Valentine's Day Wish List

Hey y'all!

Can y'all believe that January is almost over and that it's only 21 days until Valentine's Day?

I know, me either!

Today I'm rounding up a few things that I would love to receive for Valentine's Day because my husband loves for me to put these together and attach the links-it makes shopping super easy for him!

Maybe y'all will even find a few things y'all would like ;)

Horses Coffee Table Book/Mermaid/Compass/Feather/Antler Pendant/Floral Tunic/Naked 2 Palette/Melted Lipstick/Pillow

Horses Coffee Table Book:

I absolutely adore coffee table books, I think they just add the perfect infusion of personality into your living room.

This one has been reviewed as having gorgeous photography so I'm eager to possibly get it!

Alex and Ani Bracelets:

I received the "U" Alex and Ani bracelet that was on my Christmas wish list and now I'm looking forward to adding to my stack!

The mermaid would symbolize my love of the sea, the compass could represent the fact that I'm trusting the Lord to direct my path, and the feather is said to represent charity, hope, and faith.

These can all be purchased at our favorite jewelry store, so I think Chris will like that too!

Antler Beaded Necklace:

Accessory Concierge is the website this came from (I love ALL of their stuff) but this is the one that I was really drawn to. I love how rustic the antler feels and turquoise is my favorite.

Floral Tunic:

I would love to have this tunic top in a 1XL for Valentine's Day.

I asked for it for Christmas, but sadly-didn't get it.

I think the florals are perfect for every season and the keyhole neckline is so pretty.

Naked 2 Palette:

There is just something so much better about high end shadows than drugstore shadows.

I love how pigmented the Naked palettes are and this one just happens to have my favorite shades.

Melted Lipstick in Strawberry:

I got a melted lipstick in my Christmas stocking and I LOVE it so much, I would wear it every day if I could.

This color, strawberry, is so fun and perfect for the upcoming spring time.

War Eagle Burlap Pillow:

I love to have throw pillows in our living room and this burlap one with "War Eagle" is so fun!

It's the perfect way to add team spirit into your living room in a tasteful way.

I hope y'all enjoyed my little wish list, and don't worry-I don't expect any or all of these things, but I do like to give Chris an idea of some things I might like and provide him with the links so he can shop straight from his phone.

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

If I had a Million Dollars. . .

When you're student teaching in an economics classroom and the Powerball is sitting at $1.3 billion, you're obviously going to talk about it.

Although the Powerball has been drawn and three winners have been chosen, I thought it would still be fun to post about what I might do with the winnings if I had won (spoiler alert, I didn't even buy a ticket because Alabama doesn't have the lottery and I didn't want to drive to GA).

What Would I Do If I Won the Powerball?

1) Pay off all of mine and Chris' debts: vehicles, farm debt, equipment, etc.

The first thing I would do would be to cancel out any of our debts...it would be so sweet to be debt free before the age of thirty!

2) Buy land to expand our farm

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Once again, it would be pretty sweet to pay for land outright to continue to expand our farm.

3) Pay off some of both of our parents debts

Our parents have given us both so much, they're part of the reason we're doing so well in our twenties. Being able to give back to them would be an amazing feeling.

4) Go Shopping!

I would love to buy myself an SUV or truck (not a new one, but one that I've been wanting for a while), the Louis Vuitton bag I've been lusting after, and maybe pick up a thing or two from Lilly.

5) Gifts to my Family

My sisters would each get some extravagant gift of their choosing, I'd probably spoil my brothers-in-law with a little something as well.

My niece and nephew would probably get a fun trip somewhere!

6) House of Our Dreams

Chris and I would love to be able to build the house of our dreams on a piece of our farmland (and the barn of my dreams as well!) We would build the home we've been dreaming of, which is pretty modest-not a McMansion, and put anything left in savings.

The Powerball probably wouldn't pay for all of these scenarios, but it sure is fun to dream about!

If we won, I don't think either of us would stop working, but we would try to live semi-normally.

I would love to go to our nearest kill-shelter and get every animal out as their time came up and save them, re-homing neglected animals is awesome!

Did you play the Powerball? If you had won, whether you played or not, what would you do with the winnings? Let me know down below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Nightly Pamper Routine

Hey y'all!

I'm back with y'all after surviving my first and second week of student teaching. I have to admit, the weekend before my student teaching began, I got a cold. I was over it by Monday though, so I thought I was in the clear!

Nope.

The weekend after my first week was completed, I got a stinkin' cold again!

