Blogger's Block: 10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

Hey y'all, I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

In an effort to fight the blogger's block I currently have and in an effort to share something with y'all that's relatively easy and quick (it's exam time), this is what I came up with.

A little "10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me."

For what it's worth, here it goes:

1. I'm a karate kid. I have a black belt in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. (um, what?)

Yes, I competed. Yes, I won stuff. I did it with my dad and my best friend growing up, and her dad. We trained for a good amount of years.

Yes, I broke boards .... and ruined my manicures.

Seriously, I wish I stuck with it because it keeps you in ah-mazing shape.

2. I'm a closet nerd. Reading is a passion of mine that I don't often indulge in because of law school.

However, I love love to learn. I like to read about Philosophy, particularly medieval philosophy. I enjoy religious theosophical treatises and texts, mainly of authors and thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and Tolkien.  "The Inklings" inspire me to no end. Brilliant men.

I also have a HUGE collection of antique and rare books. They take up like four bookcases in my living room. Like a said, I'm a closet nerd.

3. I used to read fan fiction.  This is been divulged by me because of the complete and utter domination "50 Shades" has on society. In college, I read "Fifty Shades" when it was formerly a fan fiction, "Master of the Universe". (It was just as good then) ... It would publish throughout the week and I would chat the author, "E.L. James" after I read each chapter, telling her what I thought.

We still get to chat from time to time, I still regret not meeting her in D.C. when she came to meet me and my gal pals who were her "Bunker Babes". At least we talked on the phone. That success baffles me in the sense that it's so surreal I can't even explain. To me, it was just a story I would read online.

Another author, who now goes by the pseudonym, "Sylvain Reynard" writes a series starting with "Gabriel's Inferno." It's loosely connected and inspired by the infamous love of Dante Alighieri and Beatrice Portinari, Dante being from Florence, and Beatrice from Fiesole.

It's such a beautiful, captivating love story. You should look it up.

This author and this story has a special and infinite place in my heart. The author is a dear friend and I will always be grateful for all I learned, shared and the comfort I gained for being there throughout the writing.

4. I gave mass readings in St. Peter's Vatican Grottoes.  If you're a Catholic as I am, you will know how much this means.  My family and I took a long trip through Italy after my grandfather passed. The priest we travelled with arranged so that we could have mass by Pope John Paul II's tomb in the Vatican Grottoes. It was surreal and one of the most peaceful and precious moments in my life (so far).

And it's very difficult to have any sort of gathering arranged in the grottoes. Somehow I think my grandpa put a good word in to give us all that opportunity to feel near him and my grandma.

I stood aside Pope Benedict the same day. I'll forever be grateful for that trip.

5. I'm TERRIFIED of driving over bridges. If I ever have nightmares, they usually involve me driving on a bridge. I hate hate hate them.

With my dad's family being from New Orleans, this has always been an issue for me. The causeway makes me want to internally combust.

6. Italian Medieval and Renaissance art is a passion of mine.  Cimabue, Duccio di Buoninsegna, Giotto di Bondone, Simone Martini ... all the way to Michelangelo, Titian, Antonio Canova, Caravaggio and Botticelli are among my absolute favorite painters, thinkers, poets, sculptors, philosophers and politicians.

I love how Italian art was so influential and synonymous with culture and policy. You can basically look at art from the Medieval period to the Renaissance and see where the intersections of religion, politics and literature reside.

This interweb of thought, portrayed in oils, preserved in frescoes and made alive in sculpture will always garner my devout attention. Hence, Florence is my absolute favorite place I've been. Venice would be second.

7. Frank Sinatra is the most amazing entertainer ever, as far as I'm concerned. 

My mom calls me an old soul. She's right. I find comfort in things of the past more than contemporary ideals.

I'd rather watch tapes of The Rat Pack performing at The Sands in Vegas or Sinatra at Carnegie Hall than Miley Cyrus twerking.

I just love Frank. So much.

If that makes me a complete loser, so be it. I don't care.

My Frank Sinatra anthologies keep be happy and I gleefully listen to "Siriusly Sinatra" everyday in my car.

8. My favorite drink is a steaming hot cup of Earl Grey. 

One sip of the Earl at the Dorchester and I fell in love.  That's all you need to know.

9. Speaking of love, my first love was undoubtedly Rhett Butler. When I was a little girl, I watched Gone with the Wind with my mom as much as I could.

I wanted to be Scarlett at the barbeque, or wear that stunning baby blue velvet dress she wears later on.

I wanted to receive bonnets from Rhett (emerald green feathered bonnets yes please).

Rhett Butler is the epitome of Southern gentleman chic. His ascots and coat tails made me sigh and swoon.

I'm from Georgia, I love GWTW. It's that simple.

10. I want to practice Domestic law. 

It's likely I will practice some criminal law too, but domestic work is where I feel I should go in terms of my practice.

If you know me well, you know how passionate I am. If I care about you, I fiercely care. I will defend you and stand by you no matter what.

If you screw me over, (or someone I care about) I'm done ... No, you're done.

I'm Italian and that's how I roll.

With that said, relationship situations bring that out in me the most. Whether it's my life, a dear friend's life or a child's, I want to defend them and their feelings, their dignity.

No one should ever be mistreated by someone when they were brought into that person's life out of love.

And that's why I want to be a domestic relations lawyer.

To represent the mistreated, the people who loved and who were taken advantage of in whatever fashion. It happens far too often and it's a reality we all have been touched with one way or another.

Hope you learned a little more about who I am, why I am.

