New Year's Eve Random Ramblings

In just a matter of hours we will say goodbye to 2012 and ring in 2013! I feel like there has flown by! I don't really have an organized post on a single "year in review" topic for today, so instead I'm just going to share a few random thoughts and such as 2012 comes to an end.

One of my highlights of 2012 is this blog. Even though I technically started it in 2011 I didn't begin posting regularly until this past April. I know it's not as popular and well-followed as some of the other preppy Southern blogs out there, but I enjoy writing it and it makes my day when y'all leave comments! It also means the world to me when my real-life friends tells me they read and like Pearls Go With Everything and that they share it with their friends.

2012 also brought my discovery of two new random and unrelated favorite things: Karen Kingsbury books and Snyder's Honey Mustard Onion Pretzel Pieces. It's hard to believe I was unaware of their awesomeness just one year ago. This past summer, after hearing a good friend Bible Study reader rave about them, I decided to start reading Karen Kingsbury books for myself. I immediately became hooked and in the past six months have read all but four of her fiction novels. They are more than just entertaining stories-the messages are encouraging and inspiring and saturated with Scripture references and examples of God's goodness in all circumstances. I now recommend them to all my friends and will definitely be re-reading them myself!

I tried the Snyder's Honey Mustard Onion Pretzel Pieces for the first time during Memorial Day weekend at the beach with my best friend. Ever since, I have kept a bag in the pantry. They are so delicious and addicting!

I know this sounds cliche, but for me 2012 has been a year of learning, growing, and changes (some which I couldn't have even imagined one year ago); strengthening relationships with old friends; making new friends; and growing more into who God wants me to be. Oh, and it's also been a great year of trying out new Pinterest recipes to add to my resume in the kitchen! 

I am ready for a new year and excited to see what God has in store for me in 2013!

Here are some of my favorite song lyrics to reflect upon as the dawn of a new year approaches:

"It's time to take your chips and cash them all in, 'cause it matters where you're going not where you've been." -Carrie Underwood (from One Way Ticket)

"So I'll grab the wheel and point it west, pack the good and leave the rest. I'll drive until I find the missing piece. You said I wouldn't get too far on a tank of gas and an empty heart, but I got everything I'll ever need. I got this old guitar and a brand new set of strings." -Miranda Lambert (from New Strings)

"Cause it's so clear every year we get stronger, what's gone is gone, the past is the past, turn the radio up and hit the gas. 'Cause...I know we've come so far but we got so far to go. I know the road seems long but it won't be long till it's time to go." -Come So Far (Got So Far So Far To Go) from Hairspray the movie

And I'll end this post with a New Year's Eve- themed clip from one of my all-time favorite Friends episodes: The One With The Routine where Monica and Ross break out an old dance (The Routine) they did at a middle school talent show in an effort to get noticed at a taping for Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve:

Hope y'all have fun and safe night!

-L

xoxo

Greatest People of 2012

In no particular order, here are the people who stand out to me as the best and most memorable figures of 2012. 

The Fierce Five

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As y'all know, one of my highlights of 2012 was watching the Summer Olympics. And my favorite moment of those two memorable weeks was witnessing Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Kyla Ross become the first group of US women gymnasts to win Olympic team gold since 1996. In addition, I enjoyed watching Gabby win gold in the all-around competition, and Aly Raisman winning gold with a breathtaking performance in the floor exercise event final. And while I hated that McKayla fell in the vault finals, the "McKayla is not impressed" memes that went viral over the Internet afterwards were pretty funny. She showed great class by apologizing for coming across as a poor sport, and it was admirable that she responded to the memes by simply laughing at herself.

Missy Franklin

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My obsession with the Summer Olympics continues. Missy Franklin dominated the women's swimming competition while wearing pink googles and pearl earrings. What's not to love about her?

Victoria Soto

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The final month of 2012 brought what is probably the most heartbreaking and sobering news story of the year. Victoria Soto, a 27-year old first grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary in CT, died in the process of shielding her students from the gunman that tragic Friday morning.

Nastia Liukin

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Nastia Liukin did not return from London with the hardware of the Fierce Five. In fact, she didn't even compete in London. However, the strength and courage she displayed at the Olympic Trials makes her a memorable figure of 2012 in my eyes. Nastia entered 2012 as the defending Olympic all-around champ, holder of the most prestigious prize in women's gymnastics. She could've retired while she was on top. Yet she decided to come back and attempt to make her second Olympic team, which is a rare feat these days in women's gymnastics. During the Olympic Trials, she fell off the uneven bars and landed flat on her face, and it looked downright painful. She could've quit right then and there, knowing that her bid towards a second Olympics was certainly over. Instead, she got back up and finished her routine. As this article says, her dad/coach always told her to "finish what you start. No matter how painful it may be." This lesson extends beyond sports and we should all take Nastia's example to heart in our lives. One of our Christmas ornaments contains this quote: "the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in getting back up after you fall." Nastia did exactly that. Also, even though she suffered a horrible fall in her final meet, she doesn't have to spend the rest of her life wondering "what if I had tried to make a second Olympic team."

