11.28.2014

Black Friday Roundup + 26

Happy BLACK Friday friends and Happy 26th Birthday to me!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.

First things first....are y'all shopping today!? I have never gone out to brave the crowds. I mean, really, why would you when everything is online these days?  Today I am so excited to share my favorite round up of Black Friday sales and picks! Happy Shopping!

  • Anthopologie is offering 25% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY25
  • Banana Republic is offering 50% off 1 item with code BRFIFTY and 40% off sitewide with code BRFORTY
  • Baublebar is offering 15% off 2 items with code FRIDAY15 or 35% off 4+ items with code FRIDAY35
  • Boden is offering 30% off sitewide + free shipping and returns
  • Brooks Brothers is offering 15% off + free shipping
  • C. Wonder is offering 40% off sitewide
  • Design Darling is offering 20% off with code MANYTHANKS
  • Gap is offering 50% off sitewide with code BLKFRIDAY
  • J. Crew is offering 30% off several items and 40% off sale with code HOLIDAY
  • Kendra Scott is offering 15% off sitewide and free shipping with code BFCM2014
  • Lilly Pulitzer is offering free gifts with all purchases
  • Nordstrom has up to 40% off several items
  • Piperlime is offering 25% off sitewide + a chance to win a trip for 2 to NYC Fashion Week with code IHEARTNYC
  • Shopbop is offering up to 25% off with code GOBIG14
  • Tory Burch is offering up to 30% off with code LUCKY
  • Zhush is offering 25% off with code BFRIDAY25



And now, for the rest of today's post and my birthday, I thought it might be fun to share 26 random facts about myself with y'all. This list has no rhyme or reason, literally it's just an assortment of facts (and several quirks) that popped into my head!
  1. I'm a lefty, but I play sports right handed.
  2. I have 0 musical talent...I can't sing, play instruments, or dance well.
  3. I love shopping. Hold on, I know y'all are all thinking..."Duh, we knew that!" But I really love it. I enjoy shopping for just about anything and to this day, my dad and I enjoy going to the hardware store together.
  4. I have always used mnemonic devices to remember things. For example, my makeup bag, has two pouches and I could never keep up with which side to open first. Eventually after close inspection, I realized that the side I use first has green on it and the other doesn't, so I came up with "Green means go" and literally think that every time I do my make up now.
  5. Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays, but I always feel like the actual day of holidays is a let down; I prefer the anticipation and preparation leading up to holidays.
  6. Green beans are my least favorite vegetable and as a kid I would swallow them whole to avoid having to fully taste them.
  7. I am 1/8 Pueblo Indian and my grandpa actually grew up on the reservation in New Mexico.
  8. I have a bad habit of talking very loud at times. My dad is really loud, so I blame him.
  9. I am a total SUV girl. I have only ever driven SUVs and feel a bit claustrophobic in cars.
  10. I have major wanderlust for Nashville. In high school, Vanderbilt was my first choice for college and I think I may have accepted my Teach for America offer had I been placed in Nashville rather than Memphis.
  11. I have a horrible time picking favorites. I like too may different things to pick just one favorite.
  12. I never buy Tory Burch full price. She has good sales every few months, so I usually wait for a sale to order what I want. Every now and then I miss out on something I've been really wanting, but usually waiting pays off.
  13. I'm a numbers person and constantly find patterns or relationships in numbers around me.
  14. I drink chocolate milk almost daily and always keep chocolate syrup in the fridge so I can make it.
  15. My biggest fear is someday not being able to have kids. I have no reason to be scared about this, other than the fact that I want kids above all else.
  16. I feel naked when I'm not wearing earrings.
  17. Fall is my favorite season, but summer is my favorite time of year.
  18. One of my favorite joys is getting into a freshly made bed. If I ever had a full-time maid (ha!), I would have her put fresh sheets on the bed daily.
  19. I can be painfully shy at times, but love public speaking.
  20. Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher and transformed my playroom into a classroom.
  21. I'm only 5'3, but I rarely wear heels...probably less than 5 times a year.
  22. I think little boys are way more fun than little girls, but I must someday have a little girl so I can put giant bows in her hair!
  23. I love, love, love pasta and Bryce jokes that I'm never allowed to go to Italy for fear that I wouldn't come home.
  24. I can be a little OCD, for example, I only like to use black pens and don't like to use different pens in notebooks, calendars, lists, etc because it looks messy.
  25. I can be a huge homebody and love days spent on the couch in my pajamas.
  26. Ever since traveling to Charleston, I've imagined living there. Bryce and I regularly talk about when we're going to make the move, partially joking and partially serious.
Have a great day!

