In Vs. Out Link-Up {October}

Today I'm linking up with Allison from Because I Said So  with her monthly In Vs. Out post!

But before we dive into what is In vs. what is Out, can we just discuss for a moment how it is already Halloween and before we know it Thanksgiving will be upon us and then CHRISTMAS?!

I die.

Also, I'll be done with this semester of school soon, so praise hand emoji for that.

Anyways, let's dive into this thing.

IN

Dressing Up | My student teaching practicum requires me to dress well, like a teacher...obviously.

I know lots of people probably dread that part of it, or think that we all have to wear loafers, dress pants, and a starched button up...but let me tell you, I am having SO much fun with it. I finally have a reason to wear all of my dresses and play with my looks. It's so fun.

Bath & Body Works Candles | Y'all, I have a ridiculous stash of these candles and cannot stop buying them. If I'm home, you can best bet I'm burning one. Last weekend they were buy one get one free and I stocked up again. It's ridiculous. I'm currently burning Salty Caramel.

Vests | I have way too many vests in my closet (my husband tells me it's silly because I can only wear one at a time. . .men, ugh) but I love them all! I have three of the Excursion vests from J.Crew, a Columbia, a Patagonia, a fur vest from Target...and I recently added two new ones from Target which leads me to my last "In". . .

Knox Rose | If you don't shop at Target you might not know what I'm talking about, but it's their newest in-house clothing brand (I think!) Think boutique style but for a Target price.

I just recently picked up a suede/faux fur vest in-store (not online!) that I LOVE and also another black faux fur vest from their Missoni line. 

But I'm loving this and this from their online selection.

(Also, all Target's clothes are buy one get one half off right now online!)

OUT

Early Mornings | The only part about this student teaching thing is the early mornings, but I know they'll be even earlier next semester, so I might as well get used to it. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't get home until around 8 every night. I'm not getting to see my sweet husband near enough.

Fall Bucket List Failure | If you've been around these parts for a little while you probably saw my Fall bucket list. It was made with good intentions, but I seriously don't think I've done a single thing on that list. It's so hard to have fun when you're constantly doing school stuff, trying to keep your house clean and laundry done, and trying to spend time with family.

Missing My Pups | Another for y'all that have been around a while, you might remember that my husband and I recently lost our two pups that we've had for almost two years. I still think about Whiskey and Bullet on a daily basis, especially this time of year because they were so much fun to play with in the yard. Chris and I have talked about getting another dog (from the shelter), and while I would love to adopt and I think we will in the future, I don't think it's fair to the dog right now.

He and I are never home, like I said above, and we would have to leave it alone far too much. Maybe in May after I graduate I can go pick out a new buddy!

Okay, y'all! That was it for this month-I'm going to try to get a favorites post up for October this coming up week if I can get it together, especially since I missed Septembers and they're some of my favorite posts to read & do!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Fall Facial Favorite

This semester (& year!) are flying by!

I've been doing every little thing I can do in my spare time to try to relax and cut some of the stress out of my life...but y'all know how hard that can be!

I've talked about facials and skin treatments time and time again on my blog & I've mentioned some of my favorites.

Taking just a few minutes at the end of my day to relax, use a facial, and to soak in the day really does help me dial down and sleep better at night.

Today I want to mention one of my newest discoveries, Exuviance Bionic Facial Mask.

This stuff is golden & will totally change how you feel about your tired, dull, sad skin.

When I saw that this product was advertised as a fix for stressed skin that will help prevent premature aging, boost skin suppleness, and plump cells all with spa quality. . . but I could use it at home, I knew it was for me.

Now the price tag is no joke, it's $65 for 3.5 ounces which is steep-but it's worth every single penny for every single drop. Because of the price tag & because I'm on a college-girl/newlywed budget I don't use this product every single day. But it's great to keep on hand for special occasions (all these weddings I've been to!) and for days when I've had really early mornings and my skin is showing serious signs of exhaustion.