Prince William and Duchess Kate

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I never get tired of hearing about the royal couple. They deserve a spot on my Memorable People of 2012 list because in addition to being classy and fabulous they have announced that Kate is pregnant with a royal baby! 

Who all makes your Remarkable People of 2012 list?

-L

xoxo

Top Songs of 2012

Here are my five most memorable songs of 2012, in no particular order. I really don't listen to mainstream top 40 radio that much, so I haven't really heard a lot of popular songs from this year enough to consider them memorable. Or in some cases, I've heard them but either can't stand them or they are not tasteful enough to include on this blog. One song I debated including but decided to omit is Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Yes, the song itself is memorable and catchy and it's not completely painful to the ears (I'd rather listen to it than that awful "Starships" song by Nicki Minaj) but Taylor Swift honestly annoys me these days. Which is a shame, because I used to like her a lot and still do listen to and enjoy her three previous albums. I just don't care for the direction her music has taken and declined to purchase her newest album. Anyways, enough of my T. Swift rant and without further ado here are my top five songs of 2012. I limited my list to songs that were actually released during 2012, as opposed to merely popular.

1. Home by Phillip Phillips

I will forever associate this top single by the May 2012 American Idol winner with the 2012 Summer Olympics and the Fierce Five's domination in the women's gymnastics competition. Since I don't watch American Idol, the gymnastics promos were the first time I really heard "Home" and I was hooked on both the melody and lyrics.

2. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Some might find this viral hit of Summer 2012 annoying, but I think it's quite catchy and couldn't resist downloading to my iTunes. Many spoofs of the music video have been done, with the most noteworthy (in my opinion) being the USA Olympic Swim Team.

3. Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen 

I can't resist liking this Carly Rae Jepsen hit either.

4. One Way Ticket by Carrie Underwood

This song didn't get any radio play, but it is my favorite from Carrie Underwood's newest album released back in May. I highly recommend downloading. It has a kinda reggae beat and amazing lyrics. My favorite line is "it's time to take your chips and cash them all in, cause it matters where you're going not where you've been." This catchy line is perfect to keep in mind as we prepare for a new year!

5. Good Girl by Carrie Underwood

And last but not least is one of the major singles from Carrie Underwood's new album.

What do y'all consider the most memorable music of 2012?

Friday Five

Hope y'all had a great final Friday of 2012!

1. Lilly Pulitzer North Carolina Murfee Scarf

I have wanted the North Carolina print Lilly scarf ever since it came out four months ago, and thanks to Santa it is now mine! I look forward to wearing it a lot to show off that I'm a proud NC girl! Since the print has some light blue it will even go with a Carolina blue top in case I ever want to wear it on game day.

2. Monogrammed Mirrored Vanity Tray

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts are those you didn't think to ask for, such as this lovely vanity tray with my monogram that I got from my aunt, uncle, and cousins.

3. I Love Pink ecard

Saw this on Pinterest and thought it was absolutely perfect to sum up my relationship with the color pink!

4. Rules for The Southern Lady No. 152

This is one of my favorites from The Rules on this adorable Southern blog I follow. Kate Middleton may not be a Southern belle, but she is a classy young woman worth looking up to, unlike many celebrities in this day and age.

5. Reading at Starbucks

One of my favorite things to do during a girls' weekend with my best friend is go to Starbucks and read Karen Kingsbury books while we enjoy our coffee. Last weekend our reading date was especially lovely because I got to enjoy a Gingerbread Latte.

-L
xoxo

I Really Love My...

So I'm starting a new column that will appear periodically on this blog. I got the idea from People Style Watch. In each print issue there is a feature by this same title which includes pictures of three different celebrities. Each celebrity is shown wearing a favorite article of clothing or accessory in three different ways. The principle of this column is the same-just with me instead of celebrities!
So for the inaugural edition I really love my...

