Happy Monday {Holiday Style}

Happy Monday, friends!

With only two days until Christmas our household is putting all of the final touches on our presents and are ready for time with family. I know I sound like a broken record player but I can't help it, I'm still surprised that December is almost over and Christmas is about to happen in 5 minutes. I mean, what happened to 2013? 

Can I be honest with you? Most Sunday nights I tend to get the "blues" because I realize that the work week starts up in only a few hours- like  full force Monday traffic craziness- but hallelujah because today was a half day. I literally leapt out of bed this morning to get ready. The power of knowing I only had to work 3 hours today sent surges of glee throughout my body. 

I hope today has found you well and rested and ready for a fun week with family and friends. 

I'll talk to you soon

xoxo bd

Saturday 12/21/13

Well hello there Satuday, I have missed you and have thought about you for the past five days. 

You are where its at. You're the cats pajamas. You are the peanut butter to my chocolate. You are fabulously everything I needed at the end of a work week.

Doesn't this set up look absolutely dreamy? A stack of your favorite magazines topped with a fresh cup of coffee (I prefer mine over ice, please) on a quiet Saturday afternoon. Absolutely dreamy.

Chances are we will be braving the crazy crowds at the mall but surely I will come home, grab House Beautiful and slip away into another world.

Have a lovely Saturday, I'll talk to you soon.

xoxo bd

{Photo}

A Blue Moment

After looking over my latest pins I noticed I'm having quite a blue moment. 

Think of it as a little weekend inspiration. By the way, just in case you were unaware, we are only 5 days from Christmas. Has your mind just been blown? Yeah, mine too. 

Want to pin those beauties as well, just click on the links below! 

French Phrase Book // Classic Blue Oxford // Elegant Dining Room // Oscar Wilde Quote

xoxo bd

The Gent's Gift Guide

Whether you have got a techie, a beer enthusiast or a dapper gent to buy for this holiday season, I have put together a list of ideas all of which range from $6 to $125.

I always try to purchase items for someone that I think they would enjoy but also something that may not have thought of purchasing for themselves. 

Walking Dead Poster // $17

Beer Nerd Quiz – Taste Test and Board Game // $25

Deerskin Palm Fingerless Gloves // $25

Herschel Supply ‘Charlie’ Card Case //$20

Malin+Goetz Travel Essentials Kit //$30

J. Crew Factory Socks //$6

Bergamot Tobacco Hand Soap //$15

Triple C Portable Speaker // $29

Please do take into account that if someone asks for something specifically and it is in your budget, get them what they ask for. They will be happy with the gift and you can know, without a doubt, that it is something they like and will use. It’s a win-win!

If you have a few extra dollars to spend, try these options as well:

Driftwood iDock 5 // $100

Waxed Canvas Travel Zip Case // $82

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses // $125

The Mantry  //$75

Ivory Best Badger Shave Brush // $65

Waxwear Tablet Pocket // $95

I hope this helps with giving you some ideas on what to get for that special guy in your life.
xoxo bd

Color Me Chic: Burgundy

From a fab pair of loafers to that perfect print to place on your desk, burgundy is absolutely chic!

{Eye Palette} - Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quad Eyeshadow in Raffinement- I bought this palette in September and still can't get enough! Its a luxury item that is so worth the price tag.
 {Dress} - Madewell has done it again. They make everyday pieces so chic!
 {Print} Inslee is one of my favorite illustrators. I've featured her work before and she never fails to capture dreamy moments through ink and watercolor.
{Nail Polish}Scotch Naturals in Blood and Sand brings you such a totally eco yet ever so elegant nail polish. Click here to see how every polish is free from any harmful chemicals or animal byproducts. 
{Purse}You can go to a dinner party or run errands on Saturday with the versatile and 100% leather bag.

