Friday Five {4}

It's finally Friday!  Time for another Friday Five!  Today I am linking up here and here.

 

 

{1} My First Stitch Fix - I was SO excited to get my first fix this week!  It was so much fun to open that box full of surprises!  Click here to see what was in my box.

{2} Waiting Game - Ty and I are building a house...or I should say trying to build a house.  Miss impatient here didn't realize what a long, drawn out process it was.  Right now we are waiting for our construction loan to be approved by the bank.  I keep telling myself that one of these days I will have a house!  In the meantime, I am spending an unhealthy amount of time on houzz.com.

{3} Math Joke - I really do love my sister.  I also really love picking on her about her math skills.  I got the math genes, and she didn't.  Bless her heart!  She did, however, get all of the creative genes.  I am very jealous of that!  I found this ecard on Pinterest yestrerday and it just screamed "Magen"! 

{4} Fig Preserves - My Ninny loves me!  She gave me a jar of her homemade fig preserves on Sunday.  They are my favorite!  I am ashamed to admit that I could probably eat the whole jar in one sitting.  But I won't!  You definitely have to be a southerner to understand my affection for them. 

{5} 10 Facts About Me - I updated my Meet Jessica page yesterday.  Go check it out if you want want to know 10 random facts about me.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday!

Stitch Fix #1

I was SO excited to see that Stitch Fix box on my porch when I got home from work yesterday!  It was like Christmas!  A box full of presents just for me! 

For those of you wondering 'what in the world is Stich Fix?', here are the details:

• Stitch Fix is basically an online styling service that sends you items based on your style profile (Awesome right!) 
• You pay a $20 styling fee that can be applied to your items if you choose to purchase any of them.
• You get a 25% discount if you decide to keep all 5 items in your box.
• You have 3 days to decide what you want to keep, and you return the items you don't want in a prepaid bag.  Stitch Fix only charges your credit card for the items you want to keep.
• Stitch Fix has a great referral program that gives you a $25 credit for everyone that signs up using your referral link. 

Want to try it out???  Just click this link to take you to stitchfix.com.

Unfortunately, when I opened my first box, I was a little disappointed.  I kinda expected that after reading other reviews.  They say that each box gets better because you review the items you receive online, and the stylists get a better idea of what you like and don't like.

So here is what I received in my box and my thoughts on each item:

#1 - Pink Martini Mia Bird Print Front Pocket Tank {$48} 

I liked the overall idea of this shirt...but I just don't do birds (see the Meet Jessica page for explanation).  Also, I think $48 is a little expensive for a tank like this.  Verdict: Not a keeper

#2 - Kensie Johnny Skinny Jeans {$88}

I LOVED these jeans!  They have just the right amount of stretch in them to make them fit perfectly.  I think they will look great with boots this fall.  They are a little pricey, but worth it!  Verdict:  Keeper!

#3 - Chris & Carol Josse Foldover Waist Maxi Skirt {48}

No...just no.  This was definitely not my style at all.  It was also very poor quality.  You could see straight through it when I tried it on.  Verdict: Sending it back for sure!

#4 - Ellison Alyssa Striped Stud Detail Collared Top {48}

This shirt is cute but boring.  It fit well…but I have enough boring stuff in my closet already.  Another turn off was that is was made of this really thick material, almost sweater like.  You can't wear that in South Alabama in the summer!  Verdict: Not a keeper

#5 - Art Deco Necklace {42}


I just didn't like this necklace at all.  That's really all I have to say about that!  Verdict: Going back

Side Note: Stitch Fix also sends these neat styling cards to show you what to wear with the item you received.

Even though I didn't really love everything in my box, it was really fun!  The idea of a stylist actually picking out clothes for me was really exciting.  I'm definitely going to give it another try.  Hopefully, my next box will be better!

My mom also signed up!  Check back for a post on her box soon.

Friday Five: {3}

It's Friday again, and you know what that means.  Time for the Friday Five!  Today I am linking up with Joy @ The Sowell Life and Natasha @ The Hello Happiness Blog.

{1} The Civil Wars New Album - The Civil Wars are back!  Their new self titled album was released Tuesday, and it is amazing!  Do yourself a favor and buy this album!

{2} Glitter Elastic - I am in love with glitter elastic!  It is adorable for baby headbands!  Check out my newest headband in my Etsy shop here.

