Friday, May 30, 2014

What Your State Says About You

Here at Modern Magnolias, we quite enjoy Buzzfeed. And by "quite enjoy," I mean we spend wayyy too much time on the site and subsequently want to make friends with the employees. But that's neither here, nor there... 
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/what-the-state-you-live-in-says-about-you
Anywayz, I was doing my morning perusal and came across this post- "What The State You Live In Says About You" and I found it fascinatingly hilarious. Admittedly, I only read about the Southern states because duh. I figured I'd share them with you here. Because they are hilarious. And surprisingly complimentary. 

1. Alabama
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mrloganrhoades/25-plays-to-get-you-pumped-up-for-the-college-football-seaso
"Alabama should really just be its own country at this point."
"I dated someone from Alabama and he was missing a side tooth."
"Everyone in Alabama has gotten their entire bodies stuck in mud at least thrice."
"Babies come out of the womb with shoulder pads and helmets."
"Holding a glass of sweet tea."
"Probably the kindest baby you'll ever meet."

2. Arkansas
http://www.buzzfeed.com/alexrees/highlights-from-pirate-swimwear-maaji-fashion-show
"Arkansas is Bill Clinton."
"I can't point to Arkansas on a map. No idea where it is."
"I forget Arkansas is a state all the time."
"Sounds like a pirate Kansas."
"Everyone in Arkansas is ready and willing to give you whatever ingredient you need to finish your cookies."
"Everyone in Arkansas is the best neighbor you'll ever have."

3. Florida (included because of geographic reasons, obviously)
http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/photos/12-funniest-jersey-shore-gifs
"Florida has a lot of GUSTO."
"People fighting gators fighting people."
"A beautiful, beautiful mixture of the world's craziest people."
"If Florida were a person, that person would be a star on MTV."
"Florida is the Real World of planet Earth."

"I want to party with every single person from Florida."

4. Georgia
http://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseamarshall/the-15-most-epic-puppy-stampedes
"Georgia has nice old ladies and girls in big dresses."
"Also REM."
"Right now there's an old granny sitting on her porch in her rocking chair, watching her puppies run in the fields."
"She's saying that she knows it's going to rain because she can 'feel it in my leg.'"

5. Kentucky
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/what-the-state-you-live-in-says-about-you
"Everyone I have met from Kentucky has destroyed my stereotypes of it."
"I will never be able to pronounce 'Louisville.'"
"Luhhhh-vul."
"Luuuuuuuuuvaaaa."
"Loov."
"Kentucky people love talking about how much they love Kentucky."
(No mention of basketball or horses???)

6. Louisiana (potentially my favorite comments from the entire list...)
"Louisiana is basically New Orleans and swamps."
"Most of Louisiana is haunted swamps."

"I bet everyone there has really good ghost stories."
"Like a soupier Alabama."
"I had a gator po'boy once. It was incredible."
"Everyone in Louisiana seems to have way more fun than me."

7. Mississippi
http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/3038205
"Mississippi is the most exciting state to spell."
"People in Mississippi can COOK."
"People in Mississippi seem really threatening, but they're huge softies."
"No one has been on vacation to Mississippi."
"What do they say in Mississippi when it's like 'the best blah blah this side of the Mississippi'?"
"Oh. My. God."

8. North Carolina
http://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaherty/reasons-going-to-the-beach-is-actually-the-worst
"Everyone in North Carolina has an Outer Banks decal on the back of their car."
"They're all very good-looking."
"They bathe in Cheerwine."
"And sweet tea."
"They always get upset about how you pronounce 'Appalachian.'"
"All they wear are Rainbow flip-flops and Croakies."

9. South Carolina
http://blckrainbow.tumblr.com/post/63467371431
"I only know three people from South Carolina and they're all wonderful."
"Bill Murray lives in South Carolina."
"Everyone in South Carolina is reading a book outside in a sundress right now."
"And eating cheese grits."
"Everyone is happy to let you crash on their couch."

10. Tennessee
http://www.buzzfeed.com/justinabarca/things-that-happen-when-your-so-is-a-southerner
"Everyone's uncle in Tennessee knows everyone else's uncle in Tennessee."
"And that uncle owns a BBQ joint."
"And a moonshine still in their bathtub."
"They all have great taste in music."
"I want someone from Tennessee to make me a playlist." Well.... you should check out this, this and this.

11. Texas
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/what-the-state-you-live-in-says-about-you
"Texas is literally its own country."
"Everyone in Texas loves being from Texas."
"Every single person has their own brand of sauce."
"Everyone in Texas has won a fist fight."
"...That they started."
"The only thing they're afraid of is snow."

