Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {Isaiah 9:6}

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday, filled with lots of love and joy. Presents, family time, lunch, parade watching, and 3-mile walk with Dad have made up my day so far.. now it's time to pack for a couple days at the beach. So excited to get away before returning to the daily routine! 

Did Santa bring you anything good? 

xo.

fill in the blank friday

Happy Friday! Another work week is almost complete and the weekend fun is right around the corner. With lots of activities planned and final holiday touches to complete, I can hardly wait. 

Today, I'm linking up with Lauren at The Little Things We Do for Fill in the Blank Friday...

1. My most favorite "little thing" is... {whew, this is a hard one since I'm all about the little things} to receive a hand written letter in the mail. I'm a dork when it comes to getting snail mail. 

2. I'd give anything to... achieve my dreams and wake up everyday knowing only good awaits.

3. I can't believe... there are only nine, let me repeat, NINE more days until Christmas! Lots of presents are left to be bought and wrapped. Time to finish it up this weekend so I can enjoy the true reason for the season.  

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is... put a smile on someone else's face. Happiness comes from helping others.

5. The last thing I want to do today is... clean. My grandma is coming to visit for the holidays and the house must be cleaned. {ps: this will be pushed off until tomorrow}

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say... my favorite Christmas cd is... and to answer the question, mine would be NSYNC's holiday album. A little Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays can make this girl smile on cue.

7. My favorite candle scent is... Yankee Candle's Christmas Cookies. If y'all have not smelled its deliciousness, you are missing out. Who doesn't love to smell sugar cookies at the holidays?

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! Anything fun planned? 

xo.

Low Key Weekend

This weekend was low key but sometimes those are the best kind to have...

- sleeping in for the first time in weeks

- Kannapolis Christmas Light Parade

- cleaning bedroom and bathroom

- spending way to much time on Pinterest (officially addicted)

- studying for my last two finals of this semester

- Sunday morning church

- 3 mile walk with my Dad

- more studying

- watching made-for-tv Christmas movie

The Gem Theatre {downtown Kannapolis}

How was your weekend? 

xo.

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

Happy Hump Day! 
The start of this week has been overwhelmingly busy with less than two weeks in the fall semester. Three finals, three tests, one presentation, and one project stand in my way. {eekkk!}Christmas break, please oh please come quickly. 
My frequent study breaks consist of Twitter and my newest addiction, Pinterest. Isn't it great?! I'm linking up with The Vintage Apple for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesdays" with some simple holiday gift wrapping ideas. The holidays have officially arrived. 

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Do you have any holiday gift wrapping ideas? Do you wrap simple or fancy? 

Are you on Pinterest? Follow me HERE.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Happy {belated} Thanksgiving, y'all! 

Sorry I'm a day late but my parents and I traveled to Virginia to spend the holiday with my grandma. Such a wonderful couple of days to turn off the computer and enjoy family time.

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In today's culture where Christmas comes right after Halloween, I believe it is very important to take time to remember Thanksgiving. Throughout the year, life is crazy busy and while I don't thank God enough for all the blessings in my life, this fourth Thursday of November allows me to take a moment and reflect. Below are just a few things I'm thankful for.

- God and His enduring love and grace

- my family who loves and supports me

- friends who are always there

- a job that I love waking up to everyday

- coworkers who make work enjoyable

- a roof over my head and food on the table

- clothes, sports, music and technology

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

What are you thankful for this year? How did you spend Thanksgiving? 

Weekend Wisdom: Little Things

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This weekend, let's remember that little things to us are big things to someone else.

A simple hello, using 'please' and 'thank you', a friendly smile, holding the door for the person behind you.

These things that seem to be so insignificant could be a bright light for someone who is having a dark day.

Don't ever underestimate the little things.

xo.

Fashion Friday: Rain, Rain, Rain

Today, the weather in Charlotte is quite gloomy. Rain, gray skies and cold temperatures have made me want to stay inside, curl up on the couch under a blanket and clear off some space on the DVR.

I may or may not be doing this right now. Oops.

However, the view out my window has made me think about rain boots on this 'Fashion Friday'. Even though it might be a mess outside, any fashionable girl must still look stylish.  

Here are two options that I would love to add to my closet...

Hunter 'Original Tall' High Gloss Rain Boot

Color: Aubergine

Sam Edelman 'Ximon' Rain Boot

Color: Olive Rubber

Are you eyeing any rain boots before the brutal winter months arrive? 

xo.

Weekend Wisdom: Life Is Waiting

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I'm guilty.

Of what you may ask? 

Of trying to plan out every moment of the day and as a result, sulking in disappointment missing MY life that is happening right in front of me. Hundreds of moments make up one 24 hour period in our lives and how many of those do we actually remember? Most days, I'm lucky if I can recall a handful.

