January drifts.

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
-Vita Sackville-West

The thermometer currently reads 24 degrees in our coastal town. Combined with the wind that is inevitable this close to the ocean, I don't think that I've been warm in a solid week. (Walking my dog Gracie at 6:30 every morning doesn't help!) I'm already counting down the days until my 80 degree weather returns, but until then, I've compiled a list things on my current favorite things to remind me that life is good, regardless of the windchill.

1. Tall Steve Madden boots.

The "Intyce" style in Cognac. Perfect for the days when I don't feel like wearing the worlds ugliest shoes (Uggs... we have a love/hate relationship) and my jeans or leggings are too skinny to wear my Wallabees (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)

2. Modest Mouse.

I recently rekindled my love for these guys. Go throw on "Float On" and tell me your day doesn't get exponentially better.

3. Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic nail polish.

It's brownish in the sunlight, greyish brownish taupe indoors. I am absolutely addicted.

(photo courtesy of http://never-unpolished.blogspot.com)

4. Burberry Sunglasses.

Mine are the Burberry tortoise 4051's and I absolutely adore them. I couldn't find a picture that does them justice, but my favorite detail is the gold Burberry label on the side.... it resembles the leather ties on my Sperrys & on most boat shoes. Perfect.

5. Story People Prints.

Brian Andreas is an incredible artist and writer that combines these talents to produce books and prints. I own 5 of his books, and just received my 2nd print from my A

unt Julie for Christmas. They're now both frames and hanging in my bathroom! Check his site & his work out here.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Candles.

Every boy that walks into my apartment tells me it smells "just like a girl." I take this as a compliment. These candles smell so amazing that I didn't even want to burn mine, but I think I'm just going to have to stock up instead.

7. Southern Marsh.

This new brand has my seal of frat-proval. Their "About Us" section reads:

"The South is an area of the country that still finds time to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Southern Marsh was inspired by that idea and influenced by those who understand the lifestyle as they take it with them everywhere they go. The friends getting up at 4 a.m. to make it to the blind before sunrise, the father cashing in vacation days to go fishing with his family, or the southern belle spending a timeless afternoon with great friends."

Built on the lifestyle that I love the most and with really unique designs, they won me over with their awesome t-shirts... I've already ordered two. They run pretty small, so I'd recommend ordering a size up. Especially if you plan on wearing them with leggings like I do! Check them out here!

(photo and quote courtesy of www.southern-marsh.com)

8. "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing" by Melissa Bank.

Don't be fooled by the title. This bestseller won't actually give you instructions on the art of killing a prize buck, but I guarantee that the collection of fictional short stories (tied together into a larger plot) will draw you in and make you fall in and out of love up until the feel-good ending. It's extremely relateable and an easy read. Pick up a copy next time you're in Barnes & Noble & let me know what you think.

9. Not having Friday classes this semester.

No explaination necessary.

CLASSY: My Southern Amendments.

Happy New Year, y'all!

For Christmas, I received the book "Classy" by Derek Blasberg. It offers "exceptional advice for the extremely modern lady," and is a ballsy and humorous take on etiquette regarding everything from table manners to sex tapes. Every woman who takes herself seriously should go purchase this book RIGHT THIS MINUTE. I've pulled out a few of my favorite "rules" to share, along with my own amendments to the rules that might apply a little bit differently south of the Mason-Dixon!

1. A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she can be brutally honest about not nice people in private.

-Southern amendment: A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she just says "bless his/her heart" about not nice people in public. She can be brutally honest and use the "B word" or wish a man to Hell as soon as the not nice person is no longer around.

2. A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car and on an airplane.

-Southern amendment: A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car or on an airplane, but she would never leave the house without it already applied anyway in the off-chance that she run into someone worth impressing or someone that is prone to talking poorly of her.

3. A lady doesn't cheat-- on cards, tests, or boyfriends.

-Southern amendment: A lady doesn't cheat on cards, tests, or boyfriends. But she might sometimes cheat on her diet. Especially if it's with homemade, southern dishes.

