Article Posted on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 at 12:07 pm

“The closer to Jesus, the better we like it.”

Article Posted on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 at 1:02 pm

Southern Belles are taught several essential truths and one of those just so happens to be the art of big hair. I am very excited because this is the first holiday season that my hair has been long enough to do the classic beehive. So inspired by yesterday’s Rue cover post, and Dolly of course, I thought I’d share a little inspiration and 2 great tutorials I’ve found on getting the classic ‘do.

How to Style a Beehive on A Beautiful Mess

’60s Inspired Bouffant Updo by FoxyLocks

The Beehive is the Belle’s *quintessential* go-to ‘do for every occasion so you’d better get in some practice crafting the perfect one before all those Christmas parties next week!
XO* Hannah B.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 8:58 am

Please excuse me for taking an extra day but between the holiday, the turkey, the family and the alcohol (much needed after the former), it was very necessary. Are you too feeling slightly hungover from the holiday? Are you not quite ready to jump into Christmas full force just yet? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you.

I’ve always loved the Muppets, but in the past week I have been on a bit of overload. Late Wednesday night, Husband took me to see The Muppets, and it was even better than I’d hoped. Thus, I bring you a holiday detox full of furry little creatures, fabulous music, and, of course, the Belle of the pigs.

:: Listen ::

If you’re planning on seeing the movie, I’d highly recommend listening to Jason Segal and Nick Stroller, the creators, talk with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. You can tell how much fun they had doing the film, and it cues you to pay extra attention to certain parts. You’ll also most definitely want to download the soundtrack. Although, I’d recommend waiting until after the film so as not to take anything away from the surprises. The super-catchy music was done by Bret from Flight of the Concords, and we have seriously sung the tunes all week.

:: Read ::

When I was little I studied my mother’s copy of Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life as if it were the Bible of being a Belle. Who doesn’t love a beauty queen who lifts mugs of hot chocolate and does pin-up poses to work out? Depressed? Avoid listening to composers whose last name starts with ‘D.’ Need style advice or wondering what to wear on your next international trip? This book has you covered.

:: Dress ::

While we’re on the subject of Piggy (because, let’s face it, you totally knew that’s where this post was headed), why not talk about a key element of her style that we can incorporate in our wardrobes right now? The leg warmer. Perfect for both Miss Piggy’s Aerobique workout as well as her Snackcercise routine.

:: Live ::

Finally, looking to add a little more Belle to your correspondences this holiday season? Why not take a cue from Miss Piggy and use a little French. (Note: Using it correctly is not all that important, as long as you do it with confidence!) Incorporate words like trés, moi, and teensie weensie (not French, but you get the idea) into your Christmas letters to keep readers on their toes and make them feel blessed by having such a classy friend!

Bonus! An extra little moment in which Miss Piggy plays the ultimate Belle of Tara…

A Belle’s Summer Handbag Essentials…

Article Posted on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 at 10:00 am

1.) A good Belle always carries an extra canvas tote… it makes her feel both environmentally friendly and there’s no hauling mismatched plastic bags at the Farmer’s Market. I keep this Brooks Brothers tote folded in my bag for such occasions.

2.) Kindle. Notebook. Day Planner. Without these any working Belle feels completely lost. I personally love this Kate Spade Kindle cover, these Moleskin notebooks with chipboard covers and this Moleskin Day Planner.

3.) Rebel Red. L’Oreal #315.

4.) Rose salve. Perfect for your lips or dry skin after a day at the beach. (My personal pick: C.O. Bigelow)

5.) A Belle is never without fresh breath… or at least Altoids to cover up the hint of Bloody Mary on breath.

6.) These foldable sunglasses are perfect when you forget your Audrey shades–or just want to protect them from the salt and sand at the beach.

7.) Mascara & eyeliner never seem to stay in place in such hot weather but to keep them in check make sure you have a few Q-Tips on hand. You’ll never look disheveled!

8.) Baby Wipes are the God-send that no one talks about. They are the essential thing I always keep on hand when directing weddings for one reason: they can get sangria out of just about anything and are safe on all materials.

9.) Belles have a hanky for every outfit. So much prettier than searching for a Kleenex.

10.) Bobby pins and hair bands.

*As I’ve mentioned many times before, I have an inherited adoration for Coach bags. Husband surprised me with this one the other day, and I’m totally in love! I also got this little wristlet for the inside, which is especially handy for this time of year because I can carry it by itself when we’re out on the town or at a fancy party. And don’t forget the coin purse… my daddy taught me, you never want to be caught thirsty without a few quarters!