Basically how you use this facial is like this: 

Dampen your face and message a generous, even layer over your skin.

Wait five minutes until a thick frothy foam forms and then disappears.

Then rinse your skin & use a skin treatment or moisturizer (Exuviance has great options!) 

I know I like to spend my evening taking a bubble bath and sipping on chamomile tea while listening to some "Country Coffee House" radio (check it out-it's so good!), oh & you've gotta have your latest Bath & Body Works fall candle burning ;)

But even if you can't manage that amount of time in your busy schedule you still have time to use this facial! Five minutes before bed and you're good & done-you'll wake up the next morning and your skin will be glowing so bright you'll probably be able to skip your highlight. Hashtag natural highlight on fleek!

Let's recap: 

The Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial is made for the everyday girl who wants a splurgey beauty item, an item that can turn her from her tired, stressed skin into a beautiful, glowing complexion.

It takes just a few minutes at the end of the night and it will make you feel oh-so-much better.

It's health benefits include. . .

-Detoxifies and eliminates aging dullness

-Stimulates vital cell energy

-Provides essential support for optimal collagen levels

-PHA/Bionic Blend adds extra youth-promoting benefits to restore radiance and suppleness

I know those are lots of big, fancy words, but they're all good things-pinky promise!

The detox is what draws out all of the nastiness from your pores and opens them up to receive the oxygenated foam.

The stimulated cell energy is what brightens your skin and gives you that "natural highlight" I talked about.

The essential support for collagen levels is what gives your skin that boost and plumps it up. This will prevent fine lines and wrinkles from setting in.

And the PHA/Bionic Blend will just add more "good stuff" into your skin that will keep it bright & firm!

I hope I've intrigued you a little bit, enough to try out this product that I've come to love!

Anything that keeps my students from asking, "Mrs. Upchurch, why do you look so tired?" and I'll be willing to spend almost any amount!

What makes you willing to spend money on beauty products?

What are your splurge items?

Let me know!

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.  

Hope for a Cure

As y'all know, breast cancer awareness is a cause that is near and dear to my heart after my sweet mother in law was diagnosed with it last year.

I meant to have this post up earlier in the month, but my laptop & life got in the way-but you still have a few days to take advantage of these products that donate part of the purchase price to breast cancer research.

EOS Lip Balm

In the flavors Strawberry Sorbet & Wildberry, these moisturizing lip balm pods donate a portion of the purchase price to breast cancer research. These would also make great gifts for someone who is fighting or has beaten breast cancer because the packaging has uplifting words all over it!

Pink Pony Midnight Romance Perfume by Ralph Lauren

This is one of my favorite products that I'm featuring, mostly because this is a heavenly scent but also because 100% of the proceeds from it go directly to breast cancer research. 100% is a huge deal, I highly recommend supporting this product!

Lands End Tote

Through the end of October when you add a pink monogram or icon to any item (I chose the bag because I thought it would be great for tossing books in for class, for a reusable shopping tote, or for a teacher bag!) a full 75% of the $6 personalization fee will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They have lots of cute items like vests, scarves, quarter-zips...the list is endless!

Start your Christmas shopping early and stock up on these pink monogrammed items for all of your favorite girls and support breast cancer research at the same time!

Alex and Ani Bracelet

This deal lasts until the end of December, so you could really take advantage of this one for Christmas! 20% of the proceeds of this precious bracelet (perfect for stacking!) go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Lokai Bracelet

Lokai will donate $1 for each bracelet (& they're only $18 guys, that's a steal!) for each bracelet purchased before the end of October.

I think these are great for stacking and can be dressed up or down!

I've even seen guys wearing these in my hometown, so get one for you & your man!

Bobbi Brown Blush

A gorgeous, highly pigmented blush from Bobbi Brown (& it comes with the precious pink blush brush!) donates $12 from each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Not only are you supporting a great cause, but you're getting a high quality makeup product that will last for a long, long time!

Vineyard Vines Phone Case

I've been thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 6 for a while now & you know I'll have to get a new, cute phone case.

