I'd Like to Thank....

Happy Friday, lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful week! I LOVED yesterday's 80 degree temperatures. If only it would last longer than a day! Spring is only a few weeks away and I simply cannot wait!

This week's Friday Fancies theme celebrates one event that leads us one day closer to spring, the Academy Awards! I just LOVE watching. the gowns, the elegance, the dashing men! In honor of the show, I've dreamed up my dream look, looks if I were to be in attendance. Let's face it, every Hollywood A-lister would never have just one look. We have to have options the night of. After browsing hundreds of spring collections, I've decided on two Monique Lhullier gowns. one red and one blue. Blue seems to be the color for fall 2012 and a lady can never go wrong with red. To top my looks off, I will daunt lovely Cartier jewels, of course!

What is your favorite part about the Oscars? Who are you looking most forward to seeing? I cannot wait to see Mr. Gosling, and of course, Kate Beckinsale. They are both the epitome of Hollywood elegance.

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and plenty of Hollywood glamour!

Downton Abbey

Lately, I've been obsessed with DOWNTON ABBEY. In case you're unfamiliar, this show takes place in the early 1900's (1912 to be exact) and follows the life of the Earl and Countess of Grantham at their Yorkshire country house, Downtown Abbey. This British period drama was the second most watched television show after the Super Bowl this year. Thank goodness Netflix has season one and two for me to get caught up on. If you haven't watched Downton Abbey yet, you still have time before season three comes on in September. I promise you will not regret it!

What shows are you loving this year? Anything out of the mainstream world?

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and an appreciation for fine television!

Happy President's Day!

While I am sitting at work, unable to honor this day as it should be, (shopping) I want to share with you a few facts about my favorite president, Ronald Reagan.

*RR would have celebrated his 101st birthday on February 6th.

*His economic policy dubbed the term, "Reaganomics."

*Reagan was once the president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

*Once a Democrat, Reagan formerly switched to the Republican party in 1962. He was famously quoted as saying, "I didn't leave the democratic party. The party left me."

*69 days into his presidency, Ronald Reagan was shot during an assassination attempt.

*RR was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994.

*Ronald Reagan was one of five American presidents to keep a consistent diary of his presidency. You can ready an account of everyday during his presidency (minus his time in the hospital during the assassination attempt), in The Reagan Diaries. If you have not done so, I HIGHLY recommend it!

Here are some of my favorite Ronald Reagan quotes:

Going to college offered me the chance to play football for four more years.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders.

Happy President's Day, y'all!

Who is/was your favorite president?

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and a patriotism in what our country use to be, is and will one day be.

Un-BELIZE-able

Once again, I'm a few days late on Friday Fancies. I've had a busy week with Valentine's Day and Sweet E's birthday. None the less I've put together a dream get-away look. I am dying to head off to somewhere warm. The top place on my list is Belize. I would LOVE to go there and visit the blue hole. It is said that some of the best diving in the world can be done here. After seeing this lovely landmark, I've decided to base my look on inspiration from this heavenly spot. Without further ado, deep blue!

I tried using Publisher for this week's addition of FF. I'm not sure it is the best method, but I am trying to improve my posts. Do you have any suggestions?

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and many planned adventures.

The Greatest Love of All...

Happy Valentines Day, friends! I hope each of you have a special day. Whether you watch movies and drink wine in your pj's or hit the town for a romantic night out, remember the greatest love of all is from our Father above:

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

My day started off with a smile. I woke up early and made Sweet E (pink) waffles and delivered them to bed. Tonight we will cheer on the Nashville Predators and celebrate our love in the place we first met...downtown.

Pink waffles and strawberries I made for Sweet E!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL day! I can't wait to hear about it!

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and lots of LOVE.

XoXo

ADELE-ightful Grammy Award Show!

With somber air and heavy hearts, the greatest musicians of 2011 took the stage to remind the world that music unites us all. I think we can all agree, Adele confirmed this belief when she began and ended her performance. From her a cappella start to her teary eyed standing ovation, this years Grammy awards had several great performances.

My favorite was Adele, of course and the many great performances by musicians of my parents day: Sir Paul, Glen Campbell, The Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen totally rocked it...and Stevie Wonder's harmonica diddy wasn't too shabby either. I also LOVED the tribute to Etta James with Sunday Kind of Love.

While I believe music is not what it use to be, it is still as exciting as ever. Katy Perry's emotions literally made her blue...from head to toe. Her new song is definitely going on my workout playlist. Rhianna and Kate Beckinsale sure have inspired me to bust my tail. Do legs get any better? Aside from the performances and appearances, the dresses had a very conservative retro feel. High necklines and long gowns were all the rage.

Let me share some of my favorite frocks and major flops:

This reminds me of Halle Berry's dress at the Academy Awards several years ago. This was my FAVORITE gown of the evening. it is sophisticated and lovely and while you can't see the back, has a very feminine bumline.

Business in the front, party in the back. LOVE the peek-a-boo of skin in the back on Carrie's long sleeved look. Gorg.

