Thoughts

Our Favorite Celebrities of All Time
These are in no particular order. We couldn't choose who we liked most so here are the celebrities we are most fond of! 

Grace Kelly:
Oh Grace Kelly. What can we even say about her? First of all, not only was she an amazing actress but she was an American who became a princess. She pretty much lived out every little girl's dream. Second, she was drop dead gorgeous. I mean seriously, Helen of Troy would be jealous. But our fascination with Grace Kelly has taken on new heights with our obsession with the "Kelly Bag", the one-strapped Hermes bags she carried and made iconic (similar to the 2 strapped Hermes "Birkin"). 

"Emancipation of women has made them lose their mystery."- Grace Kelly

"I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others."- Grace Kelly

Audrey Hepburn:
Not only was Audrey Hepburn one of the most physically beautiful women to ever live, she had one of the most beautiful hearts as well. She spent most of her later years working in third world countries feeding starving children and distributing vaccines. She survived the horrors of living in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation as a child, barely surviving starvation, but making her compassionate towards the plight of all children. For this reason alone she is a true inspiration. But, she was also a true lady and a phenomenal actress. Even in her most radical role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey remained modest and lady-like as well as making herself as HUGE style icon we are still emulating today. And I mean, come on, the woman's wardrobe was designed by Givenchy himself. What's not to love?

"I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it."- Audrey Hepburn

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."- Audrey Hepburn

Kate Middleton:
Unlike many on this list, Princess Kate is our most modern favorite celebrity. She has made British royalty en vogue again. But what makes Kate so intriguing is that she was a commoner. True, her parents are multi-millionares, but still- that's pretty amazing. Not only is she one of the most fascinating people on the planet, but her style is flawless. She has a very sweet, girl-next-door face and smile and her clothes are incredible making her the ideal woman for girls of this generation to look up to. 

Princess Diana:
She was one of the most iconic royals of all time. She was not only a beautiful woman full of grace but Princess Di was also one of the most loving women in the limelight. She was passionate about her humanitarian work and was full of courage in both her public and private lives. We only wish she hadn't died so tragically so she could continue being the inspiration she was. 

"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."- Princess Diana of Wales

"I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved. I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give. I am very happy to do that, I want to do that."- Princess Diana of Wales

Jackie Kennedy:
She was First Lady of the Free World and became arguably the most recognizable First Lady of all time. We really admire her strength as she not only dealt with her husband's tragic demise but also her brother-in-law's. She had to become a strong woman and had to do so in the public eye. That takes real courage. 

“I have been through a lot and have suffered a great deal. But I have had lots of happy moments, as well. Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either.”-Jackie Kennedy

Coco Chanel:
Now, let us just say that there are some personal details of Coco's personal life that we aren't too crazy about. But as Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey said "We all have chapters we'd rather have go unpublished" and we won't persecute her for the decisions of her youth. As controversial as her life was, it's hard not to like her. The main reason she is on this list is because she single handedly created the fashion of the entire era of the Roaring 20's and her label has remained fresh and relevant to this day. She created the iconic flapper girl style that spread like wildfire in the 20's. Chanel is my (Ada Grey) favorite designer of all time. I'm totally obsessed with all things Chanel. She also had a great outlook on the importance of confidence in women's lives and was willing to dish out her fair share of sass- something we can really appreciate. I certainly wouldn't want to mess with her. She went against the grain and pushed the envelope in all aspects of her life- both good and bad. That kind of confidence is something to be admired. 

"I can't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little, if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny and it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."-Coco Chanel

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."-Coco Chanel

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same."- Coco Chanel

"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress."- Coco Chanel

Elizabeth Taylor:
If you haven't seen the movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, go find it, buy it, watch it, and then come back to this list. Then and only then will you see why we love Elizabeth Taylor so much. You'll see. First of all, her accent in that film is beautiful. Its a Southern accent without sounding hokey and put on. Her whole persona in that movie is wonderful. Then go watch her version of Cleopatra. The girl was larger than life. 

