Meet the Magnolias

several of the new beauty products I've been trying! I just bought this primer last weekend at Victoria's Secret. I really like it a lot! I feel like it helps my makeup stay put, and it feels nice to spray on! I bought this a month or two ago after seeing it in several magazines. I haven't used it everyday, but I LOVE how it goes on! Notice it is just for your face. I feel like it even helps my makeup look smoother. I bought this BB Cream a month ago. I wanted to try one after seeing several articles and blogs about them, and Garnier was my drugstore option! I actually use it as a replacement for moisturizer and foundation. (I'm also excited to try the new Maybelline one coming out!) One of my fellow Magnolias, Katelyn, bought me this eyeshadow set for my birthday! I had wanted it for a while, and it's probably one of my favorites now! Pretty sure I've worn it every day since I got it. The colors are great alone or layered on top

Let’s talk Kate. As you might have read in my introduction post, I attempt to replicate her every chance I get. I mean who can’t like a girl who looks great in anything from elegant evening dresses to rubber boots (even if they are Hunter boots).   Her fashion choices are always stunning and classy but for once I have to disagree with her choice of outfits.   Yes, that was very hard to type, but in this case it is true. Right now the The Queen of England is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee. As if everything involving Queen Elizabeth is not already a big deal, this is pretty much the icing on the cake; it is a celebration of The Queen’s 60 year reign.   So Tuesday when Kate decided to repeat an outfit at afternoon tea in honor of the Queen, it caused a bit of controversy. First look at the outfit.   It is undeniably perfect for the occasion. The color, the cut, even the hat is just enough to not land Duchess Kate a starring role in a SNL parody. I am sure this outfit sold ou

(I really enjoy getting to know people by finding out their favorite things! This is a new type of post that I hope will be weekly! This is the first of Favorites with My Favorites! Enjoy.) Favorites with My Favorites Sara Lucero is a Jesus-lover, wife, wedding photographer, and super fun girl! I'm so thankful that through Twitter and a wedding blog she has come into my life. Sara was kind enough to be the first one featured on Meet the Magnolias! 1. Who is your favorite artist/musician/band?  Oh gosh! So many. When I feel cool I listen to Arcade Fire, when I want to get my worship on it's Gungor, when my husband and I cook and dance in the kitchen it's the Michael Buble pandora station! I also have a deep admiration for Joanna Newsom.  2. Where is your favorite place to visit?  New York City.. hands down. Central Park is beyond my most favorite place in the entire world. It's a perfect combination of city, nature, architecture, history, and loveliness!  3

everything mint, sea foam, teal, and turquoise! My birthday purse, nail polish, and new phone case! The bunny phone case has a tail! (Amazon steal for only $6!) OBSESSED with this polish! Barely Blue Bell by Sally Hansen. A little purse-in-the-backyard action. Close up! xoxo, Jessica

   Sometimes change can be hard to get used to, and it can be even harder to start. As stated in my bio, I believe we all have a responsibility to the environment and to better our world.   Don’t let the word “world” scare you into thinking you can’t make a big enough change. If everybody makes small changes to better their world, think about how much of a positive impact would be made on our world.     Currently I am working with the city where I live (Brandon MS) to get a conversation started among the city residents and the city government sparking interest in curbside recycling. ). This is not to say I consider this a small change. This process has been quite a challenge, and finding where to start has been the most difficult part. If this is a route you are interested in taking, I recommend getting the conversation started in your community.     First, find out who is truly interested and willing to help. Social media is a great tool for this. Second, get those interes

As my friend and fellow blogger told me, bikini season is kind of like "Hide-and-go-seek"--- ready or not, here it comes!   Let’s be honest. There is no way we will look like this girl by Memorial Day and I don’t know about you, but my make-up certainly doesn’t stay that pretty while working out. In any case, it is time (or maybe even overdue) to jump start our fit summer. Our first hurdle: Memorial Day. Time is short but rest assured all is not lost. I have complied a few tips to survive the first bikini holiday of the year. T-Minus 5 days: -Go to your swimsuit drawer and dig through your endless knot of swimsuit pieces. Pick the swimsuit you want to make your debut in this summer. Now hang your swimsuit somewhere you will see it every day until Memorial Day. This is just to help you keep your eye on the prize. -Make time every day to do something active. There is something out there for everyone. You can go swimming, hiking, running, or even wal

In my mind, a birthday can be like your own personal New Year! You are turning older and starting a new year in your life. You can make new choices and use it as a point to turn around. As I turn 26, a few of my goals are: Exercise regularly. (Don't we all make this resolution a few times a year?) Take vitamins. Remember that 26 isn't as old as it seems.  Wear what I want. People's opinions only count for so much. (Besides, isn't 26 practically old and batty? Oh, right, see number 3.) Believe that there is still time to accomplish great things. It's easy to get bogged down when I realize what people younger than me have accomplished.  *Just keep swimming* So come on, 26! Let's make this a good year! Sincerely, Jessica

The cutest silver dachshund my best gave me for my birthday! I love my doxie, Peanut, to the ends of the earth, so any time I see anything dachshund related, it becomes a must-have in my life! Blessed with best friends who know me so well! Stay tuned! "Right now, I'm obsessed with..." is going to be a regular occurrence! Until next time, Jessica