So I decided that I needed to relax and recharge, enter my nightly pamper routine.

I don't do the full-on treat yo-self pampering every single night, but a lot of this I do every single night! It's important to pamper yourself girls :)

When I come home from school, first things first-I change into comfy clothes!

I get some housework done, any school stuff, and then start supper, all while wearing my favorite high school sweat pants and an oversized sweatshirt. Hashtag glamorous.

After supper is finished and Chris and I have had time to eat and see each other for a bit, it's time to pamper myself!

I love to turn on my shower and some music on my iPhone. The heat, steam, and my favorite Spotify playlist-Country Coffeehouse help me unwind.

In the shower I love to use my Target brand apricot scrub and my EOS shave cream. The best part of the shower though, is my Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner by HASK.

The shampoo and conditioner are so moisturizing and that's a must for my dry and brittle hair.

Winter is tough on my hair, but dressing up every day (aka having to heat style my hair) is also really rough on it. This shampoo and conditioner duo have become a staple in my shower since it's first use. I finish up my shower with my favorite seasonal body wash, currently Twisted Peppermint by Bath and Body works. 

If I'm feeling extra special, I'll use the deep conditioner by HASK. It's super moisturizing and you let it sink into your hair for about ten minutes before rinsing out, the perfect amount of time to shave your legs or just relax.

I also utilize my shine oil treatment on nights when my locks are feeling really neglected. You just apply a dime sized amount and run it through your hair, no rinse required!

After my shower, I head over to my vanity where I take off any leftover makeup. I'll comb out my hair and then moisturize using my favorite spray lotion.

Next is my favorite part of my pamper routine, but the part that I don't do every single night.

Exuviance products are an all time favorite for me. They are well known and respected for all the research they do to create the best products. These products do sit at a higher price point, but there is a reason for that-they're just that good.

Case in point; after many years spent out in the sun tanning (& sometimes burning) and teenage acne, both have left me with darker spots on my skin.

Plus, on top of that I do typically wear makeup most every day (you would too if you worked around teenagers!) and that combined with harsh winter air has my skin really dry.

The Exuviance Pigment Lifting Sheet Masks fit really nicely on my face and I love that they are packaged individually so the product doesn't dry out. Oh, and these masks are packed with product-they aren't dry at all!

Basically, to use them you just tear open the packaging and lay the mask on your clean, dry skin.

It isn't sticky so it almost forces you to lay back and enjoy relaxing for 10-15 minutes. Of course, I leave my Spotify on and usually light my favorite candle while I relax...currently it's Mahogany Teakwood.

I can't believe I'm showing y'all this, but here is a shot of how the mask looks on. . .

As you can see, it would wear much better if I was laying down ;)

After the mask, I moisturize my face (using my favorite Exuviance moisturizer!) and sometimes I'll paint my nails if I have extra time (currently they're painted in Essie's Chinchilly!)

I hope y'all enjoyed my little pamper routine, I know I love to do it when I have the chance.

How do you pamper yourself? Let me know below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A big thank you to Exuviance and HASK 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.

Battle of the Boxes: Target Beauty Box- Refresh vs. Renewal

Hey y'all!

If you follow me on instagram at @SouthernStylista then you would know that I did some unboxing today and yesterday!

This is the picture that I posted and it has my new Erin Condren Life Planner along with my celebration booklet that comes in it, some super cute page flags from the Target Dollar spot, and one of my favorite finds from my Target Beauty Boxes; Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion.

You can also spot the fact that this picture (and all the ones from today's post!) were taken inside my new (old) hutch that I just had redone by a friend of mine and my husband's. She did a fantastic job and I can't wait to show it off!

Today instead of just doing a regular "un-boxing" where I show you what I got in each box, I want to "battle" them!

I'm going to show what I got in each, give you my first impressions, and then I'll decide which box was best.

I'll also do a  full review of my Erin Condren Life Planner when I've had a little bit more time to use that-so keep a lookout!

If you don't know what a Target Beauty Box is, don't feel bad. I didn't know until I saw them on the YouTube channel EleventhGorgeous!

It's similar to an Ipsy or Birch Box, but it's not a subscription.

Target releases them on their website almost randomly, with no announcement.

You have to be extremely lucky and quick to snatch them up!

They're only $7, but you are able to use your RedCard (5% off plus free shipping) and eBates if you have that (you can click here to sign up). eBates is just a way to get cash back for your purchases-but don't worry, I'll do a full post about that later!

I managed to get these two boxes for less than $14!

