A Look Back at 2014 on Southern Royalty

Here's to 2014! I am so happy I spent another year with you all on the blogosphere.  I love reading all your comments, visiting new blogs and getting ideas from all the amazing fashion, lifestyle and foodie bloggers out there.  And although my job has not allowed as much time for blogging as I would like, I am excited that you all have stuck with me throughout 2014. I am excited to continue blogging in 2015 and hope to be able to put more time towards Southern Royalty in the coming year.  If you all have any tips or tricks about blogging in addition to building a career, I would love to hear from you.  Also, if you are a fellow blogger, feel free to share your blog in the comments!  I am always looking for new bloggers and Pinners to follow! 

1.  The most viewed post of 2014

2.  Reached 2,600+ Pinterest in 2014

3.  Reached 300+ followers on Twitter

4.  Reached 120+ likes on Facebook

5.  Reached 360+ followers on Instagram

Happy New Year! 

xoxo

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Winter Essentials

We have only had a few brief moments of winter so far this year, but I am crossing my fingers that we'll have at least a few more weeks before the season's over.  I love all the comfy and cute styles of winter.  Winter clothes have to be the most comfortable of all, don't you think?  Scarves, boots, tights and sweaters are my favorite!  Since I work in a very cold office, I have been sporting my light sweaters, jackets and scarves, but I'm ready for a few cold days.  I am tired of 80+ degrees in December! What's up with that?

In honor of the official start of winter a couple weeks ago, I am putting together a few items I consider essentials for every fashionistas wardrobe.

Comfortable Sweater // Lighweight Tunic Sweater // Plaid Scarf 

Long Sleeve Shift // Neutral Coat // Hair Accessories // Quilted Jacket

Suede Wedge // Riding Boots // Casual Loafers

Opaque Tights // Quilted Vest // Versatile Wool Black Pants

What do you all consider your winter must-haves?  Comment below with your winter wardrobe favorites! 

xoxo

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3 Looks for New Year's Eve

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to start thinking about your NYE plans.  Do you have a big party to go to or a date with a pint of ice cream?  Either way, you should look cute doing it! 

Night Out // Take a simple dress and turn it into a party outfit with a few simple accessories.  No need to spend hundred's of dollars on an outfit you'll only wear once.  Invest in a classic dress you will wear over and over.  A simple black or white dress can be dressed up with a festive pair of shoes (like the leopard ones below or glitter pumps like these) and fun jewelry.

Dress // Pumps // Bag // Earrings 

Dinner & A Movie // A simple nice dinner and movie can be a great way to spend NYE.  Whether you go to a late movie that finishes right around midnight, or a early showing and head home to watch the ball drop, a simple night out is a great way to ring in the new year.  

Top // Pants // Wedges // Bag

Night In // Enjoying a quiet New Year's Eve at home is the way to go in my opinion.  Although, I have not stayed in the past couple of years, I absolutely love staying in on NYE.  I don't want to sound like a party pooper, but staying in with comfy PJs, a warm blanket and my TV sounds like the perfect party to me.  After all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes a good night in is all you need to feel rested and ready for the year ahead.

PJs // Slippers // Mug

What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

xoxo

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After Christmas Sales

Anthropologie | Extra 25% off sale items with code INAFLURRY
Baublebar | 40-60% off select jewelry
Bloomingdales | Up to 75% off after Christmas sale items
C. Wonder | 50% off your entire purchase + free shipping on $100 or more
Forever 21 | Up to 50% off holiday favorites + free shipping
Jack Rogers | Up to 50% select styles
J.Crew | 30% off full-priced styles & an extra 40% off sale items with code HOLIDAYTIME
J.Crew Factory | 30% off new arrivals + an extra 30% off clearances with code HAPPYSALE
J.McLaughlin | Up to 60% off in stores & online
Kate Spade | 25% off sale items with code JINGLE25
Kate Spade Saturday | Extra 25% off sale items with code SALEAWAY
Neiman Marcus | Up to 60% off designer items
Nordstrom | Up to 50% off designer clothing, shoes and accessories
Old Navy | Extra 20% off already reduced styles
Piperlime | Extra 60% off all sale items with code CHIC60
ShopBop | Up to 70% off new markdowns
Sole Society | Up to 60% off select styles
Tory Burch | Extra 25% off all sale items with code NEWYEAR

What great deals have you found today?

xoxo

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Merry Christmas!

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May your day be filled with beautifully wrapped gifts and family fun! 

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas with family and friends and remember the true reason for the season, our savior, Jesus Christ 

Merry Christmas!  Thanks for reading.

xoxo

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Weekend Links

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1.  A chic navy & red look from The Quarter Life Closet.

