Lilly Pulitzer New Spring Arrivals

1. Iona Sleeveless Silk Shell in Resort White Crossed Lions || 2. Charlene Printed Knit Shift Dress in Multi in The Vias || 3. Cara Dolman Sleeve Dress in Bright Navy in The Vias || 4. Janice Knit Shift Dress in Hotty Pink || 5. Meryl Long Sleeve Lace V-Neck Dress in Poolside Blue Two Tone Diamond Lace || 6. Elsa Top in Bright Navy in The Vias || 7. Charlene Knit Shift Dress in Exotic Orchid

It may be winter, and freezing out, but the Lilly Pulitzer spring collection has arrived! It has me counting down the days until spring. In The Vias is a fabulous new print incorporating navy and hot pink. Good job Lilly, you did it once again.

SEL // One Year Later

On January 21st, 2014, I created Southern Ervin Living. It was never planned, but was on a whim. My first post was titled: Our Wedding Story, where I talked about, well...our wedding. I didn't know what my future posts would have to offer the blogging community. I was clueless to be quiet honest with you. But within a year, I would like to say that I have grown as a writer, photographer and blogger. 

Through blogging, my creativity and uniqueness can truly shine.

I will forever be grateful for the amazing people I have meet through blogging and all of your support and sweet comments. Thank y'all so much! 

SEL has many more fabulous years ahead, here is to another one!

SEL's Weekly Flashback

This week has been a week of fresh starts, a fresh start to a new semester and a whole new blog design. I love starting over with a new blank canvas, it motivates me to instill new goals. 

Here is my weekly flashback:

Clearly a new semester has begun, 3 of my Insta posts involved coffee. COFFEE FIRST, THEN TALK. I am obsessed with my coffee mugs, courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer and Anthropology.

SEL got a total haul, one that is classy. I seriously could not be anymore happy with the sophisticated look that the black and gold design creates. If you are in search for a new blog design, I highly suggest Brand Me Beautiful. They are just oh so fabulous! 

Today, I did a mini morning photo shoot. I am hoping to become a future model for Southern Cross Apparel. They offer preppy/trendy apparel for both men and women. Fingers crossed that I get to represent such a great southern company! 

If you aren't already following me on Instagram, head over and do so now. Instagram: @SouthernErvin

Black & Gold Branding

Welcome to the newly renovated SEL! It is certainly not the changes anyone was expecting, not even myself. I wanted to keep my blog design simple yet classy. This blog design does just that. I adore black and gold. In fact, I have a secret Pinterest board dedicated to blog inspo where I have frequently pinned black and gold design inspiration. 

This design truly creates a classy and sophisticated look that I could not be more happy with. 

Below is a sneak peak of pins included in my blog inspo board. Wouldn't you agree that black and gold go perfectly together? 

What are your thoughts on the changes? 

Holiday Wish List: Annaliese

TORY BURCH Robinson Pebbled Square Tote Bag || MALLY BEAUTY Delicious Diva Kit || TORY BURCH Miller Sandals || J.CREW Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace || LILLY PULITZER Elsa Top || CANON EOS Rebel T3 || KATE SPADE Square Studs || VERA BRADLEY Tote || REMINGTON Curling Wand

Follow Annaliese: Blog / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / Twitter 

SEL Christmas Home Tour

This year, our home was decorated mainly with reds and golds with a hint of green. Many decorations shown are DIYs (Christmas Frame Wreath, Anthropology Inspired Snow Globes, Baby It's Cold Outside Chalk Board, Ornament Wreath). And, it was our first year getting a real Christmas tree. 

I adore how our home turned out for the holidays. I must say that it is cozy and inviting. I hope you enjoy the Ervin's Christmas Home Tour!

Holiday Gift Guide || For The Hostess

Browsing for home items has become a regular hobby of mine. I frequently find myself on C. Wonder wishing for everything. They are the perfect source for pretty hostess gifts. The plaid house ware is to die for! I also love the quirky and unique items that Anthropologie provides, ahhh I love it all! 

I wanted to create a mix of useful items that every hostess needs. This is the ultimate guide for being the hostess with the mostess. 

