Sweet Tea & Stilettos

Special Day

2012-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Twenty-five years ago I became a big sister. I clearly remember being at the hospital and waiting for the new bundle of joy to arrive. My life has never been the same. Blessed beyond measure, I have the most wonderful best friend a girl could ever ask for as my sister. Beautiful on the inside and out, she possesses a whole lot of gumption and fire intertwined with a heart of gold and the sweetness of sugar. Bryan and I thrilled to be spending the day and weekend with the birthday girl this year. Happy Birthday, Em!

Go-To Salad

2012-02-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

When cooking a meal, I try to always have a green veggie with whatever is being served. I am a huge salad fan and would be happy eating one every day for the rest of my life. Recently I have added a lot of new salads to my collection, but this is one of my all-time favorites and my go-to salad.

Twisted Greek Salad

Ingredients:

1 head of iceberg lettuce

1/2 purple onion

2-3 tomatoes

3 Tbsp. capers

feta cheese

croutons

Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning

olive oil

apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Chop the lettuce, onion and tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add the capers. Add the desired amount of feta and croutons on top. Sprinkle with Greek seasoning, as you would salt and pepper. Toss with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.

* Depending how much you like of each in your salad, you can adjust the amount of veggies and capers that are used.

Monogram Love: Wedding/Shower Gifts

2012-02-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

A true southern girl, I simply adore all things monogrammed. From embossed envelopes, to pillows on a bed, to luggage sets the monogram adds a personal touch to a seemingly ordinary every-day object.

Adding a personal touch of a monogram to a wedding or party makes it more special for the people/person being honored. Wedding are a perfect time to utilize the use of monograms. For my wedding, I chose to use an "H" for our last name on the wedding programs. Also, a large "H" was made and hung at our reception.

I know that when I was a new bride, it warmed my heart to receive gifts that had my new monogram on them. Shower gifts are the perfect excuse to get something monogrammed for an upcoming bride. When decorating for a new home as husband and wife, guest towels add an extra special touch to a bathroom. These salmon towels are beautiful.

One use of a monogram that I have recently fallen in love with, is a monogram on the front door. Most people wouldn't think of taking a front door wreath to a shower, but this takes it to a whole different level. Southern Proper Monograms has lovely ones that can be hung alone or with a wreath.

I saw these vases on a friend's blog and immediately wanted to purchase one for a couple whose wedding I recently attended.

Extra-large candles with a monogram are also one of my favorite monogrammed items right now. There are lots of them on Etsy, but this is one of my top picks.

Any type of monogrammed bucket can be put to good use in a variety of ways. Use it for drinks at a party, for rolled up towels in the bathroom or for magazines in the living room. There is always the classic silver bucket, but this burlap bucket is a wonderful steal for a much cheaper price and is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed just as much.

What are some of your favorite ways to use monograms? Have you received or given a special gift with initials to add a personal touch?

The Weekend

2012-02-27T07:39:00.001-06:00

It was extremely nice to be home and sleep in my own bed last night. After three days on the road there is no better feeling than being able to relax back at your own house. It occurred to me on Saturday morning that I had been in five states in 24 hours-Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky. For those of you who missed my last mule post (yes, the four-legged creatures), my mom, Bryan and I headed to Kentucky this past weekend to pick up the mules from their Amish trainers. I am pleased to say that the trip was completely uneventful as far disasters go.

Did you know there was such a thing as a horse motel? Seriously, apparently there are corrals all over the country where you can stable your horse for the night if traveling. I quickly dubbed the one we used on Saturday a mule motel. It worked out perfectly to stay at Bryan's parents' house, which was only about 20 minutes away.

We finally made it back to my parents' house mid-afternoon yesterday. All of the mules were glad to be out of the trailer and home in their own pasture. Of course Bryan had to saddle up Gus and go for a ride. And yes, even I hopped on him to ride around the front yard. (I still shake my head and wonder why we own mules.)

While in the front yard I found this lovely welcome home present. Looks like someone was drunk driving on the back roads over the weekend.

I wanted to get more pictures along the way, but it just didn't happen. The Amish do not allow picture or videos of themselves. There were the cutest little kids running around and kicking the fire out of horses they rode, which were about 15 times their size. One of the men fixed a broken wagon wheel and we saw quite a few of them in buggies going down the road. It is a completely different world than the one we live in daily. I find it fascinating to learn about the way other people live and the whole mule-training process gave me some insight into a lifestyle I was quite unfamiliar with. I am glad to be home and the mules are glad to be home, so we are all a big happy family.

...........