So now you know the details...let's get into the contents.

Target Refresh Beauty Box

Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes

I have been dying to try out Micellar water, so these wipes are perfect! I can't wait to see how good they are. There are 25 in this package, so that's a great deal because this is a full-size, which cost $7 in the store. That's the entire boxes cost already!

Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion

I have really dry skin in the winter so I already love this.

It has a clean scent, so it's not overpowering. I think this will be great to stick in my purse and have on the go.

Plus the packaging looks really clean and nice.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Hairspray

Target's website says this has soft, brushable hold which is what I prefer.

I love travel size hairsprays so that when I go on trips I don't have to carry my full size.

Nivea In Shower Body Lotion

I have to admit that I've had a sample of this in my sample drawer for a long time and still haven't tried it, so I'm eager to try it now that I have it in bottle form.

It says the moisture it provides will last up to 24 hours, so we'll test it out and see.

Nip+Fab Skin Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads

I was SO excited to see this product, even though I had never ever heard of it before.

My forehead has been so dry that it's peeling lately, I think these exfoliating facial pads might just do the trick-I'll let y'all know :)

Scunci Braided Elastic Hair Bands

These hair ties are made without metal and they're braided to keep them from sliding out of your hair.

I always pull my hair back when I'm working around the house; doing dishes, laundry, etc. so I'm excited to try these out!

Acure Day Cream

You're supposed to put this cream on every morning after toning. It has hyaluronic acid in it which is supposed to firm your face. We'll try it out!

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner

So far, I can tell you that the shampoo and conditioner smell amazing.

I'll try this out on my next trip for sure!

Target Renewal Beauty Box

Degree Women Fresh Energy Dry Spray

When I opened this box I was really excited to see this in it, full sized too!

I recently reviewed this dry spray for Influenster and fell in love with it.

It works so well and I'm excited to have another in backup for when I run out of my current one.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer

These must be a really popular thing to be in both boxes (different brands though).

Like I said, I haven't tried these before but I'm looking forward to trying them both out and comparing them to each other!

Caress Love Forever Body Wash

This stuff smells SO good y'all.

I will definitely be using this on my next trip, the size is perfect for packing!

Sunci No-Slip Grip Braided Headband

I'm not usually a headband girl, so I may save this to give as part of a gift because it's really well made and I love the color. It's perfect for the friend that is into working out!

Attitude Shampoo and Conditioner

These are both vegan products and not tested on animals, which I LOVE.

I can't wait to try them out and let you know how my hair feels about them ;)

Laneige BB Cushion

This is such a new product, I've literally never seen or heard of it before!

It's apparently some kind of powder (maybe?) that fights off shine, cools, and protects your skin from the suns harmful rays.

Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara

I'm a fan of Revlon products and this girl loves her some mascara, so this is a match made in heaven.

I just saw a blogger put this on their 2015 favorites list, so it must be good!

Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask

Target swears that this is a lightweight and hydrating mask that smoothes fine lines and restores firmness.

I personally love face masks and have yet to find one I didn't enjoy. I may try this one out tonight!

Battle of the Boxes

It's hard to pick a winner because they both have such great products!

The packaging was on point for both, they both had a good mix and a good value. . .

but my winner has got to be. . .

Target Refresh Beauty Box!

I picked this one because of the full size wipes, the facial pads, and the fact that the shampoo and conditioner in this box could be used more than once because they have lids.

Both boxes were great and although they aren't available in box form any more, here is the link to the beauty box page where you can check for future boxes and purchase the products that were in this one!

I hope y'all enjoyed this, please let me know if you've ever gotten the Target Beauty Box or used any of these products!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Empties (January 2016)

Hey y'all!

I am so happy to say that I have made it through my first week of student teaching, and not just made it, but I've absolutely loved it.

I am so, so thankful for the placement that I have. Some things just work out the exact way they're supposed to, it's such a God thing and I love it!

Today on the blog I'm sharing with you some empties that I have collected since my last post and I wanted to share with you whether or not I would repurchase any of these things.

So let's just jump into it!

Johnson's Pure Cotton Swabs

I really like these, mainly because I use them for absolutely everything in the bathroom.

However, I probably will just purchase the Target brand next time around because I don't necessarily think that one is better than the other.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer

This was purchased late last summer when I got a nasty sunburn.

I loved it so much more than Aloe gel because it really moisturized my skin.

The scent Lime Coolada smells so good, it's one of my favorite lotions and I will definitely repurchase when summer rolls around.

