We don’t know them all, but we owe them all! Thank you to all of the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect this great nation! You’re selflessness and generosity will never go unnoticed or be forgotten!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of good food, great company and wonderful weather! Talk to you all soon!
-B
I just wanted to jump on here and quickly remind you that YOU are enough! Don’t plague your mind with comparisons and unrealistic beauty standards and expectations, it’s not worth it. Ladies (and gentlemen), be kind to your bodies and always remember to show yourself the grace you deserve. I am certainly not perfect and still struggle with this concept myself, but I am definitely trying! Today this week has been hard; my negative self-talk was front and center and has put me in quite the funk (don’t worry, I’m feeling better today). Despite my mental setbacks, however many there may be, I will always continue to push forward. I will remind myself (and ALL OF YOU) that my self-worth is not tied to my dress size or how good I think I (or anyone else) look in a bikini. I am loved just the way I am, and so are you. So if no one has told you that you are perfect just as you are, then I will! You are beautifully and wonderfully made, and I hope you never forget that!
-B
Good morning guys! As many of you know, I am in the process of going self-hosted!!! With that fun news comes a bit of learning curve, at least for me. I am trying to figure out how to get everything transferred over and make sure that my followers come with me! I will be honest, I don’t understand any of it, but David has been working very diligently on this and really helping me with every step along the way. I will definitely come back and let you know when everything is all setup and ready for your viewing pleasure, but until then; please, please, please bare with me! You guys are the best and I appreciate all of the support you have given to Southern Lights!
Oh!!!! WE FINALLY HIT 100 followers!!!! Yaaaassssss! As promised, I will be doing a little giveaway to show my appreciation! I am still waiting on a couple of the prizes to come in the mail, but they should arrive this week so a giveaway will be coming your way ASAP!! Also, I will probably wait until the new site is up and running before launching the giveaway; but as always, I will keep you posted and come back here to update you if anything changes!!!
-B
Let’s face it, Mondays can be hard…like really hard. However, in the spirit of being more positive about my least favorite day of the week, I thought I would share some motivational thoughts to help get you through this gloomy (at least in Atlanta) Monday!
We all fall short sometimes and things don’t always go the way we envision them going. We don’t always hit our life/fitness goals when we want to and sometimes we cheat on our diet…but you know what? That’s okay! It’s all about progress. If we waited for everything to be perfect before enjoying ourselves and our lives, we’d never enjoy anything. I certainly wish I was further along in my fitness/healthy lifestyle journey; I wish I had started sooner, but I didn’t, and that’s okay. I will just take what progress I’ve made and remind myself that my self-worth is not linked to my dress size, or whether or not I think I look good in a bikini. I have tons of people that love me regardless of what I look like and how healthy I ate over the weekend! We’ll all get there eventually, let’s be kind to ourselves and others as we move through our respective journeys!
Goodness, I’m not always good at this one. I complain about having to get up for work and having to walk from the overflow lot in the rain to get into my office; but sometimes I have to remind myself that these things that I consider a nuisance, are truly a blessing. I am fortunate that God woke me up this morning and feel lucky that I even have a job to come to. I’m grateful that I have a car to drive and two working legs (and feet) so that I can walk from the parking lot into my office. Would I like to park closer so that I didn’t have to walk in the rain? Yes…but I’m lucky that I have somewhere to park at all. I am by no means perfect when it comes to being grateful, but I’m definitely trying to get better!
Life is hard, I’m sure I didn’t need to tell you that. I challenge all of you (as well as myself) to lift one another up instead of tearing each other down. You never know what people are going through at home and in their personal lives; show grace and mercy when someone is less than pleasant to you. I can tell you that I have been on the receiving end of unconditional love and mercy when I did nothing to deserve it and it completely changed my day. You know never know how your smile and kindness can help others; give it a try, I promise the folks on the receiving end will be forever grateful!
**Always remember that you are worth it! You are beautiful, strong, intelligent and deserve all the happiness that this world has to offer. Don’t let anyone (including yourself) strip you of your joy, smile and always remember that you are loved!**
Wooooo hooooo, it’s Friday; we made it! I don’t know about y’all, but it’s been a looooooong week over here in my little world. I hope this week has treated you well, and I hope you’re ready for another edition of Friday Favorites. I don’t have much so let’s just jump right in!
* Lily Pulitzer Tumbler ($16): I recently convinced myself that if I had a cute tumbler with a straw that I would consume more water…so far so good!! My water intake has increased greatly and I look much cuter while staying hydrated! It’s a win, win!
* L’OREAL Air Dry It Line ($4.99): I decided to try this line because Kathleen Lights (on YouTube) put it in one of her favorites videos and well…I love Kathleen and will basically try anything she recommends. She nailed it. I love this stuff. I have thick, frizzy, hair and have a hard time finding something that will create that beachy, wavy look without having to use my diffuser and 354674 products. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look my diffuser creates, but I just don’t always have time for that extra step. I was looking for something that I could put in towel dried hair and just go…and well, I found it! If you’re in the market for an affordable, wind swept, beachy look in a bottle, then you should definitely give this a try!
