End of Summertime Blues

This weekend, I spent some serious time with my family and best friend, Grace.  A trip home was never so much needed before this past weekend, and I don't think I even realized that until I was on my way back last night.  Long talks with my mom, a fresh new hair do and margaritas with my best friend, bonding time with my sissy, and bear hugs from my daddy have never meant so much.  Family really is what this life is all about.

I've got the end of summertime blues tonight, too, y'all.  Do you ever get that way?  You feel the freedom of summer starting to fade away as the children go back to school.  Life, for me, seems to be on hold right now while I wait to hear about so many pending opportunities.  It's frustrating.  God's plan is better than any that I could have, so I'm trying to trust in that.

Anyway....

I got some suuuuper cute new clothes to show y'all this weekend, too!  This week on the blog!

Have a great week, y'all!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

My Favorite Family Heirlooms

Nothing says southern belle like a jewelry box full of family heirlooms, and this girl is no exception.  I want to share with y'all a little about some of my favorites.  Now don't get me wrong, I love new jewelry as much as the next stylish chick, but there's something about wearing one of these pieces that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.  It's like a tiny connection to those who wore it before me.

This beautiful cameo set was given to me by my precious Mamaw a few years ago.  The middle of five sisters raised by a single father, she was very poor.  This was the nicest piece of jewelry she owned for a very long time.  I found it one day while visiting her house, and I instantly fell in love.  A few months later, my wonderful, selfless Mamaw gave the set to me for my birthday.  It is an original, ivory cameo. You can tell by look at the nose of the silhouette in the light from behind.  Sadly, I don't wear the earrings because I'm terrified of them falling off.  I'm known for losing earrings.

The ring on the left was given to me by my father for my fifteenth birthday.  To be honest, it is the most precious thing that I own and my favorite gift to ever receive.  It once belonged to my grandmother, his mother, who I never had the privilege of meeting.  When my father was 19, she lost her battle with breast cancer.  My father and grandfather saved their money for a very long time to buy something nice for my precious, fighting grandmother because she deserved it.  Unfortunately, she didn't get to wear the ring for very long.  This ring is symbol of strength and love.  I wear it everyday, and it makes me feel so close to an incredible woman that I never got to know.

The ring on the right belonged to my great aunt Frances.  It is her high school class ring.  She was one of the first in her family to graduate from high school, and growing up during the depression and WWII, being able to have a class ring was an extreme honor and privilege.  My aunt Frances, who is in her 80s and just won her battle with cancer, gave this ring to me when I was in the sixth grade.  I will forever cherish it.  The "I" in the center stands for Isola Consolidated High School deep in the delta of Mississippi, and the 52 is her graduating year.

This beautiful, jade pendent was given to my mother by my great uncle Al when she was just a little girl.  He had gotten it for her while he was stationed in Thailand while in the United States Air Force.  One day in middle school, I was snooping around my mother's jewelry box like all little girls do, and I found the pendent.  I found a chain to put it on and have loved it ever since.  I just wish I knew what the symbol stood for.

This copper, cuff bracelet was also given to me by my father.  On his side of the family, I am part Choctaw indian.  This was passed down somewhere down the line.  Unfortunately, I do not remember the story behind it, but it's beautiful nonetheless.

I got much more emotional writing this post than I expected.  It came from the heart.  I really hope y'all enjoyed this little glimpse into my life and some things that mean something to me. 

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Quote for the Week

This is the quote that I'm going to live by this week.  It's just so dang true.  So many people stare their dreams in the face but are too afraid to chase them.  I don't want to be that person.  I wanna go after all of my dreams, even if they are quite large, with every ounce of passion that I have.  Doesn't that sound a whole lot better than living your life in fear of what could be?  I think so!

Also, today is my incredible mother's birthday.  I hate I couldn't be in Brandon to celebrate with her, but thankfully I will see her Wednesday!  I couldn't ask for a better mom, role model, or best friend.  I'm so thankful that God chose me to be her daughter.  I hope you had a wonderful day, momma!  I love you to the moon and back!

Lets have a great week, y'all!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Weekend Recap

What a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, babies, and car trouble.  Friday night I went to see the new Blake Lively movie, Savages.  Although it was DEFINITELY rated R, I absolutely loved it.  Blake Lively is beautiful, as always. (I'm obsessed with her.)  Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson were incredible too.  I now have a major crush on Aaron.  The movie was all about a mexican drug cartel who are trying to get the independent, Kitsch and Johnson, to join them.  When they refuse, the cartel, headed by Salma Hayek, kidnaps the girl both guys love, Blake Lively.  It's pretty intense and not for the squeamish, but I loved it.  