Lovely Photos: Scarf & Loafers

xoxo bd

Elegant Exteriors: White House & Black Shutters

As I have grown up, I have come to really enjoy the look of a traditional american home with black and white details. If you glance at my Exteriors board on Pinterest you will quickly see how much I like the the classic look. Also when I think about certain homes in movies that I tend to drool over, the exterior of the 'Father of the Bride' home is definitely a favorite along with the ever so cozy home in 'Family Stone'.
Lucky for me, Adam really likes the traditional look as well. Score! Above are some of the beauties I've been dreaming of.
I hope you had a great weekend! Happy Monday!
xoxo bd

A Fanciful Saturday

Have a fanciful weekend!

xoxo bd

via  edited by moi

Plaid to the Bone

For the past couple of weeks my polyvore inspiration pieces have been centered around plaid. No longer are we held to the traditional plaid of years past, now you can spice things up with a gorgeous eye palette or even a cheeky cell phone case.
Everything you see above is under $100 (A Girl's gotta budget!) with the except for the loafers.  Although a these Joie kicks are on sale for $130, that is still quite a splurge. How about an equally cute pair that is 10% of the cost, right here!

Go get you some :)

{Pillow}  {Cell Phone Case}  {Grey and Red Scarf}  {Tan, Red & Green Scarf}  {Burberry Eye Palette}
{Blue Scarf} {Loafers} {Throw Blankets}
Photo Inspiration: Mug & Coat

Color Crush: Blush

Color Crush: Blush by lovelybdavis 

Saturday

I hope your past week was met with more triumphs than losses and that you are able to truly relax today.

Don't you just love Saturdays? When I think of Saturday mornings I sincerely get a feeling of relief- its like I've gotten a pass and I don't have to worry, because today, I'm off.  I don't have to respond to that email. I don't have to prepare the paperwork. I really needed today ... So enjoy your self- or as they say on Parks and Rec, Treat yo self!

I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

via 

Currently Coveting: Under $100

Currently Coveting: Under $100 

When the temperatures begin to drop I tend to gravitate towards luxe items but my wallet doesn't quite feel the same. Most of the time, the items that we really desire having are out of our price range. i.e. $1,500 sheets.  Dream on, Betsy! *No pun intended* But it is a breath of fresh air when you lay your eyes on items that really are within your reach, like the ones above.
Truly, everything is under $80.00 so that makes it even better, right?

Forever 21 Plaid Scarf /// $12.80

Limited Edition Deborah Lippmann Polish in Red Silk Boxers /// $ 19.00
Bobbi Brown Sequin Shimmer Brick Eye Palette /// $ 48.50

Camel Lapel Cape Coat /// $ 75.87

Also, just fyi- the holidays are coming up and these are some great gift options. Wink Wink, Adam!

I hope you have a beautiful autumn day, I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

November

We have now entered into November, one of my favorite months of the year. I truly come alive during crisp, cold weather. This fall has been so beautiful in Middle Tennessee. The past couple of years have been drab and the trees don't really make much of a statement but this year they are breath taking.

I assume its due to the "mild" summer with plenty of rain. Does that make a difference in the changing of the leaves? I'm not sure...I'm not a scientist, totally just guessing here.

I hope you had a lovely weekend, I sure did :) 

The Mr. and I spent lots of much needed time with our families and celebrated the first weekend in November with a cozy breakfast at The Country Boy in Liepers Fork. If you ever pop in, you must try the Backwoods Benedict. It's officially Monday and it's  back to the bump and grind- 

I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

Original photo taken by Anastasiya Belik

Happy Halloween

I hope you have a Happy Halloween! Mine will be filled with 'Hocus Pocus', homemade pizza and family!

xoxo bd

Sick Day Survival Guide

Sick Day Survival Guide by lovelybdavis 

Well hello, friends! I have officially crawled out of my hole that I've been hibernating in for the past couple of weeks. Please accept this apology, if in fact, you actually thought about stopping by this wee little blog.

For the past week the Mr. and I have been plum sick and gross. Last Monday I came home from work early and slept for about 14 hours with only a little break for a grilled cheese at dinner. I had aches and coughs and sneezes and snots and…well…you get the picture. I was not feeling my best by any means. Being the ever so gracious wife that I am, I passed on my sickness onto my hubs and even to my dad!

So sorry!

Luckily today I can breathe out of my nose pretty well. Holla!

 Slowly but surely, right?!

Above are a few of my essentials for those days when you feel like a box of tissues and a blanket are your ever present friends. 

