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Celebrate Love and #GiftThoughtfully this Valentine’s Day

Hello, Beautiful! 

Let’s talk upping our gift basket game in a major way, shall we?

Can we just go ahead and say it? GONE are the days of the traditional wicker gift baskets! There are so many specialized gift companies popping up all over the place with such elevated, chic, beautiful packaging, it honestly makes me wonder what we were ever doing gifting those Easter basket-looking cellophane-wrapped baskets filled with perishables (like, enough with the crackers and hot sauce) and the occasional poorly made stuffed animal.

That’s why I’m so glad to have found Thoughtfully, a company passionate about gifting experiences that help us make memories together rather than throwing together your traditional old gift baskets.

I love the idea of gifting my friends, family, husband, and loved ones an adventure that fits their individuality and uniqueness rather than something that looks like it took a lot of effort to put together but is actually just a bunch of random stuff that won’t stand the test of time.

I love that Thoughtfully believes that a gift should last long after the beautiful wrappings have been torn away. I adore getting to use something regularly that I’ve received as a gift because it brings the person who gifted it to mind, almost like connecting with them from afar.

With Valentine’s Day just 2 weeks away, why not gift your girlfriends or lover babe a truly thoughtful gift, something the two of you could use to create a memory or a story? Last Valentine’s Day was a total bust for us because T was studying for the Bar Exam at the end of February and I was still bedridden post spine-surgery, so we pretty much ate chocolate covered strawberries and drank champs on the couch. I’m so thankful that we’re both in a totally different place this Love Day, and I wanted to celebrate that in a sweet way with the hubs.

If you’re in need of the perfectly packaged, truly elegant gift for your sweetie pie this February 14th, keep reading to learn more about why you should #GiftThoughtfully to your friends and family! Be sure to scroll through the gorgeous photos to see what experience I picked out for T and I to enjoy together this Valentine’s Day!

Can’t wait?! Dying to see more?! CLICK HERE to be taken to the Thoughtfully website!

I love a good Mule – it’s actually one of the cocktails I order the most when we we’re out – and I also love doing things with Thomas. We’ve been together more than 7 years now (since our second year of college! “awwww!”), so it’s safe to say we’ve been to our fair share of movies, lunches, dinners, walks, hikes, and all your other typical “date” activities.

We’ve been making an effort to do more things that connect us (bonus if it’s totally new to us!), like cooking a new recipe together, studying photography, writing songs, and anything else that gets our creative juices flowing (read: we are officially out of shows to Netflix and chill to).

Making a fancy schmancy cocktail to enjoy together was right up our alley, and  we even lucked out with a random 64 degree Saturday in January that allowed us to enjoy them over a little picnic. I tell you what, January was the month that never ended, so being outside in the sunshine cheersing with my babe was just what I needed to feel the love this Vday.

We love that we’ll get to enjoy most of our Thoughtfully gift for the rest of our lives. I mean, we ate the ginger candy right away, to be honest. Didn’t even make it to its rightful place as a cocktail garnish because it smelled that good and looked that authentic and high-end. This was not your typical gas station or grocery store gummy candy.

But the two mugs, the jigger, and the cocktail shaker are truly beautiful kitchenware pieces we have loved adding to our kitchen and look forward to using for years to come. The copper and glass are high-quality and designed with such an attention to detail. We love that we’ll always have the glassware and the memory we made together to share, and we can’t wait for our next adventure experience with Thoughtfully!

What’s In It?

  • Two Moscow Mule Mugs
  • Two Graphic Paper Coasters
  • Glass Cocktail Shaker
  • Matryoshka Jigger
  • Bundaberg Ginger Beer (12.7oz)
  • Moscow Mule Syrup (8.5oz)
  • Candied Ginger (1.5oz)

What’s Missing?

  • Ice (because it melts!)
  • Vodka

That’s it!