* Anne Klein Maya Zip Satchel ($45.60 – 95): I absolutely love Anne Klein handbags; they are incredibly durable and always look classy while still being fun! I love the shape and color (deep azure) of this bag and I think it’s great for every season. It’s currently on sale for $45.60 at Macys, and if you’re in the market for a new bag, you could definitely do worse than picking this beauty up!
* Tarte Double Duty Beauty Contour & Highlight Palette ($30): I have talked about this palette before so I won’t say too much…but I love it. It’s perfect for warmer weather and I find myself reaching for it almost everyday!
* Parenthood – I think I previously mentioned that David and I gave up on watching One Tree Hill and have since moved over to Parenthood. What a GREAT choice. Lauren Graham is great as Sarah Braverman in this funny, yet heartwarming TV dramedy! If you are looking for a new show that highlights the highs and lows of parenthood and familial relationships, then look no further, this is your show!
* Brett Young – Brett Young – Okay, so I know county music isn’t for everyone, but if you’re someone who enjoys a nice southern voice and a swoon-worthy country song, then you should definitely check out Brett Young. His self-titled debut (studio) album is chock-full of emotional, pop-country hits. His crossover appeal is undeniable (IMO) and his voice is so buttery and smooth. Some of my favorite tracks include: “Sleep Without You,” “Olivia Mae,” “Mercy,” & “Left Side of Leavin’.”
* Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1 – I know, another country artist…but I can’t help it; this album is incredible (shocker). It’s bluesy, soulful and emotional; Stapleton stuns once again. His debut album, Traveller, received numerous accolades at the ACMs, CMAs and the Grammy awards over the last couple of years and his sophomore effort is primed to do the same! If you like country, blues, rock or anything in between, then it’s worth a listen.
* Chris Young – Losing Sleep – Okay, last country artist, I promise. The latest single by Young is catchy and well, I just love it. I’ve always loved Chris Young’s music, and this single is no exception. I’m sure when the album comes out I will be just as obsessed as I was with all the others. This certainly carries less crossover appeal than the previous 2 albums and artists I mentioned above, but if you like a true country song, then check it out!
* James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go – I’ll be honest, I haven’t listed to James’ full album (Back from the Edge) but I certainly love the single, Say You Won’t Let Go. It’s soulful, pop-y, and just down-right catchy!
* Bruno Mars – 24K Magic – Yes, I’m still obsessed with this song and the album. It’s chock-full of fun, spirited, pop-r&b songs that you can’t help but dance to. I’m crossing my fingers he makes an appearance at Music Midtown this year…because well, that would be lit!
What have you been loving this week? Month? Any products, TV shows or songs I should check out? Let me know below!
-B
I always told myself that if my blog ever took off in any capacity, I would incorporate giveaways here on SouthernLights. I am happy to report that as I sit here and type this out, I am inching toward 100 lovely followers; and I plan to keep my word and do a giveaway as soon as I reach that milestone! I can’t believe that I’ve only been (consistently) blogging for 3(ish) months and that I’ve been able to make so many great connections. I absolutely love interacting with all of you and hope you stick around for the long haul! With that being said, if any of you are interested in some skincare, makeup and Kate Spade goodies, then stick around and be on the lookout for my official giveaway post! Thank you again for all of your love and support here on Southern Lights, it doesn’t go unnoticed!! You guys really are the best!
-B
Hey y’all! I have seen this tag circulate on YouTube and WordPress for a while now and thought it would be a fun, lighthearted post for this lovely Wednesday afternoon! So if you’re interested in knowing a little more about me, just keep on reading!
-B
Hey y’all, I’m back-ish! Sorry I’ve been a little MIA on the blog recently, I’m currently in the process of switching from wordpress.com to wordpress.org…and well, it’s taking a little longer than I thought it would. If any of you have made the jump to a self hosted site then you probably understand exactly what I’m going through right now; and if not, just know that I’m trying my best and will be back to my regularly scheduled posting ASAP! I’m working on a new theme that will be easier to navigate, while offering clean lines and a more modern look (yaaasssss). My saint of a boyfriend has been helping me (and by helping me I mean doing it for me) with the transfer and I think we are pretty close, so standby! Of course when I get everything finished I will do a post dedicated to my new site and my experience in switching over (in case any of you are thinking of doing the same)! Thank you so much for all of your support over the last few months; your kind words and comments never go unnoticed! Have any of you made the leap to a self-hosted site? Anything I should know?
-B
Fun fact about me: I’m obsessed with skincare…like I can’t get enough. Despite absolutely loving the vast makeup selections at ULTA and Sephora, I prefer a bare face (when I can get away with it) 99% of the time. Before I get started sharing some of my go-to items with you all, I will tell you a little bit about my skin type. I have the true definition of combination skin; I get oily (not insanely oily) in t-zone and have alligator skin on the outer perimeter of my face, my cheeks and the sides of my mouth (ugh, the struggle). I have insanely sensitive skin and usually only break out around that time of the month (typically near the chin/mouth (ish) area). Yay for Mother Nature and hormonal acne! So now that you know my skin-type, let’s jump right in to my skincare must-haves!