{3} Bourbon & Bowties - I stumbled across the cutest T-Shirt this week.  I am determined to make it mine!  It also reminded me that there are only 3 more weeks until football season!  Roll Tide!   

{4} Steel City Pops - Delicious popsicles made from real fruit!  They have 2 locations in Birmingham and just opened a new store in Tuscaloosa (the one I visited).  I highly suggest you try these if you are in the area.  They are a perfect treat for these hot August days.

{5} Stitch Fix - Possibly the greatest thing ever!  It's basically an online styling service that sends you 5 items based on your style preferences.  I get my first fix next Tuesday, and I am SO excited!  Check back for a blog post on the items I receive.  If you want to sign up please use someone's referral link.  You will be giving that person a $25 gift on Stitch Fix which helps with the cost of the items they receive.  My link is: http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3150619.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

Friday Five: {2}

It's Friday again!  Can you believe it's already August?  This year has flown by!  At least there are only 4 more weeks until football season!  Roll Tide!

Today I am linking up here and here.

 

 

{1}  Scaredy Cat - Ty has been out of town all week, and I am absolutely terrified when I am home alone at night!  He has been traveling a lot lately for work, and I was becoming a little braver.  Then, we had some pretty rough weather Tuesday night, and if you have read my I Will Praise You In This Storm post then you know that I don't have the best track record with storms. So, I was just a little scared!  This ecard pretty much sums up my thoughts on being home alone.

{2}  Favorite Summer Nail Polish Color - Naughty Nautical by Essie

{3}  Dawson's Creek - This week I discovered that all 6 seasons of Dawson's Creek are on Netflix!  So, of course I had a little marathon.  There's nothing like some high school drama and Savage Garden music to pass the time!  What can I say?  I'm a child of the '90s. 

{4}  Popsicles - My air conditioner at my house stopped working yesterday.  In August.  In South Alabama.  That is not ok!  What do I do when it is 85 degrees in my house?  Eat popsicles! 

{5}  Giveaway - For those of you who don't know, I have an Etsy shop called Miss Magnolia Designs.  I create baby headbands, bows, and hair ties.  Right now I am giving away a cute set of neon hair ties on my shop's Facebook page.  You should check it out here and enter to win! 

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday!

Friday Five: {1}

My very first Friday Five!  Woohoo!  Today I am linking up with Joy.  Be sure to check out her amazing blog!

 

Tomorrow I am helping my sister move back to Tuscaloosa for the fall semester.  In honor of getting to visit my favorite city, I am going to share with you my top 5 restaurants in Tuscaloosa.  It was extremely difficult for me to narrow the list to just 5.  I lived in Tuscaloosa for 4 years and fell in love with so many restaurants.  There are days when all I want to eat is a sandwich from Newk's or sushi from Bento.  So after much deliberation, here is my list of the 5 best restaurants in Tuscaloosa and my favorite items on the menu.
 

1. Newk's - A deli that serves sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza.  I always order either the Five Cheese Pizza (it has a pesto base!) or the Club Sandwich.  Both are excellent!

 



{Photos via www.newks.com.}





 2. Bento - Japanese restaurant on the Strip (University Boulevard).  I love their Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box and Shrimp Tempura Roll (I'm not very adventurous when it comes to sushi).

{Photo via www.livability.com}



{Photo via www.tripadvisor.com}

3. Iguana Grill - Best Mexican restaurant ever!  (In my humble opinion)  I order the enchiladas everytime.

4. Mugshots - Amazing burgers!  The Pat-O is the way to go.  Lots of melty cheese!

5. Cypress Inn - A nicer restaurant on Black Warrior River with great food and beautiful views.  All of their food is yummy.  I usually get the grilled chicken.



 

{Photos via Cypress Inn Restaurant}



Be sure to check out these awesome restaurants if you ever find yourself in Tuscaloosa!  Happy Friday!





 

National Tequila Day!

I just found out that today is National Tequila Day!  Then, I saw this ecard that made me laugh because it is SO true.  So lets all just take a minute to celebrate tequila.   

 

Here are a few awesome tequila recipes/ideas that I found on Pinterest.  Enjoy!

Margarita Popsicles - Genius!


{Photo via Confections of a Foodie Bride}
 

Mini Patron 'Ritas with Fish Tacos - Such a cute party idea!



{Photo via Peter Callahan}

Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes - Tequila + Cupcakes = Yum


{Photo via Joanne Weir}

Tequila Cherry Limeade - Only tequila could make a cherry limeade any better!