I found these pictures saved on my computer and thought you might get a little laugh out of them. I know the two that I am in were taken three years ago. I'm not sure about the one with my dad. It's a cute close-up.

As you can tell, as much as I like putting on my stilettos and silk dresses, I am a country girl at heart who likes to sip sweet tea on the front porch. Don't tell anyone the silk thermal underwear I slip on in the mornings is pink. :)

5 Randoms

2012-02-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

1. Sister sent me this earlier in the week. I refrained from showing you our ~~profanities~~ reaction to a grocery section for souther cuisine, as if it's a foreign food.

2. I have become a top-knot wearer. All the time. This was a good day.

3. On Thursday the weather was due to hit 77*, but I think it was actually warmer. Going into the post office I saw a lady wearing white jeans and wedged cork sandals. There are many things seriously wrong with that in February.

4. I have found the perfect white lace blouse for spring at Anthropologie

5. I feel like a ghost. Pulling off the wintery layers, donning spring attire and showing a little more skin does not make me happy right now. I have refrained from tanning beds and used self-tanners, but I still feel pasty-pale and yuck. Anyone else having this feeling?

Poor thing, she doesn't like being pale either. :)

Friday's Fancies: Oscar Outfit

2012-02-24T07:08:00.001-06:00

This week has flown by for me. Being gone last Thursday through this past Tuesday makes the week short with only three days at home. Today we are off to Kentucky. It should be an interesting trip with a few stories to come back and tell. Hopefully we will be back in time to watch the 84th Academy Awards show on Sunday night. I always like getting to see who who takes a little man home to put on a shelf.

Friday's Fancies is all about Hollywood Glam today. What fun to pick out an outfit for the Oscars! Be sure to check some of the amazing blogs that link up with Alison at Long Distance Loving.

When it comes to being in the spotlight, I think some of the best dressed women are the ones who have a classically regal Hollywood look.

Dress: The one and only Oscar de la Renta. The one-shoulder is sexy, yet modest and the color brings out the green in my eyes.

Shoes: Miu Miu gold heels are not shockingly bold, but add a bit of fun to the outfit with their glitter.

Clutch: Not wanting to take a way from the dress or shoes, the Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch matches the shimmer in the shoes.

Jewelry: I chose gold elegant gold jewelry and earrings with a pop of pink in them. The bracelet with the fringe drapes around the wrist, so I'm not sure what both together would actually look like.

Hair: The hair needs to be pulled back and in a bun. This one is a little bit more modern, with a fun twist.

Makeup: A pretty pop of pink on the lips with the eyes being the focal point add the nice finishing touch to the whole look.

What do you think? I'm not one to make any bold or daring moves on the red carpet. Throughout the years, Catherine Zeta-Jones has been one of my favorites when it comes to glamming it up. I think she is a true beauty. That's all I've got for you today, lovelies. Have a great weekend!

Color Run

2012-02-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

This week's posts have all been about color! It was not planned that way, but just sort of happened along the way. I spied one of the coolest races that I have ever heard about. I am completely bummed that I missed the closest one (in Dallas) this past weekend. But, be sure to check out the Color Run website to see if there will be one near you this year.

It is a 5k race, but more like a run than an actual race. It is all about getting out and having fun with your family or friends while running. Each leg of the run is a different color. Literally, you get color thrown on you while you are running. Nothing about it is harmful in any way, the site states, except that you might get in trouble for having too much fun. I think this is a wonderfully creative idea to get people out to exercise.

Just the music in this video makes me want to participate!

How have your work-outs been going lately? My run on Monday was painful. I'm talking miserable every single step of the way. Sometimes it just happens and you have to push on through it.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you out this week.

I have not tried this smoothie yet, but the ingredients are on my grocery list to pick up next time I go to the store. It sounds so yummy to me.

Pineapple Mango Green Smoothie

1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/2 banana, frozen
1 cup chopped mango
1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup of ice

Blend together and enjoy!

via

Tibi: Rawwrrr

2012-02-22T16:18:00.000-06:00

These pictures confirm my need for this print to hang in my closet.

I have a few Tibi items that I need to be gone from my closet in order to make room for new ones. :) Instead of posting all of them, I am going to email pictures out to those who are really interested. Leave a comment with your email or email me at sweetteaandstilettos at gmail.com if you are interested.

Pretty Pastels

2012-02-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Did you know that it is not officially spring until March 20th? (Em, I think this means that you are technically a winter baby.) Oh my goodness, but this past winter has been so warm that I am already spoiled by the warm weather we have been having...all.winter.long. Seriously, I think we have had only two really cold spells. Last week one day there was snow on the ground, and two days later I was outside running in shorts. Insane.

