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