Beauty Basics
We are all beautiful no matter our size, shape, or age! The key to beauty is to embrace your unique qualities and play them up! And remember, the best beauty tip is confidence!
The Cotton House in Cleveland
Situated right on Cleveland’s Cotton Row, this lovely boutique hotel is convenient to the Grammy Museum, Delta State University, and fantastic local shopping.
We were thrilled to be invited to stay at The Cotton House in Cleveland recently, as it is one of our favorite shopping destinations, and we had not yet had the pleasure of experiencing this new and beautiful hotel with it’s roots firmly planted in Delta soil.
The Property
The Cotton House is conveniently located right on Cleveland’s Cotton Row—the beautiful “Main Street” of the town. The property has 95 guest rooms, including six swanky suites, and is decked out in Delta charm, from the lobby all the way to the rooftop. You immediately feel right at home when you enter and see the uniquely Mississippi touches all through the decor.
Dining and Drinking
When you’re ready for food and a beverage, there are two options there within the hotel. Delta Meat Market serves as both a grocer and a full service restaurant, featuring Chef Cole Ellis’s Mississippi Delta fare with an international flair. You’ll enjoy a varied selection of delicious dishes or grab-and-go items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We both agreed that the Wedge Salad was one of the best we ever had.
Up on the roof, Bar Fontaine has a spacious seating area and bar, along with an outdoor patio overlooking beautiful Cotton Row. Enjoy small plates and pastas with local ingredients, and sip on a glass of wine or a uniquely crafted cocktail while you take in a Delta sunset.
Shopping on Cotton Row
On either side of the beautiful park-like median of Cotton Row is some of the best local shopping in the state. Whether you are looking for antiques, art, gifts, children’s apparel, or the latest in ladies’ or men’s fashion, you will find it right there in the heart of Cleveland. For more information on the shopping, click HERE.
The Grammy Museum
Jump in the car for a quick two minute drive, and you’ll come upon Mississippi’s own Grammy Museum, which is the first such facility outside of Los Angeles. This Magnolia State gem features interactive exhibits, along with an impressive collection of Mississippi music treasures. It is not to be missed.
Plan Your Visit!
If you haven’t been to Cleveland, what are you waiting for? Get out there and take a “Trip in the ’Sip”! Here are more resources to help you plan your visit:
Visit Cleveland
Cleveland Chamber of Commerce
Cleveland Main Street
Would you like to bring Hip in the ’Sip to come visit your Mississippi property or Main Street to showcase there and on my Southern Shine blog? Contact Lori Brechtel HERE.
10 Reasons why The Gulf Hills Hotel in Ocean Springs is a great safe getaway during COVID-19 or anytime!!!
If you have been following me for very long you know I love the Mississippi Gulf Coast and am a go to for all the hidden treasures it has to offer. The world of travel has changed during this scary time of COVID-19. I needed a safe get away and I sure found a good one. The Gulf Hills Hotel is tucked away near the bay in Ocean Springs. The most beatiful views are all around this vintage hotel. It is kinda like going back to the resort vactions you see in the dirty dancing movie. Here are my reasons I loved it so much.
Be sure to see the gallery below the list!
1. The Scenery
Grab a bottle of wine and a rocking chair because you will want to sit on the porch and soak it all in.
2. Walk straight from the car to the room
You won’t find any crowded elevators here or a long haul down a crowded hallway. This is perfect if you have someone older or handicapped. I also love it for work because I have easy access to my car. This is also so safe from COVID.
3. Huge pool
This pool gives a ton of room to social distance or splash around with the family. It is really well maintained and has a beautiful view of the bay. There is also a Tennis Court and Golf Course.
4. Several beautiful covered spaces with outdoor seating and dining areas.
To avoid the crowd downtown we did take out and brought it back to the hotel and dined outside.
5. Perfect for an extended stay
Several of the rooms actually havc a small kitchen.
6. The history is so interesting
Elvis actually kept a suite here. Marilyn Monroe, Jane Mansfield, Judy Garland and many more have actually stayed here. The staff have so many entertaining stories.
7. It is a total Southern experience
This hotel is vintage and nostalgic. The staff is so hospitable. You feel like you are stepping back in time.
8. It is such a quiet getaway
The party crowd is NOT here. Most of the guests love it so much they come several times a year.
9. It is close to Downtown and the Beach
Downtown Ocean Springs and the Beach is only 5 minutes away. The casinos are only 7 minutes away.
