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 My daily routine has been replaced by large spans of time fueling anxiety about my law school exams next week and experiencing the repercussions of said anxiety.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

Introducing Plā Beauty. You're Welcome!

If there's one thing that every southern belle loves (apart from sweet tea, magnolias, country boys and a front porch) it's makeup.

Did Scarlett O'Hara forget her powder before she went to the barbecue at Twelve Oaks? No, no she didn't.

And just like our favorite petticoat wearing Georgia peach, belles today appreciate makeup and its glorious ability to add to our charm.

But sometimes it's just so hard to find the perfect foundation that will stay with you the entire day. Kinda like it's hard to find the perfect blend of Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler.

You know what I mean? A foundation needs staying power, but also the ability to make you feel gorgeous.

That doesn't always go hand in hand.

But I found my match when I was introduced to Plā Beauty at Woo Cosmetics by the owner herself, Stephanie Green-Bass. 

I needed a foundation that gave me full coverage, that felt good on my skin, that stayed with me like a real gentleman and made me glow with a southern belle simper.

Pla Beauty Liquid to Powder foundation does all of these things and I love it. I'm positive there's no other foundation for me.

lauracarsonmiller.blogspot.com

When I sat down with the creator of the brand, she explained the purpose, the love and care behind the creation of her line. And she gave me the best makeup application I've ever had. Seriously.

I would be remiss to not mention the admirable story and inspiration behind the brand. Pla Beauty was created by Stephanie Green-Bass in memory of her daughter who she tragically lost to an infection only 18 days after her birth. 

Comforted by the wonderful staff at Children's Healthcare of Altanta, Stephanie was encouraged and, in thanks for their support during such a trying time, Stephanie donates a portion of every sale to Children's Healthcare. 

And despite the difficulty with making such a huge commitment to a cause when you're starting a new line, Stephanie has not faltered and maintains her pledge. 

With a background in the industry, having worked with Carrie Underwood (who wears Pla Beauty), Green-Bass created the line because playing with makeup empowered her, made her happy and she felt she could share quality product with other women and bring smiles to their faces.

Daily Candy

Now, I've tried a good amount of her line and I am just floored by how amazing it all is. The lip glosses aren't sticky and go on smoothly. The color palettes are gorgeous and current. The foundation is lovely.

And I just love supporting inspirational women. And Stephanie Green-Bass is absolutely that. 

Not only is she kind and such a lady, she has such a passion for her line and dedicates her days to making her product better. She cared to ask what I looked for, what I liked about her line and what I would like to see. 

In short, I'm telling you this is a brand to really get behind.

Available at Woo Cosmetics in Buckhead and in Nashville and at Parlour 3 (Where Carrie goes, in Brentwood, TN).

Support an amazing cause and an amazing, passionate southern lady and feel beautiful.

Check out the website, too!

Cheers,

B

FlyBarre: Hurts. But Oh My Goodness, It Totally Works!

Only months ago I wrote a post about my absolute obsession with Flywheel and trust me and my lululemons - that obsession is alive and well. Seriously, the results have been visible and most importantly, I feel so happy and confident about working out thanks to Flywheel.

But I wanted to throw another challenge into the mix, you know, kick it up a notch.

And Flywheel's baby sister, FlyBarre, was just sitting there in the fly studio all cute like and I knew I needed to just go for it and make a date.

Love hurts, y'all.

Blending yoga, ballet, dance, resistance training and cardio, FlyBarre works every bit of you - and then some.

And one thing I don't really do with consistency (mainly because I am just more of a cardio person) is controlled toning exercises. And well, you know the deal, a few lunges here, a few good-intentioned crunches there ... but it's never enough.

Even if I put a lot of effort into such a feat, it isn't always effective.  I think "It's not you, weights and medicine balls, it's me. And we can't just be friends, we're mortal enemies."

That's just sad.

Then FlyBarre swooped in with its sparkly cape and saved my fitness planet.

Ladies, ever heard of those "problem areas"?

*cough* *thighs* *abs* *triceps* *booty* *cough*

FlyBarre will take care of it for ya.

Ever heard of parts of your body you didn't know existed?? Uh ... yeah, me either.

Well have no fear, FlyBarre took care of all that too. You mustn't worry about googling unknown body appendages and such. They are just there and they ache after FlyBarre. Don't question them.

Despite all of this, FlyBarre is tons of fun. You can bond with fellow classmates, the music is great and you know that after your first class you can really get the hang of the choreography and positions.

