Librarian

I was hopelessly wandering and traveling there for a bit, but I am back in Memphis still trying to get back in my groove. 

Recharging and laying low I found myself meandering through a book store with a heaping stack. 

I mean there is nothing quite like getting lost in a book, taken to another world. The nerd in me finds them to be utterly magical. 

First up on my must read list is Z, which comes highly recommended by my dear friend Alex. You have seen her pop up on here a time or two. Her taste is impeccable, so I have no doubt this will be a riveting tale of F. Scott Fitzgerald's leading lady set in a wildly romantic era . 

Apparently I have been living under a rock because I did not learn about this heroine until just a mere few weeks ago. Malala Yousafzai's courage will be remembered for the ages.

I find Malcom Gladwell books to be mystifying. I really just cannot get enough. They give me brief moments of courage to take risks. 

A classic for the repertoire. Who doesn't love a great American writer?

An inspiration to be unconventional.

These were just the few that made the short list. I am sure these little treasures will not encourage early bedtimes. Nothing a second or third cup of Joe can't fix when the morning comes.

XO,

Bee

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Holiday Gift Guide

It's officially December which means I'm in full-fledged Christmas mode. I like to give Thanksgiving it's time in the spotlight, but as soon as December 1st rolled around I started my holiday shopping. I spent several hours this weekend scouring the web for great gift ideas, so I bring you some of my top picks.

1. Haircalf Bow Gloves, Banana Republic. I first fell in love with the leopard print but was very 

    intrigued once I sat the magenta color.

2. Antique Silver Jewelry Boxes, Pottery Barn. They have a whole collection of these and bonus: you

    can monogram!

3. Julie Vos Byzantine Cuff. We love, love, love this designer.

4. Universal Portable Charger, J. Crew. For a girl on the go. 

5. First Knuckle Rings, Catbird. I'm obsessed with "up high rings" as I've been referring to them

    (because they sit on the upper part of your finger), glad to finally know what to call then. Catbird has

    loads of interesting pieces.

6. Cedar Street Monday Bag, Kate Spade. I mean, there's gotta be a little Kate Spade on every gift

    guide.

7. Off Track Planet's Travel Guide for the Young, Sexy, and Broke , Urban Outfitters. I think I really

    need this for Christmas. Wink wink, family.

8. How to be Interesting by Jessica Hagy, Urban Outfitters. As a blogger, this is an everyday struggle. I

    know Bee will back me up on that.

1. Wool Plaid Scarf, J. Crew. Can't go wrong with a classic plaid for the holidays.

2. Clubmaster Classic Sunglasses, Ray-Ban. These just seem very hip.

3. Saddle Leather Toiletry Case, Pottery Barn. This can also be monogrammed, PB has it down for

    personalized gifts.

4. Vintage NFL Beer Stein, Pottery Barn. This just seemed very manly, and once again it's able to be

    personalized.

5. How To Be A Man by Glenn O'Brien, J. Crew. The gentleman's guide to being, well, a gentleman.

6. Alfred Sargent Chelsea Boots, J. Crew. I think by now you're probably starting to see a pattern in my

    men's guide. Just go to J.Crew or Pottery Barn and you're set.

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Zionsville

Here's another peek at my recent Indianapolis weekend. We explored the charming little burb of Zionsville. This, along with the IMA, is something that I don't normally take the time to visit in my Indy trips. Its brick paved Main Street lined with boutiques and restaurants will keep me coming back for sure.

Nothing makes me happy quite like a wall of colorful scarves.

I was pretty enamored with this little church, particularly the gingerbread trim and the stained glass windows.

 This book store also doubles as a travel agency. The book store was closed but the travel agent was nice enough to let us meander through the books for a few minutes. I wanted to stay a few hours.

 Tucked in the back of the store was this little room dedicated to a local artist. I love all the colorful floral prints.

Everything I'm sportin' has been in my closet for a bit, but I did my best to find look alikes.

Dress- h&m (similar look here) Vest- Forever 21 (similar here) Bag- Kate Spade

Lesley Jane had some great vintage inspired dresses and interesting store fixtures. 

Lunchtime at Cobblestone Grill started with a caprese stack that used a really yummy aged balsamic vinegar.

I went for the duck tacos because they sounded like an interesting flavor combo: blackberry salsa, avocado, and goat cheese. They were savory and super delicious.

 The little patio all to ourselves!

For dinner we went to Rick's Cafe Boatyard, an Indianapolis staple set right on Eagle Creek Reservoir. It's like a little piece of New England in Indiana.

I had the Summer Goat Cheese Salad made with prosciutto, strawberries, olive oil, and pistachio encrusted goat cheese. Yes, goat cheese again. I kinda love it. 

I spent most of my time there running around the huge deck taking pictures and trying to fight off the gloomy weather.

Maxi dress- Jessica Simpson (similar here) Shoes- Prabal Gurung for Target (similar styles here) Bracelet- J. Crew

XO,
Lo

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Oxford

Saturday Alex, my main Southern gal, and I ventured down South for a little day trip to Oxford, Mississippi. Our trip started off with some good laughs as we sat at a stoplight, looked over and noticed that the tractor and plow idling next to us was being driven by an 8 year old. Shocked? A little, then again I'm sure he was a seasoned tractor driver.

It wasn't my first time in Oxford, home of Ole Miss. My friends and I usually venture down south during football season, festival weekends, shopping, etc. Any excuse really to pretend like we are in college will usually do. It was the perfect day to stroll around and act like we were students hanging around during summer vacay. 

It is the quintessential Southern town quiet, colorful, filled with charm and the faintest smell of fried chicken wafting in the air. The Square bustles with residents, students, and visitors there for some quality home cookin' (not a chain in site) and some boutique shopping for the weak of heart. 

We strolled through the square stopping for a Bloody Mary and Mimosa at the creole inspired Boure

A little light reading commenced at Square Books. We embrace our nerdyness.

Why yes, they sell ice cream in a book store. I mean, why not?

Alex maintaining an enormous amount of self control. She only bought one...

I totally judge books by their covers. 

Me bookworming in the F. Scott Fitzgerald section. 

Naturally rewarded the child inside of us with some confections from Holli's Sweet Tooth.

After chowing down all afternoon and treating ourselves to some lemon sorbet and vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, we thought it be wise to walk it off with a stroll through the historical streets.

A random chair just asking to be sat in.

We stumbled upon William Faulkner's humble abode. Like all the greats, he was a little crazy. Not sure why. His house was inspiring.

 I can't say for sure, but I bet he wrote under this.

All in all I'd chalk up our day trip as a major success. There's nothing quite as wonderful as stuffing your face with some delicious eats and drinks, shopping with your  partner in crime, and taking in the plantation style architecture on a warm summer day.

XO,

Bee

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