New Years Resolution...

A Christmas gift and my current read

Alright, I realize that my last post is from SEPTEMBER – which honestly is unacceptable. I have been so busy trying to get acclimated in my role at a new job, then there was Christmas, the list goes on. I know ya’ll are really busy too, so you can relate to the fact that something had to give, and unfortunately that something, for me, was Southern Flair. HOWEVER, I have decided that my New Years resolution will be to blog… more. I would make a flippant promise to post every week, or a certain amount a month, or I could get really overly ambitious and promise to make a post everyday. But, when I set a goal, I like it to be attainable (and it’s unlikely I’ll be less “busy” in 2010) – so here it is, my New Years resolution:

I promise to blog more.

That being said, I still have 3 days to be a delinquent blogger, enjoy what’s left of 2009, prepare for New Years Eve and the start of a new decade...

What’s your resolution?

Loving...

Since I am super busy with my new job, I only have time to leave you with a new set of my current must-haves...

JCrew Straw Trilby Hat, so adorably simple and pairs perfectly with a t-shirt and jeans - Dean & Wood Sunglasses, the perfect mix of vintage preppy - Monogrammed round signet ring, a classic - Target's NP Set Lipstick in Denver, a sheer, nude pink that looks fresh with a touch of bronzer and mascara - Cableknit Cowlneck sweater, wonderfully slouchy and very wear-right-now - Timex Military Watch, a reproduction of a 1940s Military issue Timex, love love love - Moccasins with gorgeous Native American detailings, lovely with jeans and a slouchy sweater

Current must-haves...

Here are a few of the things I am currently addicted to and/or obsessed with...

Kiehl's Mahvelous Mauve Lip Gloss, the perfect nude-berry color - Kilim coasters made from Kilim rugs, ethnic and chic - a Tervis Tumbler filled with my favorite iced-cold beverage - OPI Java Mauva nail lacquer, sophisticated and current - an engraved leather bracelet with my name on it, I've had since high school, bought in Underground Atlanta for $8 - Sperry Saybrook Sandal, as comfortable as the original boat shoe but perfect for summer - Almost Bare by Bobbi Brown, a clean scent that smells light and pretty but lingers all day, in the most perfect way

Southern-inspired Tervis Tumblers

My absolute favorite - the mint julep

I am a huge fan of Tervis Tumblers! But now, I can safely say I am OBSESSED with them! Tervis has recently come out with a slew of Southern-inspired designs and I plan on snagging them all...

I love Tervis for multiple reasons:

1. Their 24oz is the perfect size for the car

2. They're insulated and don't "sweat"

3. Since they don't sweat, they don't leave ugly rings on my table

4. They can be personalized (loving that monogram)

5. They have a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!!

I highly recommend Tervis to everyone looking for some everyday drinkware. Check the "store locator" on Tervis' website to find a retailer near you!

For the love of cupcakes...

I was in search of a thoughtful gift for someone who has helped me immeasurably over the past few months in my coming to grips with the fact that I am no longer in college, looking for a job and just encouraging me to put myself out there. My original thought was cupcakes, because they are her absolute favorite thing on earth, but we had just finished scarfing down cake after cake with graduation and birthday celebrations, so I settled on this adorable wooden plaque from Etsy. I think it is the perfect way to say thank you to someone who helps me "keep calm"...

MOH

My best friend is engaged!!! And I was lucky enough to be asked to be the MAID OF HONOR!!! I am so excited - I love them both very much and couldn't be happier for them! I will make sure to post about all of my planning, because as you know I'll be responsible for the shower and bachelorette party!! YAY! The best part... She's thinking - NEW YEARS EVE WEDDING!!

Pug in a Swing

not sure where I got this...

