Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Better Options for Bed, Bath & Home

Each year it seems to happen. With Christmas chaos behind us, and the last of the decor put away, I step back and tend to see my house in a fresh light. I get the urge to do a bunch of house projects, clean and organize every nook and cranny, and take note of what needs freshening up.

This year's house project list is a mile long (more on that later), but currently I've been concentrating on smaller little ways to make a space feel "fresh" without going overboard. Little changes here and there that aren't too noticeable to most people, but to me and my family might make a big difference.

Topping the list for the year was new linens. With a family of five, our sheets and towels are on continuous rotation. Not to mention my husband and I hated our current sheet set. I love the feel of them and bought two sets, but while they are soft and luxurious they lacked one major thing from being a great sheet set - they never stayed on the bed. It never fails in the middle one of the corners would pop off of the fitted sheet. We'd both be up wrestling with them all night long.

First world problem? Absolutely.

But still, who wants to be dealing with twisted sheets all night.



MEET BETTER OPTIONS

At the end of last year, Carrie Beth and I were introduced to Better Options Company. It's a local company here in our little slice of Atlanta, Georgia, and one we realized we've long loved - they've just changed their direction to include more southern brands.


Remember when I ordered this fun Stair Barrier for our stairs when our mini-est Magnolia became mobile? Well the Stair Barrier is now The Better Options Company. TBOC is an expanded effort that includes luxury bedding, linens, and the coziest of blankets you will ever snuggle up in.

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A SOUTHERN DRAWL



I couldn't wait to give them all a try! I was especially intrigued by the Southern Drawl Cotton Sheet Sets. I ordered the Rope Draw sheet set in White/Tan.


The moment I took them out of the packaging, I fell in love with how soft and luxurious they felt. They are made from 100% sustainable cotton and are completely dye free.


I opted for the rope set because we hadn't had much luck lately with the elastic of fitted sheets, and I was curious how it would hold up. After just a few nights I realized the rope draw system was a game changer! I am now a huge fan and plan on ordering more Southern Drawl sheet sets ASAP!


Southern Drawl doesn't stop at just luxury bedding though. They also make amazing bath towels.


There's just something luxurious about crisp white bath towels. They are such a classic when it comes to style and luxury, and they will always coordinate with any bathroom. They also remind me of being in a resort.


And who doesn't want to bring that feeling home with them?!


Carrie Beth and I both enjoy the six piece set, and they have been a joy to both have on display as well as use.



SNUGGLE UP WITH CAROLINA CRAFTED

I'm a blanket person. Throws are one of those year round accessories I can never get enough of.  Even in the hottest Summer months you can find me snuggled up in one. I have a ton around the house for our family to use, or guests to snuggle up in when they visit. I feel like you can never have enough. So, when I spotted this Carolina Crafted Herringbone throw, I couldn't resist. 



The Carolina Crafted blankets are all made from 100% recycled cotton/poly blended yarns that have been pre-washed for softness. And oh my goodness, soft they are! 


I also love that it is washable! Because unless I hide that blanket from every single living thing in my household, it needs to be something that can easily be thrown in the washer and dryer. 


Updating linens might not seem like the most glamorous of home updates, but oh my does it feel good when you're cozying up in all that luxurious cotton goodness. And I love that I was able to knock out these tiny updates to our home while supporting an amazing local brand. 

To learn more about The Better Options Company visit: 
website | Instagram | Facebook |

Use code MAGNOLIA-TBOC for $20 off your order! 




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Monday, January 13, 2020

Cute Tiger Graphic Tees

Today is the big day for college football fans!!!  Tonight is the National Championship game between LSU and Clemson.  Who are you cheering for?


I love football and hope we get to see a great game tonight, but I also love me some theme wear. When it hit me over the weekend that the mascot for both of these teams is a tiger I immediately had several cute tiger tops pop into my head that I'd seen over the past week. I was so tempted to buy several of these and really wished my team's mascot was a tiger or maybe one of my kids' teams could be the tigers.  Sadly, no tigers in my life, but for some of you maybe some of these tops and tees will be perfect. Or, maybe you are just like me and want to get one anyway.  That Easy Tiger sweatshirt is calling my name!