12. Virginia
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/why-rosie-of-sophia-grace-rap-fame-is-the-best-h
"I bet Virginia has excellent preschool programs."
"People in Virginia like to get drunk and sing 'Sweet Home Alabama.'"

"Everyone only zips their sweaters three-fourths of the way up."
"The state pastime is waving at people from a lawnmower."

Thoughts??

Let me know.

-C. xx. 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Just because I can...

(As far as I know, this has absolutely nothing to do with anything about the South. But this is my blog so I can do what I want. LOLZ.

I took/taught dance classes for the better part of two decades so it has obviously played a major role in my life. I stumbled across this video last night and was absolutely FLOORED. So I figured I'd share with you lovely people. Enjoy!



Again, obsessed does not accurately cover it y'all...

-C. xx. 

Monday, May 26, 2014

Water.

http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/2991859
Whether you are sitting by the pool, have your toes in the sand in front of the Atlantic Ocean, are floating down a river or are just day dreaming about water, this playlist is perfect for you- 100 songs ranging from One Direction to Fleetwood Mac. (Just between you and me, this might be my favorite playlist #ModernMagnolias has ever posted. It's kind of long, I might have gotten carried away.)

From Memorial Day to July 4th, you always need a good playlist. (However, if you're looking for some country music, you'll have to check back here a little later...)

  • West Coast by Lana Del Rey
  • No Diggity by Chet Faker
  • Kiss You by One Direction
  • C O O L by LE YOUTH
  • Ni***s in Paris by Jay Z, Kanye West
  • Pressure by The 1975
  • Blue Jeans by Jessie James
  • Skanky Panky by Kid Koala
  • Does He Know? by One Direction
  • Gold Digger by Kanye West, Jamie Foxx
  • Space Jam by Audio Push, Lil Wayne
  • Party In The U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus
  • They Don't Love You No More by DJ Khaled, Jay Z, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, French Montana
  • The Language by Drake
  • Work by Iggy Azalea
  • Know Bout Me by Timbaland, Jay Z
  • Rich As F**k by Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz
  • Best Song Ever by One Direction 
  • Honest by The Neighbourhood
  • M.F.P.O.T.Y. by Cher Lloyd
  • Lock Me Up by The Cab
  • Clique by Kanye West, Jay Z
  • Chocolate by The 1975
  • Love Never Felt So Good by Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake
  • Heart Attack by One Direction
  • Good Kisser by Usher
  • Tom Ford by Jay Z
  • Fancy - Yellow Claw Remix by Iggy Azalea, Charlie XCX
  • Habits by Tove Lo
  • She Way Out - Cid Rim Remix by The 1975
  • F**k Love by Iggy Azalea
  • Sheezus by Lily Allen
  • A Little Party Never Killed Nobody by Fergie 
  • F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit by Jay Z, Rick Ross
  • Little White Lies by One Direction
  • Problem by Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea
  • Settle Down by The 1975
  • Boys Don't Cry by Natalia Kills
  • Hard Knock Life by Jay Z
  • Happily by One Direction
  • Black Widow by Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora
  • Better Than Words by One Direction
  • Heart Out by The 1975
  • Shabba by A$AP Ferg, A$AP Rocky
  • Intro/Set 3 by The 1975
  • Rather Be by Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne
  • What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
  • Ray Ban Vision by A-Trak, Cyhi Da Prynce
  • Sex by The 1975
  • Electric Feel - Justice Remix by MGMT
  • Little Black Dress by One Direction
  • No Coke - 7" Mix by Dr. Alban
  • Miami 2 Ibiza by Swedish House Mafia
  • So Far (It's Alright) by The 1975
  • Me & U by Cassie
  • We On by Drei Ros, Pusha T
  • Dirt Off Your Shoulder by Jay Z
  • New B**ch by Iggy Azalea
  • Trampoline by Tinie Tempah, 2 Chainz
  • Higher by Just Blaze, Baauer, Jay Z
  • Express Yourself by Diplo, Nicky Da B
  • Gotta Have It by Jay Z, Kanye West
  • Nobody Compares by One Direction
  • A Milli by Lil Wayne
  • Pledge Of Allegiance by DJ Drama, Wiz Khalifa, Planet Vi, B.o.B
  • BBC by Jay Z
  • The Next Episode by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg
  • Shoop by Salt-N-Pepa
  • Heartbreaker by Mariah Carey, Jay Z
  • Big Pimpin by Jay Z, UGK
  • Midnight City - Eric Prydz Private Remix by M83
  • Head.Cars.Bending by The 1975
  • 99 Problems by Jay Z
  • Hard Out Here by Lily Allen
  • Hey Baby by No Doubt
  • Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
  • Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
  • Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
  • Girls, Girls, Girls by Jay Z
  • Cruel Summer by Bananarama
  • Creep by TLC
  • Girls by The 1975
  • Borderline by Madonna
  • 100 by Iggy Azalea, WatchTheDuck
  • Run This Town by Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna
  • Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Ball by T.I., Lil Wayne
  • Creep by Karen Souza
  • Who's That Chick by David Guetta, Rihanna
  • Drunk In Love by Beyonce, Jay Z
  • The City by The 1975
  • I Wanna Dance With Somebody by The Cube Guys & Barbara Tucker
  • The Seed (2.0) by The Roots
  • Red Red Wine by UB40
  • I Would by One Direction 
  • Get Low by Dillon Francis, DJ Snake
  • Dare (La La La) by Shakira