Yes, I posted yesterday about all of the brightly colored jeans that we are seeing everywhere. As popular as brights are, pastels are equally as popular. As long as you're seeing color, it's definitely "in" right now. I have not participated in Semi-Wordless Wednesday in a while, thus I'm posting lovely pictures today.

Everything about this outfit makes me giddy with delight anticipating the upcoming season. Come on, spring!

All images via.

Show Me Some Color

2012-02-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

I just can't get enough of all the many colors of jeans for spring. Brights or pastels, both are a-ok in my book. Right now I'm debating over the fit of some bright pink ones that arrived last week. Of course, pink would be my first purchase! Mint is another color that I am searching to add to my colored collection. Ohh, and don't forget the lovely coral. She'll be hiding in there somewhere, too.

I'm still liking the ad that Joe's Jeans first used last fall announcing their 55 colors of jeans. There are so many options!

What are your favorite colors?

New Collaborations

2012-02-20T10:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday, lovelies! I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful weekend. After the cold and rain, the sun is shining today! Bryan and I spent the weekend out of town at his parents' house. He went to a sportsman's banquet and I helped his mom with rehearsal dinner plans. (His brother is getting married in June.)

Have you all seen the new collaborations that are taking place right now? Some of my favorite designers have really cute lines coming out soon. First let's talk Diane Von Furstenberg. She and Gap have a collection coming out March 15th. Hello, cuteness!

Next, Marni has a collection coming out at H&M. Have you seen these pictures yet? I have to say that I'm pretty impressed. I like the patterns and the way they have been styled. March 8th is when the clothing is available in stores. Click here to view the whole collection.

Eek, and I'm so excited about this one! Milly and Sperry have teamed up together. Coming from a sailing family, these are the perfect touch to wear while out boating for the day. Ok, maybe not the heels, but the coral canvas ones are just what I need to wear on the water. Click here for the full collection.

What are your thoughts on all of these collaborations? What will you consider or definitely stay away from? I think it is wonderful that designers we all love, but maybe cannot afford, have teamed up to make their brand affordable through different outlets.

via, via, via

Friday's Fancies: Let's Fly Away

2012-02-17T07:19:00.000-06:00

I am thrilled to be participating in my third week of Friday's Fancies with Alison over at Long Distance Loving. Don't you just love what she created for me? Of course it's pink and green! This week it's all about travel. I don't know about you, but in the dead of winter I am ready to go somewhere for a break. The past couple of weeks my sister and I have had multiple conversations about jetting off somewhere--preferably somewhere sunny with a drink in our hands. On the other hand, if I had one place to pick to go right now it would be Italy. If I only travel one more place before I die, this would be the place. Bryan has promised me that before we have kids we will tour Tuscany and sip wine. I want to explore every town and place that Italy has to offer. Not very realistic, but I do want to take off for two to three weeks and really travel around the country.

Tuscany

In reality, I would probably add a maxi dress as an alternative to this outfit. But I thought what better to wear than colorful shorts and a scarf to walk the streets and enjoy the views.

I am already off, dreaming of another world now. What better way to start a Friday morning, right? Have a great day, fellow travelers!

Heart Day

2012-02-15T11:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday has come and gone and today is a new day. February 15th will always hold a sweet day in my heart, for it is the day my darling got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. God bless this man, because he has made me a better woman and I cannot imagine a single day without him. We promised that we would make our Valentine's Day gifts to each other this year. He made me the sweetest card...

And got me a dozen roses! We both think that this is the first year he has ever done that. Usually I tell him they are overpriced this time of year and I would rather have something else.

My mom and I ate lunch and did a little shopping. She surprised me with beautiful flowers...

And red velvet cupcakes!

Bryan and I grilled the most delicious steaks last night. We had a tasty bottle of wine and these red velvet cheesecake-stuffed cake balls were amazing. (Yes, I made them.)

Somehow in the craziness of the day I forgot to take a picture of my outfit. I really like the blazer, but I do wish it fit a little more snug. I can't wait to read about all of your special days yesterday, too!

Be Mine

2012-02-14T07:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day, sweethearts!

Last night at girls' night we made individual heart pizzas. I thought they turned out adorable! Bryan has two of them as a surprise in his lunch today. We didn't get in bed until after midnight last night, so that sweet breakfast turned into just sweet coffee this morning.

As a tasty little treat I made some pink chocolate covered popcorn with sprinkles. The bag that I had made for Bryan to take to work with him was all eaten by the time I got home last night. I took the container that was supposed to stay at home and dumped it right back into the bag so I would not stare at it all day today. The container I took to girls' night was demolished, too.