Over the last few weeks, I've accepted the fact that life isn't perfect. People change. Money doesn't buy happiness. The unexpected will mess up my schedule. But when I let go of what I think my perfect life should look like, I have a pretty darn good one, staring at me in the face.

So today as I start a new week, I'm going to embrace everyday with open arms and enjoy the life that is waiting on me. Will you do the same?

Grace Not Perfection.

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Just a little Wednesday morning inspiration to kick start the day.

However, I have a confession. I am a perfectionist. I like things to go exactly how they are supposed to, at the time they are supposed to, at the place they are supposed to. Get the picture? But life is not perfect and neither are we. Road bumps happen daily and life is what we make of these annoying detours to our plan. Sometimes they create more pain and sometimes they create more joy.

But no matter what, grace always remains.

So today, I'm going to strive to hold myself to a standard of grace not perfection.

xo.

Finished Product

Classy. Southern. Simple. Fresh.

These were words I used to describe what I wanted my blog design to look like. After much internet browsing and thought, here is the finished product. And I honestly couldn't be happier! What do y'all think?

A new addition to my blog are the social media buttons on the right. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest and Twitter or send me an email...I would love to chat with some of you lovelies.

Anyways, life has been busy lately. Got home yesterday from a work trip to Chicago, where I was able to explore downtown for the first time. Stay tuned for a recap coming tomorrow!

I'm always looking for new topics to write about, so if you have any ideas, let me know.

xo.

What's Behind a Name?

Okay, I know. It happened. Again. I slacked at posting. But it was for good reason, I promise. This sweet blog of mine is getting a makeover.

First up is a new name. After much thought, this 'Little Miss' is becoming 'Southern Grace'. The new title completely sums up what I strive to be each day - southern and graceful. Being raised in the South is something that I wouldn't trade for anything and the older I get, the more I realize that I do indeed love it so very much. And then there's grace. When I was little my Mom would call me 'Gracie' because I would trip and run into things all the time {hint the lack of grace}. Thankfully I've gotten a tad bit better at watching where I'm going! But in all seriousness, grace is something that we receive but do not deserve. Each day God extends grace to every one and when the going gets tough, I try to remind myself of this grace. The good Lord knows that there are plenty of moments in each day that I need grace so shouldn't I extend it to others? 

Next is the redesign process. I'm currently working with Emily over at Designer Blogs to get a new look. I saw a preview this afternoon and it got me all excited. It's simple and clean...just like I wanted. Can't wait for y'all to see it! Fingers crossed it will be up by the end of the week. 

How did you lovelies come up with your blog title? 

xo.

The Final Countdown

Ladies and gents, another Monday is in the books. And the final countdown {cue the music!} has begun.

It seems like just yesterday I finished summer classes. Well, it was only a week ago but as I looked at my calendar today, it hit me.

The fall semester starts one week from today. Oh my geez.

The last week has been amazing. Free time is something I don't normally have, so my nights have been consumed with reality TV and pleasure reading. I'm sad to see it go.

Can someone make the clocks slow down just a little?

Ridiculously Amazing

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One thing I love about waking up each morning is knowing it is a new day. You can wipe clean whatever weighed you down yesterday and start fresh.

Make today ridiculously amazing, friends.

High Five

1. How weird is it that my Dad and one of my best friends have the same birthday? Yep, July 5th is always a big one on my calendar. However it is very challenging when you want to be in two places at once. I've yet to figure out the best system of how to spend time with both of them. For the last couple of years, I have used the every-other-year technique ... one year I'm with my Dad and family, the next I'm with my dear friend. Anyone have suggestions on how to make it work better?

2. When shopping for the aforementioned birthdays, I did a phenomenal job of shopping for myself. It never fails ... finding stuff that I want is not nearly as hard as finding stuff for people I care about. Why is this the case? Maybe it's because I try to be perfectionist and make each gift one-of-a-kind. Who really knows but I guess I'll chalk it up as this girl loves to shop!

3. Two of my most recent purchases are an adorable brown and white print maxi dress and another Tervis Tumbler to add to my kitchen collection. First, I have always wanted a maxi dress ... but when you are only an inch over 5' the challenge is a bit steep. A lucky day came my way and I found an inexpensive piece {hello, $27.99} from my beloved Target. Can't wait to wear it during a relaxing weekend. Second, when can a girl go wrong with another Tervis Tumbler? If you do not own one of these drinking cups, please put it on your next shopping list. They are beyond wonderful and keep your drink cold or hot no matter what the outside temperature. A-maz-ing if you ask me.

4. I have been trying to be very smart with my fashion purchases lately. Believe me, it is very tough. {Remember, I love to shop.} So instead of buying, I look through magazines and catalogs and create wish lists. It actually is very helpful because by the time you get around to allowing yourself to make another purchase, your want for the item might be gone. And if it isn't, that means you will definitely wear it ... a lot. My current wish list is basically the entire J Crew catalog. Ah, back to making that wish list and saving the bank account.