Listen here y'all: 

Have fun.... like this kid.
http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/2999960
Enjoy y'all!

-C. xx. 

Friday, May 23, 2014

#FridayFavorites- Evelyn Henson

After stumbling across some of Evelyn Henson's prints on our Modern Magnolias pinterest, I quickly became obsessed. These prints are perfect for any occasion: graduation, housewarming, birthday gifts, or if you're finally getting around to decorating your new apartment. This Georgia artist's prints are a must have for this summer. check her out on her website, instagram or etsy page

http://www.evelynhenson.com/
Here's a few of our favorites:

 

1. Perfect for your study abroad friend
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/best-sellers
You can choose your favorite cities and the color scheme!

2. Perfect for the friend moving to a new city
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
3. Perfect for anyone
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints
Seriously, we're obsessed. Go get yours now!!!

Monday, May 19, 2014

#BBMAs - The moments that matter.

So last night was the Billboard Music Awards. They kept saying, "The world's biggest names in music are here" but notably missing were- Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Macklemore, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift (ugh), and like, a lottttt of other people.

But, there were a few notable moments. Namely-

1. Kendall Jenner reminding everyone that she did, in fact, miss a lotttttt of school.



Bless her heart y'all.... at least she is really pretty. Because, as she said, she's "the worst reader." Possibly more embarrassing than the flub was that she almost called 5 Seconds of Summer (One Direction's opening act) One Direction. Harry Styles on the brain? Like, same... 

2. The world (or handful of people not watching anything else) was introduced to 5 Seconds Of Summer. 



I mean, this song is freaking catchy and they are just SO FREAKING CUTE. 

Agreed Matt. Agreed.
3. The reigning Queens of Country, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, let the world know how we do it in the South. 


From the big, blonde hair to the intense eye makeup to the powerhouse vocals, these ladies KILLED IT. But what's new? On a night where we weren't exactly sure what was being celebrated, these ladies sent everyone a big reminder that they are flawless human beings and they can S A N G. 



And personally, I enjoyed Carrie's Stanky Leg dance thing she had going on. 

4. That MJ Hologram... what nightmares are made of. 
http://www.buzzfeed.com/naomizeichner/hologram-michael-jackson-scary-billboard-music-awards

So... there you have it. All in all, it was a reminder why no one really shows up to the #BBMAs. What were your favorite moments? Did we miss anything important? Let us know over on Twitter!!

-C. xx.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Friday Favorites

I get asked pretty regularly what my favorite products, trends, etc. are and I figured I would start putting together lists of some things I'm loving. From music to makeup, if I like something, I like it all the way. There's not a lot of gray area in my life. 

Anywaysss... here are a few things I am loving/addicted to/can't get enough of right now-


Friday Favorites - 05.16.14



1. Kimonos- I have never been much of a cardigan girl but I do love to layer. It's pretty difficult to layer when it's 98 degrees outside with 100% humidity... welcome to the South, am I right ladies? Enter a kimono. Most of them are super lightweight, somewhat sheer and just add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. It says, "I'm too cool to put in a ton of effort, I'm naturally this fabulous."

2. bareMinerals bareSkin Foundation- I have oily skin and an obsession with full coverage makeup which is not a great combo for summers in the South. I always struggle with how to balance wearing enough makeup to feel covered but not enough to where it's running down my face... the struggle is real y'all. So enter this miracle worker. I have only worn it a couple of times now but I think it is going to save my life/face this summer. It's such a nice balance!

3. Kendra Scott Elle Drop Earrings in Abalone- I have been obsessed with Kendra Scott's jewelry for quite a while now and finally got a pair for my birthday. While they are all fabulous, the Abalone is just too good. They are fun and quirky while sleek and sophisticated. And they match everything. Run, don't walk, to get some. Right now. 