Instant + Perfect Gifts

Ever find yourself in need of a gift - very last minute? Well look no further than Oooh la la – Cadeau! Sande Chase has created a gift for just about anyone and any occasion. Her gifts come ready to give - thoughtfully selected and exquisitely wrapped. Each gift's presentation is as beautiful as the contents, and her website makes finding the perfect gift a snap! Organized by size and occasion, you'll never be stranded without a proper present again! Here are a few of the gorgeous "Hostess Gifts" you can find on Oooh la la...

1970s Disco Pimp...

...What would happen if my 16-year-old little sister was allowed to redecorate her entire room - all by herself. She has recently developed an infatuation with all things bright pink and zebra... Luckily (or so I would like to believe), Pop (that's my baby-sister) has me as her personal decorator! I put together ump-teen storyboards for her room until we had reached one that was equal parts stylish and equal parts pink-black-and-white-zebra-explosion. All of the room planning took place before she left for a two-week stay at camp. Immediately, we Designed-On-A-Dime/Trading-Spaces this mama all week, so the room will be all set to be revealed Friday, when she gets home from camp. Since she is in the wilderness until Friday, I am sharing her room re-do (and failed storyboards) with you now (with real pictures and before/after to come soon)! The room isn't 100% complete, we are still looking for a new, taller dresser (Ikea has a serious possibility) and a new TV stand thing, but it's looking pretty stinkin' good!

Failed designs:

You can tell which one is mostly designed for me (#3 in the failed category)...

California: Day 8 - Travel to Atlanta

Coming soon...

California: Day 7 - Beverly Hills

Coming soon...

California: Day 6 - Spa & S'mores

Coming soon...

California: Day 5 - Hollywood

Coming soon...

California: Day 4 - La Jolla Seals

Coming soon...

California: Day 3 - San Diego Zoo

That is my hilarious aunt in the corner - she was very excited to be at the zoo... ha!

This morning we got up at the crack of 9am (I consider that early when vacationing...) and drove to the San Diego Zoo! I was very excited since it is supposed to be amazing... and... it was!! Number one, it's HUGE - and we have the Atlanta Zoo, which is pretty big - but I'm not sure it can compete with San Diego.

Number two, when you first walk in, you are surrounded by GORGEOUS peacocks (I think you are all aware of my peacock fetish)...

Number three, there was an entire family of monkeys!!!

One of the younger monkeys was so cute - showing off, doing backflips for the crowd!

While we were there, we took the "Skyfari" across the zoo, which gives you an aerial view of all of the animals, and gives you a nice little break from walking in ridiculous, but adorable wedges that you decided to wear to the zoo.. Like an idiot.

When we were all zooed out we drove through Balboa park and wished we could have stopped and wandered through all of the museums, but we had to make it back in time for me to make delicious pasta salad to go with some yummy grilled chicken made by my Dad and uncle.

Pasta Salad Recipe

1 pkg whole-wheat bowtie pasta, prepared as directed

1 pkg (7 oz) prepared refrigerated pesto

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (this absorbs into the pasta, so you can add more if needed after refrigeration)

1 tbsp Caesar dressing

1 pkg baby Roma tomatoes, quartered

1 cup green onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pkg Julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes, rough chop

1/2 small can diced black olives

1 pkg pine nuts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

salt & pepper to taste

I modeled this recipe after the pesto pasta salad at Le Madeline's - fave. It makes a TON, serve cold - perfect for a quick lunch or snack!

California: Day 2 - San Diego Old Town Market

This morning, we caught up on some sleep (to counteract the jet lag) and grabbed some lunch at the famous In-n-Out Burger! It was sooo yummy - comparable to Atlanta's Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

After lunch, we headed to the San Diego Old Town Market. It was awesome - it felt like you were walking through an authentic Mexican bazaar, only really clean! I found some fun gifts for friends and amazing Mexican tin folk art.

We also ran across a very cool surf shop with the owner's personal collection of vintage skateboards hanging from the ceiling. There were probably at least 2000 boards all over the store - it was incredible! I wish we could have stayed longer at Old Town, but we had to get back to go to our ultra-fancy family dinner at Vivace.