1. Easy Tiger Tank - I wear tanks year round and just layer them under a cardigan or denim jacket.

2. Easy Tiger Sweatshirt - Comes in several colors and on Prime!

3. Tiger Print Top - Limited sizes, but on sale for under $15.

4. Easy Tiger T-shirt  - Comes in several colors and only $20.

5. Tiger Sweater - Saw this one in person and the quality very nice.  It's a lightweight sweater and only $15.

6. Go Get Em Tiger T-shirt  - Love this worn, vintage look.


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Friday, January 10, 2020

Friday Favorites

It's FRIDAY!!!!  The first week back after 2 weeks off is usually a rough one, but this week has actually been pretty good for my little family. I loved the break, but it does feel good to get back into a routine!  Today I'm linking up and sharing my Friday Favorites!


My first favorite was our New Year's Eve from last week.  We started having a NYE party a few years ago and it it has grown to be one of my favorites for lots of different reasons! 



I didn't take many pictures from the night, but I love being able to spend it with great friends! 


It's quickly become a favorite for my kids, too.  They love being able to stay up late, counting down to midnight, and celebrating with everyone! 



Plus, I love the start of a new year. It's great to have a fresh start, a new beginning, and kind of a reset to life...even if it is just a date on the calendar.  The mindset of starting something new just refreshes me and gets me excited about the future. 



I had some Amazon gift cards I'd gotten for Christmas so ordered this Mom Mode sweatshirt the second I saw it.

sweatshirt//leggings//sneakers 

If there has ever been an outfit that describes my life, it is this one. Mom sweatshirt, Spanx leggings, comfy shoes, a big mom bag and Chick-fil-a sweet tea in hand. Ha! The sweatshirt comes in several colors, is light weight (so I can totally see wearing it into spring), and just really cute for a casual day of #momlife.


It's very rare that I share a book before Book Club day, but I LOVED this one and have been telling everyone I can about it.  


Daisy Jones and the Six tells about the rise and fame of a 70's rock band on their way to be world famous and explains the mystery behind their immediate breakup.  It is told through an interview style and reads as if it is a biography or memoir.  It felt SO real.  I even Googled at one point to see if it was about a real band.  I really loved listening to this book on Audible because every character is a different narrator and to me, that just makes it so much more believable.  It was so different than a typical novel and so creatively written.  I just loved it and it is going to be hard to top as my favorite book of the year.  


I don't really love to cook and I think part of that reason is because often times it is hard to find something the entire family will eat.  This week I was reminded of one of my family's favorite winter meals.   I made this Taco Soup and I can't remember the last time I had so many praises for something I made for dinner. 



It might not look really pretty, but I promise it is so good. It is a favorite of mine because it is SO easy to make in the crockpot.  I was introduced to this Taco Soup when my friend Anna made it for us one Halloween a few years ago. You can see the full recipe I shared HERE


My last favorite of the week is a new Netflix series I just started watching.  I honestly can't' believe I just wrote that sentence. My very closest friends know this about me, but I DO NOT watch any type of TV.  I just don't have time or don't make the time. However, when I saw someone share about CHEER on Facebook earlier this week, I was so intrigued.

I'm three episodes in and I'm kind of obsessed. My oldest daughter is an allstar cheerleader and it is a world like none other.  Having kids in all different sports I get to observe the different worlds that come along with each of them. Everyone thinks their sport is the most intense, but I am telling you...the things that competitive cheerleaders endure is INSANE!!!  The training, stamina, practice schedule, dedication and athleticism that is expected of these kids is intense.  This series focuses on a collegiate team, but gives you a glimpse into what the competitive cheer world is like and doesn't sugar coat anything.  If you are are at all curious about competitive cheer or have your doubts about cheer as a sport, check this out!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and we'll see you all back here next week! 

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Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Ulta Must Haves

A few weeks ago I (Carrie Beth) felt like my makeup routine needed a bit of an overhaul. I had a lot of products that I'd been using for a very long time and just didn't really love anymore. I talked to Jen about a few products she loved, and as I was about to head into Ulta I asked on Instagram stories what some of your favorite products were.  You know, the tried and true ones that you just love. Well, we got a lot of great suggestions!


Some were new items we hadn't tried before and some were products we were already using and loving.  We thought we'd share some some of our Ulta must haves that we're loving right now!



Living Proof Dry Volume Blast - Jen introduced this stuff to me. It's like a texturizing spray that you put on dry hair to add volume. I also use it in place of my hairspray now when I curl my hair and it helps the curl to last so much longer!  I am obsessed with it!