My mom is coming over for the day to run a bunch of errands and take me to lunch. I was supposed to go with my friend Kimbo to look at cars right now, but as I was typing earlier Bryan called with a flat tire and I had to go pick him up. Needless to say, it has been a hectic morning and it's barely 7:30!! Here is a preview of my outfit for the night.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and say, "Will you be mine?" to someone special!

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. Did you do anything fun? Bryan worked on Saturday, so it was another normal day for us. We did manage to hit the mountain bike trail both days; B rode his bike, I ran. Normally 43* is about my cut-off for running outside. I sucked it up and ran with it 32* both days, which actually wasn't too bad.

Today I awoke to find snow on the ground! It is supposed to warm up and continue raining, so nothing too exciting.

On Friday, I got up early and made food for Bryan's office. They had decided on Thursday that they wanted a little something yummy and after I sent them a list of possibilities they chose buffalo-style turkey meatballs.

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey (or chicken)

2 cloves garlic, minced

3-4 tablespoons blue cheese

1 egg

1/4 cup Texas Pete buffalo sauce

3/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine ingredients and shape into same sized balls. (About the size of a cookie scoop.)

Place on a baking dish. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the temperature reads 165 degrees.

Top with additional hot sauce, ranch dressing, green onions.

*These would be great as an appetizer or as a main dish.

*After mine were cooked, I put them into a crockpot for B to take to work. I poured extra hot sauce, blue cheese and green onions on top. About an hour and a half before lunch they were turned on low.

..........

On another note, I did not watch the Grammys last night, but after all of the controversy on Facebook this morning I looked up a few YouTube videos. I am completely and totally disgusted with Nicki Minaj. After her video I watched Adele. Her performance was one that showcases true talent, class and a winner.

Sunday Inspiration

2012-02-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

"We love him because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19

1 Corinthians 13:8

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

1 John 4:10

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

Ode To The Kid

2012-02-11T06:00:00.010-06:00

Many of my long-time followers have read me mention Laura, aka The Kid, aka Little Bit, aka La. Bryan and I see her as a sort of younger sister/cousin/friend. The Kid is 15-almost-16-going-on-35. Summers have been spent with her on the lake and winters have been spent with her duck hunting. We love her.

A typical conversation includes bantering back and forth with the kind of love that is rare among an "almost 30-year-old" and an "almost-16-year-old." On one of her typical tirades this week, La proceeded to tell me everything that is wrong with my blog. How boring it is, how the fashion posts get on her nerves, how all I ever talk about are old people things, how nobody cares about bedroom colors. La then told me that if she wrote a blog it would be cool. What?? You mean you would blog about who stupidly drank too much at a party, so-and-so's new car and what you wore to the homecoming dance? Don't you just love our banter? I promise it is perfectly healthy.

After I listened to The Kid go on for a while, I decided that I had had enough. What would Laura like me to blog about? I made her list five things.

1. An Anglo-Saxon boast about myself. (She had just read me the one about herself which she was writing after reading Beowulf.)

2. Laura aka herself

3. Bryan

4. Food. None of that healthy stuff, but something so delicious that is really bad for you.

5. The Bachelor (To which Bryan declared he vetoed.)

So...here are my answers.

1. I, Hannah, of the mighty tree clan,

Born in the natural state, of dirt roads and picket fences,

Descendant of Czech immigrants and Caddo tribes,

Eldest of a law-ruler and knowledge-giver,

Daughter of the South, stand before you,

A modern-day home-keeper,

Bringing color to the lives of others daily.

*La, I love you, but this is all you are getting. I don't fully comply to writing a long-winded boast about myself. This is just so you know I can actually write.

2. Oh my, where do I start with this one? I could choose to write sarcastically, but instead I will write something sincere. La has a very special place in my heart that will never be replaced by anyone else. I would not normally choose to hang out with a 15 year-old, but she is much more wonderful than many people my own age. As I watch her grow, I hope that she makes the right choices in life and that I am forever a part of watching her learn. She is a very talented athlete, determined and not boastful of her gifts. Even more, The Kid blows everyone else out of the water academically and is truly upset when she scores a 98. With a ~~sarcastic~~ sweet personality, Bryan and I are so blessed to have such a special girl in our lives.

3. She really wants me to talk about Bryan? It is a fact that as much as she loves me, she loves him even more. They do a fantastic job of ganging up on me and pushing all of my buttons. That is all I have to say about that.

4. I could honestly stuff my face with all sorts of delicious chocolates right now. So unhealthy and oh so yummy! This scrumptious dessert is going with me to community group on Wednesday.

