike, this bracelet comes in several different state options as well as in both gold and silver.
It's only $8.50 with the code KMSSJSU at checkout.

4) Notepad:
What lady doesn't love a little personalized gift tucked into her stocking?
This palm printed notepad is from Erin Condren and comes in several sizes (this one is only $15) and can be personalized with the receivers favorite print and name.
(Get $10 off when you order through this link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/christopherupchurch0613)

5) Naked Flushed Pallet:
This pallet has three beautiful shades that can be worn alone or all together for unique looks!
This is on sale at Sephora right now for only $15 and is a great buy.
I love the fact that it's a mirror compact because that makes it perfect for travel.

6) Natural Stone Keychain:
Natural stones are so popular right now and this one is absolutely gorgeous.
Whoever you give this gift to won't have to worry about mixing their keys up with anyone else's and it's only $6.

7) Je T'Adore Soy Candle:
If you come to my house, there's a good chance that I have a candle burning somewhere.
This packaging is so cute (doesn't it remind you of Kate Spade?!) and at only $12, there's plenty of room in the budget for more gifts for the stocking you're stuffing!

8) American Magnolia Koozie:
It's just not a stocking at our house if there isn't a koozie or two in there!
This adorable magnolia design is only $5 from Lauren James (& don't forget to sign up for emails from them to receive 10% off)

9) Urban Outfitters Mug
This is the perfect gift for the sassy lady in your life, she can show her RBF even when she's got her mouth covered with her mug.
At $8 this is a sassy steal.


Tell me what you want to see in your stocking this year!

Until next time. . .


xoxo,
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