Cheers dahlingssss

Roasted Tomato Caprese

It's been a hot minute since I've shared a recipe with y'all. Cooking makes me feel like I'm taking care of people I love. I try to do it often.

Generally, we have a few recipes that I make over and over and over because when our social schedule allows us the luxury of coking at home, we just tend to want what we like. 

Giada de Laurentiis and Ina Garten are my go-to chefs when I'm looking for a delicious recipe. I think their cooking styles truly embody all that is good and fresh, comforting and wholesome about food. 

Even better, the recipes are mostly easy to make and very easily tweaked to suit your own tastes. 

As an Italian that loves, adores,  can't live without Italian food .... my mouth has always watered at the sight of the mozzarella + basil + tomato combination.

It is so delicious there are no words.

Ina Garten's Roasted Tomato Caprese is too good not to share. 

What you will need:

(12) plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds removed

(1/4) cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling once the dish is assembled

(1 1/2) teaspoons balsamic vinegar

(2) large garlic cloves, minced

(2) teaspoons sugar

Kosher salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

(16) ounces fresh mozzarella (I buy a package already sliced)

(12) basil leaves, julienned

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

2. Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan with the cut sides up. Drizzle the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar on top. 

3. Sprinkle the garlic, sugar, salt and pepper. 

4. Roast for two hours, the tomatoes will begin to caramelize.

5. Arrange the tomatoes and the mozzarella alternately on a serving platter and scatter the basil on top. 

6. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle a little more olive oil on top.

I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as we did. It truly is a treasure of a recipe. 

Also, be sure to check out my food column for Atlanta luxury lifestyle magazine, Sole of the South.

You can find my first feature of Atlanta's SEVEN Lamps at  South of the South "Dare to Dine": Seven Lamps

Cheers, darlings

B

How I Get Prepared for the Holiday Season

If you're like me, the upcoming barrage of holiday cheer that our commercial-retail, light-brite, peppermint mocha driven Christmas world shoves upon us each year can be a little overwhelming.

Down South, we are taught from the time we wear our first OshKosh outfit that Christmas is a time for joy and praise and peace ... a time for family gatherings and a time to rest to remember those things that are most important. 

That sentiment seems to always get lost in the midst of retail catalogs, eggnog and cyber monday, doesn't it? 

Sad, but true.

While maintaining perspective, I also get excited about the shopping and the cooking and the punch bowls. We all get to pin cute DIY wreathes and look at dogs in Santa costumes.

I listen to the "Holly" station on my satellite radio. It's all so fun.

Here are a few things I do to be a little bit organized, a little more humble, and a little bit better at giving than receiving.

1. Go to church every Sunday.

I would be remiss not to put this as number one. It goes without saying Christ is the reason for everything, at least in my life. Although I fail miserably, a lot, I always try to make mass and keep my prayer life strong.

During Advent, I make every service. I always do. Hearing the Christmas story each Sunday reminds me that the items that will likely be under the tree (and I'm grateful and happy for, no doubt) won't always "be".

They fade, they break, they go out of style, they don't sustain you like your relationship with God.

They make you happy, they help you out in life, they have a purpose. But not the ultimate purpose.

2. Plan meals ahead of time. Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner.

That handy dandy thing called Pinterest is so genius and popular because it's so darn helpful. Use it!

Write down all the events that you're attending or hosting. Figure out how many people will attend (or guestimate) or if you will need to bring a dish or a bottle of bubbly.

Then look up recipes in advance, pin them, and write out the grocery lists. This not only removes ALL stress of figuring out what to make, but it allows you to budget for the items you will have to buy.

By choosing your menu ahead of time, you can try out new recipes before the big event, too.

I know this seems like common sense, but I'm positive that ALL of us intend on doing this but don't actually do it in advance. 

To be frank: We pin, we don't PLAN.

Make a commitment to yourself and your AmEx and do it now. There's still some time!

3. Invest in Cardstock/Stationary EARLY

If you already have your Christmas cards purchased, it is all the more likely you will send them out - ON TIME!

Same with thank you cards. If you spend the money and get them, you will use them. I'm sure of it. 

On your downtime (if you even have any), such as a commercial break during your favorite show, or when you are being driven somewhere, write down everyone you need to send a card to. Having the list will help.

It will make you feel good, feel connected, feel accomplished and feel like the adults we all are.

I plan to make my list this week.

Because southern ladies are ALL about their stationary ... and glistening Christmas cards.

4. Go to your Gmail. Create a Folder titled "Christmas Coupons".

Christmas really starts in like, uh, let's say August. EVERY retailer I have EVER purchased ANYTHING from seems to remember that purchase (*cough* Abercrombie and Fitch *cough*) and they send Christmas coupons and reminders of upcoming sales ... like in August.

It's ridiculous.

However, I've started to drag those emails into my Coupon folder. I mean, right now Brooks Brothers is having a HUGE sale. I've already picked out stuff to buy my honey for Christmas. 

I remembered because I set reminders linked to my Coupon folder.

Every time Sephora, Saks, Williams Sonoma, or Harry and David (etc) send you a "Enjoy 20% or free shipping" email, drag it over. It will save you time and money because you will know where to go.

You don't want to buy dad's Yeti cooler at Dick's when Onward Reserve is having a better discount.

Also, craft stores such as JoAnn's and Michael's honor one another's coupons. So, when you're buying wrapping paper or decor, you can access those coupons from your email on your smartphone.

Unfortunately, Frontgate doesn't EVER have discounts ... sorry mom.

5. Drink as many peppermint mochas as possible.

Because you're going to need it after making all those lists, pinning those pins and taking the kids from A to B. 

