Southern Weddings

Since I have lived in Alabama, I have had the opportunity to do a lot of freelance makeup artistry for weddings.  And let me tell you, weddings here in the South are unique!  They are charming! They are very traditional, and generally a lot larger than weddings where I am from. 

 I've been doing a little bit of work with a wedding planning studio here called Mariee Ami.  They do stunning events and their blog is a must follow for any bride-to-be or wedding junkie.  I learn about all sorts of southern wedding traditions and quaint ideas from their posts.  Like "The Cake Pull" where sterling silver charms are set into the cake with the ribbon out.  Each bridesmaid pulls a ribbon out, and the charm on the end tells them what type of luck they will receive.

It has been really fun to be a part of so many people's special days and learn the ways the southerners pull tradition into each ceremony.  I love to work with brides, and I am constantly asked beauty questions for the big day.  You can read about my Top 5 Makeup Tips for Brides here.

I wanted to share with you a wedding I worked on in Jackson, Mississippi a few months ago.  It was unlike any other!  I assisted the head makeup artist, Celine Russell with the GIANT bridal party.  This was such a beautiful wedding with many intricate details, and the biggest bridal party I have ever done.

The family was so down to earth and welcoming. When I checked into my hotel, I had a "Welcome to Mississippi Box" box awaiting me chock full of goodies!  It was such a treat to enjoy during my stay in Jackson.

Celine, with the beautiful bride, Callie.  If you look closely, you can see me in the background!

The Six Most Effective Sunscreens You Need for your Face and Body

Hello!  I'm really excited to talk about this topic.  I have an obsession with sunscreens.  I get excited when I see a new sunscreen on the market.  This passion for sunscreen stems from being apart of a family of redheads with very pale skin.  We weren't like the typical family.  We're like vampire, we don't tan, we burn.  All of my life whenever my family and I would go anywhere we were always slathering gobs of sunscreen all over our bodies all the time to protect our delicate white skin against the radioactive waves from the sun.  It wasn't until my dad found skin cancer on his body was when I knew I wanted to make sure my children understand the importance of taking care of their skin against getting burned, skin cancer, and premature aging.   We used A LOT of sunscreen while vacationing down in Alabama.  Sorry Caitlin, mermaids don't wear t-shirts.

An Announcement & End of Summer Playlist

Hello, It's Caitlin again!

I am so happy to announce that I have officially joined Fry Sauce & Grits, and that I'll now be posting weekly.  Hooray!  Thank you to all of those who commented and joined in on the curly hair discussion!  I am so excited to be a part of this creative blog with my sisters, and as a special treat I decided to make an End of Summer Playlist to celebrate!

Something Swanky's Favorite Things Birthday Present Giveaway!

I'm super duper excited to tell you about one of the best giveaways I've seen in a LONG time.  Have you heard of Something Swanky?  If you haven't, you need to head over there right now, make sure you're not hungry or it might cause you to drive to your grocery store and raid the baking goods aisle so you can make all of the delicious and decadent desserts Ashton makes.  I feel so lucky to have met Ashton from Something Swanky this year at the Build Your Blog Conference and instantly fell in love with her, her sincere and kind personality. This girl is so talented and smart!  She blew my mind when she told me she designed her entire site by using PicMonkey!  What the WHAT!?  After spending a night talking with her I felt like we were bosom friends.   Maybe because we both have a love for good food and delicious desserts.  Anyway, it's Ashton's birthday next week and she decided to do a giveaway of the gifts she would love to receive for her birthday.  Ashton felt like blogging has made her life so enriched she decided it would be so fun to pay it forward to the people (her loyal followers and friends) who have contributed to a fabulous year. 

Want to win some of my favorite things?! Here's what's up for grabs:

• KitchenAid Artisan 5 qt. Stand Mixer - Red
• A $300 Gift Card to Target
• All of the Blogger recipe books pictured above! (10 total)

How can you enter to win all of these goodies (an $800 value!)? Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below by signing in with your Facebook or E-mail account (you're required to use one of those so we can contact you if you win!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Travel Size Obsession! Packing Tips

Let's face it.  Everything is cuter when it's smaller.  Beauty products are no exception.

Why is it that whenever I see something miniature, I instantly want it?  And I always say to myself, "Well, that would be PERFECT for when I travel!"  

You would think I was a world-class explorer with how many travel-sized things I stock up on.  Seeing how at this point in my life, my vacations mostly consist of going to Utah to visit family, I hardly need the arsenal of small toiletries in my linen closet.

So, in an effort to cut back,  I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the most important mini travel items that you should have.  Because if you have 25 mini beauty items, then that sort of defeats the whole travel sized idea, right?

These are great to have packed and ready to go in case a weekend getaway opportunity presents itself.  (fingers crossed here!)

1.  The mini deodorant.

Sephora sells these little gems in a 1 oz. size for $10.  This may seem like a pricey investment for a deodorant.  But, let me tell you it has brought me so much happiness whenever I pack for a trip.  It's adorable.

2.  The travel makeup brush set

  This set is called the Bobbi Brown 'Luxe' Brush Set.  Nordstrom has these pretties available right now.  And for $125, it better be luxe.  But, this is surely an investment piece!  Can't you see the value people?! It folds into the thinest clutch ever, and it will make you feel so streamlined and chic you won't even remember your former self.  

3.  Shampoo and Conditioner

Kiehls

Shampoo and Conditioner are personal.  I received these travel gems when I attended a Kiehl's training at work.  I love them and used them on my beach trip last month.  The weight of regular sized S&C bottle is too much for a 3 day trip.  Lighten your load.

4. Shaving cream

Drugstore

Let's not over think this one.  It just cuts down so much space.  No need for frills here.  It washes right off, smooth legs are a must.  

5. Hairspray

Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray

This hairspray is lightweight and perfect for every day.  Small can, love it.

Okay, so this is by no means a complete list.  But, these are the things that I always bring with me, and depending on where I am headed, I will pack more.

This is the amount I would typically pack for a week away.

Please share any of your favorite travel items or minis with me.  Or, any other ways you save space and weight while packing.

Another packing secret: I love the "Zip and Ship" method from the girls at MMandLshow.

Check it out, you won't regret it the next time you are headed out of town!  You will feel so relieved knowing you have what you need, and your bag is underweight to boot!

And just because....

Dexter was trying to be a part of my travel products photo.  Sweet guy.

Celctic Knot Inspiration

I have a new obsession this summer.  I'm in love with Celtic knots!   I used to think this art form was only worn and loved by Lord of the Rings and medieval fanatics you find at the park sword fighting each other. I've changed my mind about that and this ancient insular art form is my go to for this summer and fall.  

What started this obsession was when I received two Celtic Knot Turbans from Very Jane one in black and coral.  I wear them almost every day!  I wear them to church, hanging out with my girlfriends, when I'm home all day, and I even wore them while camping (made me feel classy when I had dirt embedded in my nails).

5 Tips For Curly-Haired Gals

Photo credit

Hello!  My name is Caitlin, and I'm the Fry Sauce & Grits duos younger sister.