4. A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases.

-Southern amendment: A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases, but still monograms some of them-- her jewelry, car, shirts, tote bags, etc. because it is a classic, cute way of showing that she is proud of being defined as herself.

5. A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer.

-Southern amendment: A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer and be able to argue with the boys about which brand is better while still looking beautiful and feminine in her sundress and/or heels. Also, the said beer had better be kept cold in a cute koozie.

6. A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it.

-Southern amendment: A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it. But she also knows that it is ALWAYS the right time to say "Ma'am," or "Sir."

7. A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, and she waits at the bar before being seated.

-Southern amendment: A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, but a true southern gentleman would never allow this to happen in the first place.

Creative Christmas

What is better than Christmas shopping??!

... Just about everything. That's why I've compiled a list of the coolest (mostly handmade) gifts around that are perfect for those unique people on your list. They also would all make perfect birthday, graduation, or "just because" gifts as well! & the best part? You can order them in just a click.

1. Monogrammed Lilly Tumblers!

The cutest addition to any kitchen... but you won't want to leave them at home. Monogrammed anything is the perfect gift, but these are especially precious.

(4 for $12.99? Consider them ordered for myself.. my roommate... my sorority sisters... my mom... my aunts....)

Order them HomeLush via Etsy.

2. Recycled Beer Glasses!

Buy a set of cool beer glasses & go green at the same time! These glasses are made from bottles collected from San Diego restaurants & events... give them a new home!

Also, if Red Stripe isn't your brew of choice,

creator Bottlehood has plenty of other options.

Pictured set of 4 glasses goes for $30.

3. Monogrammed Pashmina Scarves!

I've ordered a handful of these already. Monogrammed gifts are the way to go because they are fratty AND they show the recipient that you went out of your way when thinking up the perfect gift for them. These are perfect to dress up any outfit, and will be sure to keep your friends warm on their way to class!

$26 each from MarleyLilly on Etsy.

4. All that Glitters is Snow Soap!

The perfect teacher or hostess gift if you're staying in someone's house over the holidays! Pretty, sparkly soaps in 4 different scents that will last well into the New Year.

This set of 4 is $20 at sunbasilgarden on Etsy.

This store also sells tons of other unique soaps to give throughout the year.

5. Alice in Wonderland Flask!

I am obsessed with this flask. Actually, I am obsessed with anything that combines 2 unlikely things. And this would be that. I love the artistic take on Alice, and I LOVE the Rabbit charm dangling from the lid. Super cute for the artis

tic/eccentric friends on your list.

Or for me, since I know you all want to send me gifts ;)

This Alice flask is $21 by valleygirldesigns

6. Artwork that they will LOVE

A one-of-a-kind hand-painted record featuring Bob Marley seemed to be the perfect gift for my younger brother, or for any fan. SO much cooler than giving a poster or a CD.

$35 from technicolorcandyart

7. Lilly Memory Board!

The perfect backdrop to tuck photos, letters, tickets, or memos! Made from a patchwork of authentic Lilly Pulitzer patterns, sure to brighten any little girl's room, dorm room, sorority house, or office!

$30 from jimyakima on Etsy!

8. Skeleton Key Bottle Opener!

Opening bottles just got a whole

lot prettier. This bottle opener is fashioned after an antique skeleton key (the only kind that even opens doors in my super old house!) This is so much cooler than watching boys try to open bottles with their teeth, lighters, zippers ..... you get the point.

$12 from Urban Outfitters

9. Etch-a-Sketch iPad Case!

Maybe I'm crossing the lines into excessive nerddom here, but this iPad case makes me actually wish I had an iPad to put in it! The perfect gift for the technology lover, or the grown up that never totally grew up. Who doesn't want to look like they're playing on an Etch-A-Sketch while they're doing (every other possible activity known to mankind that is possible on an iPad)?

$50 from Urban Outfitters.