I hope this post find you well....literally...I hope you're not sick :)

I'll talk to you soon.

xoxo bd

Lovely Saturday

 

I am currently in the living room of my grandparents home visiting while my grandfather recovers from a major surgery and UT v GA game is on. Its quite apparent that this living room audience is captivated. I've never been much for watching sports but Adam loves it and frankly, I enjoy watching his reactions to the plays.

On Thursday evening we made a last minute decision to make the drive down to Mobile, Al, where I am originally from, to help my grandfather and my grandmother out.

The beauty of being down here meant that this morning we woke up to the sun rising over the Mobile Bay and later took a walk down the beach.

It has been a really nice time and my grandfather is recovering really well. Yay!

I hope that this October weekend has treated you well and I will follow up with you shortly.

Talk to you soon...

Xoxo bd

Currently Coveting: J. Crew Jewelry

Currently Coveting: J. Crew Jewelry by lovelybdavis 

Every week I receive a couple of emails from J. Crew Factory letting me know of the great deals they have going on in store and online.
If you are a fan of J.Crew but not their price point, check out J. Crew Factory's website and sign up for their emails.  I have purchased ties and sunglasses for Adam and was happy that I only paid $5 for shipping. Today's email was for their jewelry  that is 40% off.  Immediately I jumped online and purchased the necklace noted above. So cute, right?! Their necklaces typically go for $70 but I purchased mine for $20. Those earrings on the right are only $11! 
Essentially, this is a steal and, well, go get you some! If not for yourself, think of the holidays coming up or maybe your girlfriends birthday :) 
Side note: They're totally not paying or gifting me anything to write about this sale, I'm just a girl who loves to look cute and get a great deal. Holla!

Check out the jewelry HERE.

Happy bargain hunting! 
I'll talk to you soon....

xoxo bd

Autumn 2013 Mixtape

Listen on Spotify HERE

Fall is my favorite time of year. I do so much better in cooler weather than I ever do in the heat and some of my favorite records of all time are only meant for the fall.

*Ray Lamontage, Iron & Wine, the Avett Brothers, Sea Wolf, Agnes Obel, etc.*

I had a conversation with a friend last week and we spoke about seasonal music. 

She didn't quite get me...

Is it just me or do you think about how some artists tend to release their records during a particular time of the year. It's like they are aware that their music is meant to be listened to while driving through falling leaves and crisp air. Its like they are setting the mood.

Same goes for The Strokes, they are totally summer music. They're not February music to me. Does anyone else feel like that?

Ah- whatever the case may be, I hope you enjoy this little playlist of mine that I've curated.

Happy October, friends!

I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

Desk Essentials for the Working Girl

If you are a working girl like myself and have what some would consider a typical 9-5 desk job, you spend more time sitting there than you do in your own home. (Awake at least.)

I have learned that though it is work, I need to make my space enjoyable.

I have placed a illustrations, a cute calendar and a photo of me and my hubby on my desk and have a drawer where I keep my beauty necessities.

Sometimes it’s the little things on a Monday morning that help your week to feel a little bit sweeter.

Here’s to a great start to October!

I’ll talk to you soon…

Xoxo bd

Currently Loving: September 26th

Happy Thursday, friends!
Here are a few things I have been loving...and well, let's be honest...pinning.
Oh and guess what, tomorrow's Friday!  Hallelujah, it's been a crazy week at work.
Talk to you soon...
xoxo bd

Nailed It: A Guide to the At Home Mani

Nailed It: A Guide to the At Home Mani by lovelybdavis 

If you like to have the pretty hands and nails but are less than enthused on spending $40 every two weeks on a professional manicure, spend that money only once and have your own manicure kit.

Prep: 
Nail Polish Remover: Choose one that is non-acetone as it is not as harsh on your nails and gives way to less peeling.
File & Buff: Use a nail file and buffer set to even out your nail bed from any ridges followed by filing your tips down to the most comfortable length for yourself.
Hand Scrub: Be it a simple at home diy with honey and sugar or one from a store, a scrub will aid in sloughing away dead skin.