{Photo via Song of Spice and Fire}

 

 

Hope everyone has a great National Tequila Day!

 

 

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Talk Appy To Me

Like the rest of my generation, I am completely addicted to my iPhone.  I NEVER leave home without it.  So, today I am linking up with Alabama Women Bloggers to share some of my favorite apps.

 

 

1. Facebook - Duh!  I know this is a given, but it's always a go to app for time killing.

2. Instagram - My current favorite!  I love being able to follow all of my friends' photos, and the app offers some great photo effects.

 



3. Pic Stitch - I love using Pic Stitch to create collages for Instagram! 

 

4. Walgreen's - The Walgreen's app makes refilling your prescription so easy!  All you have to do is scan the barcode on your medication and select the pick-up location and time. 
 

5. Etsy - This app helps me manage my Etsy shop on the go.  I can list items, edit items, check my shop stats, respond to conversations and view my sales.  I can also see all of the amazing items in other shops. 

 6. Mint.com - Mint.com is a great personal finance tool.  It allows you to link all of your bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, loans and savings accounts so that you can see all of your account balances in one place.  It also allows you to create budgets and shows you how well you are following it.





 7.  Stylish Girl - This is really cool closet organization app.  You can take pictures of the items in your closet and create outfits.  You can also use the calender feature to plan when you are going to wear the outfits (which appeals to my Type A-must plan everything-personality). 

 

What are your favorite apps?  I would love to know if there are some apps that I need to know about!

 



Nashville

I am in LOVE with the great city of Nashville!  Ty and I made the 5 hour trek up there a couple of weekends ago, and we had a blast! 

If you are on a budget like we were, then I highly recommend staying farther away from downtown and paying to park in one of the parking decks close to Broadway Street.  Sure it's nice to be able to walk to the bars from your hotel, but we weren't willing to pay $350/night.  We decided to stay at a Home2 Suites by Hilton close to Vanderbilt (Ty's Hilton Honors point are definitely coming in handy).  It was really nice for a reasonably priced hotel, and I would definitely stay there again. 

Here is how we spent our time in my new favorite city:

Friday - We didn't get to Nashville until about 11:00 that night, so we didn't get to do anything fun :(

Saturday - We headed out to Fontanel to tour the Southern Living Idea House.  It was absolutely      beautiful!  I am planning on doing a post on it soon.

 

Next we stopped for lunch at the Pancake Pantry.  I cannot even begin to describe how amazing their pancakes are.  Don't be alarmed if there is a line down the street.  It moves pretty quickly, and I can assure you the food is worth the wait.  Ty had the Silver Dollar pancakes (boring), and I decided to go with a lighter option, the Swiss Chocolate Chip pancakes.  Ok....so maybe they weren't the healthiest item on the menu, but they were the most chocolatey.  That's a valid argument, right?  ;)  I am just devastated that I didn't take a picture of them.  I must return for a photo!

 

 

Then, we headed to Bridgestone Arena for the Cirque du Soleil show Quidam.  This was the first Cirque du Soleil performance that I had ever seen, and I really enjoyed it!  My favorite acts were the man in the giant wheel (I'm sure the act has a better name) and the aerial contortionist on silks (pictured below).  I think Ty was pretty skeptical, but he enjoyed it too.  We weren't allowed to take pictures during the performance, so I had to borrow one from Cirque du Soleil's website. 

 

{Photo via www.cirquedusoleil.com}

We ate dinner at Merchant's on Broadway Street.  This was my second time here, and it was fabulous! 

 

{Photo via www.wkrn.com}



If you are ever at Merchant's, be sure to try a Tennessee Mojito.  It is amazing!  I believe it's the best drink I've ever had.  I love a mojito, but it's the mango and peach rum that really make this one special!

 

 



We spent the rest of the hanging out on Broadway.  We spent a lot of our time at Big Bang Piano Bar.  I love piano bars, and this one was great! 

 



 



Sunday - We had to make the long drive home.  We did stop in Franklin, TN for a delicious brunch at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant.  Franklin is the cutest little town.  We saw some really cute store fronts downtown while passing through.  I would love to go back and explore.

{Photo via activerain.com}

We had a great trip!  As I already mentioned, I LOVE Nashville!  I am already eager to go back.  Next time I want to stop in Lynchburg and tour the Jack Daniels distillery.  I also think it would be neat to see the Parthenon replica.  Who knows when I'll be going to Greece to see the real thing?!