This case from VV donates 30% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Alliance (purchase before the end of October!) and it's made in the USA, so support both causes!

I hope y'all enjoyed this little post &  I hope you choose to support this cause either by donating directly or purchasing some of these products! 

Or, just send up a simple prayer for all of those effected by this horrible disease.

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Empties

Happy Thursday y'all!

I hope that y'all are all having a great week!

I'm hoping this week honestly slows down some, I've had this week off of teaching because it's been my school's Fall break and it has been a nice little treat :)

But this weekend I have a lot to look forward to-a little date night action with my best friend, a wedding, and hopefully a lazy Sunday.

Today I wanted to share with you my empties that I've been trying to burn through.

Y'all know that at the beginning of this year I was trying to cut down on the number of beauty related products that I have in my cabinets and use up what I have before buying more.

I'll let you know a yes or no to whether I'll be repurchasing these!

As y'all can see I have a little bit of everything. . .

So let's jump right in! 

Mediterranean Lemon Foaming Hand Soap

This is the hand soap that made me fall in love with the foaming soaps from B&BW.

I keep the foaming soaps in our guest bath.

This is the best scent, it's so clean and fresh.

Unfortunately they no longer have this scent, but I linked the Kitchen Lemon scent which is almost identical!

This is a definite yes in the repurchasing area.

Olay Satin Care Shave Gel in Sugarberry

I picked this up on sale at Target and it's actually one of the best shave gels I've picked up. If it was ever on sale again I would probably buy it again.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

If you've been on this blog for an Empties post before then you should know I'm totally brand-loyal to these wipes-there are none like these!

I will be repurchasing these in bulk this weekend when my hubby and I go to Sam's!

Yes to Carrots Nourishing Facial Moisturizer

I bought this stuff on a whim (I'm terrible, I know) but it was such a good moisturizer!

I love that it has SPF and it was really thick and nice, I would definitely repurchase this if I didn't have several other moisturizers to use up.

Opta-Free Replenish Contact Solution

This may seem totally random to include, but I figured some of my followers surely wore contacts like I do!

This is my favorite solution to use, it keeps my contacts really soft & clean.

Cayenne Caramel Bath & Body Works Candle

Can I be the first to say that I have the hardest time saying goodbye to candles?

When they don't burn anymore, I place the candles on my candle melter (hard to explain lol) and use them up that way!

But this one finally succumbed to not smelling anymore, so I finally have to get rid of it :(

If Bath & Body Works was still selling this scent, you best bet I would be purchasing it!

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Pure Clean

I totally misunderstood this bottle of shampoo when I bought it, I thought it was a purifying shampoo (to use to get buildup off of my hair) but it isn't...

It's made with natural products & is a good shampoo, but just not for what I bought it for.

Won't be repurchasing this one again.

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer

I found this in my makeup stash and decided to use it again & was pleasantly surprised!

I couldn't even remember why I stopped using it!

It helps my makeup last all day long, which is super important when I have student teaching at the beginning of the day and then classes that last into the night!

I'll be purchasing this one again soon :)

L'Oreal True Match Mineral Powder

I love this makeup & I'm pretty upset that I can't find it at my Target anymore...they must have discontinued it :( 

If anyone sees this, please let me know where I can maybe find it!

I love how it set my makeup and truly kept my face matte all day long.

I would repurchase this if I could find it!

Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Pressed Powder

I love this powder and have already repurchased it, it keeps my face really matte and doesn't leave a weird shade because it's translucent!

I would highly recommend it for a great drugstore product.

Peel Off Cucumber Masque

I picked this up at Target just because I love doing a face mask occasionally, I thought I would really like it but. . .I wasn't really impressed.

It was really sticky and the smell was off.

I wouldn't repurchase this or recommend it.

Age Perfect Cell Renewal Day Cream by L'Oreal (Sample)

This was a magazine sample, I always try to use them because hello, free product.

This is a product that I actually really liked and I'm glad I tried it!

