Category Archives: Living Southern

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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Southern Traditions: Monograms

A guest post by Alexandra Davis

Southern Traditions: Monograms | Fairly Southern

Confession: Even though I was born in New Jersey, I identify more as a Southerner than a Northerner. This might be because I’ve lived in the South for more than half my life. But it may also be because of the many Southern traditions I’ve come to know and love. There is something so sweet about the Southern lifestyle, from sweet tea, pecan pie, and big front porches to genteel manners, accents, and stories.

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Southern Traditions: Shrimp and Grits

The Best Shrimp & Grits Restaurants in the South + The History of Shrimp & Grits | Fairly Southern

What could possibly be more Southern than shrimp and grits? When I asked y’all on Instagram what you’d like to see in my Southern Traditions series, this was one of the first suggestions!

I confess that I feel a bit underqualified to write about shrimp and grits because, despite the fact that I served it at my very own wedding, I don’t eat it! I just don’t like the taste and texture of shrimp. So, I’ve enlisted a bit of help from my family and my good friend Google to bring you the history of this uniquely Southern dish (sources listed at the bottom of the post), as well as advice on where to find the absolute best shrimp and grits in the South!  Read More

Searching for (and Finding) Ethically Made Beach Towels

Searching for (and Finding) Ethically Made Beach Towels | Fairly Southern

Shopping for ethically made clothes has become second nature for me, but every now and then I realize I need to shop for something that I’ve never thought about before from a fair trade/eco-friendly/sustainable perspective. I had one of those weird moments last summer when I realized that Wes and I really needed a couple of beach towels.  Could I possibly find some that were ethically made? I set out to try!

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Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin’

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin' | Fairly Southern

A couple of weeks ago on Instastories, I asked you all to share your favorite Southern traditions, as I’m hoping to highlight many of them here on the blog. When my friend Maile messaged me that her favorite Southern activity is drinking wine in the summer heat, I knew that would be the first tradition I’d write about. We are right in the heart of prime porch sittin’ season as we speak!

Obviously, you don’t have to necessarily be on a porch to fully enjoy a fantastic summer beverage. Sit out on your patio, in your lawn, or by the pool…wherever you’d like to be! But, you get Southern bonus points if you can find a porch with a rocking chair (or better yet, a porch swing!).

Here are my suggestions for everything you need for a magical afternoon or evening of porch sittin’! Read More