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in Amani Children's Foundation Print 

Out to dinner with my best friend on a gorgeous early fall evening

Out to lunch with a friend on an early spring day

Enjoying fro yo outside on a pleasant spring evening

Coffee with a friend on a fall morning

Goofing off with Kung Fu Panda at the movies on a winter day

I know I've mentioned this before on my blog, but one thing I love about Lilly's Murfee scarves is that they can be worn during about 3/4 of the year. While they can help keep you cozy on a chilly day, they aren't strictly cold weather scarves and are definitely wearable in spring and early fall too. 

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Classic Prep Winter Style

First off, hope y'all had a great Christmas!
Last weekend when my best friend came to visit I wore one of my favorite preppy staples for wintertime: a classic cable-knit sweater over a button-down oxford shirt, and pearls of course!

Sweater: Lilly Pulitzer; Oxford shirt: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Avedon skinny; Boots: Banana Republic factory store; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pearls: Honora; Cocktail ring: Lilly Pulitzer

And here is a closer view of my sweater and Oxford shirt (plus Starbucks Christmas beverages with my best friend-I'm partial to a nonfat Gingerbread latte):

My Lilly cable-knit sweater is a style called the Gloria, which I believe was last made in the Fall 2010 line. I was able to snag a couple additional colors from Rue La La sales in Fall 2011. This is a great sweater so hopefully Lilly will bring this style back in future fall collections. In the meantime you can always look for a Gloria on eBay or the Re-Lilly Facebook page.

-L
xoxo

Merry Christmas Y'all!

We are down to less than two hours until Christmas Day! I hope y'all have had a blessed time celebrating with family and friends thus far. The music, movies, food, parties, and gifts are wonderful, but may we not forget the true meaning of the season: Jesus Christ. His humble birth in a stable so that He could inhabit a broken world and die a brutal humiliating death to atone for my sins is a far greater gift than any amount of Lilly Pulitzer or Tory Burch that could appear under my tree tomorrow. Here are a few reflections to remind us of the miracle of that glorious first Christmas over 2,000 years ago:

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:2,6 (NIV)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." -John 1:14 (NIV)

"As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world." -Jesus Calling

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices." -O Holy Night

"But the the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

-Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

I hope y'all have a blessed and joyful Christmas day tomorrow!

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit

Here's a favorite outfit I wore out to dinner with a friend the other night-a polka dot cardigan, white ruffle shirt, fun bright belt, and skinny jeans. Since it was a super rainy evening I wore my bright pink rain boots.

Cardigan: Lilly Pulitzer Paley Cardigan (from Fall 2011); Shirt: LOFT; Belt: Banana Republic Factory Store; Jeans: Joe's Jeans Skinny Visionnaire; Rain Boots: Target; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pearls: Honora

A closer view of the cardigan, shirt, and belt.

-L

xoxo

Friday Five

Here are five random things I'm loving this week:

1. Storm Warning by Hunter Hayes

My best friend shared this song with me and I am currently obsessed! Both the lyrics and the melody are amazing!

2. Streams In The Desert

This daily devotional is so encouraging and uplifting. It is a reminder that we are not promised a problem-free life, but that God will uphold us and walk with us through all trials and circumstances.

3. A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury

This is the second book in KK's Forever Faithful trilogy. All of them are good and I recommend reading in order, but I finished up the second book about a week ago and especially loved it. Jeremiah 29:11 is a constant theme throughout this book about God has a great plan for our lives.

4. Banana Republic Lace Pencil Skirt

As anyone who's been following my blog for any length of time knows, I love lace! So I was happy to snag this lace pencil skirt for a great deal at the Banana Republic outlet. I like how the black lace detail stands out against the light lining.

5. Kate Spade Sunglasses

This week I was super excited to find some Kate Spade sunglasses for an excellent deal at the Saks Off Fifth outlet. I was so happy to find out they came with such a fun colorful case too!

Have a great weekend y'all

-L

xoxo

Christmas Hodge Podge

My apologies for the lack of posts the past several days, but lots has been going on! Tis the season! It's hard to believe there is less than a week left until Christmas! Here is an assortment of some of my favorite Christmas things:

Elf

A Christmas classic that never gets old and is always good for lots of laughs!

Reese's Peanut Butter Trees

One of my favorite Christmas candies

Charlie Brown Christmas

This heartwarming Christmas special illustrates the true meaning of Christmas. And who doesn't love the Peanuts gang!

Baking

I especially enjoy baking during the Christmas season, particularly festive goodies like covered pretzels, Christmas Oreo treats, and chocolate chip pumpkin bars.

Four Christmases

Another one of my favorite Christmas movies, featuring one of my favorite actresses: Reese Witherspoon.