Next on my list to see is Moonrise Kingdom and People Like Us.  I so love movies.

 

Saturday, I woke up early, had breakfast with the beau, and then headed to Brandon.  When I got in my car to get on the road, it would crank.  My battery was completely dead.  My sweet roommate jumped me off, and I finally made it home.  When I finally got to Brandon, we went to see a family friend of ours in the hospital who just had a baby boy they named Baylor.  (How cute is that name?)  He is a very special baby boy because a little over a year ago, his parents had another baby boy they named Baker.  Sadly, his birth came with many difficulties and he passed away after only a few weeks.  He touched so many lives though, and I know he sent his beautiful, healthy, little brother to his sweet parents.  Congratulations Abby and Drew! Baylor is perfect!

Then, I finally got to go meet little, Miss Viva Ray Malone!  The moment Allie put her in my arms, I fell in love!  She was so sweet and content.  She never even cried the whole time I was visiting with her.  Allie has been my best friend since we were three years old.  It was such a surreal feeling to watch her with her sweet husband and now her little girl.  I look up to her in so many ways, and I can't wait to see where the next 19 years take us.  Here's some pictures I got of all of us.

Saturday night and Sunday were full of family and front porch sitting, which I love.  I got to spend some much needed quality time with some of my favorite people.  

Dad and Squeaky checking out the scenery

Classic picture of my mamaw's cup of coffee

Now my parents are headed out of the country and its back to the real world.  Keep checking back every day during the week for a new post!

What did y'all do this weekend?

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Why I Love Being Southern...

Hi hippies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Although it was way too short, (aren't they always?) it was great!

I've been thinking about all the reasons why I love being from the south.  Although it's hot and humid most of the time and it's not always shown in the most positive of lights, I love every bit of being a native to the states south of the Mason-Dixon line.  I love the traditions, the hospitality and everything in between.  Being southern has been a privilege and an honor.  Here are a few reasons why I looove being southern.

The Manners

Yes mam/sir, No mam/sir, Thank you mam/sir, and Please

You just can't beat the sweet sound of southern manners.  There's nothing cuter than an a small southern child or a handsome man saying "yes mam."  Southern manners get you so much farther and are just so polite.  I just love it.

The Cooking

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, biscuits, sweet tea, and homemade bread pudding....are y'all hungry yet?  It's so fattening, but goodness gracious there is no better meal than a southern one--especially on a Sunday afternoon.

Small Towns

I grew up in a small town called Brandon.  God knows that I couldn't wait to get out of that town, but he also knows how much I miss small town life now that I've moved away.  Going to the grocery store and running into everyone you know, church with all your friends and family, and Friday night football games are some of my best memories.

Memorial Statue in downtown Brandon, Mississippi

Sunday Afternoons

Every Sunday after church is family time.  You go to lunch or Mamaw cooks and then you sit on the porch or play in the yard with the ones you love.  Playing in the front yard with my daddy after church are sweet memories.  Now, I love going home and spending Sunday afternoons in the rocking chairs catching up with my parents and Mamaw.  It's times like those that I will cherish forever.

and last but CERTAINLY not least...

The Boys

Y'all..it's no joke.  Southern boys are the hottest, and I can totally prove it.  Take a look at these two hunks from the south that are all over everything right now!

Matthew McConaughey

Longview, TX

Channing Tatum

Cullman, AL

and not to mention my handsome beau, Nick! :)

So I rest my case.  The south is amazing, and I love being a southern belle!  What are some of your favorite things about the south or wherever you're from?? 

Lets all have a great week, everyone!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Family Vacation

Yesterday I returned from a week long vacation with my entire family in Seaside, Florida.  We had such an incredible time.  I can't even begin to describe the amazing memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.  My sweet beau, Nick, got to tag along as well!  Here are some pictures that captured the essence of our lovely trip.

Funny little man in a surf shop.

Holding an alligator with my little cousin, Mia.  She was TERRIFIED.

Lovely words.

Goofy golf.  I lost. :(

Beach time.

Last day of vacay.

All the girls.

My sweet Nick.

The whole family, minus one Uncle.  It's all girls.

My precious parents.

Monkey Mia showing off her Stompeez!

The Red Bar

Family truly is the most important part of life.  Cherish every minute you have with them.

xoxo-Chelsea Eli