    11.27.2014

    Thankful

    Happy Thanksgiving to all you turkeys!

    I can't get enough of this Thanksgiving tablescape!


    Today (and everyday), I have a lot to be thankful for. As y'all know, 2014 has been a particularly rough year for me. I've griped, whined, and cried a lot over it. I've wallowed in self-pity. That being said, this Thanksgiving, I am trying to be especially mindful and grateful for those things that I have that are taken for granted on a day to day basis. While things have been hard for me this year, they certainly could have been harder; and despite the challenges I have faced, I have always had the basic necessities in life.

    First, I am thankful not only to be able to feast and stuff my face today, but to be able to eat every day. I read in this article just last night that "1 in 4 children lives in a food-insecure household."

    Second, I am thankful, not only to have clothing, but to have a closet full of pretty things to choose from. As I debated what to wear for today's festivities there are women in parts of the world who don't have that luxury. Women who are required, due to social code, to cover up, to not be seen nor heard.

    Third, I am thankful for my literacy. I started reading at a young age and since then, haven't stopped. I feel like something is missing when I don't have a book. Clearly, I also love to write or this blog wouldn't still be around more than 3 years after its start.  Literacy is improving globally, but according to UNICEF (here), there are still 126 million illiterate youth and in parts of Africa, literacy rates fall below 50%. I learned in a training last year, that 3rd grade reading proficiency is a predictor of prison populations. Nelson Mandela said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nuanced and flawed as it may be, one cannot deny the power of free public education in America.

    I could go on and on and on. One can always find something to be thankful for, but that's enough seriousness for one day!

    And finally, lat but not least, I wanted to take some time to thank all of YOU, my readers, today! This blog has become a passion of mine, a fabulous creative outlet and a place to be completely me. I have been so excited by its growth in 2014 and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

    I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people you love!

    And finally, I figured I'd close with some Thanksgiving funnies after a more serious post!





    What are you most thankful for this year?

    Be sure to stop by tomorrow for details on all the best Black Friday sales! (Trust me, the irony of that announcement after this post is not lost on me!)

    GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

    11.24.2014

    Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

    Happy Monday readers!

    I can't believe that Thanksgiving week is here!

    That means Christmas is right around the corner and I've already started my holiday shopping.

    Today I bring you the last of my Holiday Gift Guides: Stocking Stuffers!

    Stocking stuffers are always one of my favorite things to shop for. Everything is a little cuter in miniature size and I like to use the stocking as a place for an unexpected or silly gift.

    Below you will find 4 guides for stocking stuffers:





    So there you have it!

    Do you fill stockings with gifts, candy, or a mix of both?

    I also am excited to say, I now have all of my Holiday Gift Guide Pinterest Boards set up. I have spent hours searching the internet for fabulous presents and have put together 3 virtual catalogues for you to browse. I will continue to add to them throughout the holiday season, so be sure to follow on Pinterest too:
    Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies Board
    Holiday Gift Guide: Gents Board
    Holiday Gift Guide: Kids Board

    The kids board has been by far my favorite to put together, so I am feeling envious of all my readers that have kiddos to shop for this year!

    Finally, be sure to check out my other two Holiday Gift Guide posts if you've missed them:
    Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies
    Holiday Gift Guide: Gents

    Have you started holiday shopping?

    Have a great day!