Moscow Mule Tutorial:

  • Using the matryoshka jigger, measure out 2 shots of vodka and 1 ounce mule syrup.
  • Combine vodka, mule syrup, and 1 cup of ice in the shaker and shake vigorously.
  • Pour into mug and combine with a half cup of the Bundaberg ginger beer.
  • Garnish with ginger candy and enjoy!

Leave me a comment if you have any questions about Thoughtfully and be sure to snag your own incredibly thoughtful gift set for you and yours this Valentine’s Day! Thank you so much for stopping by the Blush + Bourbon Blog, babes – I love sharing my life and recommendations with you, and I so appreciate your support. Be sure to subscribe and turn on Instagram post notifications so you never miss a single update!

Cheers, and until next time . . . 

xo,
eg

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My 2018 State of Mind

Hello, Beautiful!

I can’t believe we’ve officially got the first week of 2018 under our belts! Happy New Year from me & the Blush+Bourbon Blog! I hope your year is off to an incredible start – may it be your best year yet! I know I’m going to do everything in my power to make darn sure that 2018 is my year.

If 2017 wasn’t exactly (or anywhere close to) what you wanted it to be – or even if you had the most beautiful year of your life – let’s start each day in this brand new year by reminding ourselves:

  1. We. Are. Enough. 
  2. This. Is. Our. Year!

 

If you’ve been following along with the blog and my Instagram, then you know that my 2017 had its ups and downs – to say the least! It’s really important to me to be as straightforward as possible on this blog, every chance I get, especially because it can be so easy to perceive pretty pictures on Instagram as someone’s reality. Pretty pictures aside, 2017 brought me both excruciating pain and sincerely held joy, the most heartbreaking of downs and the most wonderful ups. If I had to narrow it down to my biggest struggles of 2017, I believe they would be:

  1. Battling with (sometimes irrational) fear, depression, and anxiety before and after my spine surgery in February 2017. 
  2.  Encountering tons of financial difficulty, from our law school being shut down by the federal government shortly after we graduated to our car breaking down with a new problem like clockwork every month. 
  3. Accepting that I may never understand some things, like when two of my very best friends – who stood beside me on my wedding day not so long ago and who I have loved more than anything for years – just weren’t interested in being my friend anymore. They officially stopped texting me back and started ignoring my calls, and ultimately stopped loving me despite how much I’ve loved for most of my life. 

I am so thankful for the joys we experienced this past year, too. As my mama always says, we can’t be afraid of each day’s purpose, each season in our lives: be it sorrow or joy. Joy prepares us for sorrow, and sorrow prepares us for joy. We will not live life all with one or the other, because God knows that whatever sorrow sweeps from our heart, room is being made for great joy to take place.

In 2018, let’s take our battles, our sorrows, our heartbreaks, and recognize them for what they are: the very leaves and rotten roots being shaken from the boughs of our hearts so that green leaves and new roots can grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place if you just believe in yourself and have faith.  Continue reading “My 2018 State of Mind”

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Pretty in Plaid Post-Christmas with Rosie the Blog Dog

Hello, Beautiful!

Anyone else LOVE a good plaid print but feel a little weird about wearing plaid after the holidays?

It almost feels . . . dare I say the word? Tacky. But, why?

Who says we can’t wear plaid after Christmas Day? After all, the winter season didn’t even officially begin until December 21, 2017 – just 4 days before Christmas – and won’t end until March 20, 2018! Plus, I don’t know about ya’ll, but here in North Carolina the weather gets chillier with each day lately.

That’s why I’m all about making those gorgeous plaid pieces last throughout the Winter season, not just for the holidays! If you love a good plaid print like me, keep scrolling for the lowdown on how to style that “holiday” plaid after the holidays!

I’ve also linked similar pieces to those featured in today’s post – just scroll to the bottom of my post and shop away. 🙂
Continue reading “Pretty in Plaid Post-Christmas with Rosie the Blog Dog”

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Heavenly “Peace” by Sophia’s Naturals

Hello, Beautiful!

Sleep in Heavenly Peace . . . slee-eep in Heavenly Peeeeace!

