It’s our absolute pleasure to share with you another southern based business that, like us, enjoys some of the same finer things. Enter Jack Rudy Cocktail Company. Jack Rudy is a family affair with roots in both Charleston, SC and Lexington, KY. This dedicated family offers a wide range of cocktail mixers, bitters, finishing touch products, apparel and drink making accessories for anyones needs. Wether you’re an experienced bar back and looking for something new, or an amateur cocktail enthusiast just looking to get started, they have something for you.

Food & Drink, HomeThe Judge FamilyOctober 13, 2017Jack Rudy, Jack, Cocktail, Gin, Gin and Tonic, Drinks Comment

Fair Fashion: Noonday Collection

There isn't much sweeter than spotlighting both an organization and a person that you love and call a friend! Today I'm tickled to chat with my friend Kristine, an Ambassador for Noonday Collection! Kristine and I met more than a 15 years ago when Phil and I were living in Massachusetts. She truly has a heart for people, and her love for others and passion for Noonday will inspire you to get involved!

Birds Fly South...And Some Never Leave

Fall is on the way and it can’t come soon enough. Although we love the summer here in the South, it’s always nice when we get a break from the extreme heat. With the shift in the season comes a shift in our wardrobes as well. We tend to put away the whites and vibrant colors that we associate with Summer. We head to the closet and pull out the earth tones that are just as elegant yet a little more subdued — the colors that remind me of the leaves starting to turn. The browns, deep greens, orange, rust, red and amber. So many colors that nature offers us. The light sweater or cardigan might also make an appearance and the days of shorts are all but over.

Capturing Sunshine & Fairies

I have a memory when I was a little girl, running in my Grandma Nomi's backyard barefoot and and chasing fireflies as the sun began to set over her house. It was the last bit of summer heat, and in my sweaty palms I carried an old mayonnaise jar with like holes poked in the aluminum top.

Dressember: Your Questions Answered!

In the last couple of weeks we've received several questions about the Dressember Campaign, what it is and how to get involved! With registration for Dressember opening on October 1st (This Sunday!!) We wanted to make sure you had as much information as possible! If you have other burning questions, leave a comment and we'll answer it!

Style, Ethical FashionThe Judge FamilySeptember 29, 2017Dressember, Style, Human Trafficking, A21, IJM, Dresses, Bow Ties, Beauty, Fundraiser Comments

Elegantees & Fall Feelings

There is something dreamy about Fall. For me, it's the cooler weather, the changing of the oak leaves, the transition to layered clothing, and the promise of something new. I pull out old books (Anne of Green Gables), start a pot of cider on cool evenings, and boots get dusted off and worn on crisp days. It always feels excited to see how new colors in our wardrobes also start to subtly shift with the seasons.

The Judge FamilySeptember 21, 2017 Comments

Bittermilk: Creative cocktails made easy!

Bittermilk has done the work for you and they want to keep it that way. Bittermilk has taken sugars, spices, citrus, and more and turned them into a one bottle concoction of endless possibilities just for our enjoyment. Bittermilk was launched in late 2013 by the husband and wife duo MariElena and Joe Raya. The team has tailor-made their own manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina so that they can control every aspect of the Bittermilk making process. The team is also using a variety of culinary techniques in order to make Bittermilk stand out.

The Judge FamilySeptember 9, 2017 Comments

Botany Bow Ties

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Irmantas, the owner of Botany Bow Ties based in Charleston, SC. He and his partner Chad graciously allowed us to ask several questions about the company as well as host a small photoshoot. His story is an amazing one that we’re so excited to share with you.

Irmantas was born in Lithuania where he lived until he was 11 years old. At that time his mother, who was seeking to make a better life for herself and her family, moved them to the United States. That was 16 years ago and now Irmantas calls Charleston home. And as a Charlestonian he is very proud of the fact that he lives in such a wonderful place. Although the idea for Botany Bow Ties wasn’t always in his mind, all it took was a matter of circumstance to see the idea come to fruition.