Plus, the cups are pretty.

Cheers!

B

Fall is Beautiful

Love that chill in the air? Want to curl up with your hunny and a PSL? Do you use the Christmas decorations at Phipps as an *excuse* for a Tory Burch shopping spree?

Yeah, me too. Fall is here and I am SO excited!

Like, I want to actually rake leaves and bale hay kind .. that kind of excited.

And the season change inspired some change in me and now I'm back to blogging. I hope you're as thrilled as I am!

Lately, I've been on a beauty binge. In my quest to become a VIB Rouge member at Sephora I sort of went overboard and bought literally everything.

I'd thought I'd quickly share my favorite products as of late:

1. YSL Babydoll Mascara

I'm always in search of a great mascara. Diorshow just doesn't do it for me. I know, I know.

Babydoll is the only YSL mascara I've tried, but I see no reason to tread further. I've found a safe haven in this formula.

photo: thefitgirlsdish.com

It lengthens and separates lashes like nothing I've ever tried before.  It is VERY build-able (I do 3 coats). Some others are great, (Givenchy, Benefit They're Real and Bobbi Brown Lengthening come to mind), but Babydoll makes my lashes look like bombshell lashes.

And um, who doesn't want to look like a bombshell? 

Try it out, it'll make more than your lashes flutter. Hearts beware.

YSL Babydoll Mascara at Sephora

2. Urban Decay Naked Palette

After all the hype I've heard about this product, I gave in and bought it. You know, anything for those Sephora points.

I thought about it for some time and had previously decided it wasn't worth the money ...

I couldn't have been more wrong.

It's worth the price and then some.

photo: thebellebeautyblog.blogspot.com

First, the color payoff is HUGE. These shadows are heavily pigmented and long-lasting. I'm not kidding. Your shadow will be there after your two glasses of chardonnay have come and gone.

Second, the colors are GORGEOUS and I believe would work for any skin-tone variation. 

Third, you can create myriad looks with this thing. Anything from a day look to a sexy smokey eye is possible with this palette. 

Fourth, when you buy the palette at Sephora, a eyeshadow primer comes with it ... that primer is my life. It's everything.

Fifth, it's FANTASTIC for travel. Throw this in the bag, you're good to go. No little eyeshadows pinging around the makeup bag in danger of breaking and getting everywhere.

Urban Decay Naked Palette at Sephora

3. Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Foundation

My story with Guerlain products starts with a trip to Paris in 2007. I went to the Guerlain flagpship on the Champs Elysees and learned about the brand and how darn fabulous it really is.

butterboom.com

When I discovered that Guerlain had foundation I knew I had to try it. It was time for a new foundation and I read reviews for Lingerie de Peau. 

I can't say enough good things about this foundation. If you're like me and you enjoy coverage that evens your skintone and STAYS PUT, then you should try this. The coverage is medium-full and is build-able.

I use 1 or 2 pumps each application depending on what look I'm going for or the weather conditions that day. It's not even half-way empty and I've had this for about 3 weeks. 

This foundation is wonderful for people with dry skin (like me) because it's hydrating and silky. I'd say it's very similar to the Laura Mercier silk foundation, but more liquid-like in texture, making it easier to blend. 

I'm obsessed with this foundation, it's absolutely beautiful and leaves a seamless finish. It disguises EVERYTHING. It really does. 

I've also noticed it doesn't transfer onto clothes, which is a plus for me. I can't tell you how many white oxford shirts I've ruined because of foundation.

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation at Sephora

4. Benefit Hoola Bronzer

As an Italian, the need to look tan and bronzed is eerily similar to my need to eat and drink water to survive. 

I've tried all the bronzers it seems. MAC, Laura Mercier, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown, Chanel.

Some are good, some make me look muddy. It depends.

photo: amodelrecommends.com

Enter Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. This bronzer is perfection. It's great for bronzing or for contouring. It's highly blendable and is not muddy or harsh. It works for every skintone.

The packaging is cute. It comes with a brush.

What more could you want?

Join me, all bronzed and beautiful, at my next luau courtesy of Benefit.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer at Sephora

5. YSL Rouge Volutpe Shine

I've only recently ventured into the world of lipstick. I look best  feel the most comfortable in neutrals (which aren't as exciting as bright red)  and I tend to forget to apply lip products so lipstick hasn't always been my game.

photo: hudabeauty.com

That was the case until I met YSL lip products, particularly these lipsticks.

They are expensive, I will grant you that. But they are beautiful.

The packaging is so beautiful I feel like a Hollywood starlet from the 50's when I apply it.

It's like I was Sabrina the chauffer's daughter and then I apply this and I'm Sabrina dancing at the Larabee mansion a la Audrey Hepburn. I'm saying this stuff is transformational.

Like a good pair of Louboutins.

To be honest, I bought it for the packaging but the colors are very pretty and stay put all day long.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine at Sephora

I can't wait to share more posts and happenings to come on the blog (and other writing prospects to come as well).

Stay beautiful this fall!! xx

B

July Favorites!

One of the finer things about living in Georgia is the fact that we experience all four seasons.

And we southern gals know good and well that the red clay we walk on isn't the only thing baking in that hot sun come summertime - our skin and hair suffer too.

With the hot rays stripping away nutrients, it's so important to replenish your body. And it takes a little extra love and care to keep our locks finely coiffed (and sufficiently teased) and our skin nice and dewy.

Here are some of my favorite things that have helped fight the humidity and have quenched my very dry skin and thick (yet fine) hair.

Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

photo:  bluemercury.com

This product can work for every skin type. It feels more like a tonic or astringent, really. Initially I thought it would only work for oily or normal skin types but I have extremely dry skin and this has not caused any problems as far as I can tell.

I use this product morning and evening after cleansing with my normal cleanser. It deep cleans pores and truly leaves skin refreshed. Because I have dry skin, I follow up with a heavy-handed amount of moisturizer or cream to replenish my skin's ph-levels and to add moisture for elasticity.

I have really enjoyed this over the summer because the makeup/residue/suntan lotion/sweat that clogs our pores during our jaunts outdoors is extremely difficult to remedy. This stuff does wonders for deep cleaning. Plus, you feel so so very fresh after application. I use a cotton square.  The price is right, too.

Available at Nordstrom: Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, $15


Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

photo: natureofbeauty.com

Natural calendula comes from the calendula flower and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that are great for treating skin irritations, particularly itchy skin or rashes or sunburns.

Calendula is fantastic for dry skin or sun-damaged skin because of its healing properties that make skin supple and moisturized. Calendula oil is great for under the eye skin to combat premature aging.

I discovered this stuff a little over a year ago and can personally attest to a litany of skin issues it has corrected. It's single-handedly the most effective thing I've ever used.

The spa I like to go to sells this locally. It's pricey but I rely on it because it works.

Available at Natural Body Spa or Naturopathica Holistic Health

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream

photo: shop.nordstrom.com

There's a reason this cream is on Bobbi's "Greatest Hits" list. I'm starting to use this cream as a primer to my foundation in the morning. At night, I use calendula, but this is FANTASTIC to keep your skin hydrated under foundation all day long.

Having a great primer on your skin helps your skin absorb the foundation and makes it last longer. Highly recommend.

Available at Bobbi Brown





Jamison Shaw Vita Plexx

Another important item to have in your bag is a great de-tangler. This one is from my hairdresser's at Jamison Shaw in Buckhead. Vita Plexx is conditioning, has SPF to help prevent color fade and sun damage and works wonders after the pool.

Available in store or at Jamison Shaw Online.

Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask

photo: oteenvogue.com

This mask is absolutely phenomenal. It hydrates hair, seals cuticles and restores shine.

Use when you're cleaning, studying, responding to emails before bed, or sleep with in it in your hair overnight with a cap on. I love this stuff and use it once a week.

Available at moroccanoil.com


Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm "BB" Cream

I've raved about Trish products before, especially this one in particular. The only unfortunate thing about this product is the price. $90 is a step price to spend on a tinted beauty balm.

Trish's products are formulated with the help of her dermatologist husband and has many amazing ingredients for your skin, but the SPF content along with the amazing coverage is what makes me buy this.

I pop this on my face to even out my skin tone and provide coverage and protection! in the sun where I'd normally forego makeup. It's long-lasting and makes skin look dewy.

This bottle lasts FOREVER. One pump is really all you need for a full face of moisturizing foundation. It just makes me feel prettier too when I'm in the sand or by the pool. It's not cute to thane a cute bikini but your face isn't also done up (just a little).

Available at Woo Cosmetics in Buckhead or Nordstrom

Olive Oil

photo: joyandsunshine blog

Personally, I prefer my olive oil on a nice little plate of pasta but you can't always get what you want.

Instead, I more frequently use olive oil on my body. I mix it with organic brown sugar for a face and body scrub that is simply divine.

I also rub it on my cuticles for conditioning. I mix it in my with hair conditioner (a very little bit will do) for some shine.

Live and love olive oil.

Available at Whole Foods or any market.


Banana Boat Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

You know what is REALLY gross? Mineral Oil.

That's the stuff mechanics use ... yes like cars and engines and grease and well, mineral oil.

It's also in MANY beauty products, especially tanning oil and sunscreen.

Banana Boat is all I will use because this particular formula has a moisturizer in it and does not contain that icky mineral oil. I don't like tanning oils. For one, they are HORRIBLE for your skin. The spray ones mostly don't even touch your skin because mist blows with the sea breeze.

All you need for that added tan acceleration is cocoa butter over your sunscreen.

I love this stuff, hopefully you will give it a try. I buy mine at Ulta.


Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

photo: bluemercury 

Ever heard of a setting spray? This product is a fantastic one.

After applying makeup (your whole face of makeup) simply spray this on to set the makeup and seal it to make it last longer.

I also spray this on after the beach or pool and just about every day, midday for a pick me up. You wouldn't believe how thirsty your skin is midday because of the stress and the makeup and the dry air in the office. You can even spray it on your hair.

Available at Nordstrom



Raw Aloe:

You can pick up an aloe leaf (branch?) at Whole Foods or Publix for a couple of bucks and you wouldn't believe the great beauty savings from that. Aloe is such a wonder-plant because it has every healing quality and moisturizing capability known to man.

Buy a leaf, trim the outer ridges, then slice the leaf into sections. Peel the membrane to expose the healing gel. You can youtube this for a how-to.

I use the raw gel as a mask. You wait about 15 minutes for your mask to tighten and then wash off with a damp cloth or just rinse. You skin feels tight and hydrated afterwards.

Water

There's nothing like the benefits of drinking water to keep your body hydrated and beautiful. :)

Cheers to feeling great and well-cared for!

Brooke

Yes, I drink this every morning

photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Lately I've been going green in a juicy way.

With the gift of a juicer from my parents (my Dad recently graduated to a nutribullet that he swears by), I have taken to the art of juicing. 

It's been wonderful, really. I'd like to share what I do literally every morning.

Before the juicer, I would venture over to Whole Foods every Sunday for a couple days supply of their detox juice. With oranges, apples, lemon, spinach and ginger - the detox juice was tart, tangy and even bitter.