Polish:
This is the fun part. Go wild or stay classic, the nail polish world is your oyster. Also, don't be fooled by pricey varnishes, I have paid $1.99 for some that are better than their $12 counterparts. Bottom line, have fun and wear something that makes you feel confident, be it bright blue or a demure nude.

Protect:
Top Coat: Choose one that has a fast dry time and a glossy finish. The Sally Hansen one above is my all time favorite.
Cuticle Oil: No one wants cuticles that look haggard and dry. Apply this while you're typing away at the computer so that the oil doesn't transfer to bed linens or clothing.
Moisturize: Use a thick hand cream to hydrate those newly scrubbed hands in a yummy scent so you will always want soft hands.


As a girl who changes her polish a couple of times a week, I have learned the most necessary products and steps to take when giving myself an at home mani. I hope this has been helpful!
I'll talk to you soon...
xoxo bd

House Sitting

This weekend Adam and I are house sitting for one of my co-workers. No, we are not jumping on the beds and the dog won't be hopping onto the sheets anytime soon, but we sure are having fun. 

{It's our mini getaway}

Throughout my college/single years I house and dog sat like no body's business. Like, straight ballin  a lot.

During the summer months (prime house sitting season) I would stay at other people's homes more than I would my own. It was glorious. I loved new environments, fun animals to play with and having the opportunity to see my city from a different angle. 

This time around we are staying in a log cabin that is set on top of a hill nestled between acres of trees (with wifi, of course) that is only 5 minutes from town. That's a pretty darn great combo, don't you think? Did I mention the weather is going to be amazing?! Hallelujah.

So I'm off to sit and stuff... I'll talk to you soon

xoxo bd

{Photo}

Beauty on a Budget: Blush

If I were only given three products to use for the rest of my days it would be mascara, concealer and blush. Blush gives instant life and dimension to your face and is for me, a makeup must-have.

Also, let’s be honest, how often do you look at someone and say, “Wow, she’s totally wearing Estee Lauder on her cheeks.”    You don’t…truthfully, with most makeup you can’t decipher whether its drugstore or high-end. As long as you apply it correctly and choose a flattering shade, you will look gorgeous no matter your budget.

Like I stated in the previous Beauty on a Budget: Foundation post, I have tried every one of the above options.  All of ‘em, girl. I don’t want to just throw out random options; I want you to see the products that have great color pay off and are really nice quality. 

Reccommendations:

Cream: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush – Tends to go on pretty sheer so don’t be afraid to apply a couple of times to deepen to the shade you are happy with or even go with a more daring shade.

Go for the shades Pink Frosting or Hot Tamale

Matte Powder:  Wet’n’Wild Color Icon – A light hand will do the trick as this blush is quite pigmented, truly a little goes a long way.

Go for the shades Heather Silk or Mellow Wine

Shimmer Powder: Milani Baked Blush gives such beautiful depth with this blush as it has multiple colors that blend into a glow for the cheeks.

Go for the shades Rose D’Oro,  Luminoso, or Berry Amore

A couple other helpful tips:

• When using cream blush, wash hands prior to applying so that you don’t contaminate the product and so that you are not adding any unnecessary dirt or germs to your face.
• If you have mature or dry skin, a cream blush may be your best friend as it will add in moisture and tends to give the face a dewy look.
• If you have acne prone skin, you may want to stay away from products with added shimmer as sometimes they will end up highlighting imperfections as opposed to blurring them.

I hope this has helped in giving you guidance the next time you want to find a new blush! 

Next for Beauty on a Budget, Concealer.

I'll talk to you soon....

xoxo bd

Pretty Stuff: Mid-Week Lovelies

 A mid-week round up of some of my favorite photos that I have obsessed over on Pinterest & Tumblr. It's all pretty stuff, let's be honest. We're not saving the world, we are just having a little therapy session away from the stresses of our daily lives. 

// Tumblr //

 

// Pinterest //

I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

Tumblr//Pinterest

The September Issue

 

I am admittedly a magazine freak. Okay, maybe freak is a little strong, but I have 6 magazine subscriptions and read them all cover to cover.