Speaking of Christmas songs . . . I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner – eek, it’s Christmas Eve eve – literally just a few days away! I’m sipping coffee out of a Target mug that says “Beary Christmas” while Mariah Carey belts out “All I Want For Christmas is You” and I’ve gotta say . . . the 60ish degree weather we’ve been experiencing lately in the Carolinas isn’t going to cramp my Christmas style at all.

The back and forth with all this weather lately has really done a number on my skin, though, ya’ll. I don’t know WHAT’S going on with “December” this year, but even the palms of my hands are incredibly dry, and I’ve never really been particularly prone to dry skin, so I can only assume it’s all global warming mixed with surprise freezes we’ve had this December in the Carolinas. Whatever it is, it leaves my skin wanting, in desperate need of replenishing so the hubs will keep snuggling me all Winter long.

That’s where Sophia’s Naturals comes in, a brand I’m so grateful to have found through the magic of Instagram! I’ve been following along with Sophia’s Naturals on Insta for a while, always admiring their warm and friendly posts, their beautiful packaging, and of course the fact that it’s a family + small business in the heart of Jonesboro, Georgia.

I love Sophia’s Nautrals Body, Soul & Mind Collection because it reminds me – on the box, literally – to “Remember To Take A Moment For You Everyday!” I love that! Any of Sophia’s Naturals gift collections would make the perfect gift for your girls or your mom because it comes with a set of 3 full-sized items . . . complete with enclosed tips to help you relax and enjoy your Sophia’s Naturals experience!

I really appreciate the little details that go into creating a product, especially since I run a blog and an Etsy shop. It’s hard work to create something that feels so unique, sincere, and specially made with love once held in a customer’s hands, but that’s exactly what the Evans Family has done with their brand. Continue reading “Heavenly “Peace” by Sophia’s Naturals”

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Oprah’s Favorite Things featuring the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean on Amazon

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. Product was provided by the client for review; however, all opinions are mine alone. #WorldsSmartestToothbrush #PhilipsSonicare #OprahsFavoriteThings #CollectiveBias

 

Simply hover over this beautiful shoppable image to be taken straight to the product page!

Hello, Beautiful! 

Let’s talk about the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9300 Rechargeable Toothbrush and one of my favorite people in the entire world: OPRAH!

*Please hold while I die and go to Heaven over this collaboration.*

First things first: is there any better person in the world than Oprah? Is there anyone more fitting for a mid-twenties woman like myself to look up to? I truly can’t think of anyone above her in this life, except of course my own mother.

I grew up watching Oprah’s show and knowing she was loved by all, but it wasn’t until I went to law school that I really started heavily turning to her magazines for my monthly dose of “goodness.” It’s the first new magazine I look for on the shelves every month, and it’s the only magazine I keep with me at all times in my purse, like my guide book to life and being a positive light for the month.

Fast forward through law school to my current setting in Corporate America, Legal Department, and I truly have a sincere appreciation for Oprah’s ability to connect with different people with different views. One thing that’s consistent between Corporate American and the Blogosphere – which perhaps we could not say just a few years ago – is this: we are all so uniquely different, and that’s okay, we don’t have to be placed in a box or be defined by one specific measure. Oprah always finds a way – despite what the political climate of the moment is – to really make us think about how, despite our differences, we are really all the same. 

It’s a truly special talent the world needs a heck of a lot more of these days. I love to share Oprah’s articles with my friends and coworkers, and sometimes I buy spare copies of her magazines if I have a few extra bucks and think a message within might touch someone I happen upon . . . if in talking to someone I think a specific article will be helpful to whatever that person is going through that month, I pass Oprah’s words of wisdom on.

And though this may be a bit embarrassing to admit, I keep up with Oprah’s horses the way some girls (AKA, me, lol) keep up with the Kardashians. I am such a horse lover, you guys . . . after all, being able to afford my own horse stable one day is why I made up my mind as a young girl to go to law school in the first place! I couldn’t agree with Oprah’s photographer more that any of us would be lucky to live out our lives as one of Oprah’s horses. Hi, pick me, please!