5. Rain and thunderstorms have become an everyday occurrence this past week. Honestly, I don't mind it ... especially when it lowers the temperature {Praise the Lord.} But my favorite part after a thunderstorm has rolled on through is to find the rainbow. Rainbows have such a biblical meaning and every time I see one, I remember the beauty God created and the promises He made. As one of my favorite quotes says ... "To see the rainbow, you must put up with the rain."

What randomness have you been up to lately?

Happy 4th of July!

As we say in the south ... Happy 4th of July, y'all! With Independence Day falling on a Monday this year, the final of a three day weekend was in full effect. Fireworks, sunshine, cooking out, spending time with friends and family: all the wonderful things that I love about this holiday.

But after all the fireworks have lit up the sky and the sun has set, let's not forget that we are a blessed nation to live in this country, the United States of America. We have the freedom to worship the one true loving God, the freedom of speech, the freedom to be individuals. However, all of these freedoms don't come free. The men and women who serve and protect this country allow us to enjoy today. Please keep them and their families, who hold down the normal life while their loved ones are away, in your thoughts and prayers.

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That pretty much sums it all up ... God Bless America, the land that I love.

Do You Dare?

In the words of Christian Siriano, this look is fierce. {totally loved him and his creations on Project Runway}

The mixture of two bright colors that are almost on opposite sides of the color wheel surprisingly work perfectly together. Then add a pair of leopard heels and the outfit is taken to another level.

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While this outfit is out of my norm, I seriously might give it try the next time an evening look is needed. One thing is necessary first though ... a nice tan. Pool time, please!

Would you try this daring look?

Sweet Summertime

Sunshine, warm weather, afternoon thunderstorms, pool time, pretty flowers, fruity drinks ... ahh, sweet summertime. I don't know about y'all but this season is one of my favorites.

Living in North Carolina, we have only two seasons: winter and summer. Somehow we skip over fall and spring ... those two really aren't necessary, are they? I guess it is a good thing that my two favorites are the ones that actually happen!

So far this summer, life has been busy but I remind myself daily to have some 'me' time. It is a necessity in order to not go crazy in this rollercoaster of life.

Recently I've taken in a Knights baseball game ...

And enjoyed some strawberry margaritas with friends...

Most of my time is consumed with working (a 36-week racing schedule provides quite the to-do list and keeps my calendar full) and knocking out my three summer courses. Thankfully, today I'm riding a productive train and chugging right along ... toot, toot!

You Must...

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High Five

1. Well, my slow start to blogging happened. I had great intentions of consistently posting but life caught up and took over. Guess that happens when you have a busy schedule, huh?

2. Life is officially crazy most days. With a little over one year left to receive a college degree, I decided to take three online classes to ease my load during the upcoming semesters. However, mix in two part-time jobs in the public relations world and most days there just isn't enough hours in the day. Even on those days, I'm beyond blessed.

3. Mother Nature clearly has been causing havoc for many across the US lately. It seems every week I hear about a tornado devastating another town. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Let's not forget about these people a month from now when a better 'story' comes along.

4. I love hockey ... and that still might be an understatement. This past January my love for a sport I grew up watching was rekindled. So, with the Stanley Cup Finals underway, it is clear that I must multi-task when the games are being played. One day, I will attend a NHL Finals game. Go ahead and add it to my bucket list. {ps: I will blog about hockey on another day}

5. Magazines are a weakness of mine. Any magazines, really ... fashion, house decorating, sports, health, cooking. You name it and I probably have read it at some point. I don't care to admit how many subscriptions come to my house every month. However, I do need to find a few spare moments to read the ones I have piled up.

The Royal Wedding

All of the hype. All of the media coverage. All of it was worth it to watch a moment of history. Even though I am a proud American, I was one of the millions to wake up bright and early on the East Coast to watch the Royal Wedding of William and Kate. After all, I am a girl who is a sucker for weddings.

Can we please talk about the fashion statements that Kate and her sister, Pippa made? Simply gorgeous.

Love the lace detail. Classic.

Dress No. 2 also looks timeless.

Pippa was the showstopper in my book. Amazing.

The look between these two sums up the hype. Completely captured the love.

Here Goes Nothing

Well after weeks of saying I was going to start a blog, the day has finally arrived. Lots of my friends are part of the blogging world and I have grown to love reading others, leading to the creation of this 'Little Miss'.

Brief introduction: Daughter of two great parents and our Heavenly Father. Friend to many but Best Friend to few. Shopaholic and shoe lover because every girl needs to look fabulous. Terrible cook but one day I will learn. Love to dance alone in my room and sing in the shower. Believe that morals are still important to have. Sports chick who has grown up in the motorsports world but also has a love for hockey. Public Relations Rep + College Student = BUSY schedule.

At only 5'1, I might be a 'Little Miss' but as I like to say, "Dynamite does come in small packages."

Thanks for joining me on this new adventure!