4. Drybar VIP Pack- Taylor gave me this for my birthday and it's safe to say, I. Am. Obsessed. It includes dry shampoo, mousse (perfectly titled Southern Belle) and hairspray. They are half sizes so they can fit in your purse. Woohoo!!! 

5. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb- Between allergies and being incredibly particular, I always have trouble finding a perfume that is just right for me. So last week, I took a Zyrtec, headed to my local perfume counter and spent the better part of an hour trying as many different scents as I could stand. And boy was it worth it. I absolutely fell in LOVE with this scent. I am not a flowery kind of person, so I was hesitant because of the name, but it is not a floral scent. It has a touch of floral but it's very clean and just smells pretty- if that's even a thing... I've only worn it for a few days and have been stopped by strangers to ask what perfume I was wearing. Seriously, if you're in the market for a new fragrance, GO BUY IT. They sell a hair mist too. I'll probz buy that. I'm that in love. 

6. Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara- Y'all.......... this stuff is MAGIC. It is blackkkk and after a few coats looks like falsies. I'm obsessed. 

7. Anything having to do with Iggy Azalea- From Fancy's Clueless themed video to Problem (with Ariana Grande) to how much she loves fashion and her big butt, I think Iggy and her music are perfection. I'll be shaking it to her allllllll summer long. 

So that's what I'm loving right now. What about y'all?? Let me know on twitter.

-C. xx

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

365.

One year. 365 days. 525,600 minutes.

A year ago, today, I announced on my Tumblr that I would be starting this little adventure of a blog with some of my favorite people. While Rules For the Southern Lady was so good to me for so long, it had taken a turn for something different than what it was originally intended for and I needed to take a step back. I'm excited about some things coming up, though. I'm definitely not finished with Tumblr just yet!

The actual anniversary of this blog is June 1st so I'll have a long, emotional, sappy, etc. post for y'all then but for now, I just want to say THANK YOU. It still shocks me that anyone cares about my thoughts and opinions. I have such amazingly supportive readers who love the South, Starbucks and One Direction as much as I do :) This blog has brought new people into my life and deepened my relationship with some existing friends and I could not be happier.

Year one has been mindblowing. Year two is going to be even better. Get ready y'all. We're about to take over like kudzu.


Love love love each and every single one of you fabulous Southern (and not-so-Southern) belles!!

-C. xx.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Bands on the beach. #HangoutMusicFest

Braid your hair and grab your Ray Bans—it’s festival season, y’all.

http://gurl.tumblr.com/post/80522550235/10-clothes-and-accessories-for-the-ultimate-music
This weekend is the fifth annual Hangout Music Festival, and it is SOLD OUT.  (Like... of freaking course it is. UGH.) Some of this year’s headliners include The Black Keys, The 1975, Outkast, Wiz Khalifa, and Jack Johnson—among many, many others.  It sounds like someone with my eclectic music taste selected this lineup, and I could not be happier.  (Seriously, why did I not buy a ticket?)  As if the killer lineup wasn’t enough, this music festival is on the beach. In the South.  Sign. me. up. Seriously, it's like Coachella minus the dust storms and kale but add Southern accents. So basically how we picture Heaven is going to be.

For all of us who won’t be traveling down to Gulf Shores to partake in the festivities (insert sad face emoji), I’ve made a Hangout Wish List playlist.  

instagram.com/modernmagnolias
Enjoy the amazing lineup via Spotify, and mark your calendars for next year—I have!



There’s nothing like a music festival.  People are ready to have a good time.  I don’t think anyone comes to a music festival going, ‘I’m going to be a complete bummer today.’”—Gary Clark, Jr.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

#MothersDay: Brunch and Cocktails

Mother’s Day is all about honoring your mother and I happen to have the greatest one around. No really… you may think you do and may have even commemorated it in dried macaroni once upon a time but I really do! (shout out to my beautiful mama below)

Show your mom you love her with this truly southern dish: tomato pie. Don’t be fooled, this is no sweet pie. This yummy goodness is the perfect brunch staple and, trust me, your mom will eat it up… literally. While we are on the talk about mamas, you can all thank my best friend’s mom, Mrs. Burdette, for this recipe inspiration!

How ahhhhmazing does this look??
Ingredients
3-4 ripe tomatoes *see substitution note below
1 prebaked 9-inch piecrust
1 tablespoon of chopped or dried basil
1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
1 cup chopped, cooked bacon (or bacon bits)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

Directions
Dice the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit in a paper towel lined colander for as long as possible. Overnight is fine! This will help all the liquid/water come out and prevent a soggy pie. If you only have a short amount of time, mash and squeeze the tomatoes as much as possible to get the liquid out!