Every September they premier the largest editions of the year with all of the most up to date beauty and fashion trends for fall and winter. Hello boots and scarves and dark nail polish!

Vogue is most well known for having the largest September Issue, but truthfully, though they may have fed Carrie Bradshaw's soul, they end up being filled with ads in the first 50 pages and are loaded with items that cost more than I make in a month. A girl can dream, sure, but sometimes I would like to know what is more of a reality.

Below are three of my favorite magazines that I receive every month:

Go on with your bad self, get inspired by what's hitting the stores and have a little fall makeover. 

Also, in case you're curious, the movie September Issue is a good watch and eye opening. The fashion industry is one cut throat world. 

I hope your week is getting off to a great start, I'll talk to you soon!

xoxo bd

 {Paintings via Cocoa and Hearts}

Friday Favorites: Inslee by Design

My Friday Favorites centers around Inslee Haynes of Inslee by Design. An NYC illustrator, artist and designer extraordinaire. Not only can you oogle over her beautiful illustrations daily by subscribing to her blog, you can also purchase her prints, calendars, note cards and even commission her to design images for your blog or bridal party.

How fun would it be to have Inslee sketch your life into what could be its most glam ever? Spending your Saturday gliding about Paris with your favorite Birkin or maybe grabbing a well manicured coffee with your bestie.

I look at Inslee's sketches and think, "Oh, I want that life!". She makes the ordinary task of shopping for groceries look elegant. Her drawings take you away to another place where car horns and a ripped hem on your dress don't exist. 

Please do take a minute to peruse her website and swoon over all of her amazing work.

I hope your Friday has found you excited for the weekend! I'll talk to you soon!

xoxo bd

*All images and artwork is property of Inslee by Design* 

Beauty on a Budget: Foundation

Beauty on a Budget: Foundation by lovelybdavis 

If you are in search of a great foundation but don’t want to sacrifice half of your weekly grocery budget in the process, don’t fret, I have 7 wallet friendly options that will give you a flawless face.

First of all, I have used every one of the foundations above. Every. Single. One. I’m not just throwing out options; I want to give you helpful information so that you are not standing in the aisle at Target for an hour feeling overwhelmed.

To begin with, every foundation is different and will offer different coverage. Below are some helpful tips to help with your decision:

Other Helpful Tips:

1. If it states that its “age defying”, don’t pass it up if you are in your 20’s, 30’s or younger. These tend to be a great option for those with dry skin as they offer extra moisture.
2. Always read the label to see whether it is formulated for “Oily”  “Normal to Combination”  or  “Dry” Skin.

Next up for 'Beauty on a Budget' - Blush

I hope this was helpful! I'll talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

How to Have a Fabulous Day

I don't think I would be overstepping if I said, on behalf of most people, that Mondays are not their favorite day of the week. .. but that doesn't mean we can turn that around! We have the ability to make today a good day. It is up to you to put a smile on your face and keep trekking. {Preach it!}

I love the illustration above by Jessica Marie Design and when I saw it on Pinterest I thought that it encompassed everything I loved! Starbucks? Obvi. Peonies? My favorite! Essie nail polish? No other brand can beat it! Macarons? My go-to goodie at bakeries! 

I'm thoroughly convinced that this will be a fabulous day! 

I hope you had a lovely weekend, I'll talk to you soon....

xoxo bd

{Image via Jessica Marie Design}

Disney Adventure: Day 1

I am currently laying on our hotel bed looking at an awesome view of the lake and Downtown Disney. We arrived Saturday afternoon and have been moving ever since. I'm thankful for this little bit if quiet time to myself while the boys talk shop. 

Yesterday was our first full day in Magic Kingdom which is what most would consider quintessential Disney. There's Main Street filled with nostalgia shops, ice cream parlors, families decked out in their best summer gear and of course Mickey Mouse everywhere. I haven't been to Disneyworld since I was 10 and the park has changed a lot. It really felt like I was experiencing it for the first time all over again!

We made our way thru the fun shops and purchased a few goodies, of course. Yes, we officially have the classic Mickey Mouse ears with our names engraved on the back. Both of us wished for those little hats so badly when we were children that we felt it was about darn time we got 'em.