    11.21.2014

    Holiday Gift Guide: Gents

    Happy Friday readers! 

    We are so close to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and hopefully some R&R! 

    Today I am excited to bring you my holiday gift guide for the gents! I've got you covered with lots of finds to please the men in your life! Some of these picks are among Bryce's personal favorites and others include things he might even find under the Christmas tree this year!

    The Southern Gentleman...swoon!

    Keep your athlete happy with sporty gifts for on and off the court!

    If your man is all about the finer things in life (aka expensive booze & cigars), I've got ya covered!

    Please the grill master in your life and you're guaranteed a full belly!


    And finally, for the little man--spoil him with gifts that scream fun and playful!

    I have also created a Pinterest Holiday Gift Guide: Gents board. Follow to see even more gift ideas now and throughout the holiday season!

    What men do you have to shop for this year?

    Do you have a favorite guide?

    I'm partial to the Southern Gentleman (surprise, surprise!), Debaucher, and Little Man boards myself!

    Be sure to check out my other gift guides, as well:
    Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies
    Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers (coming soon!)

    Have a great weekend!

    11.19.2014

    Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies

    Happy Hump Day readers!

    I hope you are having an awesome week. Mine is surprisingly better than expected. I was nervous about the transition back since our mini Florida vacay, but all has been smooth sailing!  The countdown to Thanksgiving break is on!

    I am SO excited today to bring you my first round of holiday gift guides...ladies first, of course!

    Below you will find six gift guides to cover all the best ladies in your life. Some of the pieces I have featured are personal favorites that I already own and others come from my very own wish list. 

    Ready, set, shop!

    Show your bestie just how special she is for you with the perfect present!

    Kiss the cook this holiday season and your tummy will thank you!

    Glitz & Glam are always at the top of this girlie girl's list!

    Details count when shopping for the person that always makes you feel right at home!

    For the lady who has everything...

    And finally, we couldn't forget the little ladies!

    I have also created a Pinterest board with all of these gifts and more that I will continue to update throughout the holiday season. Check it out here at: Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies.  You can see the rest of my boards and pins by clicking here.

    Did you have a favorite?  Mine is the "Nester" guide!

    Have you started holiday shopping yet?

    What are some of your favorite go-tos for gifting?

    Have a great day!

    11.14.2014

    Light Up Your Look

    TGIF readers!

    I hope you are having a fabulous Friday and have a fun weekend ahead!

    Today I have a fun piece to share with you, Light Up Your Look! One Kings Lane reached out to me, asking if I would be interested in participating in this blog series. The idea was to pair gorgeous chandeliers with equally gorgeous jewelry!  Well....in my dream home, I would probably have a chandy in just about every room; and a girl can never have enough jewels, right? So the answer was easy: Yes!

    I most definitely find similarities in my design and fashion choices and think the preferences tend to go hand in hand. For that reason, the post was very fun to put together.

    I went to One Kings Lane's chandelier selection to pick the pretty chandeliers and tried to pick styles that would appeal to many different readers. Read below to see my picks!

    For those of you, who tend to have rustic style, this wooden Winchester Chandelier is a great pick. When you hear the price One Kings Lane's reduced price of $179, it becomes even more attractive. When seeing this chandelier, I automatically thought of Twine and Twig necklaces. I first saw these necklaces popping up in the blog world last spring and thought they were really unique. Our local Southern Season recently got them in stock, and since seeing them in person, I'm convinced I need one! My two favorites currently on the site are the Trail Double Tip and the Shore Shells, both pictured below!

    For the modern gal, I went gaga over this Brooklyn Chandelier in Ice Blue. I'm imagining it as a pop piece in an otherwise traditional dining room! The pretty blue, had me automatically thinking of Kendra Scott's iridescent Skylar Earrings that I have been ogling over since July! 

    For the lady who like sleek design, this Luna Sphere Chandelier (available in 3 sizes) in the perfect option. I paired it with one of my personal favorites, the Stella & Dot Phoenix Pendant. This necklace is the perfect accessory for both casual and dressy looks and is one I continually wear!  I also thought the Renegade Bracelet complimented this chandelier quite well!



