Obsessed: Product Junkie

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a serious obsession with products. It doesn't matter if it's skin, hair, or makeup, if it's a product, I want it. 

These are (a few of) my tried-and-true product obsessions.

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream - I use this a couple times a week in the shower and it is AMAZING. It has a light spa/eucalyptus scent, but isn't strong or overwhelming. The scrubbing granules are very gentle (but extremely effective) so it doesn't leave my skin feeling irritated or grainy afterward.

Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter - This is my go-to on the days I use the exfoliating cream. It's non-greasy - and unscented - and leaves my skin super soft and smooth. 

O.P.I. Chip Skip - My DIY manicure must-have. I have started only going to the salon for full-on manicures and doing polish changes myself at home. My polish never seemed to last as long as it did when done professionally, and this has become a manicure life-saver.

Laura Mercier Lip Silk - I absolutely ADORE Lip Silk. I use it every night before bed and it is AMAZING. If I had to have only one product, this could quite possibly be the one. 

Moroccanoil Hair Spray - This is the Holy Grail of hairsprays as far as I'm concerned. It's flexible, but has amazing hold. I have fine hair, and this is the one hairspray I've found that doesn't make it look like I have used anything. 

Pureology Root Lift - I'm a Southern girl. I love big hair. And with my fine hair, I need some help. Enter Root Lift. Between this, velcro rollers, and Moroccanoil hairspray, big hair happens.

What are your tried-and-true products? Is there anything you're currently obsessed with?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful day of family, friends, football, and food!

Thanksgiving Eve: A Menu

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, lovelies!

With my family situation, the holidays are always a difficult time for me. This year I am reminded how blessed I am to have those friends in my life who have become the family I do not have. It is with these friends that I will be celebrating Thanksgiving...twice. So tomorrow will be a busy day for me!

The first dinner is a potluck, and I'm in charge of cake. There's this adorable little bakery by my office. Cake...Check!

The second dinner is all on me. I'll be going over to a friend's house, but will be the one doing all the cooking. I'm keeping the menu pretty simple since I won't be able to devote all day to the cooking like I have in years past.

Turkey
Hashbrown Casserole
Haricot Verts (recipe from one of my very favorite girls, Ally over at Copacetic in Carolina)
Macaroni and Cheese

Recipes and pictures to follow this weekend!

What will you be having for Thanksgiving?

Larry Munson: A Damn Good Dawg

Last night, college football lost one of the greatest announcers it's known. The University of Georgia lost a legend.

Larry painted a picture of Game Day like no one else could...or ever will again. He wasn't an announcer doing his job...he was a Georgia Bulldawg feeling the thrill of victory and the heartache of defeat right along with his team.

While the Bulldawg Nation is in mourning, I feel a celebration of everything Larry brought to our beloved school is the best way to honor his memory.

GeorgiaDogs.com tribute to Larry from his retirement in 2008.




RIP Larry. You were a Damn Good Dawg.

There's Always Something to Be Thankful For

I have been on the struggle bus this week. Ms. Cranky Pants has been making her presence known to everyone that sticks around long enough. So in an effort to thwart the crankies, I started thinking about the things I was thankful for. Not the deep soul-searching things like love and family and hope (all of which I am very thankful for, by the way), but the little things that make the day more bearable. Because no matter how miserable the day seems, there's always something to be thankful for.

1. Today. The Weather is Gorgeous. Bright blue skies, sunshiny sunshine, a crisp fall breeze, temperatures requiring layers. Heaven.

2. Cupcakes. Tiny little cakes that can instantly brighten even the most crankiest of days.

3. Football. There are only two more Saturdays left in the regular football season. *Cue sad face* It seems like it goes by faster every year, which is all the more reason to enjoy it to the max. 

4. Sweet Tea. Ordering sweet tea and taking a drink only to discover it isn't sweet after all could quite possibly be the largest disappointment of my week. In that moment while forcing down nasty unsweet tea, I have never been more thankful for the sugar that makes tea worth drinking.

5. Carmex. Try the Cherry. It's pleasure for the lips *and* the nose.

Thursday Thoughts

I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. But can we please make it through Thanksgiving first?? I am fighting the urge daily to listen to Christmas music, put up decorations and watch Christmas movies, but first things first. Thanksgiving. NO CHRISTMAS BEFORE THANKSGIVING.

Every single time I turn on the radio I hear one of the following: Moves Like Jagger, Sexy and I Know It, Party Rock Anthem, Pumped Up Kings, or Bruno Mars.