It was really thick and creamy, and the smell y'all. I love it!

I will be using the coupon that came along with the sample to purchase this for sure!

Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream (Sample)

This is why I like to try out the samples, because if I had purchased this full sized, full price in store I would've been disappointed.

It didn't plump anything and although it was moisturizing, it wasn't any better than any other drug store brand.

I won't be purchasing this product.

Well that's all for today! I hope y'all enjoyed this little post :)

What products have you tried lately that you love or hate?

Have you tried any of these?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Student Teaching Essentials

 Have y'all ever heard of the saying, "There's no kind of tired like teacher tired?"

I've finally discovered what that means after starting my student teaching (I've been in my school for two weeks & I've taught two lessons that I've written to the students, they went surprisingly well :)

But in these short two weeks, I've found that the essentials for student teachers aren't what you might think. 

Sure, I could write about using post-it's, notebooks, my macbook. I could tell you my favorite red pen, the best apps for students, or my classroom management plan.

But really, what everyone wants to know about are the good parts.

Everyone wants to know what the essential parts of my routine are, the things I could not make it through the day without, so that's what I'm going to talk about.

My number one essential is my Lilly insulated cup, mine is shown in the print First Impressions (but that's from a past season!) It's such a fun little part of my day. I'll start out with coffee in the morning and usually finish out my day with some hot tea. It always makes me smile!

At the end of the day (& sometimes at the beginning, while I'm having that first cup of coffee!) I like to read. It's so relaxing to me & I really enjoy spending just a little bit of time with myself and a book.

The book Counting on a Cowboy has been a favorite lately. It reminds me a lot of a Nicholas Sparks book, think The Longest Ride, but with more of an uplifting side.

I couldn't start my day, any time of the year, without a good SPF.

The tinted moisturizer from Oz Naturals  is one that I've been wearing every day since I got it. On the days when I don't have class or have to teach, I can wear this by it's self. The medium tint is the perfect shade to give me just a little bit of coverage without caking makeup on.

I love the natural ingredients and I love that it's from a brand that does good things!

Every teacher loves to feel pretty...but most teachers don't have time (or the cash!) to go to the nail salon every week. I definitely can't afford it and I can't keep my nails looking nice anyways, because when I'm not doing school stuff I'm at the farm. The Impress Press-On Manicure is a great option because it's cost effective and it holds up so much better. I put it through it's paces and it held up for over the week that it promises. I got lots of compliments on them too!

Another daily face product that helps keep my skin looking perfect all day long is Evian Facial Spray. When I first started hearing about facial sprays and this "water" trend, I wasn't too sure about it. But I love spraying my face with this before I start doing my makeup. It freshens my skin and helps lock moisture in. I also use it throughout the day (think during planning period, after school is over and I have errands to run, etc) it keeps my makeup looking fresh and cools my face. 

I can't wait to use this product this summer, I think it will be great to use on the beach!

My last favorite product to survive student teaching is the last product that I use every day.

The Bionic Oxygen Facial is perfect for my stressed, tired, dull skin. When I use it I dampen my skin, massage it on, leave it for five minutes, and then rinse it off. I always add a moisturizer at the end.

It has brightened up my skin and I love that I get that extra five minutes at the end of the day to really relax and just get my mind settled and focused on resting.

I hope y'all enjoyed this post-I really enjoyed putting it together for y'all!

These are honestly the things that help me make it through with my schedule being crazy and hectic-I couldn't do without a little pampering and relaxing!

What helps you make it through the day?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

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

Perfectly Posh

A while back, there was a post in one of the Facebook groups I am a part of, asking if any of us girls would like to try samples of some fun products.

I looked up the brand on google (like all good researchers do, right?) and I was really interested.

It's a company that has tons of fun products that are gentle on your skin, natural, no animal testing, and even vegan options :)

I was able to try samples of Amaaazing Big Fat Yummy Hand Cream, Stripper DTox Body Mud, and Moisturize 911

This hand cream was so moisturizing, but what I loved most was that it didn't leave my hands oily.

