Tuesday, March 11, 2014

On My Reading List

1. But Mama Always Put Vodka In Her Sangria, 2. Red Carpet Ready, 3. I Remember Nothing, 4. Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties

I love to read.  I always have.  Unfortunately, I don't have as much time for it as I would like and can usually only find time to read before bed (when I'm not playing Candy Crush or Bejeweled Blitz, for brain development, of course).  So, I've collected some books for my reading list that feature small chapters or short stories, which make for perfect bedtime reading.  I can read a chapter or short story or two and I'm not up until midnight trying to finish the whole book. Perfect.

I am a fan of the Rivers ladies, so I thought I would give Melissa's book "Red Carpet Ready" a go.  The back cover of the book says "Melissa shares tips and techniques for embracing your momentous times and being at your best when the focus is on you."  From what I've seen and read about Melissa and Joan, they're not afraid to tell it like it is and sometimes that honesty is exactly what you need to hear.  I'll let you know what I think.

A few years ago, I read Nora Ephron's "I Feel Bad About My Neck" and really enjoyed it, which is why I thought I'd read "I Remember Nothing And Other Reflections."  She wrote "You've Got Mail," one of my most favorite movies, and whether her work is on paper or the big screen, I always find it to be warm, charming, and thought provoking.


The two books above are by one of my favorite, modern Southern writers, Julia Reed.  She writes entertaining short stories that are current and on point, typically about Southern people and the Southern way of life.  I first became familiar with her writing by reading her column in Garden & Gun Magazine and now I can't wait to read her current submission whenever a new issue makes it's way to my mailbox.  I ordered "But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria!" and "Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties" because I needed more stories AND they include recipes.  Entertaining stories and delicious Southern recipes, sign me up!  I'll try out some of the recipes and let you know what I think.

What's on your reading list?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Lemons and Sunshine

Kate Spade Lemons
Sparkle Lemon iPhone Case Capri Espadrille Lila Wristlet Pouch Painterly Lemon Jumper Wedges
Via Limoni Medium Bella Wristlet When Life Gives You Lemons Idiom Bangle Capri Espadrille Francis
Lemon Tart Charm Bracelet

I am over the cold and the rain and ready for some sunshine!  Kate Spade's newest collection is inspired by the sunny Italian island of Capri and features lots 'o lemons!  Lemony yellow is such a cheery and happy color and these items are exactly what I need to get out of the dreary gloom of winter.

I'm especially excited about the Sparkle Lemon iPhone Case because I am in desperate need of a new iPhone and a new iPhone 5s means a new iPhone 5s case...it just makes sense.  Someday soon, I will have a sparkly lemon yellow iPhone case on a phone that will actually ring and play The Allman Brothers Band's "Blue Sky" when someone calls me because it has a fully functioning speaker....it's the little things!

If all of the cold and rainy weather is life giving me lemons, I'm going to turn it into Kate Spade Lemonade! (Clever, I know. You're welcome.)

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Happy Mardi Gras, Y'all

Happy Mardi Gras!!  Mardi Gras has to be one of my favorite holidays (after Christmas and Easter) and New Orleans has to be one of my favorite cities.  I love any excuse to dress up in sequins, feathers, rhinestones, and beads and eat delicious food with family and friends.

Every year, my family celebrates Mardi Gras with a delicious King Cake from Haydel's Bakery in New Orleans. The cake comes with Mardi Gras trinkets and souvenirs and its a great gift for family and friends who like to celebrate this festive holiday!

King Cake from Haydel's Bakery

This year, my fiance' and I picked up a King Cake from the grocery store (we forgot to order one from Haydel's) and it was yummy but I think my favorite part was the packaging.....


....and the baby hanging out on top of the cake instead of the inside.

I hope you have a very Happy Mardi Gras and remember, when you Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler, please don't eat the baby!

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Beauty Faves

Beauty Faves

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, Carbon Black, 0.29 Ounces
Eos Evolution of Smooth - Lip Balm Sphere Pomegranate Raspberry
OPI Chick Flick Cherry
Burberry Eau de Parfum


Happy Sunday!

Here are some beauty products that I just love.

I purchased L'Oreal's Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara a few days ago and it is my new favorite.  I've always used L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara but I think the Voluminous Million Lashes ups the ante.  The wand separates and defines lashes with zero clumps.  It's a great mascara at a great price.

I've always been a fan of Burt's Bees chapstick but I decided to try the eos brand because I've seen it a lot online, as well as its constant presence in the Target checkout line!  I bought the eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere in Pomegranate Raspberry and not only does it taste and smell delicious, it does a great job keeping your lips soft and smooth during these cold winter months. The fun shape and bright pink color is an added bonus!

OPI's Chick Flick Cherry has to be my all time favorite nail polish. It's a blue-red and looks classic and professional on your fingers and toes.  I may try other red nail polishes from time to time but I always come back to my tried and true Chick Flick Cherry.  

Burberry Eau de Parfum Spray has been my favorite fragrance for probably 9 years now.  I wear it almost year round except for the really hot and sweltering summer months when I switch to a fragrance a little lighter.  It features notes of cedar wood, jasmine, moss, sandalwood, and vanilla.

What are your favorite beauty products?  Give these a try and let me know what you think!

Friday, February 28, 2014

Welcome!

Hello!!!  Welcome to Carolina Brunette!  I'm Kelly and this is my new blog.  I look forward to sharing all types of fun stuff with you: food, fashion, tv, movies, music, design....fun times with my fabulous fiance'....pictures of the cutest Scottie Dog ever.....what's not to like?!
 
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