Batiste Dry Shampoo - I have used a bunch of different kinds of dry shampoo (including Living Proof) and I always come back to this one.  It's very reasonably priced, I love the way it makes my hair smell, and it gets the job done! I have my girls hooked on it now, too!

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer - This is one product that I am literally obsessed with. I have always had dark circles under my eyes and could never find a concealer that I really loved until I started using this. It's not cakey, but definitely thicker and has great coverage. This is probably the one makeup item I love the most!

CoverGirl/Olay Simply Ageless Foundation - This one cracks me up because the commercials for it are always ladies much older than myself. I will turn 40 this year though so maybe that is what made me pick it up on a whim. I actually really like it though. In the summer I like to wear a tinted moisturizer, but I was in need of something new for winter. This has medium coverage and I like that it is swirled with some sort of moisturizer or something to keep my skin from getting dried out in the winter. If it makes me look ageless like the name claims, well that is just an added bonus in my book.

Milani Highlighter Palette - I love that glowing look, so naturally I love highlighter.  This palette is nice because it has several different shades and I use them all.

NYX Butter Gloss - This gloss is only around $5 and probably my favorite lip gloss! It comes in a  ton of colors, is super pretty on, but not sticky at all.

Lash Blow Out - This is a new product to me and I have really been impressed. I have used a ton of different mascaras in all different price points and always went back to the the Loreal mascara. I used it for YEARS until I decided to give this new Dry Bar/It Cosmetics mascara a try.  It is SO good and worth the extra money in my opinion! I love the way it looks on my lashes, it doesn't clump at all, but makes them look longer and fuller. Also, this may sound weird, but the wand just feels good in my hands. It's easy to apply because of the wand.  Weird?  Maybe, but I love it!

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blush - This is a new product that was recommended by some of you and I really like it. It gives my cheeks a nice color without being overbearing like some blushes can be.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner - My hair is naturally kind of wavy so anytime there is any humidity it starts to get frizzy.  Since using this I haven't had that problem as much so I really do think this is working.  We'll see how it is when summer's humidity rolls around, but for now I'm happy!



Living Proof Dry Volume Blast - Once someone told me I had good pageant hair. I immediately texted Carrie Beth to make sure that was a good thing. It was.  Big hair with lots of volume is always my goal and this stuff works SO well.  I even got Carrie Beth turned on to it!

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil - I have been using this finishing powder for what feels like forever. I love it because it is super light and just gives a really pretty finish.

Living Proof Dry Shampoo - Any busy mom knows a good dry shampoo is a must and this stuff is my favorite!  It doesn't weigh your hair down at all and a lot of you also shared that this was your favorite dry shampoo also!

Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner - Remember that thing about big hair?  Yep, this goes towards that goal, too. This shampoo and conditioner really adds a ton of volume and combined with the Dry Volume Blast...well, it's a match made in hair heaven!

Urban Decay Smoky Eyeshadow Palette - I don't wear a ton of eye make up on a day to day basis, but when I do I reach for this palette. It has lighter colors I use for everyday, and then for evening or events I utilize the darker colors for that smokier look. It's a Ulta cult favorite that I remember being introduced to by a fellow customer. Now I buy them in bulk and have one stashed in my make-up kit, my car, and a back-up. I hope they never discontinue it!

Tarte Creaseless Concealer - Any mom with kids needs to have a good concealer in their make-up bag.  Those late nights and early mornings and middle of the night wake-ups don't always do favors for our under eyes.  Tarte knows what's up when it comes to concealers! This one is very similar to the Shape Tape, but a gives off a more dewy finish than matte.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - With a name like that you know it has to be good, right? This mascara is hands down my favorite. It doesn't smudge, adds a lot of length and makes my lashes look really thick!

Bare Minerals Original - Just like the above Bare Minerals I mentioned, I have been using this one for ages and it just gives a nice, even foundation to build on without being heavy or feeling thick on my face. I'm still not at the point I feel like I need heavy coverage, and since I have drier skin I tend to lean towards lighter weight foundations. Years ago I was introduced to Bare Minerals and have never looked back once.

Loreal Voluminous Mascara - If you are looking for something at a little lower price point this mascara is the one that I always have in my bag. This is also the one Carrie Beth used forever before finding the DryBar one. You cannot beat it for the price!