10. Accomedations
Although this is an older hotel, they still have the modern comforts of free Wifi and a really good free continental breakfast.
Gulf Hills Hotel 866-875-4211
13701 Paso Road Ocean Springs MS
Celebrating Elvis’s 85th Birthday at The Guest House at Graceland
My facination with Elvis Presley began when I was in middle school. My family and I were actually in Memphis and passing by Graceland when the ambulance was leaving the day Elvis died. I read several books and became such a fan in my young age. Other girls had Shaun Cassidy on their wall. I had Elvis.
So, going to stay at the Guesthouse was a dream collaboration for me. Let me start by saying the hotel is beautiful and every experience is over the top. There is nothing cheesy about it. The accommodations were so good and the service was even better. There are tons of activities. The movies in the courtyard sounded like something I will definitely go back for this spring. The lobby lounge has live music and it gets really festive at night. The lobby is also ideal for meeting other guests. So many guests had their own Elvis stories. There are two restaurants—EP’s Bar and Grill is little more casual than Delta’s Kitchen—but both menus reflect the Southern foods that would have been cooked at Graceland. There is also a Peanut Butter and Jelly bar for late night munchies. The breakfast buffet is full of all your favorites including a made-to-order omelet and waffle station. There is a beautiful pool to enjoy during the summer. The hotel also offers a shuttles to Graceland and Beale Street. There are also so many fun games to play in the courtyard.
The first night, Lori and I decided to have a casual dinner and then check out the bar. There was live music with song from the 60’s and 70’s. We met so many interesting people. It was so much fun we stayed till we closed it down. By the way, check out Lori’s blog post on our stay HERE.
The second day we headed over to Graceland. We figured we would be there around an hour. We ended up spending hours over there. It was incredible!! Lori was not much of an Elvis fan before but she definitely was catching the fever. The Graceland experience is amazing. While we were there we met a lady named Alene who actually worked for Elvis. I will treasure that conversation forever.
Just when we thought this experience couldn’t get any better….. We hopped on the shuttle to go to an event held across the street. My words can not do this event justice but I will try. Pricilla Presley shared some of her most precious memories with us and set the stage for the concert. Elvis sang on the screen while the TCB band actually played and the Imperials sang back up. These original members shared personal stories and experiences with the audience and were available for a meet and greet after. I don’t know how they pulled it off but the whole thing was so real. I had chills, thrills, and a few tears. After it was over and we were back at the room, Lori and I watched hours of footage of Elvis. I expected to enjoy this experience but I didn’t expect to love it. It exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Book a room and do all things!
Book a Room here
Buy Tickets to visit Graceland here
Outfits I wore on the Trip
There were lots of events to dress for. Here are the outfits I wore. I have linked most of items below. You can shop by clicking on the individual items. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Chicago Fashion Haul and More!
My absolute favorite place we ate was the Purple Pig. We did a lunch with wine pairing. It is pricey, but worth every penny! It was my second time to go there, and I won’t miss it any time I ever go. We had several small dishes; the highlights were the broccoli, the prosciutto flight, a pasta dish, and a beet salad.
For brunch with a view, I highly recommend Cindy’s Rooftop. I had the lobster roll and Allison had the salmon. Another one of my favorite brunch spots is The Hampton Social. We also shared small plates there and frosé. For dinner (ate it so fast I forgot to take a pic) we ate at RPM, which is owned by Giuliana and Bill Rancic. It was absolutely the best dinner I have ever had, and the prices were very reasonable for the amount of food. The atmosphere was fabulous. This is a do not miss. We attended an interactive dinner theatre performance called TeatroZinZanni, which was a unique and fun experience, but do not take the kids.
Keep scrolling to make sure you don’t miss the fashion!
Chicago Shopping Haul
Chicago has some of the best shopping anywhere! It’s all walkable, and easy to do in a three-day period. Here are some pictures of a few of the items, and I will share some other pics on my Instagram feed soon. I have linked them through Like To Know It in the thumbnails below.
Linked below are all the items I purchased in Chicago! To purchase, simply click on the picture of the item you wish to buy. When you use my links, I get a small commission, so I really appreciate you doing so. Please let me know if you have any questions about sizing; I will be happy to help you! Happy shopping from the Windy City!
A Few Makeup Must-Haves
I get a lot of questions about my favorite makeup items. Here are some of the products I use faithfully! Just click on the pic to purchase.
