The Countdown Begins: Only 44 Days Until Christmas!

I can't believe it's only 44 days until Christmas!

I am so excited, this is my favorite time of the year. I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that my family and I will begin decorating for Christmas in only 2 weeks, this year has flown.

Making gingerbread houses is a holiday tradition in my family. As long as I can remember my sister and I have built gingerbread houses together every year. I have found some of the cutest gingerbread houses and grouped them together to share with you! 

Do you have a holiday tradition you really love?

What's in My Makeup Bag...

Nars Holiday Blush Palette (last years) / Nars Powder / Maybelline concealers / Real Techniques Blush Brush / Maybelline Baby Lips /Real Techniques Sponge /Physicians Formula Bronzer / Elizabeth and James Nervana Rollerball Perfume / e.l.f. Kabuki brush / Vera Bradley Medium Cosmetic Bag in Jazzy Blooms.

I don't wear a lot of heavy makeup, but there are some products that I just love. At home I have a vanity filled with makeup (I blame it on my sister) so the contents of my makeup bag are constantly changing. If there are times I don't have my makeup bag with me, the one thing that I always have on hand is my L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara... which explains why it's not in the picture... it's in my backpack.

What's in your makeup bag?

We Grow as We Go

Here is a little Throwback Thursday...

Modeling and Fashion have always been a big part of my life. My parents founded an international clothing company not long before I was born. At just a few months old I made my first TV appearance, and I can't even remember it. I continued to model for several years until my interests took me in other directions.

When I was just a few years old, my mom was in Los Angeles for business; an agent saw the photos above, and wanted to put me to work. Unapologetically, I declined in favor of going home to eat doughnuts... (what was I thinking? I wasn't thinking. I was being a kid, and me "being a kid" is what my parents wanted the most.) 

I really have had some amazing experiences already in my short life, and everyday I grow and continue to be thankful for all my blessings. I'm really enjoying this blog and sharing things I love. It is another amazing experience for me. Life is constantly changing, but one thing is certain...we grow as we go. 

I like to surround myself with people who believe in me. My family and friends lift me up and inspire me everyday. I hope reading my blog can inspire you in some little way, because whether you feel it or not, you're pretty great!

PS: I still love doughnuts! :)

        

Halloween One-Eyed Monster Cookies:

           

Last fall my Grandmother made my school basketball team these Gooey Monster Cookies and they were delicious; everyone loved them. Parents and kids were coming back for seconds... and even thirds! I wanted to share this recipe with you because I know these cookies would be a great and fun treat for Halloween festivities this weekend.  

What are some of your favorite Halloween treats?

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Ingredients:

1. 1 white cake mix box
2. 1/2 cup butter softened
3. 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4. 1 8 oz. cream cheese bar softened
5. 1 egg
6. powdered sugar
7. food coloring
8. candy eyeballs

Instructions:  

1. Beat butter, vanilla, egg and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Mix in cake mix. Divide batter into bowls for the amount of colors you want.
3. Add food coloring to each individual bowl and mix until all combined.
4. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll into balls and dip in a bowl of powdered sugar.
6. Place on greased cookie sheet and pat down a bit.
7. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes
8. Add candy eyeballs while cookies are still warm. ENJOY!

Credits: www.liluna.com

Lovin' Fall: Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, Converse

Top: Ralph Lauren Oxford

/ Jeans: American Eagle / Vest: Vineyard Vines / Shoes: Converse

/ Sunglasses: Ray Ban Clubmasters / Belt: Vineyard Vines

/ Earrings: "Monogram" Eve's Addiction 

/ Bracelets: Alex and Ani & James Avery 

I love this time of year, it makes getting dressed so fun. A Ralph Lauren oxford button down is one of my favorite styles all year long, even with shorts. With the weather getting a little cooler, I decided to do the jeans thing, pull out my favorite Vineyard Vines belt (that  matches almost all of my favorites tops), and traded my sandals for my white chucks. While it isn't that cold here yet, I still like wearing my Vineyard Vines puffer vest. It isn't too thick, making it a good weight to layer over an oxford, giving my look a little added fun and color. 

What are some of your favorite looks that you can carry from one season to the next?

Southern Layne: 40 Things I Love

Here are a few things that I love, in no particular order. I know I'm kinda scattered by going from loving football and playing basketball to beauty and fashion, but that's just me. I challenge you to try and create a list of things you love, it really makes a person feel grateful that there are so many things in life to enjoy, no matter how big or small.

1. Alabama Football.. Roll Tide!
2. Snapple Peach Tea
3. Donuts 
4. Vineyard Vines, Polo, and J. Crew 
5. My Family, Friends, and God
6. Playing Basketball
7. Fall and Winter
8. Photography 
9. Videography
10. Blogging
11. Converse
12. Red Velvet
13. Monogram Anything!
14. Starbucks 
15. Apple Inc. Products
16. Sunsets
17. The Mountains
18. Tuscaloosa, AL
19. Green, Blue, Pink, Red
20. Dogs
21. Hunting and Fishing
22. Uggs
23. Leggings
24. Lululemon Headbands 
25. Youtube 
26. Beats by Dr. Dre
27. Revenge on ABC
28. Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family
29. Shark Tank
30. Blueberry Muffins
31. Special K Cereal
32. Nike Running Shorts
33. Throw Blankets
34. Cold Pillows 
35. Hair Braids
36. The noise it makes when I dig through my makeup bag
37. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
38. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara
39. Clinique Skincare Products
40. Boys from the South

Vineyard Vines Friends and Family Sale!

Vineyard Vines is one of my favorite brands. It's very preppy but casual; I love the quality and fit. This Family and Friends Sale ends October 20, 2014 at 10:59 PM EST. Don't forget to use the code: FF14 at checkout to receive your discount.