READER SUGGESTIONS

Like we mentioned above, there were a ton of great suggestions from you ladies when we asked on Instagram Stories so we wanted to share those recommendations, too.

Nars Blush - Such pretty colors.

It Bye Bye Foundation - This one has SPF 50+.

NYX Slide On Lip Pencil - GREAT value and long lasting.

Anastasia Sugar Glow Kit - Another great highlighter set.

Foundation Blender Brush  - I actually bought this after it was suggested and love it!

Smashbox Primer - TONS of great reviews for this.

Colour Pop Eyeshadow - So many pretty colors.

Lash Paradise Mascara - Another great one at a great price!

If anyone has any other favorite products or things we should try, please let us know. We always love trying new stuff!


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Monday, January 6, 2020

Favorite Moments of 2019

So this post is about a week delayed, but we didn't want to leave it out because we love these posts each year. It's a fun way to look back to wrap up the year before looking ahead to the new one!


Today we're sharing our favorites from 2019.  It was a fun, busy and great year. We're super excited for what 2020 holds, but first a look back on 2019.



Our Favorite Place to Visit...


Carrie Beth 
This year we didn't travel as much as I would have liked and I know that is a sign of the stage of life we are in right now. Our kids have committed to competitive sports with a very busy schedule so getting away is just harder than it used to be. That being said, I think one of my favorite places we visited this year was a quick little getaway to The Ritz and Reynolds Plantation.


It's close enough to go for a weekend or even just one night, but it feels like you are getting away from the hustle bustle of our every day.  It's got a sophisticated, but laid back feel and has so much for the kids to do.  S'mores, games, swings, the pool, the lake and just good old fashion family fun.  The Mr. and I had been there several times, but this was a first for the kids and they loved it just as much as we do!

Jen
We tend to pack in quite a few trips each year, and 2019 was no exception - we Mardis Gras'd in New Orleans, we spent a large part of the Summer on various South Carolina Islands, and we finally checked out Barnsley Resort (which we drove by every week for four years in college!). It's hard to state a favorite because I feel like our kids are at such fun ages, and traveling with them has become just so much easier and enjoyable. Narrowing it down to just one though...our Winter Break trip to the Keys would have to slightly be ahead of all the rest.


I am a huge planner. We had a Winter Break trip planned months in advance to Arizona. We wanted to explore somewhere new with the kids, and do some activities in an environment they normally don't get to see. Fast forward to the week before we left. We kept checking the weather, and it was cold. Like snowy cold. Which almost never happens in the parts of Arizona we were planning to visit. We were banking on 60's and above weather. So, two days before we left we were enjoying a family dinner at our local Mexican restaurant, and after some discussion we thought to ourselves "It's crazy we are ordering snow gear for our "sunny" vacation!" Before my second margarita hit the table, we had Arizona cancelled, the Keys all settled, and my last minute spray tan booked.


It was completely spontaneous, totally relaxing, and a trip my kids still say is their favorite to date.

Our Favorite Thing to Read...



Carrie Beth 
On Friday we shared our Favorite books of the year.  My top three were all SO very different this year, but I really loved them all for one reason or another.  Click here for the full reviews and to see my top three choices, but my number one was American Royals by Katherine McGee



Jen
This was a tough one for me because nothing that I read last year really stood out above the rest as "the book" of the year. When we did our "Best Books of 2019" post last week, I had a hard time not choosing just one. I found a lot of new authors, and love the suggestions we've gotten on Facebook and Instagram when we've asked. One that tops the list though that I think a lot of people would enjoy is More Than Words by Jill Santopolo. I started to read it and then ended up downloading the Audible version to finish it. I loved it, and it was a book that stayed with me for long after I read it.






Our Favorite Thing to Wear...


Carrie Beth 
I have a few favorites to share in this category.  This picture shows a few of my favs in one shot!  I lived in these Spanx camo faux leather leggings all Fall and I know I will continue to wear them all winter.  I'm a sucker for a good stack of bracelets and Inspire Designs has some of my favs and my leopard watch band is less than $10 from Amazon and probably one of my most worn items!


Another favorite thing to wear this past year was my Play Ball tank also from Amazon for under $15. 



As a baseball mama and a big Braves Fan, it got a lot of wear this past year! 
And while I'm at it I guess so did my ATL hat from Findlay Rowe! 