Layer the piecrust with the diced onion and tomatoes and bacon.

Mix together the mayo, basil and cheddar cheese. Spread mixture evenly over pie making sure not to press down too hard on the mixture (again preventing a soggy pie… no one wants a soggy pie!!).

Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees until it’s bubbly and brown. Let it sit for 25-30 minutes before cutting. You can also refrigerate it and serve cold or room temperature later.

*If your tomatoes are not in season, which they should be by now, or just don’t look good in the store you can substitute the fresh tomatoes with one 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes.

 Now… you may be thinking, “This is great, Sara, but how can I realllly celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom.” Don’t worry girls, I got you. Mimosas are so yesterday—serve this Poinsettia cocktail alongside your tomato pie.

http://littlethingsandvodka.blogspot.com/2013_12_01_archive.html
Fill about ½ the glass with champagne, and a little less than ½ with cranberry juice, and top with a splash of triple sec. Mix it up a bit and cheers to that sweet, southern mama of yours!

But for real, this is how to show mom you love her. 
Enjoy!!

Sara 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Guide Straight From A Mother

http://www.buzzfeed.com/emilyorley/19-pieces-of-advice-from-tami-taylor
Your mother was your first best friend, your first nurse when you were sick, your first taxi service when you were too little to drive and always your biggest cheerleader. So what do you get the woman who's been there from your beginning? If you struggle to get just the thing she'd love this year, no fear. As a mother to three children myself and with two mothers to buy for, I've got every type of mama covered. We love anything thoughtful and especially anything that reminds us of our children (awwwwwww), but we also love when people put US first and get us things WE are interested in. So with that in mind here are some optionnnnnnnns. 

1. Mark & Graham leather Tote 
http://www.markandgraham.com/products/everyday-leather-tote-camel/
The bag can be personalized for mom and it's a classic shape that she can use everyday and still feel stylish. I love the colors, they are subtle and they don't scream Vera Bradley- which you should NOT get your mother. Unless she's a VB fan and then you have to bite the bullet.



2. Lilly Pulitzer Infinity Scarf
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Accessories-Shoes/Scarves/entity/pc/61/c/247/7252.uts?swatchName=Spa+Blue+Lobstah+Roll
The colors are great for summer and the no fuss of an infinity scarf is perfect for mom to finish her casual outfit with. 



3. Gallery in a box
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/champagne-gilt-wood-picture-frame-gallery-in-a-box/?pkey=e%7Cframes%7C98%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C7&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-%3Fcm_sp%3DMyRecs-_-LeftNav-_-Search%7CSku_Top_Marketing_Rule%7CFrames
I love this idea for mom! The older moms get, the more they treasure memories. Surprise your mom with her own gallery frames and fill them with a mix of old and new family photos. She will love this. 



4. On a budget? Cook for mom. Moms love good food and loving gestures, so combine the two! Check out the Barefoot Contessa's recipes for FREE on the Food Network website and Whip. It .Up. 
http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/ina-garten/ina-garten-behind-the-scenes.html
In fact, there are over 1,000 of her recipes for free, whereas on her website she makes you buy her cookbooks. So set the table, create a beautiful presentation and treat her with a feast! 



5. Hydrangeas from Terrain is a great gift for the mom who loves to garden, or just loves flowers in general.
http://www.shopterrain.com/mothers-day-nature-walk/white-robe-hydrangea-birch-bark-pot/productOptionIDs/5f63e4f8-60b3-4ee7-9cbc-15481ea61cb2
I love the bark pot and the moss touch they've added to the hydrangea presentation to make it look rustic and special. And mom can even plant the beautiful flower into her garden. Perrrrfect. 



6. Spruce up mom's summer table with new, updated linens.
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/cool+multicolor+herringbone+table+runner.do?&from=fn
I love this World Market Table Runner and the matching napkins. Mom can breathe new life into her plates and utensils for the season. 



7. If your mom loves all things beauty, get her signed up with Birchbox.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-02-16/a-surprise-in-every-birchbox
Personalize it for all of mom's interests and she will love her monthly packages! Birchbox has more than mascaras and lipsticks; you can create skincare, body or fragrance boxes just for your dear mother. 



Have I gotten your Mother's Day thoughts going? Make mama feel special! She'll thank you with hugs and kisses, which are the best gifts of all. Let the Magnolias know what you think over on Twitter using #ModernMagnolias!