What's up with this bipolar weather? Yesterday was 75 with tornadoes and today is 45 with sun. I love the cold weather. Love, love, love. But it makes it extremely difficult to decide what to wear when it's changing so drastically from day to day.

Another football season in Athens is coming to an end with Senior Day against Kentucky this Saturday. GO DAWGS!

What's on your mind today?

Winnah, Winnah!!

First of all, a huge THANK YOU to Marley Lilly for hosting such a fabulous giveaway. I love, love, love these scarves and have purchased them for both myself and as gifts. 

And also a great big thank you to everyone who entered. I wish you could have all won one of these fabulous scarves. I am so glad each one of you took the time to stop by and enter. 

Without further ado...

The Entries

 The Winner

CONGRATS to entry 18...Miss Mal from Leggings Are Not Pants! I can't wait to see which scarf you choose!! 

Email me at ugabamabelle@gmail.com and I will get you in touch with Kelly to select your scarf!

Friday Five: The Random Edition

I have been obsessed with Kate Spade for the past several years, and my obsession is getting out of control. Seriously. I love every single thing. I want to jump into their web site and live there forever.

Tomorrow is Game Day and another step closer to my Dawgs clinching the East. At 66*, it's going to be a little chilly in Athens, but that shouldn't stop us from looking cute, right? (Side note: I love me a good pair of Mary Janes.)

Dress: ModCloth
Shoes: Banana Republic
Jewelry: Kate Spade All Wrapped Up
Clutch: Kate Spade Bow Astra


My Pinterest obsession has reared it's ugly head again. I signed up something like 6 months ago when it was fairly new. I spent a couple of weeks on there and then didn't really mess with it again. Until this week. I have spent so much time on there it's ridiculous. It's like I don't have a million other things I need to be doing.


We're closing in on my birthday month...the big 30. I'm not sure how I feel about it. More to come on this later, I'm sure, as I begin to process it.


This weather was made for people who genuinely enjoy planning outfits and getting dressed everyday. I am such a person and I am loving it. Is there anything better than Fall clothing and accessories? No, there isn't.


What are your random thoughts on this Fabulous Friday?

Voices Strong. Hearts United.

Today, I’m wearing my pearls with a little more vivacity.

Today, my beloved sorority celebrates 137 years.

There are no words I can say to truly do justice to everything my years in SK gave to me. I learned so much about life during those years and it has shaped me into who I am today.

I have created unbreakable bonds that will last a lifetime with girls who have seen me at my worst and loved me in spite of my weaknesses. Girls who have shown me kindness and given me strength. Girls who believe in me and challenge me to change. Girls that have my back, no matter what.

SK has empowered me to make bold choices in my life, to stand up for what I believe in, and to be an active member of the world around me. Because of Sigma, I am a part of something bigger than myself and know that no matter what, I will always have a sense of belonging and family…something that has proved to be more important to me lately than I could have ever imagined.  

The night I transitioned from active to alumnae was one of the most bittersweet nights of my life, full of laughter, tears, and a heart overflowing with love. I owe so much to this sorority that has given so much to me.

Voices Strong. Hearts United.

Happy Birthday, Sigma Kappa. 

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Scarf Giveaway!

It's Fall - my favorite time of year! One (of the many) reasons is because of the accessories, namely scarves.

I can't get enough of a good monogram. Seriously, I will monogram any and everything that isn't breathing. 

Give me a combination of a fabulous cashmere-feel scarf and a monogram, and I am one happy girl! And ladies, you're going to be hard-put to find someone who does a monogram better than Marley Lilly.

Have you seen the monogrammed scarves?? Aren't they everything? 

If you've been dying to have one of these, you no longer have to wait for Santa to leave it under the tree...because Marley Lilly is giving one away to a lucky UGABamaBelle reader!

The winner gets to choose any color combination offered by Marley Lilly! The best part about that? You can choose your school colors and wear them on chilly game days!

To enter, simply leave a comment.

For extra entries (leave one comment :

1 Entry Per Day - Tweet about the giveaway (be sure to include @ugabamabelle and @marleylilly in your tweet so we know...if you are private, we won't be able to see your tweet, so be sure to let me know)

1 Entry - Like Marley Lilly on Facebook (leave a comment to let me know you've done this)

1 Entry - Follow Marley Lilly on Twitter (leave a comment to let me know you've done this)

1 Entry - Blog about the giveaway (leave a comment to let me know you've done this)

Winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, November 13.  Good Luck!!

**I never accept any form of payment, compensation, or free merchandise for reviews/giveaways. I will always review a product honestly and all thoughts and comments are my own. I will only participate in giveaways for products in which I love, purchase and use myself.**