Since we’re probably worlds away scientifically from me getting to live the dream of galloping along the island of Hawaii as Oprah’s horsey, I’ll certainly settle – if you could EVEN call it that – for the next best thing: the honor and privilege of trying out the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean, which has been so special to me since the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500 Rechargeable Toothbrush – which I did not try – was featured on Oprah’s 20th Annual Favorite Things List for 2017! 

That’s right, ya’ll! I’m so excited to say that the Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500 Rechargeable Toothbrush was named one of Oprah’s Favorite things in 2017, and I had the chance to try a Philips Sonicare DiamondClean for myself! Keep on reading for my honest feedback and thoughts about this product. (Spoiler alert, it comes with WiFi imaging and a freaking app – it’s AMAZING!)

Continue reading “Oprah’s Favorite Things featuring the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean on Amazon”

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Christmas Morning Memories With Lazy One Pajamas

Hello, Beautiful!

I’m so excited to share tonight’s post with you because it’s about one of my favorite companies ever: Lazy One! A husband and wife team started this company in a 600 square-foot garage in Northern Utah, and today it’s grown to partner with countless recreational hot spots throughout the country.

If you’re a Southern girl like me, you’ve definitely seen Lazy One’s fun, whimsical designs in an adorable souvenir boutique somewhere while on vacay. I always love spotting Lazy One on my trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (goodness knows there have been too many of those to count and many more to come!) in tons of shops along the strip!

I love spotting Lazy One in gift stores anywhere I’m traveling because their designs remind me of home sweet home in Tennessee, the mountains, and my love for the endearing wildlife their designs always feature! That’s why Thomas and I were so excited when Lazy One sent us these matching adult onesie pajamas! It is honestly such a dream to get to work with a company that’s been so close to my heart growing up.

We had so much browsing through their website – which has so many incredible, “cheeky” designs. I honestly have always imagined having a family that wears matching pajamas on certain occasions, and Christmas is the perfect time of the year to turn to a classic company – while also supporting a fun, family business – for just that!

It was almost impossible to choose a style given that they definitely offer so much more than onesie pajamas – including the sweetest t-shirt and pants sleep sets! We just had to with the onesies, though, y’all . . . They were just so perfect for the holidays and way too cute to pass up! And if we thought it was hard to choose a Lazy One style, it was even harder to settle on a design, because let me tell ya, there are sooo many fun – and wild – designs to choose from!

Be sure to check out the Lazy One website HERE so you can enjoy the originality of these lovable PJs, too!

I must say, ya’ll . . . I let Thomas pick the “Bear Bum” design, but we honestly both fell in love with it as soon as we saw it. I helped narrow it down to our final three favorites (I’m tellin’ ya, sooo. many. great. designs!) and I was beyond excited when Thomas said, “It’s gotta be ‘Bear Bums.’ That’s the one!” Soulmate status for the win because these babies turned out to be more comfortable, thick, and stretchy than we could’ve ever dreamed of!

I love that these onesie pajamas are fun and functional, I don’t even care if anyone thinks I look like a big baby, because guess what? I’m so darn warm, comfortable, and full of Christmas cheer that I can only assume you’re just jelly and need a pair yourself. ☺️ You do! Lazy One even carries house slippers, gifts, and so much more!

If you have a family, these Lazy One onesies are the perfect Christmas morning PJs for your fam! The buttons and material are such high-quality you won’t have to worry about a thing from visions of sugar plums to the early morning unwrapping madness – bonus for being picture perfect!

Thanks so much to the Lazy One team for making our Christmas PJ situation on point this year! From hot cocoa to decorating our tree or unwrapping presents, to – most importantly – time with family, we’re so thankful to have Lazy One there for those special moments.