    Finally, for the classic woman, this Sara Chandelier is to die for! I am equally in love with this Kiss Kiss Crystal Necklace. The two pieces scream elegant and have me wanting to get all dressed up and wear bright red lipstick!



    What is your favorite pair?

    What type of chandeliers and jewelry do you find yourself drawn towards?

    Do you see a match between your design and fashion picks?

    Have a great weekend!

    11.12.2014

    Palm Tree Boutique

    Happy Hump Day friends!

    I hope you're all having a great week!

    Today I am excited to share a recent shopping find with you: Palm Tree Boutique.

    I was recently put in touch with the boutique by one of my favorite fellow bloggers, April of the blog A. Liz Adventures. After taking a quick glimpse at the site, I knew a collaboration was a no brainer! I shared a few of my favorites with the boutique and was so excited to be offered the Let It Be Tribal Print Cardigan to review!  Customer service was a breeze and I received the cardigan in just a few short days!

    Palm Tree Boutique focuses on providing trendy, quality pieces at affordable prices to real women. My favorite feature of their site is that all of their models are real women of different shapes and sizes. Finally, their site is updated with new arrivals weekly, so you're always sure to find something new and exciting!


    The cardigan was the perfect focal piece for this fall look!

    It had a comfy, breezy fit and the vivid blue really pops!

    My favorite detail was a button on either side of the cardigan, giving it a bit of structure.

    The only complaint I have is that it was a little big on my petite frame.  The size options were S/M or M/L, and I think I would have had more luck, if there was a larger range of sizes.

    All in all, I am very happy with my Palm Tree experience and am definitely planning to shop their site in the future. In fact, here are a few of the things I've currently got my eyes on...

    $47
    This is my favorite piece on the site right now!

    $58
    I love this simple dress and think it could easily be transitioned from season to season!

    $40
    I am perpetually drawn to neutral, cozy sweaters!

    And finally, friends, I've got good news, The Palm Tree Boutique is currently offering 15% off to Alexandra Bee Blog readers between now and the end of November.  Use code ABB15% at checkout to take advantage of this awesome deal!

    Have you ever heard of or shopped the Palm Tree Boutique before?

    What are some of your favorite online boutiques?

    Have a great day!

    11.10.2014

    @alexandrabeeblog

    Happy Monday readers!

    Did you have a nice weekend?

    Ours was a good one, but seemed to fly by even more than usual, unfortunately.

    Today I thought I'd give you a glimpse into life lately through some of my favorite Instagrams of late.

    Last night, Bryce and I had date night at a new restaurant nearby, Travinia; we really enjoyed our meals, but think they still have some service kinks to work out. I can't get enough of my over-the-knee boots (currently 30% off) and am also loving this comfy, yet chic top I bought over the weekend!

    Saturday night I popped open this bubbly, just because, and really enjoyed it....I am also 
    love, love, loving the new pink wine glasses I got on clearance from Crate & Barrel last weekend!

    I've been posting some #barrestarselfies lately, as I have participated in Richmond Barre's Barre Star challenge of 20 classes in 30 days. I've got just 4 classes to go and rewarded myself with some new Lululemon once I made it to the halfway mark. I can't get enough of these dotted Wunder Unders.



    Bryce and I had so much fun putting together our first ever couple's Halloween costumes! He was a duck hunter, and I was the mallard...the look would not have been complete without the amazing mask Bryce made!

    We had Bryce's parents over for dinner last month and we baked pound cake (recipe here) for dessert...the leftovers provided delicious breakfasts and snacks for days and was perfect paired with hot chocolate in my favorite mug that was a gift from a best girlfriend, Angela!

    This was one of my favorite looks from October; both the top and vest have been staples in my wardrobe since getting them last fall, but I never thought to pair them together until recently. I am smitten with the combination!