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief in Fresh Mint

I think I've said it before on the blog, but I really hate "paste" toothpastes. I'm much more of a gel girl. This was a freebie from the dentist office and I had to use it when I ran out of my favorite.

I wouldn't search this out in the store to buy, for sure. 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

I'm a big fan of this concealer, and while I didn't repurchase it when I ran out, I think I will definitely be repurchasing when the kind I"m using runs out.

It's the perfect consistency and I love how it stays all day.

EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit

I love having little EOS balms all over the house. I have one in my purse, one by my seat in the living room, one on my vanity, etc. This flavor was really sweet and nice, but the best part is how smooth they leave my lips.

Luckily, my mom got me several of these for Christmas so I don't have to repurchase these, but I would if I ran out!

Covergirl Clean Foundation

This is the foundation that I have been using basically as long as I have been using makeup. But I wasn't in love with it recently. I decided that it was sliding off my face and too thin to give me the coverage I desired. So I won't be repurchasing this, and you'll have to wait until my next empties post to find out my new drug store favorite!

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

These are a staple on the blog and of course, I still love them.

Next time I go to Sam's, I'm stocking up!

Spring Valley Melatonin

I had this bottle for a really long time, so that should tell you how often I used this.

I didn't feel as though it really made me sleepy, so I don't think I'll be buying this again.

NYX Eyebrow Pencil

This used to be my go-to for my eyebrows...but that has all changed since I tried the products mentioned in this post. I'm all about the Billion Dollar Brow products, so sorry NYX, but you won't be repurchased.

Clean and Clear Morning Burst Facial Scrub

This is a product that I had in backup for a long time and finally decided to use it up.

I didn't use it in the morning, but rather in the shower at night.

I felt like it did it's job...but as soon as it was empty I started reading all these articles about how the bursting beads are horrible for the environment and they won't be used in products anymore.

So obviously I'll be finding a new scrub lol.

Victoria's Secret Noir Tease Perfume (sample)

I randomly get perfume samples sometimes, so I try to keep them in my makeup bag to use up on vacations and such.

This was one of my favorites because of it's really heady, romantic scent.

I would love to eventually have the full size of this perfume (when I use up some of my other scents!)

The Detox Body Mask Stripper by Perfectly Posh (sample)

I did a full review of this and some other Posh products in this post, but this was my favorite of the ones that I reviewed.

I love face masks and this one seriously drew out so many toxins in my pores.

I would definitely purchase the full size of this!

Equate Gentle Lubricant Eye Drops

Y'all, if you wear contacts you know how important it is to have eyedrops on you at all times.

This is just the brand from Wal-Mart, but it works just as good as any name brand.

If I was at Wal-Mart I would probably repurchase in the future!

This post I want to include some candles that I have burned up recently!

When the candles don't light anymore, usually I melt them on my candle warmer for a few more uses (until they lose their scent)

Twisted Peppermint

I have an addiction with Bath and Body Works candles and this is my absolute favorite candle of theirs.

It makes your house smell so clean and fresh because the scent is vanilla peppermint.

It also works well all winter long and not just around Christmas, so I love that.

I will repurchase when I need to, but right now I have two in backup.

Hashtag candle addict.

Lemon Verbena

This gem of a candle was a wedding gift from my bestie Katie and her mom. 

I normally don't buy Target candles, but this one changed my mindset.

I love the light, lemony scent that it gives (hello fake clean house)

and I will definitely buy it again!

Salty Caramel

Another B&BW candle that I love.

This is definitely a food scented one, so I love to burn it in my kitchen.

The mix of salt and the sweet caramel really makes your tummy growl!

A repurchase will be in my future :)

Marshmallow Fireside

This is a staple from B&BW that so many people know and love.

I have had this candle forever because I portion out my burning because I never wanted to use it up!

The woodsy scent of charred wood (similar to a bonfire) mixed with the sweetness of a sugary marshmallow make this a favorite.

I think I have one in backup, but when it's used up I'll be purchasing another!

Can y'all tell I love candles?

Haha, I adore all of them!

Let me know down below what products you've been loving, especially what candles you've been burning!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

2015 in Review

Happy 2016, y'all!

It seems as though everyone has put up a flashback to 2015 post or a goals post for the new year, so I thought I'd best jump on the bandwagon really quick before I became irrelevant ;)

Chris and I went over to a friends lake house on New Years's Eve. . .

The story of my life, my husband is never ready for any pictures lol.