It also is a bit annoying (not to mention pricey) to do this religiously 2x a week.

Thanks to my parents and Giada de Laurentiis for the recipe, I now enjoy an energy-boosting, metabolism-revving juice EVERY morning.

I am loving this stuff so much (it tastes FABULOUS!) and I think y'all will too!

1 carrot

1 lemon

2 apples (I use Fuji apples, for sweetness)

2 celery stalks

1 2-inch section of peeled ginger

a TON of spinach (your preference really - I use a 1/2 bag or more)

And there you have it! Your very own green, yummy energy boost for the day. Serve over ice and keep it in a Tervis tumbler to keep chill throughout the morning. 

I'd love to hear other recipes if y'all would like to share!

Cheers and happy juicing! 

Brooke

The Blog Is Back

Ever... you know ...  been in a funk?

 It's like life is going well and orderly and all that and then something happens to throw you off track ...

and instead of jumping right back into the saddle you sort of let the situation ride right over you.

That's what has happened to me lately.

You see, I stopped writing right around law school finals for obvious reasons. I can't expect any person not in law school to understand, but during finals you literally cannot do anything else.

Law school finals beat the hell out of you, freeze the world over and then barrage you with anxiety until the grades come in.

In short, during finals time, don't get in between me and my iced skinny vanilla latte or I will hurt you apocalypse style. It's a fight for life.

That time passes and then summer internships take over, further smothering any creative juices or bright thoughts that are not related to legal matters.

See what I mean? It's easy to just forget about the things that make you happy. It's hard to balance and if you ask my boyfriend I am the WORLD'S WORST at balancing ... anything.

If I focus on work quite intensely, then the laundry doesn't get done, then the house is a mess then I'm stressed about that. If I focus on exercising then I study less in the evenings and then I feel out of sync at school. It's always a challenge for me to harmonize my life.

And  it doesn't have to be that way and it upsets me when I allow life to get the best of me. I really can do it all. And I REALLY need to learn how to do it all.

Instead of picking myself up after exams I just let something I really LOVE to do fall to the wayside.

I miss writing. I've always been a writer, mainly privately but I've had my stints with publications as well. And I absolutely adore it.

So here I am, back to blogging.

With the birth of Baby Cambridge on Monday, I felt it was a happy time to get back to it. I've been a Kate follower for what seems like my entire life. I have literally stalked her fashion choices since she fell in love with Prince William at St. Andrews like 12 years ago. I know. It's insane. But Kate is elegant and modern and has the best hair known to man so she's my girl and I love her. I couldn't imagine a better role model for young girls.

Cheers all, and thank you for supporting this little endeavor. Stay tuned for what's to come.

Brooke

What's in a JD? You tell me.

When I was a little girl, I remember sleeping on the couch in the lobby of my father's law office as he prepared for trial.

That evening, I had helped my mom organize exhibits, color-coding sections of evidence and even helped make sure all those hole punches lined up just so.

My father would be in his office with a single yellow legal pad, handwriting thoughts, most likely arguments or questions to be anticipated. I remember how much coffee he would drink, how many times he'd look to my mom and I with eyes lined with thought and exhaustion and how he'd stare up at his volumes of legal books for guidance.

This is what I remember. This is what I know. 

Moments like that are uniquely impressionable. They hold responsibility for everything in my life that followed them.

I actually recall when he and my mom looked at me and explained how that case I had helped with ended with the right result, the result that brought smiles and joy and relief to my parents. 

I'll never forget the embrace that this client bestowed on my parents after the fact. It's the kind of embrace that holds your heart tight, interminably.

It's the kind that molds the future of a young girl who would fall asleep in a law office lobby.

Today, I find myself closing my second year of law school.

I could sit here and describe a typical law school scene (stress, anxiety, immeasurable and unending challenges) but that would not accurately portray what law school is truly about.

Certainly the experience is about you, but it's also about coming to the realization that one's experience with law is what you make it to be.

Among the doldrums of casebooks and the dust that will inevitably fall from the library stacks and cloud your mind with questions like "Why am I here?" there is a higher calling constantly present, a good calling - one that is asking every person to seek a higher standard.

Call it justice, or call it virtue, or call it just doing your job or doing the right thing, but above all else know what you're actually calling yourself to do with the skills you're acquiring.

It's not about dreams of a fancy car or acquiring a heightened sense of self-gratification as many students do. Yes it's about the money (it is an occupation), but is it about accruing salary without also gaining appreciation for the ability to do good while earning it?

How much do you value the smile of relief, the tears of joy, the calm one may feel from newly-gained safety or security when justice springs peace?

How much do you value the trust one desperately bestows upon you with the hope that you will protect what's dear to them - their family, their fortune, their job-security, their dignity, their life?

As an attorney, as a student, you're called to value those things.

I guess my point, as difficult as it is to articulate, is that I am urging every person considering law school to really ask yourself - what type of feeling are you willing to embrace?

Because that feeling better be one that will last throughout law school until your final day of practice.

If it's one of joy and compassion for others, if it's one that makes you feel encouraged and motivated, if it's one that will one day paint a vision for your child that is positive then I'd say hold tight and keep holding on to that sincerity.

It's what they call "the love of the game". It's what brings relief when the work gets hard.

It's the joy that embraces you when you've reached accomplishment. It's what makes you hone in on your skills each and every time.

It comes from love. Love for others, love for your family, love for your ability to bring joy.

And it's the only thing that will make sure you get a good night's rest. 