"I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them."- Elizabeth Taylor

"Pour Yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together." -Elizabeth Taylor

Mother Teresa
Most of the people on this list are famous actresses or style icons. Mother Teresa was neither. However, one could argue she is the most beautiful on this list. She devoted her whole life to serving God by being His hands and feet in working with the impoverished, sick, neglected and starving- something we are all call to do but often don't. She had a beautifully compassionate heart that we all can learn from. 

"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work."- Mother Teresa

“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”-Mother Teresa

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway… You see, in the end, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.”- Mother Teresa

Cary Grant:
This beautiful man was as attractive at 60 as he was at 25. Oh be still my heart! He just exuded class. The word "dashing" comes to mind. North By Northwest and Charade are two of the best movies he was ever in. 

"My father used to say, 'Let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary.'"- Cary Grant

Dixie Carter:

As far as politics go with most celebrities (including many on this list) we tend to disagree. But, not with Dixie! Although she played a ultra-liberal in the best show of all time (aka Designing Women), in real life she was a good Southern conservative girl. Thank goodness! And even in her older years, she was absolutely gorgeous! 

Margaret Mitchell:

This sassy lady gave birth to the best brain-child to ever come out of America- Gone With the Wind. She broke her leg, got bored on bed rest and decided just to write the greatest novel of all time. No big deal. That kind of spunk is something to be admired. And her imagination was out of this world. She was a lot like Scarlett in her personal life too. Pretty quirky, super sassy, didn't care if anyone else didn't like her. She'd be one of those people you'd want to chat with over a cup of coffee on the porch. I think we'd be friends. 

"Child, it's a very bad thing for a woman to face the worst that can happen to her, because after she's faced the worst she can't ever really fear anything again. And it’s very bad for a woman not to be afraid of something. Scarlett, always save something to fear - even as you save something to love..." - Margaret Mitchell, Gone With the Wind

"I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together again and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken - and I'd rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places as long as I lived. " -Margaret Mitchell

Carrie Underwood:

Our girl Carrie is everything a girl should be. She's sweet and smart and she grew up on a farm and knows what work is. She is also a Godly woman who shares her faith with others. Her voice is killer and if you say that you don't sing along with her at the top of your lungs in the car then you are lying. And, can we have her legs pleaseeeee?? 

Zooey Deschanel:

I just think she is so pretty. And she is so cute and sweet and hilarious. She reminds me of a girl from the 50's but she's still so modern. She's one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood (hello blue eyes!) but without all the glitz and glam. She's just cute and simple. 

"Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love."- Zooey Deschanel

Paul Newman:

Speaking of blue eyes, we could stare into Paul Newman's all day. He was a phenomenal actor and he started his own food brand and the proceeds are donated to charity. What a guy. Sigh. He's pretty easy on the eyes too. 

"If you're playing a poker game and you look around the table and and can't tell who the sucker is, it's you."- Paul Newman

Dakota Fanning:

She's cute. She's classy. She's a sweet Southern girl. She came to fame at 7 years old but is NEVER in the tabloids or known for scandal. She's getting an education and still working full time. Dakota is clearly doing something right.

"It matters what your heart looks like... your ability to love"-

Dakota Fanning

Jennifer Lawrence:

We love Jennifer because she's real. She's not a dull Hollywood clone. She has a hilarious personality and she's intent on being a good role model for young girls. She embraces how different she is and isn't afraid to show a little sass when necessary. She refuses to succumb to pressure to be unhealthily tiny. She has a beautiful figure and makes no apologies for it. I'd rather have a daughter like Katniss than a daughter like Barbie any day. 

 "Not to sound rude, but [acting] is stupid. Everybody's like, 'How can you remain with a level head?' And I'm like, 'Why would I ever get cocky? I'm not saving anybody's life. There are doctors who save lives and firemen who run into burning buildings. I'm making movies. It's stupid.'" - Jennifer Lawrence in Vanity Fair

Michelle Dockery: 

She plays the stoically strong Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey and does so flawlessly. She has a simple, Audrey Hepburn- like beauty with impeccable style and she is a marvelous actress. We predict big things in her future!

"If Shakespeare was around today I would ask him out to dinner. The only thing I don't like about him is the way he did his hair."-

Michelle Dockery

Disclaimer: No copyright intended. We own nothing. These photographs and quotes are owned by other sources. We are simply fans of these people who wish to share our loving opinions of them. 