I applied it right before bed and it left my hands feeling so, so soft.

 I think my favorite product of the three was the Stripper DTox mask!

I will forewarn you that it does burn a bit when you put it on (so I suggest testing it on a small area before putting it on).

I have sensitive skin, but I waited it out just a few moments before going to take it off and I got used to it.

It was so relaxing to just put it on and rest for about 10-15 minutes. I took it off with a warm, damp washcloth and then headed to bed.

The next morning my face felt tighter and brighter :)

The Moisturize 911 Caffeinated Face Cream was also a winner, mostly because it smelled like oranges :)

I put this on one morning when I had to get up at 4 AM with my hubby to go pick up some equipment-needless to say, I was exhausted.

This mask has just a little kick of caffeine that brightened up my complexion!

Needless to say, after trying these out and falling in love-I'm adding several Posh items to my wishlist, especially because they just released new seasonal items.

I really want the. . . 

Full Sized Stripper Mask

Muddy Honey Healing Body Mask

Pie to Die For Pumpkin Scrub

Caramel Cray Cray Lip Scrub

The Daily Grind Body Coffee Scrub

I'll definitely be mentioning these to everyone I love because I think they would make great Christmas gifts ;)

Oh & the best part? Everything at Posh is under $25-so be prepared to save!

Make sure to contact Jessica Finnerty on Facebook or go to her personal Posh page at www.perfectlyposh.com/feelinglovely

Have you ever tried Posh? What products sound yummy to you?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Tailgate Recipes

Football season is the happiest time of all at the Loveliest Village on the Plains, and all over the country as every college football fan flocks to the stadium of their choosing, decked out in team colors.

Or you might be the kind of fan that prefers to "tailgate" at home with your big screen tv, comfy couch, and clean/conveniently located bathrooms.


 Either way, these recipes that I'm rounding up for y'all are perfect for tailgating of all kinds!

via The Cozy Little Kitchen

Hot Ham & Cheese Sliders

I made these for supper randomly Thursday night & y'all, they are so good.

I plan on taking some for lunch tomorrow to school-they're good cold & hot.

My advice? Make twice as many as you think you'll need because these go fast.

via Southern Living

Pimento Cheese Rolls

I haven't made these, but the recipe looks so simple and easy!

It only has three ingredients and only takes 25 minutes.

I recommend using the Palmetto brand of pimento cheese (I buy mine at Sam's Club!)

via Day Dream Kitchen 

Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you choose one type of dip to bring to your tailgate, skip the store bought French onion & try this spicy & tangy recipe.

It's a favorite of my husband's and never lasts longer than a day or two at our house.

via Taste of Home

Bacon Cheese Poppers

We typically have fresh jalapeños out of our garden every summer, so this is a recipe that I always have to make for all of our friends.

The bacon adds a little something special, because to be honest. . . who doesn't love bacon?

And for dessert. . .

via the Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie

Southern Pecan Pralines

When Christopher and I went to Savannah for our honeymoon, we had pralines practically every single night.

This recipe sounds fairly simple (as far as candy-making goes)

so I really look forward to trying it.

I think it would be a killer treat for any tailgate.

Plus, you can eat it with your hands!

via Southern Living

The Lemonade Stand Cupcake

This is a light, fluffy vanilla cake with a lemony and tangy frosting which is reminiscent of Toomer's Corner's special treat-freshly squeezed lemonade!

Make sure you have a gallon (or three) of the lemonade on hand to pair with these tasty cupcakes.

You'll be the envy of all the other's lined up and down in front of Sanford Hall!

I hope y'all enjoyed these recipes & I hope you try a few out this weekend.

If you're in Auburn for homecoming, come over to the Ag Roundup before the game and sample all the goodies & say hi to myself and Chris if you see us :)

What's on your schedule for the weekend? What tailgate recipes are tried and true for you?

Until next time. . .

xoxo,