Today I had class with Kelsey, a former Falcons cheerleader, and she was so sweet and I just am in awe of what she's trained her body to do. She's a great motivator.

The first class is absolutely free. Sign up here and get going.

All you need is yourself and maybe a water. They provide weights, towels, mats, resistance bands, squishy balls of torture, the oh so good kind of pain and the jams.


Raise your barre and try it out. See what I did there?

Cheers,
B

Pinterest Recipe: Mozzarella, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Alright y'all,  I'm convinced the food blogger/pinterest maven/ recipe/photography queen Val SoCal can do no wrong when it comes to cooking.

I've blogged about her recipes before and because they've turned out smashingly, I keep on tryin' them.                

Yesterday I tried this recipe for a Mozzarella, Tomato and Avocado Salad and I'm happy to report that it was a slam dunk.

And that's because I love all things caprese. The Italian in me simply can't get enough.

This salad is a traditional caprese, only with the added avocados. They are smooth, delicious and the acidity from the lemon juice really brings out the avocado flavor.

What You'll Need

(1 carton) cherry tomatoes, sliced in halves
(1 carton) fresh mozzarella pearls
(1 avocado), peeled and diced
(1/3 cup) of fresh basil, julienned
(2 tablespoons) of fresh parsley, minced

(1/4 cup) of fresh lemon juice

(1/4 cup) of good olive oil

salt and pepper

*Note: Can serve over a baguette or ciabatta if a crostini is desired.

The Steps You'll Take:

1. In a large salad bowl, add the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, parsley and basil.

2. In a separate mixing bowl make the dressing: whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. 

3. Toss the dressing with the mozzarella and tomato mixture. Toss to coat. Refrigerate for an hour prior to serving, allowing the mixture to really absorb the dressing.

4. Right before serving, toss in the diced avocado.

5. Serve and enjoy.

This makes for a quick and easy lunch option or a great side dish for dinner!

Cheers darlings, 

B

Big Event? Here's How I Prepare

So it's mid-week and you look at your calendar and realize you have a big event this weekend requiring you to look ultra-glamorous. 

You freak out.

What's a gal to do? Where do you start? There's so much to do to prepare for a big event on the weekend and usually, there's just too little time to do it.

This is precisely what happened to me this week. I magically remembered on Wednesday that my law school barrister's ball is this Saturday. 

Fabulous. No dress, no plan, no way is this happening.  

Um, of course it's happening. I was born for balls and ruffles and twirling. I'm doing this.

And even though I spend an embarrassing amount of time pretending I'm Kate Middleton (I've been admiring her since I was like 15) my princess status didn't come with a beauty entourage to help me out.

So here's what I do, it's like a checklist and hopefully it will help if you ever have something special planned:

1. Get your dress/ball gown/ hot little number picked out first. It is the base for all other primping decisions. If you're me, that's 3 days before the event apparently.

2. Begin detoxing/eating outrageously healthy. I don't care who you are, you look better in a dress when you keep the extra bloat off. I don't drink wine and keep it to detox water and hot tea. It's not that bad, y'all.

3. Appointments. Are you planning on styling your hair? That's great. Make sure you have all the hair products you need for the big day. If not, it's good to call ahead and make an appointment. If you were thinking about doing to Drybar, hopefully you've already made an appointment. Your salon likely has people to do blowouts and styling, too. 

Are you doing your own makeup? If not, make an appointment. Woo Cosmetics does a GREAT job and I've always like going to MAC at the mall to have my makeup done. MAC artists know how to apply makeup for photographs. The products are formulated for photography. Be prepared to buy like $50 of product.

4. Get your glow on. If you're not afraid of the harmful UV rays, go to the tanning bed 3 days out. It takes 10 minutes, just get in there and get out. Done. Go to the tanning bed 1-2 times before the event. This week I'm doing one tanning sesh, then another the following day and a spray tan (cocktailing).

5. Prepare to doll up. Look through your makeup - is there anything special you need? Eyelashes and glue? A particular eyeshadow or concealer? Make sure your foundation matches your tan. I needed to get a few things, so I went to Woo and the drugstore to get all that ready since I'm doing my own makeup.

6. Shoes. Nothing will wipe that pretty smile and beautiful glow right off of you like painful shoes. If you're grimacing and your date has to army-carry you around that's just not hot. We don't do that. Get you some comfortable shoes, at any price. My only requirement is that they are comfortable. They have foot petals, too, that can make a shoe cushy. Generally, platform heels are more comfortable than heels without platform bases.

