Author: Fairly Southern

17 Must-Read Southern Novels

17 Must-Read Southern Novels | Fairly Southern

I know I am biased, but I think there is something especially romantic and beautiful about novels set in the South! Beyond descriptions of white sand beaches and trees dripping with Spanish moss, the South has a lot of content to offer when it comes to deeper lessons on relationships, family, racism, tradition, and general life wisdom. Whether you need a good beach read or are looking to curl up inside with a good book, here are 17 Southern-based novels that you need to check out! All of these are books I personally love or come highly recommended by friends.

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Small Joys: Volume 19

Small Joys | Fairly Southern

All the little things bringing me joy lately:

1. Surviving the creepy stalker van. I had to drive a big transit van for a work event the first weekend of June. It had a driver’s seat, a passenger seat, and then the entire back was gutted to hold equipment. The sides had no windows, and it definitely looked like a creepy van that someone would use to kidnap children. Also, it was HUGE. I felt like I was driving a bus…I had to reach down for the steering wheel, and it seemed like my feet could barely touch the gas and brake pedals. I drove it up and down several mountains and parked it in busy parking lots and NO ONE DIED. I consider this one of my greatest victories in life.

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Finally Finding Fair Trade Home Goods…with Amani ya Juu!

This post is sponsored by Amani ya Juu. All opinions are my own and reflect my honest thoughts on the products.

Napkin set by Amani ya Juu - fair trade home goods made by artisans in Africa | Fairly Southern

I’ve done a great job over the past several years of going ethical with my wardrobe. I pretty much exclusively buy fair trade or eco-friendly clothing items. But extending fair trade purchasing into other areas of my life has been more of a struggle. The next fair trade frontier on my radar? Home goods!

For some reason, my mind doesn’t automatically turn to fair trade when I’m in need of a home good item. When I say home goods, I really mean anything that I use at home, from decor to more practical items like dishes. When I need a set of oven mitts, I don’t think twice about running out to Bed Bath & Beyond and buying the first pair I see on the shelf. This is so different from how I shop for clothing, which is much more selective and thoughtful! Part of the problem is that I have no idea where to even begin shopping for fair trade home goods. And I’m ready for that to change.

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wirl Review: Personal Styling Services in Raleigh/Durham

This post is not sponsored. I received personal styling services from wirl in exchange for my honest opinions.

wirl Review: Personal Styling Services in Raleigh/Durham, NC with Tracy Vazquez | Fairly Southern

Have you ever found yourself completely overwhelmed when shopping for clothes and wishing Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear would pop out from behind a rack and help you pick out items that will most flatter you? Or have you ever wished you could have Marie Kondo come in your closet and help you sort through your clothes to figure out what you should keep and what you should give away? 

Y’all, these types of services aren’t just for TV anymore….they are accessible to normal people like you and me! I recently got to try one out and am so excited to report back to you on the experience!

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Southerner Spotlight: Making Fitness More Inclusive with Hannah Setzer

For me, part of what it means to be “Fairly Southern” is to be fair to and inclusive of people of all races, genders, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and cultures. One of my original intentions for this blog was for it to be a space that promotes diversity and inclusion in the South. Social justice is an undercurrent in many of my posts about ethical fashion and sustainability, but I also hope to publish more posts that directly focus on promoting a more inclusive Southern culture. I am excited to do just that today with a spotlight on Hannah Setzer, a Virginia native with a rare medical condition who is on a mission to make the world, and especially the fitness industry, more inclusive for those with disabilities and medical needs!

I did a Q&A with Hannah to learn more about her background and her mission. I can’t wait for you all to get to know this spunky lady! Without further ado: meet Hannah!

Hannah Setzer of Feeding Tube Fitness: Making the fitness industry more accessible for people with disabilities and medical conditions! | Fairly Southern
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Sustainable Sandals: Oka-B Review

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Oka-B sandals in exchange for a review. This review contains my unbiased, independent opinions.

Oka-B Sandals Review: Sustainable, Fashionable, Comfortable, Women-Owned, Made in the USA | Fairly Southern

I used to always choose fashion over comfort when it came to my shoes. Now, I won’t settle for one or the other! I want super comfortable shoes that still look cute and are practical (i.e. can be worn for multiple occasions). And, it helps if they are made ethically and sustainably, too!

I had heard about Oka-B shoes and had contemplated ordering a pair for about a year or so. Then, Oka-B reached out to me and asked if I’d like to try some. The brand seemed like it could check all of my criteria boxes, so I jumped at the opportunity! I chose the Quinn Sandal.

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