I Just don't understand...
I live in an area with a lot of transplants (transplant- n. Yankee's who moved South) and inevitably I've had to work with and for them. I won't lie to you- I wasn't too thrilled about it. But, it has been a learning experience. So now I will share with you what I learned so you won't have to learn the same way I did.

1. I don't like king sized beds.
I've had to try to decorate around them and they are just too obtrusive. But, my disdain for king sized beds came after a house sitting gig I got roped into. As I lay on the right side of the bed trying may hardest to fall asleep, I noticed that there was about 3 acres of bed on my left. Its just too much. Even if there had been someone else (or a family of 4) in the bed with me, there still would have been too much bed left. I'm perfectly fine with a queen sized. Just my opinion.

2. I can't live in a subdivision.
Subdivisions have cropped up all over the South. And the houses are beautiful. But I cannot live so close to someone that they can look right into my bedroom window from their living room. I mean, I'm not doing anything scandalous inside my house, but that doesn't mean I want the whole neighborhood to be able sit back and watch my comings and goings like the next season of American Idol. I just need some privacy.

3. Some people treat their dogs better than they treat their kids.
So I see a woman I know (transplant) walking her dog, Gigi. Gigi is no ordinary dog. She is a "designer dog"- a mutt genetically modified to be fluffier, prissier and have a severe under bite.... Now, on Gigi's morning walk she has a bow in a little tuft of hair between her ears, a pink rhinestone collar, and a pink glittered tutu. From the looks of this scene, one would think that this woman had no children to spoil so she babied her dog. Nope. She has a 14 year old son. As I stopped to chat with this woman I asked her how her son was. Her response was "Oh fine I suppose. He's in a boarding school in Connecticut. I think he'll be home for Christmas. I call him about once a month. and he always seems to be just fine! But I better run, Gigi has a pedicure and haircut appointment. Great to see you!".... The kid will be home for Christmas? It was MAY!

4. Yankee's eat entirely too much hummus.
I love hummus. I always have a container of it in my fridge. But y'all, I kid you not. I was babysitting for a transplant family and it was time for me to fix the girls some supper so I went to the fridge and this is what I found:
six flavors of hummus
some almond milk
some olives
some arugula lettuce
a box of alfalfa sprouts
some Gruyere cheese

What in the sam hill was I supposed to fix these children for supper? I couldn't even make them a tomato sandwich. Do you really think a 5 year old and a 3 year old are going to eat an arugula and sprout salad and some hummus? Is it really necessary to have SIX flavors of hummus?
Long story short, I found a box of Easy-Mac in the bottom of the pantry. Bon appetite, girls!

5. How can you live in a multi-million dollar house but own NO fine china or antiques
I don't know about y'all but if I had the means to build a multi-million dollar abode, the first thing I'd do is display my fine china in an antique china cabinet. I'd be single handedly keeping the antique shops and auctions in business. Apparently this mentality is not universal though. I've seen MANY nouveau riche houses that had NO antique furniture and absolutely NO china- just some Pier 1 dishes. WHY??

6. The color burgundy will NOT go in my house.
In the same homes that have no china or antiques are inevitably decorated in the color burgundy... Why has this trend from 1998 continued? WHY? I want answers! I didn't like it then and I sure don't like it now. I think the mentality of burgundy is that it looks expensive. I DOESN'T. It only looks outdated. Bless their hearts, they just didn't know any better. Here's my tip, pic a good neutral for your walls (a light grey, a good white, a pale beige). Then, incorporate color in with your accessories. Avoid deep, dark colors that will add to much visual weight to the room. Keep it clean, light, and simple. NO BURGUNDY!

To all our transplant followers, we love you. We're glad you are here. But please, adapt to Southern life. You are here now, its time to embrace the Southern way of life and get rid of these nasty habits. Next step: work on those hideous accents.

- Ada Grey

What it means to have a Southern Wedding

Most Southern girls, I included, emerged from the womb with strong opinions on organza versus tulle, alencon lace versus beading, ball gown versus fit and flare, peonies versus roses and baby's breath (gag me...) versus lavender limonium. It's just in a Southern girl's DNA to have strong opinions on anything wedding related. Here are my thoughts on the situation.