When we are such as He (and) can love without impediment, we shall in fact be happy. - C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

*If you are considering law school, I urge you to think long-term and to ask as many people as possible what called them to law school. I get so many Facebook messages about law school and am always happy to share my experiences in whatever detail friends would like. My experience is as close as family. It's the sort of love that has kept me on this journey. Best of luck.

Cheers and all the best,

B

New Blog Design Reveal!!

Hello, hello everyone!!

My sweet little blog is ready to step out from behind the curtain and reveal its lovely new look!

Isn't it adorable? I'm obsessed.

When I started blogging, I knew one day I would seek a custom design to make everything a tad more fancy. At first, I tried doing this myself but, um ... hello! HTML is totally not my language.

So, I sought out a southern lady to rescue me and my blog so that my readers can enjoy a more appealing design and a fabulous overall reading experience.

Dandy Designs Boutique was the stylist behind the look and I can't thank Danielle enough for her expertise and sweet, sweet magic! I'm beyond impressed and thrilled!!

So join As Long As It's Southern and myself and do a little happy dance because, y'all, we're getting fancy pantsy over here!

I'm in major exam prepping, study-dungeon mode right now, so I can't say when the next post will be but I can't wait to have some time to write it!

I have a recipe to share so look forward and stay tuned for that!!

Cheers, y'all!!
B

A Little Rant, A Whole Lotta Rave

My dog Baier, he turned one year old on Friday. 

Well hello there pretty blog readers!

I'm going to vent and share a little. Something's gotta give.

Lately life has been a little out of sync over here. My daily routine has been replaced by large spans of time fueling anxiety about my law school exams next week and experiencing the repercussions of said anxiety.

I mean, I've been doing everything BUT studying: online shopping, organizing my home, talking to my dog for no reason, randomly walking around my house staring at things ...

Yeah, I've been weirder than normal. 

For those who don't know, I'm a stress ball of a law student that constantly drowns in supreme court opinions. blah, blah blah. 

Basically, only my classmates and my main squeeze see me in law mode. I essentially operate under the assumption that most of my friends I hang with socially don't think I know how to read. 

That's because when I have free time, the LAST thing I want to do is act like a serious pants law geek.

And when I see that beautiful beacon called summertime out there in the horizon, my friends, my psychology lapses into cabana "if I move my chair this way I will get more sun" mode. 

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few things with y'all that you might actually care about. (end life venting). I mentioned in the previous post that I've been watching a TON of makeup tutorials on YouTube. 

Well, Jaclyn Hill has inspired a few product purchases (actually, let's be honest, more than a few). Like, I'm flirting with my limit on my Nordstrom card kind of inspiration, y'all.

I've been trying them out for the past week or so and there are a few gems I'd like to share with y'all.

Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil

photo: sephora.com

Seriously, this stuff is amaze. I have been a huge huge devotee of Moroccan Oil which is an argan-based formula for hair but it's like the heavens opened up when I tried this stuff. There's so much to say. First, it has multiple uses. You can use it as a moisturizer on your face, on your body - wherever. It's great for hair (especially for dry or split ends). I have been using it on my hair in lieu of Moroccan Oil treatment and I think I like this better. More amazingly is that it has healed that delicate skin around the eye. My skin has been severely burned and swollen and flaky for months because of pollen. I thought it was nail polish I'm allergic to, but ohhhh no - it's pollen. It has wreaked serious havoc on my eyes. The skin was literally leathery to the point I couldn't wear concealer or eyeshadow. This totally healed it.  

Downfall: It's pricey. The smaller bottle wasn't available at Sephora when I went there, so I got the $40+ one with high hopes. I'm glad I did. It's an all-in-one magic potion of amazing awesomeness.

Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

photo: nordstrom.com

Jaclyn recommended Mario Badescu products on her tutorials and this one in particular came HIGHLY recommended. It's called a lotion, but in actuality it's more like a toner and feels sort of like a mild astringent. It's wonderful. If you have dry or combination/sensitive skin this is great to balance your skin. The most glorious thing about it is the feeling you get when you use it - the cleanest clean fresh feeling ever. This stuff goes deep into the pores, cleaning all those nasties from the atmosphere that trap oil and bacteria and cause breakouts. 

Downside: No downside. This stuff rocks. It's cheap, too. $15. That's seriously inexpensive as far as designer or department store type skincare goes.

Use: Use with a cotton pad from the drugstore. Put a little on after cleansing and swipe all over the face. 

Mario Badescu: I've loved Boscia skincare longtime. I can see myself loving Mario Badescu longtime, too. I've bought other products, haven't used them long enough to judge yet.

Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss

photo: beautybroadcast.net

These were another makeup recommendation Jaclyn made. I really have grown to trust her opinion because it's an expert one. She has extensive crazy experience with all sorts of product so she knows what's up. (I'm doing a MAC post in the future because of her recs)

Anyway, she suggested trying these Nyx butter glosses. They are available at Ulta ... and OMG they are awesome. I bought the color eclair which I absolutely adore. Can't get enough. These aren't sticky, they truly feel like butter and the pigment is beautiful and rich considering these puppies are only $4-5!! Yes, you read that correctly. #newfavegloss

Downside: No downside. If you like red gloss, I don't think there is a true red but other than that, no downside. They are awesome sauce.

Beauty Blender

photo: sephora.com

I bought my beauty blender at Woo Cosmetics in Buckhead. Y'all have read me wax poetic about Woo in all its glory. That place is like a fairy princess land. 

Anyway, just get one of these things. I use the pointy tip for under eye concealer blending and you can obviously use it for foundation as well. I like to use the fat bottom part for getting excess foundation off or for patting over places where I've concealed blemishes. It's also a great contouring tool.