Oh yeah, they totally have Starbucks- God bless America!

For dinner we took a boat over the lake to eat at The Wilderness Lodge's Restaurant. The ride to the hotel was absolutely beautiful and the sun was setting the whole ride over. We were so relaxed!

Our service and food was phenomenal. Izzy was our waiter and he exceeded all expectations- he went above and beyond for us! Once he heard we were celebrating, he brought every one a glass of champagne to toast the evening. 

We dined on mussels for our appetizer (to die for!)' halibut for dinner (freaking ridiculous) and then he asked us to get up out of our seats. We all looked at each other, confused. He asked us to follow him. We walked across the restaurant and there was a cupcake sitting on a table. He'd then told us we would be recreating the cutting of the cake from our wedding! We were blown away at how he treated us like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Izzy, you're amazing and you made our night magical.

We took the boat back to the park to see the fireworks and of course take advantage of the extended park hours. We got back to our hotel room by 2:30.

As we walk up to our door we notice there is a banner hanging saying 'Welcome Home!'. We thought oh that's nice of them and then we opened the door... to Mickey happiness! 

Mickey decked out our room like a boss! Disney knows how to make you feel special even after feeling like your expectations had already been exceeded. 

Looks like we are headed to Hollywood Studios for the day but I will update more via Instagram @lovelybdavis 

Ill talk to you soon,

Xoxo bd

Travel Must-haves

Travel Must-haves by lovelybdavis featuring travel kits

Weekend in Review: 7/28/13

...and by weekend in review I mean Sunday, because we bought a camera on Saturday and didn't capture anything until Sunday.

We purchased the Sony Cybershot and are so happy with its swiftness in taking photos. The saleswoman at Best Buy kept saying, "There's nothing faster than a Sony" and I can honestly say she was 100% right. 

Sunday morning we met Adam's parents for lunch at Puckett's in downtown Franklin for Brunch! The drive to meet them was absolutely gorgeous and we had our windows down the entire time. The skies were so very blue and the temperature felt like fall! After we filled up on french toast we walked around the square and tested out the camera a little bit more. Again, we were just super impressed and started taking pictures of really random objects which I will not bore you with. You're welcome!

Later on we headed to see 'The Way Way Back' which has finally been released into all theaters. We really enjoyed the movie- if you are a fan of Almost Famous and the way you are really brought into a story, you'll like it. You feel for Duncan, the main character, and empathize with his experiences. Loved it.

We grabbed a bite to eat at The Cheesecake Factory (my favorite) and then walked around the mall. Adam purchased his very first bow tie at Brooks Brothers which he definitely rocked in court today. He's dreamy, I tell ya. 

So there you are, a little weekend Sunday in review. We will be going out of town this weekend so I want to show you my must have travel picks this week. I hope your Monday got off to a great start, I'll talk to you soon.

xoxo bd

4 years

I cannot believe it has only been four years since we stood beneath those two old trees and said "I do" at sunset.

These four years have flown by but I feel as though I have been with him my whole life. I truly don't know what I would do without him. He's the only person in this mighty big world that gets me. 

I love him with all that I am.

Here's to many many many more!

Happy Anniversary, my love!

Ipsy: July 2013

Yesterday I received my very first Ipsy bag! Formerly known as MyGlam Bag, it was curated by some of my favorite Youtube Beauty gurus. Similar to other monthly subscription services, you pay a small fee, Ipsy's is $10, fill out a questionnaire about your style and wait for the wondrous package to arrive in your mailbox! What is fun about Ipsy is you receive 5 sample beauty items that come in a specially designed bag every month. Seriously, I could never have too many bags to store everything from cosmetics to toiletries to a few pens and pencils.

This month Ipsy's theme is Beach Beauty and they packed the cutest hot pink bag with some awesome beachy essentials.

 

1. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample

2. POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon

3. Benefit benetint - Lip and Cheek Stain

4. COOLA Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer

5. Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray

For more information on how you can get your hands on Ipsy, click Here.

Seeing that we are headed to Florida in the next few weeks, I'm excited to carry this little bag with me!

I'll talk to you soon!

xoxo bd