Stock Up & Save

It's no secret that I love shopping. I like to think that I have a strategy when it comes to scoping out the deals. I love name brands and staying on trend, but I don't want to break the bank doing so. One of my favorite things is to shop end of season sales. I almost feel like T.J. Maxx stole my motto, never pay full price for fabulous.

I have found a few items that are on major clearance at J.Crew Factory that you should consider adding to your closet lineup. If you have any Christmas gift cards left, this will put them to good use!

Sweaters are classic; they are great for laying and warmth. The only thing that might change from year to year are the color trends. I have found a drop-shoulder turtleneck sweater in four different colors. I am a big fan of turtlenecks; they look so polished and put together!

All season long, I have found myself wanting to wear this ruffled collar blouse. I purchased it in both black and white. I believe that everyone should own a dressy white blouse. What makes this one so special? It's under $30!

These next two items seem to pair well together, a classic button-down shirt in flannel and a quilted puffer vest. It seems like every girl from age 16-20+ is a fan of this combination. I don't know about you, but I am a little turned off by the price tag on some of these puffer vests, $100+ is a hard pass for me. J.Crew Factory has the flannel shirts on sale for $33.99, and there are multiple colors left. The puffer vests are $59, and there are two different patterned options for you to choose from.

This week, I received the new J.Crew catalog in the mail. I plan on spending some time going through it tonight and finding a handful of items that I can't live without. What are your weekend plans?

Big Flavor in NOLA

When it comes to a mini vacation, I love scoping out local places and the token tourist destinations. When we found out at Oklahoma State University made it to the Sugar Bowl, it was a no-brainer that we were making the trip to cheer on the cowboys! I took to Instagram to get recommendations for dining while in New Orleans, shoutout to all of the top-notch suggestions. I want to share with you a few of my favorite dishes I had during my recent trip.

The Best Drink

Arnaud's is located in the heart of the French Quarter and the bar is named after a signature cocktail, the French 75. This is where Jered and I rang in 2016, we had a romantic four-course dinner that started with a French 75. They were so good, I had another before my main dish. Weeks later I find myself dreaming of this cocktail. Too bad I don't know the secret recipe! If the marriage of champagne and lemon makes your mouth water, this is your drink.

The Tourist Trap

I have now visited New Orleans twice and each time I stop at Café Du Monde. I know that there are better breakfasts in the city. Trust me, I have had a few of them. It's hard to beat hot out of the deep-fryer beignets and all of their glory! If you want to pig out, get an extra order for you to share. Time for a truth, I am not a fan of plain black coffee. I take a couple of teaspoons of the extra powdered sugar and stir it into my coffee. I know, I am such a sissy! #NoShame

The Best Brunch

When you walk into Brennan's you want to take in every single detail. The way this restaurant is decorated is something that you don't see every day. I am all about the details, both big and small. You know what else love? The classics! When you find something you like, stick to it. That's my motto with brunch. I have a confession, I am obsessed with Artisanal Eggs Benedict and this one was a grand slam! The Brennan's brunch experience is one you will not forget.

The Best Dessert

This dessert has a special place in my heart. The night before Jered proposed to me in Orlando, we had dinner at Emeril's. One of his favorite desserts is banana cream pie. Truth be told, I have bananas with a passion (not a fan of mushy textures). Before we even got the dinner menu that night at Emeril's New Orleans, Jered told me we are getting dessert so save room! This pie is beautiful, like how doesn't it have it's own Instagram account? Not to mention it's delicious, even if you don't love bananas. 

Let's just say after this trip I needed clothing with elastic waistbands only. I look forward to our next trip to New Orleans until then I will be dreaming about shrimp, grits, oysters and the bold flavors that make this place so wonderful. What's your favorite NOLA dish?

New Year & New Goals

Where has January gone? This month has flown by! I am still having trouble writing 2016 instead of 2015. Anyone else in the same boat? Okay, glad I am not alone. Maybe by next month I will have this process down, fingers crossed.

With the new year kicked off, I decided to dust off the old blog and give it a facelift. What do you think? Ashley, from The Grits Blog did an amazing job! If you are looking for a new blog design at a reasonable price, shoot Ashley an e-mail and tell her I sent you. I promise you will not be disappointed. I also decided to change the name of the blog from Sassy Southern Living to Sassy Southern Lindsey. If you know me, I am a tad southern and a whole lot of sass!

Top: J.Crew Factory || Skirt: J.Crew Factory (sold out but here's another fun print) || Necklace: sold out, (sold out but here's one similar) || Belt: Kate Spade, sold out || Booties: Kate Spade (similar & on major sale) || Earrings: francesca's || Bracelet: Loren Hope || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || photos: Avenue Photography ||

Did you make any resolutions this year? How's that going, are you staying strong and dedicated? I have given this a lot of thought and here is what I want to do during 2016:

1) Be patient

    The good Lord knows that I need to work on this and worry less!

2) Send more snail mail

    Because who doesn't love a handwritten note.

3) Be in the moment

    Put the iPhone down, Lindsey!

4) Celebrate with friends

    Schedule time to celebrate big things and small victories (insert party emoji here).

5) Keep a prayer journal

    I want to keep a weekly prayer journal for my small group girls.

I would love to hear about your 2016 resolutions! We are all in this together, let's help one another!