Use: Run your blender under the faucet and squeeze repeatedly. The blender will grow in size as it absorbs water. Turn the water off, squeeze excess water and you're good to go.

Note: The water the blender absorbs keeps the sponge from absorbing/wasting makeup. That is seriously a lovely quality and one of the brilliant things about this tool.

Wholesome Organic Sugar

photo: wholesome sweeteners

Alright, if you think that going to the food aisle is freaking weird to buy skincare products, please raise your hand.

*Brooke raises her hand and looks around*

Home remedies for skincare are things I've always been weary of. I've done like olive oil and avocado hair masks but that's about it. I always sort of default into my normal product routine in due time. 

(enter Jaclyn Hill, gorgeous beauty guru extraordinaire)

The main product in most exfoliants (um you spend tons of moolah on these guys) is ... you're never going to guess ... sugar. It's basically sugar granulated to not harm the face.

So why not spend $2.00 at Kroger and buy sugar that is in a raw form that is perfect to mix with water or honey (or argan oil) and use as an exfoliant?

Fresh Brown Sugar Scrub is $40 or $65 depending on size. IT HAS SUGAR IN THE NAME! Don't do it to your credit card. Walk your fancy little self over to the organic section, pick this stuff up and go home feeling economical.

Downside: No downside to speak of. I do this 3x a week and it is seriously the best exfoliator ever. My skin is fab-u-lous after I use this.

So, there you have it. A life rant and a few product raves. A little good to go with my frustration.

Thanks for bearing with me!

Also, new SUPER exciting things to come to the blog, so stay tuned, or online, or whatever.

Big, big thank you to Jaclyn Hill for sharing your brilliance for free. Subscribe to her on YouTube. Just do it, y'all.

Cheers darlings,

B

Beauty Tutorials on YouTube

Hey everyone, I'm sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. I've been battling sickness for about two weeks now (gross) and it's that time of year when law school takes priority over just about anything and everything (gross).

The past week or so has been rough to say the least.

With that said, when I'm taking study breaks I tend to lurk on Pinterest or YouTube. One of my favorite things to do is watch makeup beauty tutorials. YouTube has a plethora of professional makeup application videos that are just amazing.

People pay good money to learn the things these kind ladies are offering to show you for free. It's really remarkable.

I'd like to share two YouTube channels I really think are top-notch. These ladies are all professional artists, all three (a sister duo and an artist herself) are MAC trained. MAC is just a really amazing cosmetic organization that is responsible for a majority of the skills and talents of professional artists out there.

MAC's influence is truly extraordinary.

So, when you have a few minutes, hours, days to spare, watch these videos.

Jaclyn Hill YouTube Page

Jaclyn has AMAZING tips and tricks that she shares to highlight and contour your face. I learned about her videos on Pinterest and look forward to watching more of them when my casebooks become increasingly less interesting in the weeks to come.

Particularly, I LOVE her honest advice about makeup brushes and what you really need. There is nothing in the beauty world that is more important to me than really being educated about makeup application. She is a fabulous, beautiful guru.

She also does other cute little videos about favorite things, what's in her purse, etc. She's adorable.


Pixiwoo YouTube Channel

Seriously, ladies Pixiwoo is a cosmetic powerhouse of a YouTube channel. A sister duo, Pixiwoo has literally EVERYTHING you could EVER hope to know about makeup application, brush care, basic application, product reviews,  party application, etc.

Pixiwoo has it all and does it all ... to perfection.

Both sisters are professional makeup artists based outside London and have worked on an entire laundry list of celebrities and beautiful people. Their tips are exquisite, their application is ALWAYS perfect and gorgeous. I am constantly amazed at the artistry of their makeup application.

One of the fun things about their YouTube channel is that they have hundreds of imitation celebrity look videos that are seriously on point. I mean, these women don't look anything like Adele, or Angelina Jolie or Pamela Anderson, etc but after the tutorial you are seriously thinking they switched heads. It's insane.

Just do yourself a favor and have TONS of fun and promise me you'll check out their YouTube channel.

You may spends hours of your life and your family or significant other will wonder what happened to you. Your dog might get lonely.

But you will look fabulous.

Cheers to beauty and life,

B

Statement Necklaces for Spring and Summer

We all know southern ladies enjoy making a statement. We are mighty women and we get what we want when we feel right about it.

It's what we do.

Think Reese Witherspoon at any given moment in "Sweet Home Alabama". That lady was turning heads left and right and knocked a rather disagreeable New York mayor out of her Manolos.

Scarlett O'Hara took her mama's green velvet curtains for a charade to save her beloved Tara.

When we do things, we do things big and out of love. So why shouldn't that hold true when it comes to our baubles?

Now, I'm not one who wears a great deal of "costume" jewelry - I'm remarkably sentimental and tend to wear the same items daily since they mean so much.

But sometimes you need to step out of character to seize the day and conquer.

And during the spring and summer, it's fun to branch out a little and wrap the bright and warm feel of the ocean around you. I love necklaces that reflect that vibrant yet calm beachy feeling and hearken memories to vacations.

Here are my picks for this spring and summer:

Statement Necklaces for Spring and Fall by aslongasitssouthern featuring statement necklaces

Nest cultured pearl necklace / J.Crew white pearl necklace / Long necklace / Kate Spade statement necklace / Stella & Dot chain necklace / KENNETH JAY LANE coral jewelry, $135


One: J. Crew Pearl Twist strand. I love this piece because it is timeless. It's a graduation from a classic single pearl strand, adding a little drama to a spring dress or an oxford shirt.