* Josie Maran Argan Oil ($48): I use this every morning and mix the tiniest amount in with my moisturizer before priming my face for makeup. I find that it helps add that extra boost of hydration that my skin needs so that I won’t have any dry patches when I go in with my foundation. I also use this if my skin is feeling extra dry after using some of my anti-acne products…it works wonders on redness and irritation, if you haven’t, you should try it out. P.S. I don’t think it’s necessary to get the Josie Maran brand, I just got mine in a kit and haven’t used it all up yet!
* Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque ($47): I. LOVE. THIS. STUFF. This is one of my MUST-HAVE anti-acne products. I use this mask about once a week (2-3 times if my face is having a moment) and leave it on for 5-7 minutes. The instructions say that you can leave it on for up to 10 minutes and even use it as an overnight spot treatment; if I didn’t have sensitive skin you better believe I would try using it in this way, but alas, I will just stick to using it as my 5-7 minute miracle mask!
* Dermalogica Clearning Skin Wash ($37-58): I tried this face wash in the Medibac kit from the Dermalogica skincare line when my face was having a true meltdown. I like it, I don’t know if I’ll repurchase it in the full size, but it’s a good face wash none-the-less. It doesn’t dry my face out and it provides a nice deep clean!! For reference, I also use the Purity Facial Cleanser by Philosophy and really love that one!
* Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer ($9.99): I use this as my daily moisturizer and have noticed a huge difference in the amount of dry patches I have on my skin. If you have oily skin this might be a tad too heavy for your liking (although they do have a light weight moisturizer in this line that you could try), but for those of you who have normal to drier skin types, you might really like this! It’s gentle on my skin and provides a generous amount of hydration without feeling greasy!
* Fresh Rose Face Mask ($25-62): If my face is ever feeling irritated or overly dry from any of my anti-acne products (or the universe in general), I will throw this mask on my face and let it sit for about 10 minutes (sometimes more). I’m typically not the biggest fan of rose scented things, but this doesn’t really bother me once it’s on my face. It provides a soothing sensation while hydrating and calming my skin. It’s a little pricey, but I absolutely swear by it!
* Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser ($59): I go back and fourth between my regular cleanser (Dermalogica Clearning Cleanser or Purity) and this cleanser! I use this 2-3 times a week to help combat sensitivity and redness and I really like it!
* Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist ($37): I. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. THIS. STUFF. I got this as part of the Ultracalming kit from Dermalogica and I will definitely buy the full size once I run out. It’s so soothing and helps relieve my skin when it’s irritated and splotchy. I spray this before my moisturizer on excessively dry-skin days and think it would be PERFECT to take on a plane to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and balanced!
* Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment ($45.50): HOLY GRAIL product. I had been on the fence about trying this because it’s a little on the pricier side and I hadn’t heard many reviews on the product/brand. But after my last skin meltdown I decided to take the plunge and try it anyways…and boy am I glad that I did. Any time I get one of those painful, under the skin blemishes, I put this on at night and by the next morning the redness and size of the cyst has decreased substantially and most of the pain is gone! It’s slightly drying (like any anti-acne product) but nothing a good moisturizer can’t cure! If you struggle with hormonal acne or cystic acne, this may be worth trying!
* Clarisonic Mia 2 – (Sensitive Brush Head) ($169): I try and use this every time I wash my face; though I’ll be honest, it doesn’t ALWAYS happen. It gives a nice deep clean and helps my skin to be much more radiant and youthful in it’s appearance.
* First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream ($36): I am currently on the hunt for a nighttime eye cream (or an all in one) but for now I am using the FAB AM Gel Cream and I really like it. It works great under makeup and has a soothing sensation when you put it on! It calms the area around my eyes and makes the skin look more radiant and youthful. I’m not sure I would say it’s holy grail status, but I definitely enjoy it!
* It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream ($48): I typically use this as part of my nighttime skincare routine as it’s a little thicker and more rich than what I’m used to for day time. However, in the winter months this may be a great option for all day use as my skin tends to be drier and more irritated! It’s a little pricey but a little goes a long way!
What are some of your holy grail skincare products? I’d love to know! Have any of you tried an eye cream that you absolutely love and can’t live without? Let me know!
-B
Hi guys (and gals), long time no talk! I’m sorry I haven’t posted anything over the last few days but my dreaded allergies have FINALLY caught up with me and I have been battling a gnarly sinus infection. I’m not quite 100% but I am feeling a little better and I thought I would pop on here and share some of my must-have essentials when I am feeling crummy and under the weather. And as always, I will link everything I mention down below!
So those are just a few things that get me through the days when my allergies strike and my sinuses go bananas. What are some of your sick-day essentials, anything I should try?!
-B
SOUTHERN LIGHTS, ATLANTA NIGHTS 
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