1. Do not have a "themed" wedding.

Now I never realized that this was actually a problem until the TV show "Four Weddings" came out. Y'all, those Yankee girls are all about having themed weddings. If I see one more wedding that is "Old Hollywood", "Hawaiian Luau", "Forth of July Barbecue", or "Winter Wonderland" themed, I'll gag on my Oreos (I have a small addiction). Ladies, your wedding's only theme should be "wedding themed". Period. End of Story. 

Now, let me be clear, every bride should choose her colors and decorations and flowers according to her own taste and each bride should pull from the variety of influences that she sees her big day in. Weddings vary according to tastes and likes and dislikes. By all means, pull elements from time periods or events that you find inspirational. But save the themes for children's birthday parties, and sweet sixteens. 

And while i'm at it.... your wedding should scream TIMELESS, not DATED in ten years.  Please, I know there are all sorts of crazy trends right now, but to me, classic just lasts.  Are black tuxes with black bow ties going out of style anytime soon?  Nope, probably not.  Is that interesting getup with funky exposed socks, matching ties and suspenders gonna be in style in ten years??   Probably NOT.  Come on ladies, if you aren't normally someone with 'funky' style, don't pull out the funk for your wedding day.  There's no reason to reinvent the wheel.  Just take a classic timeless idea and give it your own little twist!

2. Avoid the cash bar.

Weddings are ridiculously expensive. And not all of us can afford to provide a full bar at the reception. But here's my advice. Don't have a cash bar. Its just tacky to ask your guests to pay for drinks. Skip the alcohol all together if you think your guests wouldn't mind. If your guests would prefer to have alcohol, limit the menu to only beer and wine, which are less expensive and easier to serve than liquor drinks. Or you have another option. Have two signature drinks (sangria, gin and lemonade, margaritas, etc.) - one of the bride's favorites and one of the groom's. You can mix large quantities of them in pretty, large glass decanters and guests can help themselves. Limiting the liquor options is a good way to limit your spending on alcohol. You won't go broke and your guests can still get loosened up enough to Macarena on the dance floor! 

3. You are not a princess.

Unless you were born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, you are not a princess. You are not Cinderella. So stop limiting yourself to only ball gowns big enough to house a family of four. Choose what looks best for your body, not what you think Snow White would have worn when she tied the knot with Prince Charming. If a ball gown looks great on you, go for it. If a dropped waist is more flattering, do that instead. Look like your best version of yourself on your wedding day, not a knock off version of Sleeping Beauty. And for heaven's sake DO NOT WEAR A TIARA. I will have the unrelenting urge to slap it off your head.  You have been forewarned.

4. Unity candles and unity sand annoy me
I think this is a modern fad... at least I certainly hope so. I just don't understand the point. I think saying "to have and to hold until death do us part" ties you to your husband sufficiently for eternity more than mixing two viles of dirt together. Just my humble opinion. And besides, chances are in the reality of the situation your two families probably aren't BFF's so pretending your families are dirt and mixing them together in one jar is just supremely bizarre.

5. Soloists during your ceremony -- JUST NO.
 Look y'all,  I know your sorority sister Mary Margaret sang in the university talent show and y'all all got drunk and bought votes from the judges with your daddy's money so she would win because her boyfriend had just dumped her and her confidence was lower than low, but note for you... SHE CAN'T SING.   I don't know if you were just too drunk to remember, but she never can quite hit those high notes.  Please, please.... for the love of all things Holy, do NOT bring her into the church and have her sing Ave Maria in front of your 400+ wedding guests.   Besides, have you ever read a translation of the lyrics to Ave Maria?  It is NOT a wedding song!  And even worse, no one wants to hear your mediocre soloist sing Shania Twain's From This Moment, or some other cheesey song.  Puhlease....  If you want music as part of your ceremony, as most people do, please consider a harp player or pianist like a sane human being.

More later!

-Ada Grey and Caroline Grace
PS: Use burlap and Mason jars sparingly. Its becoming a little over done. A little of that goes a long way.