Taylor Swift Christmas Album

As much as I dislike T. Swift's latest stuff I will always love her Christmas CD, especially her original song "Christmas Must Be Something More" that is about the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas with the Kranks

This movie is precious, and Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis make a hilarious starring duo!

Candy Cane Kisses

These are amazing!

The Nutcracker Ballet

I always enjoy taking in a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime. This year I went for the first time in about four years so it was a nice treat. My favorite dance is the Waltz of the Snowflakes. The music and the dance are beautiful!

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

While this book can be enjoyed at any time of the year, Karen Kingsbury's latest novel takes place during Christmastime and is a touching story of miracles and second chances.

Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury

This novella from the Red Gloves Collection is a short, touching Christmas-themed book by KK.

And the best part about Christmas is the good news of the birth of Jesus:

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." -Luke 2:11

What are some of your favorite things about Christmas?

-L

xoxo

Prayers for Peace

In light of today's horrific news from the elementary school shooting in Connecticut, here are some  verses from Scripture to bring peace, comfort, and healing amidst this fallen world we live in:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." -Hebrews 13:8 (This was actually one of the featured verses in Jesus Calling today. The timing could not be more appropriate!)

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." -Genesis 28:15

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7

Praying for "peace which transcends all understanding" for all those affected by this senseless tragedy!

-L

The Best Riding Boots

So I have wanted a pair of riding boots for awhile. As much as I love my cowgirl boots, riding boots are more appropriate for work and dressier occasions. This week I found the most amazing riding boots at the Banana Republic outlet, and they were 50% off! They were so cute and fit so well that for such a great deal I had to get both the brown and the black. The style is called the Chelsea Riding Boot and they are genuine leather. If you're still on the hunt for the perfect pair of riding boots for a reasonable price I recommend heading to a Banana Republic outlet and getting at least one pair of these before they get gone! Adding these great boots to my wardrobe has also reminded me how much I love wearing boots, even if I despise cold weather and miss summer and wearing Jack Rogers.

Brown

Black

Do you have a favorite pair of riding boots? Where did you get them?

-L

xoxo

12/12/12

Happy 12/12/12 y'all! I have been meaning to do a Christmas gift suggestions post so in honor of today's date here are some wonderful gift ideas for those on your list that won't break the bank! I have included 12 under $12, 12 under $25, and 12 under $50 (12/12/12).

12 Great Gifts under $12

1. Lilly Pulitzer Koozie: $6

2. Vineyard Vines Croakies: $8.50

3. Lilly Pulitzer Coffee Mug: $10

4. Vineyard Vines Koozie: $5

5. Lilly Pulitzer Photo Book: $9

6. Starbucks Gift Card: $10

7. Lilly Pulitzer Notebook: $9

8. Chick-fil-a 2013 Cow Calendar: $6

9. Lilly Pulitzer Pencil Pouch: $10

10. OPI nail polish: $8.50

11. Lilly Pulitzer Market Bag: $10

12. Lilly Pulitzer Fridge Pad: $7

12 Great Gifts under $25

1. Lilly Pulitzer Wine Glasses: $20

2. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: $14.99

(this is an AMAZING devotional)

3. Lilly Pulitzer Lunch Bag: $20

4. Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury: $14.99

(this is probably my favorite stand-alone novel by KK)

5. 16 oz Tervis Tumbler: $13

6. Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson: $19.99

(A great autobiography-anyone who likes Olympic gymnastics will love this)

7. Gridiron Belles by Christie Leigh Mueller: $24.99

(A great gift for any Southern Belle who loves tailgating)

8. Vineyard Vines Whale Logo Baseball Cap: $20

9. Tory Burch Water Bottle from Target + Neiman Marcus Collection: $24.99

10. A Southern Belle Primer by Maryln Schwartz: $12.99

11. iTunes Gift Card: $15

12. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: $14.99

(One of the best books ever! An amazing Christian fiction read!)

12 Great Gifts under $50

1. Lilly Pulitzer Desk Caddy: $30

2. Kate Spade Putting On The Ritz Studs: $48

3. Lilly Pulitzer Carded ID Wristlet: $38

4.The South Plaque: $29.95

5. Kate Spade Love Notes Bow Ring: $48

6. Personalized Picnic Basket: $34.95

7. Lilly Pulitzer Bow Earrings: $38

8. J.Crew Colorblock Stripe Boatneck Tee: $45

9. Honora Freshwater Cultured Pearl Earrings: $45

10. Collegiate Pillow Pet: $29.99

11. Tory Burch Printed iPhone Case: $48

12. Lilly Pulitzer Makeup Bag: $48

-L

xoxo