Have a picnic this weekend!

Article Posted on Friday, June 24th, 2011 at 12:18 pm

{ Canoe Ridge Creations }

I was on Pinterest the other day and began looking through the ‘Quilt Ideas’ board of my friend Niki when I came across this beautiful gray quilt! Doesn’t it look like just the thing for a summer picnic? I thought so too so on that note, I thought I’d share every Belle’s Top 5 picnic essentials. After all, what is a picnic without a floppy-brimmed hat, pink lemonade, pretty plastic dishes and flatware and, of course, monogrammed napkins! (These from Wisteria are totally on my wishlist!)

{   1 /   2   /   3 /   4 /    5 }

*note: I believe the flatware was a limited edition run & is no longer available.

Also, in every Belle’s trunk to be pulled out on a spontaneous trip to the park? Why lawn games, of course! I especially love the vintage look of these from Restoration Hardware.

{ Outdoor games from Restoration Hardware }

For a little more picnic inspiration, follow the new A Belle’s Distractions tumblr blog!

It’s raining, it’s pouring…

Article Posted on Thursday, March 10th, 2011 at 8:55 pm

Is it raining where you are? It has been raining (flooding) here way too much lately so I thought that a little Rainy Day Essentials post may be in order…

{ London Fog trench + Hunter boots + Kate Spade earrings + Totes umbrella }

Have you seen that new car commercial? Is it for Chevy maybe? Anyway, I’m kind of in love with this group now…

Of course, you may prefer the classic song about stormy weather…

Anyway, here’s wishing you and yours a bright & *happy* rainy day!
xo~ Hannah B.

Working Gal Essentials

Article Posted on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Episode 1:
“The Search for the Carry-All” or “Why I *LOVE* Coach”

From the time I was still in the single-digit age bracket, I’ve *LOVED* Coach. It’s a simple story really. Mary Ruth Sturm Green (or Woo-Woo, my dad’s mom) has always been my hero. She was amazing! She eloped with the love of her life, raised 7 kids and when my grandfather passed away she continued to run the family business until she got sick. (It’s also worth noting that she outlived Granddaddy by 30-some-odd years. She didn’t die until she was in her 90′s.) I like to think that we were a lot alike. Our personalities were much the same, I favor her more in the looks department than either of my parents, and I like to think that I got a little bit of her gumption.

Woo-Woo was also totally addicted to Coach. She was something of a legend at our local store in Pigeon Forge. In fact, I’m pretty sure we got a sympathy card from the salesperson that always waited on Woo-Woo when she died a couple of winters ago. Anyway, many years around Thanksgiving she would go in and buy gifts for everyone in the family, male and female, which is no small feat when you have 7 children, married, with children of their own. A nice bonus for my mother and me is that my dad always went along to help. (i.e. We got extra little Coach goodies at Christmastime from him!) So this Christmas when we all got Coach from Daddy, I was thrilled! It was sort of like Woo-Woo was there again, you know? At the very least, it was the sort of gift that I feel like is distinctively ours. No matter the occasion, for this (formerly) Green gal a Coach bag is *always* the perfect gift!

So now that you have the background, here’s the real point of this post. I consider myself a fairly fashionable sort of gal, and each day as I walk into work, I am reminded of how my adorable outfit is completely ruined by the pink lunchbox and random books I’m carrying. I have an adorable Guess purse Husband picked out for me last Christmas but the effect of it is usually ruined by all the other the pink lunchbox. So I’ve been on the search for the perfect Coach briefcase. Wouldn’t that just be perfect? In entering this new trying-to-be-a fashionable-’adult’ phase of life, I think a new Coach bag is just what need. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can actually find those gorgeous classic styles at very affordable prices used on sites like Etsy…

Although, I also can’t help but be tempted by these newer, bright styles that are a little more outspoken…

{ click pics for links }

What do you think? Do you have a *favorite* Coach bag?

Essentials :: Traveling Girl

Article Posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 8:00 am

Good morning! We had such a fun time in Chicago, but I suppose it’s good to be back at home, especially considering it’s Christmas week! There is lots of baking to get done, presents to be wrapped and a tree skirt that I still haven’t made. Not to mention the fact that I sound like a man at the moment so I suppose there are also hot toddies to be drunk–medicinal, of course! Anyway, I thought it might be fun to lay out a few of my traveling essentials in case you find yourself on the road this holiday week. What do you absolutely have to have when you’re on the road?