2.  Get in the know before the week ahead.

3.  Holiday cutout cookies.

4.  10 stocking stuffers.

5.  Holiday fashion essentials: plaid pants.

6.  Balsamic blueberry grilled cheese sandwich.

7.  Bobbi Brown limited edition red lip gloss.

8.  Butternut squash soup with bacon garnish.

9.  A busy girls guide to troubleshooting your morning beauty routine.

10.  Holiday dress wear inspirations on Pinterest!

What are you reading/watching/listening to/buying this weekend?

xoxo

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10 Stocking Stuffers

Exactly one week until Christmas day, which means you still have plenty of time to shop for all your family, friends and co-workers.  One of my favorite traditions of Christmas morning is waking up and opening up my stocking full of goodies first.  Everyone in our family gets a stocking of treats, including our dog, Missy.  It's one of the best traditions we have continued since I was a little girl.

Here are a few of my favorite "tiny" gifts! :) 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette // Furbish Studio Mustache Bag Clips

Kate Spade Whistle While You Work Tackle Box // J.Crew Bow Ankle Socks 

J.Crew Travel Sleep Mask // Lolo Aligator Luggage Tag 

Essie Nail Polish Set // Starbucks Gift Card // Furbish Studio Cheers Votive // Fireplace Matchbox

What are you hoping to find in your stocking?

xoxo

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Gifts for Friends

Finding the perfect gifts for your friends can be a lot of fun!  If you and your friends are like me and mine, you like the same things.  Think about what you want and then get it for them! It's easy and fun.

Here are a few ideas for your friends.

Cookbook // Christmas Ornament // Scarf // Minimergency Kit // Earrings 

Mug // Water Bottle // Candle // Wallet // Belt 

What are you getting your best friends?

xoxo

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Weekend Link

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1.  How to network your way through the holidays.

2.  Stocking stuffers from C. Wonder.

3.  Gifts for the home.

4.  Fall and winter fashion.

5.  8 benefits to having a morning ritual.

6.  Get in the know for the week ahead.

7.  Cute comfy look from Glitter and Gingham.

8.  Holiday dress wear inspirations.

9.  Classic professional look from Summer Wind.

10.  5 steps to getting a raise.

What are you reading/watching/listening to/buying this weekend?

xoxo

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Gifts for Him

Having trouble finding just the right gift for the men in your life?  I always struggle to find the perfect gift for my dad each year (and his birthday is December 16th... talk about double struggle!).  Well, whether you're shopping for dear 'ole dad, your significant other, your brother or one of your guy friends, here are a few ideas for all budgets.

J.Crew Corgi Lightweight Socks // J.Crew Hill-Side Wool Fedora

Starbucks Gift Card // J.Crew Plaid Mini Notebook

Jack Spade Leather Card Carrier // S'well Stainless Steal Water Bottle

Barbour Quilted Vest // Jack Spade Fulton Leather File Brief // Sperry Top-Siders

What are you getting your husband/boy friend/dad/brother this year?

xoxo

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10 Gifts for Coworkers

You spend more time with your coworkers than just about anybody.  Countless hours of hard work, stress and of course fun!  Your coworkers know as much about you as some of your closest friends and if you're lucky, your coworkers become your closest friends.  They know your coffee order, your favorite lunch time spots, go-to office supplies and even your bad habits (after all, we all have habits we could break!).  So treat your coworkers to a nice surprise this holiday season (if your officemates exchange gifts of course).

This year my office is doing a White Elephant gift exchange, but if your office exchanges holiday gifts here are 10 fun treats for your coworkers! 

Bow Push Pins // Appointment Calendar // Smart Phone Dock // Candle // Acrylic Stapler
Magazine Holder // Monogrammed Mug // Notebook // Pencil Pouch // Monogrammed iPhone Case

Does your office exchange gifts?

xoxo

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Green Monday Deals!

Did you know today was "Green Monday"?  Well it is and it's full of great deals!!! 

Anthropologie // Extra 30% off with code EXTRAMERRY
ASOS // 20% off select brands
Baublebar // 30% off the site with code INSTAGLAM
C. Wonder // 30% off + free shipping
Forever 21 // 30% off all skirts, jewelry & dresses
J.Crew // 30% off with code MERRYMERRY
J.Crew Factory // 40-60% off everything
Kate Spade // 25% off code JACKPOT
Nordstrom // Up to 40% off, new items added
Madewell // 30% off with code MERRIEST
Piperlime // 30% off select holiday styles with code CELEBRATE

Have you found any great sales?

xoxo

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Weekend Links

1.  Delicious fall and winter recipes. 

2.  Jennifer Nettles and Idina Menzel singing 'Let It Go'.

3. Holiday to-do list.

4.  DIY gift ideas.

5.  Embroidered camel cocktail napkins.

6.  15 things to do in NYC during the holidays.