The food was unbelievable and EVERYONE got their own dessert, which were quickly passed around the table so we could all have a "taste". Tomorrow we are getting up early to go to the San Diego Zoo!!

Bonus Goose! (painting in the hotel lobby)

California: Day 1 - Travel to San Diego

We flew to San Diego at 1:15pm and arrived at 8:30pm and were STARVING!

So, we found the first Mexican restaurant that looked fun and delicious - Fred's Mexican Cafe! It was so good! The chips were crunchy and hot and they had an entire offering of fresh salsas!

The decor in Fred's is very cool - beer bottle chandeliers among regular chandeliers, Mexican tin mirrors and wall medallions - very cool.

After filling up on chips, salsa and giant burrito platters, we made our way to The Four Seasons Aviara Villas (I'm so spoiled - I know) to go to bed so we could wake up early and explore San Diego!

Forever L-S-U!!!

Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls

There stands our dear Old Alma Mater who to us recalls

Fond memories that waken in our hearts a tender glow

And make us happy for the love that we have learned to know.

All hail to thee our Alma Mater, molder of mankind

May greater glory, love unending be forever thine.

Our worth in life will be thy worth we pray to keep it true

And may thy spirit live in us, forever L-S-U.

Tomorrow I will be driving home to Atlanta. I am very excited to have graduated college and to be moving back home, but I am sad to leave LSU and everthing I love about it. Here are just a few of the things I will miss...

Tailgating on the Parade Grounds on Saturdays

Tiger Football in Death Valley on Saturday night

Crazy and devoted LSU fans (I have met the owners of those two poodles, and they are an old couple! ha!!)

Mike the Tiger

Walking the LSU lakes with my sorority sisters

My sorority, Delta Gamma, and our beautiful house

The Golden Band from Tiger Land

The Chimes, my favorite Baton Rouge restaurant, they have the BEST boudin balls and hush puppies ever!!

Mardi Gras!!! and the 3 days we get off school for it!

The Spanish Town parade flamingos that pop-up all over the lakes during Mardi Gras season

Crawfish Season

The pretty LSU Quad

Canes - the best chicken fingers in the world.

Hubig's Pies - so bad, but so good.

Other things I will miss:

Rush workshop, matching dresses, bronze pink and blue, anchors, Hannah, ice water, philanthropy, skit, skit songs, rush songs, bouncing and clapping, pref night, bid day, exchanges, the Greek bus, sorority row, fraternity row, homecoming, decorating for homecoming (not pomping), chapter meeting, chapter dinner, studying at the house, stealing cases of free RedBull with Emily, the styrofoam cups at the house, parade grounds, biscuits at the house in the morning, our cooks, breaking into the kitchen, Mom Kaye, Phi Psi, SongFest and DGs obession with it, going out every night, Zippy's, The Royal Standard, monograms on everything, Big Sis/Lil Sis week, fraternity parties, Strawberry Abita, The Bulldog, P&A, free drinks at Roux House, free drinks at JL's, "frat laps", shacking, shacker kits, everyone's obession with YouTube and Facebook, driving around and blaring music with the windows down, River Road, party cups, Grub, Formal, Semi-formal, dressing up for exchanges, the smell of football season, Tureaud, coozies, champagne nights at the apartment, staying up til 3am, wasting entire days...

I will miss every single thing about college. Four years is not enough.

Pink champagne on ice...

Welcome to the hotel california... Such a lovely place... Such a lovely face... They livin' it up at the hotel california... What a nice surprise, bring your alibis... Mirrors on the ceiling... The pink champagne on ice...

May 29th I will be flying to San Diego, California for a what-I'm-sure-will-be-amazing family vacation! I'm so excited! I've never been to California and I already have a HUGE list of things I want to do while I'm there!! If any of you have any suggestions on MUST SEEs or MUST DOs please let me know! We will be in Cali for a whole week and I can't wait! And don't worry because I will make sure to bring you with me and fill you in on all the cool things I do! YAY!!