A guest post by Alexandra Davis
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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1. For the Love Podcast Episode 6: Glennon Doyle. I’ve been listening to Jen Hatmaker’s podcast for a while now, but for some reason episode 6 had never downloaded to my phone (probably because I didn’t have enough available space at the time…a recurring problem for this photo/podcast hoarder). I just now downloaded and listened to it. Y’all already know that I’m a huge fan of Glennon AND Jen, so naturally I adored this podcast episode. So many nuggets of true wisdom about life, love, and creating good in the world. Definitely worth your time to listen!
Hooray! It’s my annual recap of the books I read last year! This has become one of my favorite posts to write.
I read 34 books in 2018. That is 6 more books than I read in 2017, not that I was counting or being competitive with myself or anything. That would be so unlike me.
For the most part, I listen to audiobooks rather than reading physical books. It just works better with my busy schedule! I can listen to audiobooks while driving and cleaning, whereas I rarely carve out time to actually sit down on the couch and hold a book in my hands. The one exception is vacations–I love to read actual book on vacation!
While most of the books were ones I chose myself, some of them were selected by my book club. I really like being “forced” to read books that I otherwise probably wouldn’t pick up. I have discovered quite a few favorites that way! And, even if I don’t love the book, at least I feel like I broadened my horizons.
Without further ado, here are the books I read in 2018, along with my opinions on each. They are in alphabetical order, and the ones that are *starred are ones that I highly recommend adding to your own reading list! There are many good books on this list that did not get a star. I tried to reserve stars only for books that I enthusiastically recommend.
Read MoreTomorrow, we say farewell to 2018! It has perhaps been my favorite year of blogging yet. I have blogged weekly (a consistency I have never before attempted) on some of my absolute favorite topics!
To celebrate a wonderful year of blogging, I’ve pulled the top five most frequently visited blog posts on Fairly Southern in 2018. Starting with number 5:
Read MoreThis post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclaimers/disclosures here.
I’m so excited for my annual superlatives post! As we approach a new year, I have enjoyed reflecting on the highs and lows of life in 2018. Here are my superlatives for the past year!
Buttery, gooey, brown sugar-y. This was always the taste of Christmas morning in my house growing up. As it turns out, Moravian sugar cake is a holiday tradition that I share with many other North Carolinians, including my husband and his family! And it’s one that you’re going to want in on.
Read MoreThis makeover post gives all the details you need to create a glam holiday look at home using clean beauty products! But the best news? One lucky reader will win their own professional makeover at Trellis Beauty! Read through to the end of the post to enter.
If you’re like me, you’ve got your everyday makeup routine down pat. I can throw on some foundation and mascara like a champ. But when it comes time to take it up a notch for a special occasion, I’m a little lost. Highlighter? Winged eyeliner? Contouring? I don’t have a clue about this stuff…but I want to!
This post is part of my Why Series here on the blog. I often write about fair trade, eco-friendly, socially conscious living, but I am not always able to fully address in each of my blog posts WHY I choose to live this way. This series goes into greater detail about my why!
Over the past couple of years, I have transitioned my shower and skincare routine to include more and more “clean” beauty products. This means that I am choosing products that are made from natural, non-toxic ingredients rather than harmful chemicals. Here is why I have decided to make clean beauty a priority:
Happy Holidays, friends! If you’re like me, you are in full-on Christmas mode now that Thanksgiving has come and gone. One thing I love about this time of year is the sending and receiving of holiday cards. I have so much fun reading the cheerful wishes and seeing how people have changed and families have grown over the past year.
Two years ago, I made the switch from sending paper Christmas cards to sending an electronic card. I will never go back! Below are five reasons why I love electronic holiday cards. Read More
Sometimes, ethical and sustainable fashion means NOT buying new clothes.
I haven’t shared many outfit posts on the blog lately because I haven’t been shopping much! I purchased quite a few cold weather tops and sweaters last year, so I honestly haven’t needed to do much shopping as the weather has changed this year. But I have to confess: I have felt anxious about not having any great new ethical fashion finds to post here on Fairly Southern.