I had so much fun with these girls!

Sparklers keep life fun!

I had a really cute video from my SnapChat that I was going to insert here, but when I upload it (even through YouTube, it's still so grainy and awful that you can't see anything :(
It's crystal clear on my phone, so if anyone knows a way to upload it please let me know!

We had a fire, yummy food, popped champagne at midnight, and watched fireworks.

It was a great way to ring in our first New Year as a married couple!

@SouthernStylista's 2015 Year in Review

This was a picture I took in January 2015 of our sweet boy, Bullet.

Bullet went missing in late summer and is still gone.

We miss him every single day.

In 2015 I fell in love with the gypsy style of wire wrapped bracelets.

The one on the left is from Red Dress Boutique, the other two are from a local boutique.

I also fell in love with wearing baseball caps on bad hair days!

This one is from Southern Point Co.

I did a post on Spring Break Essentials in March, this was one of my most favorite insta pics of the year-it's so colorful!

I loved this picture as well, it was finally warming up enough to wear Chacos.

I was spending some time admiring my Essie polish and admiring Willow's sweet pony nose.

Another shot of Bullet, he was such a photogenic dog.

It's so funny to think that this is the year that my Lilly collection exploded!

I fell in love with some pieces from the Lilly for Target collection in April and have since purchased many more items (most from BST boards on FB!)

We sent off our wedding invitations this year, I was so excited to finally have them in the mail-it made it so much more real!

(Bonus; they are from Minted.com...don't you love how they address them for free?!)

I spent some time at the farm with Christopher one day and as I was closing the gate to leave, I spotted some honeysuckle.

I knew it would make an awesome ring shot :)

Chris and I celebrated our two year dating anniversary on May 13, just a few short days before our wedding.

He surprised me with a gorgeous bouquet!

I stocked up on new makeup for our honeymoon and this was a favorite-the travel size Nars blush/bronzer palette. 

The blush is Orgasm and the bronzer is Laguna.

Finally our honeymoon!

We spent a week in historic Savannah, GA and happened to stay right next door to this perfect little coffee shop.

Part of our honeymoon was spent exploring this live oak alleyway at Wormsloe Plantation.

One of my favorite outfits of the summer; a dress from The Florida House Boutique, a necklace borrowed from my sister, and wedges from Rack Room.

I definitely felt like gypsy in this outfit!

I became a big planner advocate in 2015.

This was my first year using an Erin Condren planner, so I fell in love with sticky notes, page flags, washi tape, Papermate Flair pens, and to-do lists.

(Most of my finds are from the Dollar Spot in Target!)

This summed up a lot of my lunches this summer.

I loved having fresh sunflowers from the garden on our table, fresh tomatoes for my sandwiches, and watching some of my favorite YouTubers!

I also took a little beach trip with my family this summer while Chris stayed at home.

Of course I repped Kiss My Southern Sass while catching some rays.

Chris and I had a tough summer with pups.

Our other rescue baby, Whiskey passed away unexpectedly the night that I returned from the beach.

Bullet went missing shortly after Whiskey passed.

He was such a sunny little pup while we had him!

When I headed back to school in the Fall I took French 101.

I enjoyed learning the basics of a new language and had a wonderful teacher.

Many a day was spent at Starbucks with a venti beverage and note cards!

I learned how to dress up my Lilly for my second Practicum experience at a high school!

This was one of my favorite outfits in Lilly's Lagoon.

Chris and I took a day trip to Tennessee to the ZWT Ranch for a cattle sale.

It was a rainy day, but the views were stunning.

Bloggers everywhere were wearing these lace-up flats, but I found a steal of a deal on the Old Navy pairs (in nude and black!)

They're my favorite student teaching shoes!

I experimented with layering necklaces as well and loved the results!

The bow necklace is a gift from my KMSS little, it's Kate Spade.

The "J" initial necklace is from a local boutique.

I didn't learn how to take great outfit mirror pictures (maybe 2016 is the year for that?)

But I did love this outfit and want to wear it more often.

The dress is from a local boutique, the boots are Gianni Bini for Dillard's, the vest is Target, and the Clutch is embossed with my monogram and is from Holtz Leather.

I closed out my 2015 instagramming with some shots of our first Christmas card featuring pictures of our wedding day!

Watch out for a special post coming up-I plan to have some goals listed out and how I'm going to accomplish them (I think that will help keep me accountable!)

And I start student teaching (10th & 12th grade) on Monday, so wish me luck and leave me tips if you have any!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,