The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer - I'm not overstating it by saying that this book changed my perspective on life and my frequent desire to orchestrate, plan, and control it. While I may not move to the middle of the woods (or start a multi-million dollar company, for that matter) I was deeply inspired by Singer's story of simply letting life unfold.

 The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg - An uplifting story of love and second chances that elicits a "we're-all-in-this-together" kind of hopeful feeling and a cheering-on of characters one can't help but want to hug.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett -  A plot as twisting and interesting as the vines in the jungle in which the story is set, I was fascinated by the dynamics of grief, choice, and loyalty in this beautiful book.

Southernmost by Silas House - House writes with such love and compassion and beauty that I'd read practically any sentence he writes, but this story of a husband, father, and brother who comes to terms with choices made and judgments expressed is at once hopeful and heartbreaking. A flood, a road trip, amends, opening, redemption, and revelation, all from Kentucky to Key West, and I was deeply disappointed to turn the last page. (Good news for Kentucky peeps, though, Silas House will be making an appearance at my favorite Louisville bookstore, Carmichael's, in June!) 

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver - I love old houses, especially because of the wonderful tales they can tell, and this is a tale of just such a house and two different generations inhabiting it. Provocative and metaphorical, Kingsolver always makes me think deeply about life, while also weaving a story with characters both relatable and thoughtful, and this was no exception.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - Part love story, part murder-mystery, part stunning, sweeping praise for those untouched places in the South, this one stirred a longing in me for time spent outdoors and the beautiful simplicity of first loves, and a reverence for quiet human strength.

 Happy Reading!

Thank you, Southern Living, for including us in the fun in Fairhope (how stunning is that sunset setting?!) We couldn't be more thrilled to be part of this beauty! Check out our curated collection of jewelry inspired by this cover and enjoy 20% off with code SOUTHSBEST at checkout, now through 4.22.19. 

It's all rainbows and sunshine tomorrow in Lexington, as we celebrate Omar + Elsie's 3rd birthday with our first-ever exclusive-to-a-store design! Available in limited edition, each is entirely unique, featuring a one-of-a-kind assortment of bright and cheerful beads and a vintage clasp. (Swing by to see them all in person...or choose your own beads to help us design one just for you!)

We'd love for you to join us for the fun...from colorful necklaces, beautiful art from Well + Wonder, and 20% off clothing to custom creations featuring your choice from our curated collection of vintages and beads!  (We'll be bringing lots of goodies, and we'd love to work with you to create a signature style all your own, either while you wait or to ship your way after we finish it up in the studio for you later!)

No matter what, it's sure to be a happy celebration, and we hope to see you there!

Ever wanted to try your hand at jewelry design? Our long-awaited next jewelry workshop with Level Up Louisville happens Tuesday, March 5th, and we'll be teaching an entirely new necklace style based on our best-selling mixed metal and stone design. 

We'll provide all the materials, simply show up and enjoy creating your very own statement style with our help along the way...and this time around we'll be having fun in a favorite local shop, The New Blak, for a stylish setting perfect for your new accessory. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday March 5th

6:30 p.m.

The New Blak @ Oxmoor

Register Here

From driving the school drop-off to designing our latest collections, we can often be found putting our favorite tunes on pause for some podcast listening instead. Here's a round-up of our latest listens, categorized by general theme, because we seem to stick to three main wheelhouses: business, heart and soul, and kiddos. (Life, in three parts, really.)

Business

• How I Built This - on every entrepreneur's list, I am fascinated by the stories behind some of my favorite businesses (from Burt's Bees to barre3)

• Founders 15 - a conversation between founders of businesses, but focuses more on companies still in the earlier stages of growth, rather than the larger, more established success stories 

• Second Life - all about the ladies who've had a winding (and often very interesting) road to where they are now, many times across industries and fields, with lots of stories along the way

Heart and Soul

• Modern Love - my favorite section of the Sunday New York Times, come to life as read by various accomplished actors

• Oprah's Super Soul Conversations - Oprah's interviews with deep thinkers, leaders, authors, and interesting people about the meaning of life, who we are, and ideas for more meaningful, authentic connection to the world around us

•  Terrible, Thanks for Asking - as host Nora McInerny says herself, this podcast is "funny/sad/uncomfortable" which is really just like life, right? Not unusual to laugh/cry/feel a bit awkward in listening to these real-life experiences and stories.

For the Kiddos (and me, who am I kidding?)

• Six Minutes - think Jason Bourne for kids. Each episode is (you guessed it) six minutes long, keeping you guessing with twists, turns, and plot-thickening, action-packed developments.

• The Past and The Curious - we can't get enough of this fun LOCAL TO LOUISVILLE awesomeness that mixes under-appreciated but worth-knowing moments in history with great music, excellent storytelling, and clever, funny bits. Quiz-time is a highlight on the way to school. 

• WOW in the World - making science and technology incredibly fun and entertaining, we all laugh our way through the wild adventures of Mindy and Guy Raz, never knowing where they might take us.