Every girl knows a black dress is never a bad choice. Simply stunning especially with the red lips.

Feeling blue? I get that. The blue gown I LOVE. The blue hair? Not so much. Only Katy Perry could pull this off.

Does this really need an explanation? AMAZING.

Well helllooo, Sophia Grace and Rosie! What lovely tutu's you have on! How can you NOT love these gals!?

Everyone raved about Rhianna's gown. While she looks stunning in it, a plunging neckline is not for me. I think over-showing what you have is not attractive, and I'm really not a fan of the big hair and dark roots.

Talk about getting into character.
Is Niki trying to be the new Lady Gaga?
I did like her makeup.

I have to know why Snooki is at the Grammys.
No, really. WHY??? AND WHAT IS SHE WEARING!!!!!

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When are the Academy Awards? I need to see more of this guy!

What did you think of the Grammys? What were your favorite gowns and performances?

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and a little bit of glamour and a good tune!

All You Need is Love....

Are y'all enjoying the Grammy's tonight? I sure am! I can't wait to recap all of my favorite performances and red carpet looks tomorrow. but until then, here is my Friday Fancies look, a few days late.

I thought red and pink together would be hard for me, but not after finding these FABULOUS shoes and adding the polka dot top. This might be one of my favorite FF looks. If only it were in my closet!

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and plenty of Grammy gossip for tomorrow!

The Daily Ramble.....

Good morning, lovelies! I sure am glad today is Thursday! Only one more day. I've had the most difficult time waking up this week. I really need to try to break my "snooze" habit. Do any of you have tricks for waking up early? I need ALL OF THE HELP I CAN GET!

I found this on pinterest a few weeks ago and have had several followers repin it. I printed it out and hung it up a work. Such great advice to keep in mind. Other than the Serenity Prayer, I plan to make this my mantra.

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and plenty of inspiration!

Frankly My Dear....

Back in November I decided to tackle Gone With the Wind. With the holidays, it took me a while to finally open it up. When Christmas rolled around I was 50 pages in- and then I got an iPad. Boy did that change my reading speed. Not having to lug around 1000 pages of this classic, southern tale made it MUCH easier to get through. A week ago I finally finished.

If you're a fan of the movie, like I was, and haven't read the book, do it NOW. I was amazed how much was left out of the movie. I was also very impressed at how well the movie was cast. Every character was spot on how I imagined them.

I'm not getting ready to read Rhett Butler's People, Rhett's side of GWTW. I've heard this is a decent "sequel." Let's face it, anymore time I get to spend with Rhett is just fine with me.

Today, I discovered a website to help me keep track of all the books I've read. This site helps you see what books you've read, want to read and how well you liked them. According to your ratings, it will make recommendations for you. It also allows you to connect to your friends. I will definitely have to spend time and think about all of the books I've read. There are WAY too many to remember. I've always been a bookworm.

Have you read Gone With The Wind or Rhett Butler's People? Do you have any book recommendations?

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and a good read!

Super Bowl & Pole Fitness Weekend!

Hello, friends! Hope you all enjoyed your Super Bowl weekend. I was glad to see the halftime show as it use to be; ENTERTAINING. I loved Madonna's set, appearances by Cee Lo Green, Niki Minaj, m.i.a and the fact that it had me dancing, wiggling, in my seat! I would normally have been up dancing in the living room, but this weekend I celebrated my girlfriend Lauren's bachelorette weekend by attending a "pole fitness" class.

Yes, by "pole-fitness," I mean stripper poles everywhere and spinning moves taught by a true (ex) stripper. Let me tell you, I have a new amazement and respect for women who participate in this activity. I woke up Sunday and felt like I was hit by a train and have the bruises on my arm and legs to go with. I honestly didn't think I would be able to lift my arms above my head to wash my hair. (No worries, I made it happen.)

I don't have any pictures from our experience, but I do have a video of our teacher, Denise, showing off some of her "pole moves." If you haven't tried a "pole-fitness" class I would definitely recommend it as a fun afternoon with your girlfriends. Be prepared to sweat and be sore. This will be one of the best core/strength workouts of your life.

Denise at Work!

How was your weekend? Have you ever tried a "pole fitness class?"

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and exciting new experiences!

Friday Fancies: Spring FEVER!

I cannot wait until it's officially spring! While the weather in Music City has been unseasonably warm, the rain has not let up. I am ready for birds chirping and sun shining. Did you know that daylight savings time starts in just over a month? Not that I'm counting.

  This week's Friday Fancies theme is Spring Fever. Perfect timing. My spring fever is in full swing. All I can think about these days are bright colors and jetting to the beach. Ahhhh to be in college again. The real word, unfortunately, never allows enough vacation days...unless you are a lucky teacher!

  This season, I'm dreaming of colorful swimsuits, turquoise, yellow and bright color-blocked dresses! What are you dreaming of during your bout with spring fever? any favorite new nail colors or designers look books I need to see?

S_Sophisticate on Polyvore

Until next time, may your weekend be full of magnolias, bourbon and plenty of warm, early spring weather!!