10 Reasons The Roost in Ocean Springs Should be your Next Getaway
For the past 20 plus years I have visited the coast for work at least 8 times a year. It is a fabulous place. The food, shopping, and hospitality are unsurpassed. Ocean Springs has over 100 restaurants and even more retailers. The downtown area is lined with cute shops, great places to dine, and after 5:00 some really good safe night life. It is no wonder it was named the # 1 Main Street in America. I was lucky enough to stay at The Roost in the Spring when the weather was warm and the azaleas were blooming. It was simply stunning. I think the best way to encourage you to book your room NOW (because word is traveling fast about this beautiful place) is to give you 10 reasons you must go.
Be sure to see the gallery below the list!
1. Nothing Beats a Southern Porch
The Roost has them everywhere you look. You can sip a cocktail, read a book, meet other guests , or simply reconnect with your significant other. There are fans and heaters to add to your comfort level.
2. Always an Event
If you love art festivals, Ocean Springs will not let you down, and downtown is a short stroll from The Roost. If you want to dress up for dinner you could Uber for $5.00.
3. The Amazing Food
I ate at Eat drink Love Catering which is actually in The Roost. I had Turnip and Artichoke dip and a Blueberry Brie Bacon Burger with a Side Salad. I can tell you it was so good that it will be on the agenda every time I go to Ocean Springs from now on. That is a major compliment because there are many good dining options.
4. The Wilbur Bar
The Wilbur Bar at the Roost has so many creative cocktails and a speakeasy feel, with a hidden room behind a bookcase.
5. A Glass (yes one glass) of Dom Perignon
The Wilbur Bar serves Dom Perignon Champagne by the glass (enough said).
6. Attention to Detail
The people are proud of the details they put into your stay and go the extra mile to make sure your stay is one you will never forget.
7. Spa-like Room Decor
The rooms at the Roost are so beautifully decorated and they think of every detail. There is glass stemware in the room if you want to share a bottle of wine or champagne.
8. Community Spirit
The Ocean Springs Chamber assists over 600 guests a month. You can stop in and get a map of the boutiques and menus for the restaurants. They will also provide you with a calendar of events.
9. The BEACH
The Beach is only a short walk from the Roost and Eat Drink Love Catering is happy to pack you a picnic lunch.
10. The SHOPPING
Last but certainly not least is The Shopping and for that We will have another blog post.
The Roost 604 Porter Ave 228-285-7989. The Ocean Springs Chamber 228-875-4424
Shopping in Downtown Ocean Springs
The Shopping in downtown Ocean Springs deserves its own post! There are are so many boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores. To see them all it will take a full day. They are up and down Washington Avenue and Government Street. My advice is to stop by the Ocean Springs Chamber and get a map so you don’t miss any of these cute stores. My friend Lori (follow her @thelovelyride) and I shopped all day and shot for four really cute stores. This should give you a little taste of what you will find. You should also check out my Instagram Stories this week for a peak inside these four stores . All stores are happy to ship.
Check out the pics above each store!
Lee Tracy
1000 Government St
228-447-4249
They have a large selection of Women’s Clothing and Accessories for all ages. I really love the beach vibes in this store but they also have a lot of really nice basics. OTS Top-$158 | Denim Shorts $58 | Weekend Vibes Tote- $40 | Embroidered Dress $158 | Spotted Hide Bag $305
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
J Laurie Shoe Boutique
628 Washington Ave
228-243-5408
This store has the largest selection of comfortable cute shoes that I have seen anywhere. If you are having a hard time finding cute comfy shoes you will thank me big for this post.
Black and White Wedges $99 | Mixed Pattern Wedge $110 | White Cut Out Detail Block Heel $119
Follow them on Facebook.
Love/Ivy
914 Washington Ave
228-354-8499
This is one of the trendiest boutiques around. This boutique is full of fun pieces to update your wardrobe. I also love to shop with April in Hattiesburg at Eve Marie’s.
Multi Colored Jumpsuit $.78.95 | Pink Leopard Top $28.95
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram
The Bay Collection
906 Washington Ave
228-875-6655
If you love labels you are going to love this store. Premium Denim, Special Occasion Dresses, and Some Gorgeous Bling can always be found here. This Mother Daughter team will fix you up. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Pineapple Romper-$86 Swirl OTS top $297
There are many other fun boutiques and gift shops to check out. When you do, let me know your favorites.
For those of you who love a good Spa Treatment I would like to mention Emma Bains and The Red Lily Spa. She is wonderful, but you need to book it early because she stays really busy. 228-215-1923.
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