PS, how pinchable is that hubby’s bear bum? #OUTAKES LOL! I’m so lucky to have a guy who supports my dreams, which include this blog. Hubs says, “The PJs were cool, super comfortable. It was cool, Babe. What do you want me to say?” I love him. ☺️

Snag your own pair of PJs from Lazy One’s easy-to-navigate website HERE!

How are you getting into the holiday spirit this month? Leave me a comment at the bottom of this post, and be sure to turn on my Instagram post notifications for all the latest updates. And if you like real life, check out my Insta Stories!

Thanks for stopping by, and until next time, cheers!

xo,
eg

Blush+Bourbon

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Cyber Monday Sale Roundup: The Deals Are Still On!

Hello, Beautiful!

Anybody else walk into Black Friday and Cyber Monday like, “Hi, here’s all my money! Give me all the things!” *Casually slips Target store associate a crumpled $20 while he looks at me, disgusted.*

Sweatshirt, tank, and tennies by Target. Leggings by Kohls.
Walking down the check-out aisle like #YASSHONEY #WERK

Well, I’m just as blessed, surprised, and happy as you are to find out that some of the best deals of the day of Cyber Monday have continued throughout the entire week! So, if you missed any of the sales this past Black Friday or Cyber Monday, don’t fret – I’ve got your back! Just keep on scrolling for a super easy-to-view, clickable image of ALL my favorite holiday deals going down this week.

Hint hint: I’m finding Kate Spade bags on major sale, and all of the coziest cutest items at Aerie for under $20. Check it out here:

I want to know your style, so leave me a comment with your favorite items from the mood board above! I’m obsessed with buffalo plaid, ruffle sleeves on sweaters, and anything that says (or is) avocado toast. I’m also dying for a new Kate Spade bag, and I can’t even deal with how good the online deals are right now. If you’re in the Charlotte area, then here’s a major tip for ya: the Kate Spade Outlet off of I-485N (Exit 4) is . . . wait for it . . . it’s going to be legendary . . . 70% OFF RIGHT NOW!!!!! THAT’S RIGHT. 70% OFF!
What are your favorite finds from Cyber Monday or Black Friday? I felt like there were so many amazing deals this year on Cyber Monday that sold out so fast, but I really didn’t run into a single crowd on Black Friday . . . I was actually shocked at how empty the Queen City was! I think a lot of people went shopping on Thanksgiving night, probably right after dinner, at least that’s my theory from chatting with a few store clerks around town while shopping that day.
I definitely used to venture out to hit up all the stores on Thursday nights after Thanksgiving leftovers had been turned into our annual Thankful Soup, and the city was always so crowded. It didn’t matter the route you planned, whether you started at the outlets or the nice mall (hello, South Park), or a shopping center-type situation like Target or Ulta . . . it was always completely packed to the brim with frantic people.
To be perfectly honest, I think I’m a fan of going Black Friday shopping on actual Black Friday, because it was so quiet and different from the Thursday night experience. It was honestly completely relaxing and actually kind of nice. And that also allows me to fully focus on napping, lounging, being food baby pregnant, and all the other close-to-couch things I’d rather be doing on Thanksgiving evening, anyway. 
What’s your Black Friday plan of attack? I hope you snagged some amazing deals this weekend! And, if you didn’t . . . scroll right back up to the sale board and #treatyoself girlfriend.
Until next time . . .
xo,
eg

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Holiday Travel Made Easy with BootayBag

Hello, Beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by the blog for a special post about my must-have for holiday travel: BootayBag! BootayBag is a delivery service that hand-selects two panties – whatever style you prefer – to send straight to your doorstep each month.

The best part is it’s totally justifiable to spend $12 to treat yourself each month. Plus, let’s be honest . . . I almost never remember to buy myself panties when I’m out shopping anymore! I’m always focused on makeup or clothes, but always tops or dresses-kinds of clothes, never panties. And with the holiday season upon us, I’m mainly focused on shopping for family, the hubs, and my besties anyways!

I love that BootayBag checks one major essential off my shopping list during such a busy time! I can easily toss the delivery into my weekend bag for a trip to visit family. Check out how cute the packaging is below!

