PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Rebecca Hicks

For a girl that loves all things romance, pink, and sparkly I think its fair to say that Valentine’s Day is my jam. I’m truly a hopeless romantic. I’m the girl that wants everyone to have a happy ending, take it to heart when celebrity couples break up and, always think my friend’s boyfriends are going to propose when they go on vacation together. In all aspects of my life, I rule with the heart, so you know that a day that is meant to celebrate all things love does not go unnoticed by me. After ten years together Jace and I still like to celebrate but we usually keep it simple. Every year is different but whether we have a nice dinner out or a quiet dinner in we always exchange gifts. Between our big move and our new puppy this year we are keeping gifts simple. Here is my wish list this year:

1. GODIVA CHOCOLATE: I will always say yes to chocolate, added bonus if they come in a box that’s this pretty!

2. EBERJEY PAJAMA: After getting married I made it a point to up my PJ game a bit. I wanted pajamas that were comfy for sleeping but I would still look cute in. This pajama set accomplishes both goals!

3. LALICIOUS BODY OIL & BUBBLE BATH: This Bubble Bath feels so luxurious and smells amazing. Perfect for a little at home pampering!

4. TRINKET DISH: I love trinket dishes and have several all over the house. These are great to put your rings on while cleaning or to keep hairpins organized in the bathroom.

5.HENRI BENDEL TRAVEL SET: Anything that can help me stay organized while traveling will always make it to my wishlist. This travel set is so perfect for keeping all your toiletries in place. I love that its a set of 3 pieces that all fit into 1.

6: KENDRA SCOTT NECKLACE: I love a good birthstone piece and this Kendra Scott necklace is so pretty without breaking the bank.

7.RALPH LAUREN ROMANCE: This has been my signature scent since high school, I even wore it on my wedding day! I always keep several bottles stashed so I never run out. It smells so crisp and clean and always brings back the best memories.

8.FAUX FUR HEART PILLOW: I really like adding touches of decor around the house for Valentine’s Day, this pillow is the perfect touch to your couch or bed without being too cheesy.

9: VOLUSPA CANDLE: These are my favorite candles and burn them constantly. They fill the room with scent and are really long lasting.

10. DAINTY BOW RING: Give me anything with bows and I’m a happy girl. This dainty ring is just perfect.

11: KATE SPADE PHONE COVER: I love to change my phone covers and this adorable Kate Spade one with heart motif is just perfect for February.

12: BAREFOOT DREAMS TRAVEL SHAWL: This travel shawl has been on my wishlist for a while. I love that it doubles as a cardigan and it even has pockets! So perfect for those cold long flights.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year? What’s on your wishlist?

TOP: Free People (on sale here) // JACKET: Blank NYC // DENIM: AG

BAG: Zac Posen (obsessed with the mini version here) // BOOTS: Tory Burch // EARRINGS: J.Crew

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Rebecca Hicks

1. Complete strangers are genuinely nice.

Everything you have ever heard about Southern hospitality is 100% true! Southerners are so nice it’s almost suspicious but, they really do mean it and they are actually that nice.

2. Everything that is edible can and will be fried.

Cupcakes, chocolate bars, Oreos, ravioli, spinach you name it and Southerners will fry it! No one has the South beat on food and don’t even get me started on the BBQ, hands down the best I’ve ever had!

3. Saying Y’all is a way of life.

If you want to say “you guys” replace with Y’all. If you want to say “you all” replace with Y’all. If you want to say “the two of you” replace with Y’all. You get the gist. Although I have yet to say my first Y’all since moving to the South the more I hear it the more it makes a lot of sense as the plural of you.

4. Iced Tea is not tea unless it’s Sweet. 

Southern iced tea has sooo much sugar in it you can literally chew it. Don’t get me wrong it is so delicious but not so great for my waistline. When you order iced tea in the South you have to specify that you want unsweet iced tea, you will then undoubtedly get a confused double look from your waitress. To Southerners, iced tea without sugar is just not right.

5. The pace is slower and that’s a great thing.

Coming from a big city I tend to talk fast, drive fast and spend fast. I never imagined I would enjoy slowing things down a bit. The pace of life in the South is calm, family oriented and welcoming. There is definitely time to stop and smell the roses here and that is just wonderful.

6. Monogram EVERYTHING that doesn’t have a pulse.

Southerner’s monogram everything.From their clothes to their jewelry and, even their Yeti Cups, I mean EVERYTHING! This is definitely a classic Southern thing I’m all for!

7. Chik-Fil-A comes before all things even Jesus.

NO JOKE….the drive-thru line goes around the block during lunch hour, people actually sit down inside and even say their prayers before they eat (which is so nice to see.) Who can blame them for loving it so much though! The food is delicious, the diet Lemonade is so good I don’t believe its diet and, a packed house each and every time makes Chik-Fil-A a religious experience.

8. When someone says “Bless your heart,” it can mean just about anything…good or bad.

This little saying can go a long way. Southerners use this phrase for just about everything and you quickly learn to decipher the many meanings this phrase could take on. Watch this to see what I mean.

9. The proper answer to any question is: “Yes Ma’am” or “Yes Sir”.

Being proper in the South is very much expected and respecting your elders is non-negotiable. When directing yourself to anyone older than you, you must use Ma’am or Sir.

10. Saturdays are for College Football.

College football is a big deal in the South and Saturdays are reserved for tailgating and beer guzzling while cheering on your college team no matter how old you are or how bad your team is losing.