7. Play Princess. Two days out, enjoy a mani, pedi, eyebrow touch-up. Whatever it is you need done at a spa/salon. If you're doing some sort of body treatment (body wrap) it's best to do that the afternoon or evening before or morning of the event if you have time. I like to get nails done early in case they mess up or if the color isn't right, you have time to remedy it. Also, it's just a pain to worry about stuff drying when you are getting ready. If you are getting a spray tan, get a pedicure and exfoliate prior to getting the spray tan.

8. Day of the Event. Keep detoxing. Eat things that are easily digested or that are light. Work out, or go for a brisk walk. Anything that makes you feel empowered and beautiful. Do that. Even if that's sitting on the couch. About 3-4 hours before the event, I start getting ready.

If you're wanting to learn from a professional to do your own makeup, or just learn some tips or how to achieve a particular look, do not hesitate, watch these videos from two AMAZING artists: Pixiwoo. I stumbled on their videos one night and have referenced them ever since. I tend to prefer to do my own makeup, I also like doing my own hair for most things. Nothing beats a blowout, though. But I've done just about everything under the sun to prepare for an event so I think it's all a good idea.

9. Spray on your favorite scent, make sure your clutch has everything you need: lipgloss, cash, cards, concealer, mints, etc.

10. Have an amazing time! 

Cheers to looking beautiful and turning heads, darlings.

Happy Friday!  Go Braves!

B

Opening Day

There's nothing like the thrill of Opening Day.

Walking in to "The Ted" just gets me so darn excited ... my red, white and blue beating heart is fluttering all around because opening day means spring is here, the Braves are back and all is right in the world.

In one word, the feeling is something like "'Merica".

... And peanuts and cracker jacks and baseball pants and all that.

Braves baseball means that no one will judge me when I am angling to get a tan whilst watching the game.

It means my boyfriend and I can relax and enjoy the game together - he will be real, real sweet on me because he gets to drink bud light and watch baseball and give me high-fives when our boys hit one out of the park.

It means I might be slightly annoying really adorable when I do tomahawk chops and yell cool things like "Charge!"

It means John Denver will remind the guys to "Thank God I'm A Country Boy."

And most importantly, it means people can be incandescently happy, all together, sharing an American pastime in the deep South.

Holeman and Finch Burger, be prepared to wait in line!

What's not to love about being back in Braves Country?

I'll see you at The Ted darlings!!

Go Braves,

B

Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend

Is it just me or have y'all noticed the abundance of tie-front blouses on the racks lately? They seem to be everywhere these days and, you know what?  I kinda like it.

I'm an old soul at heart and that part of me absolutely LOVES the 50's-inspired look that the tie-front blouse provides.

 I mean, who doesn't want to channel their inner Marilyn or Audrey and tie their favorite gingham for that classy, yet unabashedly southern look?

Southern belles for years have tied up a denim (today, it would be chambray) shirt and thrown on a pair of Daisy Dukes or their favorite cropped jeans and they look just darling.

Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend by aslongasitssouthern featuring joie

So why don't y'all try it out with me? I'm not suggesting a Britney look a la "Oh Baby, Baby" (time and place, ladies) but I think it's a fun and fresh look that ties classiness and youth together (see what I did there?)

 Here are a few I've found in store and online. :)

Cheers, darlings, in hopes that Spring will start playing for keeps about bringing on that sunshine.

Equipment top
shopbop.com

Joie
$335 - harveynichols.com

Theory blouse
bergdorfgoodman.com

Olive oak
$53 - bloomingdales.com

Catherine malandrino
shopbop.com

Drybar: My kinda place

Alli Webb once spent her days driving around Los Angeles to her clients' homes who needed her for her signature service: a blowout.

Today, she's at the helm of a $20 million operation known as Drybar. An idea born from the seat of her Nissan Xterra, Drybar brings blowouts at an affordable price point (only $35) to the masses.

With the mantra: "No cuts. No color. Just Blowouts." the bar focuses exclusively on styling your hair. Which makes it perfect for a night out, a date, or any special occasion where you'd like your hair to look marvelous.

At Drybar, the "bar" concept is personified, coming alive in each Drybar product and each aspect of the Drybar  experience. Clients can enjoy complimentary cocktails while sitting at the beautiful bar, while watching classic movies, and munching on snacks and sweet treats.

You can even get a floater (massage) with your speciality cocktail-inspired blowout.

Drybar Buckhead, next to Flywheel. Image courtesy of talkingwithtami.com

Care for  a Mai Tai, Manhattan, Cosmo, Straight Up, or Hot Toddy anyone? These are the different styles you can order at the bar. You can sign me up for a Southern Comfort. I love big hair.