7.  Get in the know for the week ahead.

8.  The Everygirls holiday gift guide.

9.  Design Darling's pop-up shop!

10.  Adorable winter plaid.

What are you reading/watching/listening to/buying this weekend?

xoxo

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Gifts for Her

If you haven't already done so, it's time to start shopping for all your ladies!  Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for mom, your sister or your best friend, here are a few little gifts under $50!

Social Bug Cocktail Napkins // No. 117 E. 78th By Amy Stone // Starbucks Gift Card

Rebecca Minkoff Pouch // Navy Parker Bangle

Monogrammed Acrylic Business Card Holder // Bobbi Brown Mini Lip & Eye Palette

Cupcakes & Cashmere // Food For Thought Placemat

Have you found the perfect gift for the ladies in your life?

xoxo

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5 Things To Do During the Holidays

1.  Pick out the perfect tree | I don't feel like the Christmas season has truly started until we put up the Christmas tree.  Whether you go to your local tree lot to pick out the perfect tree or decorate an artificial tree, the perfect way to start the season off right is decorating the tree with the family.  I love decorating the Christmas tree every year.  We use an artificial tree, since my dad is allergic to pine, but I love that we don't have worry about it drying up… we can keep it up as long as we want with no mess or painful takedown! 

2.  Decorate the outside of the house | Once your tree is decorated and lit, it's time to light the outside of the house.  I love driving through out neighborhood during the holiday season and seeing all the homes lit up with bright white or colored lights.  Lights, wreaths, and poinsettias are my essentials for outside Christmas decorating.  I love simple white lights paired with a fun wreath and a few poinsettias, but colored lights can be beautiful too!

3.  Shop for friends & family | Now that your home is ready to go, it is time to start checking those names off of your shopping list.  Shopping for Christmas gifts is one of the hardest, but one of the best parts about the holiday season.  If you didn't snag the perfect gift for family and friends on Black Friday, follow me on Pinterest for a few ideas! 

4.  Drink a festive drink | Make a cup of hot apple cider, hot cocoa or cold egg nog... or stop by your local coffee shop for a peppermint coffee or signature seasonal beverage.  I love the Starbucks peppermint mocha coffee and caramel apple cider.  It seems like they pull out the red cups earlier and earlier each year.

5.  Host a holiday party | Now that all your decorations are up, send out formal invitations or a simple e-vite and invite your friends to a festive shindig at your home or apartment.  Whether it's a tacky sweater party with fun games or a fancy dinner party, having friends over during the holiday season can be a lot of fun.  Plus you get to show off your decorations!

What are your favorite things to do during the holidays?

xoxo

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Cyber Monday Deals!

Amazon Fashion // 30% off with code CYBERMON

Ann Taylor // 50% off your entire purchase with code CYBER50

Anthropologie // 20% off all sale items with code EXTRAJOLLY

ASOS // 30% off with code ILOVEMONDAYS

BaubleBar // 20% off with codeCYBER20

C. Wonder // 40% off + free shipping on orders of $100+

Gap // 40% off with code CYBER

J.Crew // 30% off full-priced styles & extra 40% off sale items + free shipping with code MONDAY
J.Crew Factory // 50% off everything + extra 10% & free shipping with code YOUVEGOTSALE
Kate Spade // 30% off with code CYBER30
Kendra Scott // 15% off + free shipping with code BRCM2014
L.L. Bean // 10% off with code THANKS10
Loren Hope // 20% off + free shipping with code THANKFULLY
Nordstrom // Up to 40% off designer items + earn up to 10x points on Nordstrom card
Old Navy // Up to 40% off with code CYBER
Piperlime // 30% off + free shipping with code CYBERSALE
ShopBop // 15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1,000 with code GOBIG14
Sole Society // 30% off all shoes & bags
Tory Burch // 20% off $300, 25% off $500, 30% off $750 with code LUCKY
Tuckernuck // 15% off entire site with code SHOP15

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What Cyber Monday Deals have you found?

xoxo

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December Desktop Calendars

I love having changing my desktop, iPad and iPhone to a fun festive holiday background.  How cute are these backgrounds?  

Download here!

Download here!

Don't you just love the Christmas season? 

25 Days till Christmas! 

xoxo

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