Two: Stella and Dot Campari necklace. This necklace reminds me of Italy. I adore it. I think of bright blood oranges that are so delicious and the Italian shores that are so undeniably gorgeous. Bellinis in Venice at Cafe Florian are this color. The red/coral color looks gorgeous against tanned skin, too.

Three: Nest Pearl necklace. Here is the ocean's answer to the country club pearl. This strand stood out to me because the pearls are mirrored and reflective, the catch light like the ocean's ripples at night. It remind me of Seaside and I love it there.

Four: Kate Spade multi-color strand necklace. This necklace is beautiful in its construction because of the glassy-layered effect and the color choices match everything. I like that it can dress up a "city life" outfit while echoing the familiar colors of the beach.

Five: Turquoise Pearl Strand Necklace. I'm of the mind that every woman needs a turquoise beaded necklace for hot months. They are an absolute summer wardrobe classic. Recalling the vibrance of a destination like Cabo San Lucas, the turquoise color is strong and stands next to bright colors like coral or blue beautifully. When paired next to white or cream, you actually look like the sea. Such a versatile piece.

Six: Starfish Coral necklace. This necklace can be worn several ways and I LOVE that about it. Crafted by Kenneth Jay Lane, you know it'll be a piece that will last no matter how much wear. I would love to get this and pair it with white or black for a stark contrast or maxi dresses for a little fun. The starfish is adorable, of course!


Cheers darlings, to warm weather, tanned skin and fond memories!
B

Lululemon Love: How Lululemon Takes Your Workout to the Next Level

I'm going to put my law school hat on for a second and state something plainly. 
(Ironically, lawyers aren't actually able to do this).

Looking good while working on your fitness means you will really look good outside of the gym.

Statistical studies, pie graphs, dot chart things, TI-83's aside, I really think there are one of those correlation things going on when it comes to fitness fashion and results.

If you like what you're wearing and how you look when you're running, posing, spinning, hauling tires around or whatever you're doing that makes you sweat - your confidence soars and your overall performance is better.

Lululemon gear totally provides that sort of appeal and motivation. It's just plain adorable and I wish I could wear it everyday, everywhere, every way. 

When I'm wearing Lululemon, I don't worry about adjusting my clothes, or worrying about comfort because that's all taken care of. I can really really hone in on my routine.

A Canadian company, Lululemon manufactures and designs products that are amazingly comfortable, perform magnificently and are quite versatile. 

No matter your exercise: cross fit, yoga, running, tennis, swim, cycle etc. Lululemon has gear to get you going.

Here are some of my favorites, but it's all too cute for words.

Lululemon Love by aslongasitssouthern featuring lululemon

Activewear / lululemon / Flow And Go Tank II / Skirt / Hair accessory / Yoga On The Run Duffel *Canvas / Run

1. Flow and Go Tank: This tank top has a sexy back strap thing going on, plus it becomes more fitted towards the bottom, assuring you that your top won't flip up when you're in your favorite barre class. I'm also just going to throw this out there - it would look cute with shorts or white jeans or something for a causal spring/summer look.

2. Pace Setter Skirt: I don't own this, but I've tried it on and it's among one of my next purchases. You can wear this skirt to tennis or for running/walking.

I also have plans to wear it while I play caddy for my man while he's golfing. It's so important to be the cutest caddy at the club.

3. In The Flow Shorts: These things are awesome. The cut is flattering and hits you at the right places. The shorts stay in place while being active and I've never had problems with them riding up. Boys love them. They are fun to lounge in. They are fun to buy. :)

Also, In The Flow items are seamless and they are my FAVORITE. These things feel like butter on your skin. They are the most comfortable, most flattering fabric ever. I promise.

4. Run Stash and Dash Pullover: This pullover is light and easily packable for on-the-go situations. It is great for runs early morning or later in the evening when it's chilly. I like to pack it when I think it may rain. If you get the neon color, you're pollen proof.

5. Headband: I've tried all kinds of Lulu headbands and they are not one in the same. I have a TON of hair. The little skinny ones tend to slip off of my hair for two reasons: The grippies can't stand up to all the product (hairspray, root lifter) in my hair and I am partially Italian and sweat too much. Yeah, I know.

This one is awesome, however. It's wider and has more grippies and stays in place. The patterns that are available are cute (I love my polka dot one) and the colors are bright and cheery and adorable.

6. In the Flow Crops: Like the shorts, these crops are made with seamless fabric. It's so brilliant. The good Lulu people know what's up, y'all.

The crops are the most flattering crops I own (I've tried what seems like every pair ever made) and they scrunch up on the sides of the calves adding an extra little bit of darling.

When Lulu gets a new shipment, they sell like the same day or soon after the first. I'm serious they are that awesome. I'm wearing them right now.

7.Yoga On The Run Duffle: Am I a yogi? No. But I need this bag because it will help me carry everything I need, including the mat I use to practice barre stuff and to stretching and weights, etc. The print and color combo is chic and feels like spring and I love it.

*I also adore the Astro pant because you can get the most amazing patterns and colors at the waist to contrast the black pant. They make your backside look fabulous and because they are perfect for so many occasions. Every lady needs a yoga pant.

So check out Lululemon and join me and the legions of buckhead betties who sport Lulu when working out in the Peach State. 

Plus, the brand is so well regarded for a reason. The products are quality and does what it's supposed to do - which is to accentuate your performance.

Go visit my close friends at Lululemon (Betsy and Alyssa) at the Howell Mill Location or stop by the location at The Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead.

Cheers to looking good while getting hot,

B