Appointments are hard to come by, so book a week or more in advance via the Drybar mobile app or online. Of course, you can call, too.

In March, the Drybar product line launched and it is fabulous. The Drybar brush is wonderful and a personal favorite is the "Southern Belle" volumizing mousse. The buttercup blowdryer will be my next purchase. Moroccan Oil Products are also used.

So next time you have a date, or just want to be taken care of, consider Drybar.

Treat yourself, have a mimosa and get blown away.

Cheers darlings,

B

One Stop Beauty Shop: Woo Cosmetics, Buckhead

Hate dodging the wafts of perfume and the excited sales associates shoving blush brushes at your face in cosmetics departments? Yeah, me too.

There's a time and a place for all of that, but there's also a time when it's nice to just peruse beauty products without the pressure of buying and without the irritation that comes with big brand department stores. 

Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides just that sort of luxury. 

Woo Skincare and Cosmetics

Tucked away in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center off of Peachtree Road, Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides top beauty products in a wonderful package: a no pressure environment with friendly associates who know and use the products and won't bother you until you need them.

Seriously, never have I walked in there without being greeted with "Let me know if I can help you, would you like a water or a cocktail or something while you enjoy looking?"

They are that kind and relaxed. What more could you ask for?

There's actually more, though. With visits from the big names themselves, (hello, Trish McEvoy!) and a full spa in the back of the boutique, Woo is a beauty powerhouse in a very laid-back, accessible environment.

Here are some of my favorite things to purchase at Woo:

Pla Beauty Lipglosses

Pla Beauty is an AMAZING line of beauty products created by an Atlantan lady who was inspired by her daughters (one of her daughters passed) and pledges proceeds to Children's Heathcare of Atlanta in her daughter's memory. What a beautiful gesture. I'm a huge fan of Pla Beauty, love supporting the brand and it's ONLY available at Woo to the best of my knowledge.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm

 Trish McEvoy has been a long-loved beauty line in my life. First of all, Trish is famous for her beauty organizer concept which is FABULOUS. More on that later. What means the most to me about Trish products is that Trish developed her product line with there dermatologist-husband so I trust the McEvoy line very much. It certainly is worth the money; her foundations and moisturizers (Beauty Boost is a life-changer) are the best things I've ever used for my skin.

Kai candle

 I was first turned onto Kai candles when the infamous store Blue Genes was alive and well at the Shops Around Lenox. They smell so fantastic and Woo is the only place that I know of that sells them. Kai also makes lotions I think and probably a few other items. You can't go wrong.

Dermalogica Products

 Admittedly, I've only used one of the Dermalogica products before, the Ultra Calming Serum. With travel and seasonal changes (when will it ever just stay warm?) my skin has just become so confused. Distressed, I went to Woo and the associate calmed be down and introduced me to Dermalogica because she used the same product to cure an allergy to a concealer. This stuff has WORKED. My skin is so much better, more moisturized and calm. Dermalogica products do what the associate promised, because she new from experienced. I credit her knowledge and expertise for helping me out.

Moroccan Oil Product Line

 Moroccan Oil is a god-send to the hair care world. The treatment oil seals the hair follicle, protecting your hair's luster and creating shine. The treatment oily can be applied as a mask (I do this while studying). The shampoo and conditioner is amazing as well as the masks. Woo even has the travel kits that will get you through airport security and will keep your tresses looking fabulous while jet-setting.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Organizer

I had mentioned that Trish McEvoy is famous for her organizer and rightfully so. Trish has created a system for organizing makeup that makes application (and packing) so effortless that I just can't contain my excitement about it.

Each makeup step: Foundation, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Base, Eye Concealer, Eye Shadow, etc magnetizes into a "beauty organizer page" and voila! you can flip thru your makeup like a book. It's so genius. There are smaller organizers available (highly recommend) that you can stash into your work tote or gym bag or what have you.

Woo has specials on the organizers, like the beauty planner that's available now in pink. You get about $400 worth of product for $150. They are SO cute, too. Love it.

If the broad range of product lines (Caudale skincare, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, YSL, Fresh, St. Tropez, Chantecaille and Giorgio Armani) aren't enticing enough, just think of the idea that a darling little beauty boutique offers the finest beauty can offer, right in your neighborhood.

No pushy sales to be made. No frustrating mall parking issues. 

Just beauty loveliness, all for you to enjoy.

Locations in Atlanta and Nashville, keeping it southern. <3

Thanks Woo!

B