If you follow along with the blog and my Instagram page, then you know my kitten Belle had to get up in my travel essentials situation and make herself comfortable. Keep scrolling to see just how full of it she really is . . . I mean, she started nibbling and rubbing against my BootayBag, ya’ll.

Belle finally made off with my lip gloss after spending way too much time trying to steal my BootayBag. She’s nuts.

I’m a chronic over-packer, but I firmly believe you can never pack too many pairs of panties or socks when you travel. (Socks especially if you happen to have a husband who to tends to forget extras.) I always grab a blanket scarf, comfy house shoes, a reusable water bottle, a lip gloss (preferably with a mirror like this one!), a blanket, and – you guessed it – plenty of undies! Continue reading “Holiday Travel Made Easy with BootayBag”

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Eat-What-You-Want Thanksgiving Plaid Dress

Hello, Beautiful!

I hope you’re as ready for some turkey, gravy, stuffing, and major cranberry sauce this Thursday as I am! Living. For. It! I can’t really say I’ve been particularly food conscious this month… yet I feel particularly ready for – and deserving of – all the food I plan to consume this Thanksgiving.

I hope you get to be with your family or friends for the holiday, and if you’re traveling, please be safe! We’re so lucky to spend this Thursday – Saturday with my mom, so I’ll be soaking up every second of this time with her.

My hubby Thomas always wakes up early to cook our turkey, it’s his thing and I love it. I handle the sides and mom brings the desserts, and I adore that element of tradition that we share. Real talk, Thomas’s turkey is incredible every year. He injects it with this Cajun butter and checks on it every 30 minutes, it’s my favorite. I’m ready.

Luckily for all of us I’ve found the perfect holiday dress that’s comfy, loose-fitting, and perfectly plaid so we can eat all the turkey – and then all the leftover turkey – that we want!

I love this dress because it’s got a classic black and white plaid pattern that’s dark and flattering with a fun good stitching accent for that holiday vibe! It honestly feels like wearing a big tshirt with some tights (or leggings, whatever you prefer). It’s the perfect outfit to look put-together for the holidays while feeling totally comfortable (well, as comfortable as your clothes can be) around your family!

I’m all about an actual effortlessly chic look for way less: this dress is from Target and I’ve linked similar dresses and all outfit details below!

Keep scrolling for all the links you’ll need to shop this comfy and classic Thanksgiving look, including the booties and scarf. I’m completely in love with the soft material of this dress, which is under $30!

Continue reading “Eat-What-You-Want Thanksgiving Plaid Dress”

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Fall Entertaining with Sahale Snacks

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #changesnackingforgood #CollectiveBias

Hello, Beautiful!

I’m so excited to share my new – and FAVORITE! and best of all, QUICK+EASY! – fall dessert recipe with you, just in time for your Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and any Autumn get-together on your agenda in-between!

My Fall cupcakes – which have the most mouth-watering, salty-sweet vanilla pomegranate nut crumble on top – will leave your guests feeling extra thankful this holiday season!

Let’s dive right in to Fall entertaining with Sahale Snacks, shall we?!

How delicious do these cupcakes look, ya’ll? Vanilla, pomegranate, and citrus are the perfect flavors for an Autumn get-together, and this recipe couldn’t be simpler! I plan on bringing this dish to our Friendsgiving event this-coming Sunday, and I can’t wait to see our friends’ reaction after seeing my hubby’s! (Ya’ll already know he had to shove an entire cupcake in his mouth as soon as we were done with this Sahale shoot!)

I love the juicy pomegranate arils and that hint of orange zest I sprinkled on top, but my favorite topping by far is the Sahale Snacks cashew mix I chopped up for the crunchy nut crumble on top. Before we start listing out what you’ll need for this recipe, let me give you a few shopping tips when it comes to locating Sahale Snacks at your local Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Martin’s, or Stop&Shop stores!
Continue reading “Fall Entertaining with Sahale Snacks”