Jen
Okay, I'm going total cliché on this category. My favorite find of the year is...yoga leggings!  And not just any leggings. Like under $20 leggings that feel like Lululemon, aren't see through, stay up all day long, and have multiple pockets that fit even the largest of cell phones.


I randomly ordered these while in the waiting room of my dentist office after reading in a women's magazine that they were voted "best leggings ever". For less than $20 I decided to see if the claims were accurate. And oh my goodness they were. I ordered several more pairs. Made Carrie Beth buy a pair. I gave my babysitter a pair. I raved and raved about these, and each and every time I did so many of you messaged and agreed! Best. Leggings. Ever.  

Our Favorite Finds... 

Carrie Beth 
My favorite find of last year was Board & Brush.  Early last year Jen and I were introduced to this amazing DIY wood sign workshop spot and had so much fun creating our own personalized signs.  We loved it so much that I took my girls back there over Winter Break, went again with friends right after Spring Break, once again in the summer and I took my mom there for her birthday.


Needless to say I have had so much fun creating signs for spots all over my house. Every time I'm in there I see other signs I would love to make and it never takes too much arm twisting to find a few friends to go with me.  We sip wine, eat snacks and craft the night away!



Jen
My favorite find is actually something of L.C.'s. This year she found her "thing". She has begged for years to cheer, and finally I let her give it a try. Little did I know our house would become her own personal tumbling center. So in an effort to save my walls, couch, windows, floors, doors, and any other surface that can be host to handstands, cartwheels, stretching practice, and etc. - I bought a mat.


Nothing fancy. But this tri-fold mat has become her favorite thing to play with in the house. If she has a free moment she is practicing her tumbling skills. My walls are now free (ish) of feet marks and we can sit on our couch without fear of being landed on.





Our Favorite Kid Moments...

Carrie Beth 
My favorite kid moment of the year was probably when my baseball loving kid just happened to be standing in the right place at the right time at one of the Braves games. We were lucky enough to get down on the edge of the field to watch my daughter's chorus sing the National Anthem and someone came by, saw him all decked out in his Braves gear and asked him if he wanted to give the official "play ball" to kick off the game.  



For this kid it was a SUPER big deal.  He loves baseball, loves the Braves, and was so excited.  He took directions, practiced a few times, and then with the camera in his face he read his lines... 
"It's time for Braves baseball, let's play ball!" 


Jen
Okay my favorite kid moment of the year isn't really one singular moment. It's kind of a bittersweet feeling that hit me towards the back half of the year.


I realized how rapidly my baby Mini Magnolia was no longer my baby. She's fully potty trained (praise Jesus!), so no more diapers. It was our last kind of baby milestone and I realized that was it for us. We now have kids and not babies in this house. (And I know I've said that on the blog before, but unless I've been chosen to give birth to the second coming of Jesus - we done.) While I'm sad I won't have any more babies to snuggle, I'm excited to enter this next phase of life. 

In 2019, B.C. definitely came full circle in her personality. She's the sweetest, the funniest, and the wildest of all three of my kids.  And that's tough to do. Those who know us in real life know all my kids have big personalities (understatement), but this one by far entertains with her sass on the daily. I blame the curls. 

And I hope she never changes. 




Our Favorite Moment of 2019...


Carrie Beth 
My favorite moment of the year was one that happened totally by chance.  We went to Fort Walton beach for Fall Break this past year and decided to walk on the beach to a nearby restaurant for dinner.  When we got onto the beach we noticed the most amazing sunset I think I have ever seen in real life.



There was something so magical about standing out there and watching that gorgeous sunset that we decided to try to recreate it the very next night. We planned our dinner time accordingly and took another walk down the beach to a nearby spot to catch the sunset once again!



Jen
2019 went by in a blur! I had to scroll through my phone to remember what happened this year. One of my favorite "big" moments wasn't one I really shared much on here and only a little bit on Instagram Stories. But, my baby sister got engaged last Christmas and in October she and her fiancè tied the knot. 


It was such a fun wedding. Every detail was filled with farmhouse style Fall gorgeousness. And I gained an awesome brother-in-law. My kids love Uncle B to pieces, and I am so excited to see how they grow in the future. (Hint, Hint K. I want to be an aunt!!)



What were some of your favorite parts of 2019? What are you looking forward to most in 2020? 


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