    I treated Bryce to date night at Cinebistro. We saw Gone Girl and I cannot stop thinking about this delicious shrimp mac-n-cheese. Another movie night at Cinebistro is in order stat!
    PS- Doesn't the name "Cinebistro" make you think of cinnamon buns!?

    Our schedules fortunately haven't been too packed with fall weddings, but the few we've had have certainly made their mark. The band at Aynsley's and Stuart's wedding was AH-mazing...go go dancers!? Check!

    Finally, I am so glad I have prioritized reading. The first few weeks of school, I couldn't seem to find the time (or energy) to read, but have recently gotten back into a groove. I finished Big Little Lies over the course of a weekend. Any recommendations of what to read next?

    Do you Instagram?

    What have you been up to lately?

    Have a great day!

    11.07.2014

    Birthday Wishlist

    Happy Friday readers!

    I am so excited the weekend is here. It is high stress time at school right now: We had conferences this week and report card deadlines looming (with a brand new grading system and grade book that the county has yet to figure out, no less...).  I am in need of a break!

    Can you believe we are already a week into November?  In no time we'll be talking all things Christmas!

    November is always a fun time for me, as it is my birthday month! My 26th birthday is exactly 3 weeks from today and I'm starting to get excited!

    I've put together a little wish list (hint, hint Mommy and Daddy!) and am excited to share it with you. And no, the pink/faux fur/gold trend isn't missed by me.  It feels kinda luxe, doesn't it?


    I'm especially gaga for that pink bone tray. It would be perfect for the sun room and of course, needs to be topped with the brass urchin!  The earmuffs are also a top pick. I have been on the hunt for a fun pair to wear during recess for the last few years! The Kendra Scott pink and gold necklaces have been on my radar for a while now, layered together, of course. The tassel trend is a favorite of mine so I'm loving that necklace; and finally wish I was curled up under that soft faux fur throw right now!

    What's currently on your wishlist?

    I'm in the process of creating my holiday gift guides right now and have a feeling some of these things might be featured again. If you want some early inspiration, you can check out my gift guides from last year here.

    Have a great weekend!

    11.04.2014

    Warby Parker Winter Collection

    Happy Election Day readers!

    I hope you had a great weekend and Halloween!  Check out Instagram to see a pic of my mallard costume! It was a hit, and I have a feeling it's a costume I'll be pulling out again sometime!

    Today I am excited to bring you a collaboration with Warby Parker.

    When the company reached out to me, asking to share their brand new Winter Collection, I automatically knew the answer was yes. Warby Parker sells fabulous optical glasses and sunglasses at affordable prices, with a classic, vintage flair. What I didn't know about the company before this collaboration, however, was that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need. In fact, they have distributed more than 1 million pairs of glasses to people in need. Read more about this mission, here.

    So now onto the new Winter Collection launching TODAY!

    Getting a sneak peek at all the new glasses was so fun and I decided to put together a look for each of my favorite two pairs from the collection:  The Laurel Tea Rose Fade Optical Glasses and the Reilly Sparrow Grey Sunglasses.

    For the Laurel Tea Rose glasses I went with a sophisticated look. I love that Warby Parker's glasses have a timeless style, but also a little bit of panache. The two tone frames on this pair are to die for. I've always joked that I would like reading glasses to look extra smart and chic and these glasses would most definitely fit that bill!


    The Reilly Sparrow Grey sunglasses seemed to have a bit more laid back vibe, so I put together a look I could see myself wearing on sunny winter Saturdays. Y'all know I'm a sucker for traditional tortoise, but I must say I am absolutely smitten with the grey in this pair!


    And now for a look at some of the other pieces in the new collection:







    And finally, my absolute favorite feature on their site, is the Virtual Try-On. Upload a picture and try out all the styles you want from the comfort of your couch.  Warby Parker will also ship you 5 frames to try out, free of charge!  Here's a few favorites I "tried on."





    Have you shopped Warby Parker before?

    What are your favorite sources for glasses?

    Have a great day!