1. KITCHEN AID pink stand mixer $350 || 2. C. WONDER cutlery $34 || 3. ANTHROPOLOGIE mug $8 || 4. C. WONDER safari animal bottle stopper $28 || 5. KATE SPADE square dish $40 || 6. C. WONDER dachshund cheese board (currently out of stock) similar found HERE $38 || 7. C. WONDER black and white tea pot $48 || 8. KATE SPADE drink ware $50 

SEL's 2014 Holiday Wish List

Christmas Wish List by rgofor featuring a christmas outfit

1. Southern Proper Pullover in Hunter Green

2. Plaid J.Crew Factory Pleated Mini 

3. 8" L.L Bean Boots 

4. Hunter's Original Short Gloss Rain Boot in Military Red 
5. Marley Lilly Tennessee Monogrammed Plate Necklace
6. Kate Spade New York 'All Wrapped Up' Glass Pearl Bracelet 
7. Peelin' Out Lilly Pulitzer Agenda 
8. Tortoise Frame Ray-Ban Clubmaster 
9. BareMinerals Vision of Light Collection 
10. Philosophy Amazing Grace Layering Set
11. Aveda Rosemary Mint Set 
12. Starbucks Gift Card

SEL Bakes: Salted Caramel Apple Pie

I have always wanted to learn how to bake a pie from scratch. No buying the pre made pie crust from the store. However, I must say the thought of making a homemade pie kind of scared me. Why? Because, I CANNOT bake. It's true, I once burnt up a hand mixer but we won't go there.

Baking this pie was on my November to-do list (Found Here). My husband and I wanted to do a test run before we bake this pie for our family to serve at Thanksgiving. 

This pie is simply delicious. It is a salted caramel apple pie. I found this recipe from a food blogger, Sally's Baking Addiction (CLICK FOR RECIPE). The recipe includes directions on how to make your own pie crust, filling and salted caramel sauce. I love the addition of the salted caramel sauce. It compliments the apples so well. 

Our pie turned out perfectly. The process is long, but it is completely worth it. I cannot wait to serve this too our family for Thanksgiving. 

This recipe is not my own, it was created by Sally's Baking Addiction  

Plaid on Plaid

What I am wearing: Plaid Hat | Southern Proper, Earrings | Tory Burch, Plaid Blanket Scarf | Target, Fur Vest | TJ Maxx, Chambray | TJ Maxx, Rose Gold Watch | Michael Kors, Gold Gem Bracelet | Target, Black Leggings | Target, Cream Sweater Boot Socks | TJ Maxx, Boots | TJ Maxx 

Plaid is clearly my favorite fall fashion staple, I own so much of it. My favorite plaid purchase of the season is this Southern Proper tartan hat. It compliments so many of my outfits and mixes great with other plaid. For instance I love how it pairs with my plaid blanket scarf. It is truly a fabulous fall look. 

Pairing plaid with fur is my ultimate go-to. Not only does fur keep you warm on chilly days, but it also creates the most perfect casual look.

What is your favorite way to style plaid? 

The Dot Collection

The 2014 Dot collection has made its way to Starbucks! |SHOP HERE| There are literally so many designs to choose from making it one hard decision. All of these mugs are under $20 and will make perfect gifts. 

I stopped by my local Starbucks as soon as I learned that the new collection had been release. As you can tell, I am slightly Starbucks obsessed. I picked up the buffalo plaid mug because let's face it, I am mad for plaid. Now drinking my coffee/lattes are that much more enjoyable.

Pictured: Starbucks Buffalo Plaid Mug | Target Plaid Blanket Scarf 

What is your favorite mug from the Dot Collection?

Viva La Jewels || Facebook Auction FAQ's

As a Viva La Jewels Rep, I am really excited about their first ever Facebook Sale. You will have the opportunity to purchase their fabulous products at amazingly low prices. You can also receive an additional 10% off of your purchase by using my code listed below. Now that's a sale! I am answering all of your questions regarding the sale so you can shop in confidence. If you happen to have additional questions that were not answered, please feel free to contact me. 

When does the auction begin?

There are two sales scheduled:

Tuesday: 9:00pm EST & Thursday: 9:00pm EST

How long does the sale last?

24 hours from the time it begins

How do I shop the Viva La Jewels Facebook Auction?

Here are the steps you should take in order shop:

1. In order to stay connected, like Viva La Jewels on Facebook.

2. Register in order to shop this amazing sale (Register Here).

3. Comment "SOLD" with you email address on the item you wish to purchase. 

4. Pay, you have 12 hours within receiving your invoice to do so or the item will be passed on.

When will my item ship?

Once your invoice has been paid, your order will be shipped. 

What items will be included in the sale?
There will be a total of 15 items for sale. Look for a post on my social media outlets for a sample of what will be included. 

How much are the items?
This is a complete surprise, however, I can tell you that the prices are extremely discounted. 

Are quantities limited?
YES! Be sure to pay your invoice within the 12 hours upon receiving it. 

For an additional 10% off of these sale prices, use code: southernervin