Style, Ethical FashionThe Judge FamilySeptember 6, 2017Bow tie, bowtie, Botany Bow Ties, Mens Fashion, Fashion, Charleston, Style, Shop Local, Made in America, LithuaniaComment

Trades of Hope: Changing Lives

Fashion that empowers and provides a better future is my heartbeat. Just over a year ago I really started researching how I could more intentionally purchase products and support businesses who are making an impact on our world. With the endless amount of online and department store options for accessory and home items, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, businesses like Trades of Hope are making it really easy to purchase in a way that changes lives.

Ethical Fashion, Beauty, StyleThe Judge FamilyAugust 29, 2017TOH, Trades of Hope, Jewelry, Accessories, Style, Purchase with PurposeComment

On baby bellies and works of art

She couldn't take her eyes off of it. After a good rub, she looked up at me with a smile that could melt the hardest heart, affectionately patting her tummy over and over. I sat there watching her...and it struck me as both beautiful and sad. She looked at that little belly with the purest heart, knowing that it was hers -- a masterpiece. I couldn't help but wonder if we all start out that way -- in love with the design and creation of our Father -- round bellies and all. And then I wondered, at what point do our affections for His work of art -- Me and You-- turn into self-loathing?

Family, BeautyThe Judge FamilyAugust 21, 2017Family, Beauty, Babies, Devotional, Ann Voskamp, Self Worth Comments

Threading Water: Fashion for Good

Enter Threading Water, and you’ll start to understand how easy it is to make a difference with the simple purchase of a shirt. Threading Water’s mission is a simple one. “To provide clean water to as many people as possible”. As you may have guessed, this is easier said than done. However, Threading Water has partnered with an organization called Lifewater. Lifewater is a non-profit organization committed to ending the global water crisis, another monumental task. But, together organizations and companies that partner for the same causes are more likely to make lasting change. These conglomerations can pool resources and bring many more people together for this cause.

Tomato Pie

Now here we are in mid-August and the tomatoes have been ready at our local Farmer’s Market and there is no shortage of tomato varieties to choose from. Our favorites are the large heirloom varieties with their odd shapes and unbelievable color schemes.

We’ve found that it doesn’t seem to matter what varieties we choose for our tomato pie, it all comes out delicious and leaves us right back where we started, wanting more tomato pie.

Food & DrinkThe Judge FamilyAugust 11, 2017Tomato Pie, Pie, Paleo, Bacon, Tomato, Recipe, Food Comments

Sewn to Restore: Elegantees

Just over a year ago I started to hear more about ethical clothing and the negative impact that the fast fashion industry is having on our world. I had no idea how poor the conditions, wages and treatment of most factory workers really was until I dug deeper. How could this still be going on, and how as a society are we allowing it (even enabling it) to happen? Not only are conditions awful, but many people, (including children) are being forced into situations where they are sexually exploited and enslaved. Even today, slavery is still in existence and and a thriving criminal industry...sadly many of the products that you and I currently buy can be traced back to slavery. So how do we begin to tackle such a large and devastating problem? How do actively fight for the voiceless?

Businesses like Elegantees are taking a firm stand and using ethical fashion to actually restore hope to victims of sexual crimes, create sustainable jobs and empower others.

What I'm Drinking...Right Now!

Right now sour beers are all the craze and I have to admit I’m right in the heat of it. I love IPAs and I always will. This is America after all. However, there’s nothing better than a great sour beer on a hot day. Read on to hear our current favorite for this summer!

Food & DrinkThe Judge FamilyAugust 4, 2017Beer, Craft Beer, Drinks, Community, Charleston, Brewery Comments

Everything We Need Is Here...

Our Master Bedroom was my least favorite place to be in our house. We painted it a crazy green color when we first moved in, and in-turn it seemed to overtake the natural light we get through all of our windows. Dark, crazy green and a merge of Phil and my bedroom belongings from our single living days...It was functional, but it certainly never felt like a retreat.

So 8 years later, we decided to finally tackle this room, and it is quickly becoming my favorite place to relax and retreat.

StyleThe Judge FamilyAugust 1, 2017Master bedroom, farmhouse, DIY, Makeover, Style, Bedroom, Interior Design, Bulldog Comments