Fudgy Brownie Hearts with Fresh Raspberry Buttercream

Click here to read the full recipe.

5. The Bachelor. Woah, where do I go with this train wreck? I honestly have not watched this show in years, but it has become a regular at girls' night on Mondays. My thoughts? Courtney is nuts. NUTS.

My favorite? Kacie B. She seems genuine and down-to-earth. A sweet girl.

So, there ya go, you've gotten a little insight into my life and one I love. Kid, I hope this post was all you wanted, plus more. Love you.

Friday's Fancies: Red & Pink

2012-02-10T06:00:00.010-06:00

Today I am linking up again with Alison over at Long Distance Loving for her Friday's Fancies series. This week the theme is "Red + Pink." Whether you love or hate the ~~little~~ big holiday that is coming up next Tuesday, it gives us all a wonderful opportunity to break out the heart patters and wear red and pink. I picked up a pinkish mauve blazer for my sister and mailed it to her last week. I stated in the message that she can boycott the holiday, but to please at least wear the blazer anyway. (She has boycotted V-Day for as long as I can remember.)

I absolutely adore both pink and red, but when you add the two together I think it is a killer combo. Embrace the color blocking trend right now and wear them together. There are so many shades of pink that are popular right now that I had a hard time choosing what to put together. I could have come up with gobs and gobs of outfit options.

Pinterest never lets me down when it comes to finding inspiration for fashion. Here are a few of my favorite red and pink pictures that I have seen lately.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

Hot Roast Beef Sliders

2012-02-09T14:15:00.000-06:00

The fist time I made these little sandwiches was on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago. A few weeks back, when appetizers were being brought to girls' night, I wanted to make something slightly filling in case everyone brought fruit and veggies. That led me to remember these tasty sliders.

Hot Roast Beef Sliders

Ingredients:

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

2 (9.25-oz.) packages dinner rolls

2/3 cup peach preserves

1/2 cup mustard-mayonnaise blend

3/4 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef, chopped

1/2 pound thinly sliced Havarti cheese

Directions:

1. Heat walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until lightly toasted. (I do not always use walnuts.)

2. Remove rolls from packages. (Do not separate rolls.) Cut rolls in half horizontally, creating 1 top and 1 bottom per package. Spread preserves on cut sides of top of rolls; sprinkle with walnuts. Spread mustard-mayonnaise blend on cut sides of bottom of rolls; top with beef and cheese. Cover with top halves of rolls, preserves sides down, and wrap in aluminum foil.

3. Bake at 325° for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice into individual sandwiches.

*Don't skimp on your mustard-mayo blend or preserves. This helps them get extra gooey and yummy with the cheese.

*Make sure to use aluminum foil. They tend to dry out more if you bake them in a dish and only cover them with foil.

I'm Dreaming Of A...

2012-02-08T11:24:00.002-06:00

...grey bedroom.

The decorating bug has bitten me and I am dreaming of putting together a new home. It may be slightly premature, but Bryan and I know for a fact that we will be moving in the near future. Right now I cannot quit obsessing over a new guest room. I have never been much of a grey person until I saw this bedroom.

I have debated over whether the second color is salmon or coral. After all, aren't they pretty much one and the same? What would you call the color in this picture? For the sake of not having my hubby freak about having pink in a bedroom, I feel it is safe to call the color salmon. Coral tends to have a little bit more of a brighter pink pop.

The perfect bedding has already been found at Anthropologie. The only problem is that it costs an arm and a leg and it will be in the guest bedroom. Great DIY tutorials on making ruffled copycat Anthro bedding can be found here and here, but I'm not sure that I want to tackle it. I suppose my issue is more of the quality of sheets that are used to made the bedding, and they can be expensive if nice ones are purchased.

As for the curtains, I really like the style and texture of the ones in the inspiration picture. I keep going back and forth of maybe doing striped salmon and cream curtains. This picture shows the drapey look I want to achieve.

Here are a few other inspirational pictures in the same color family.

Another option is to go with a linen headboard and use more of a buttered rum wall color instead of grey and do salmon bedding. But I really, really like the grey.

Questions, comments, snide remarks? What do you ladies think?

Cute Finds

2012-02-07T09:15:00.000-06:00

As you know, I went to Target yesterday morning. Natalie had posted a cute picture of shoes she found there, thus I made sure to browse their shoes. They have some super cute stuff right now.

These are the original pair that made me want to check them out. They come in black and this tanish beige.

These are probably my favorite. Come on, how cute are they?

And hello, color of spring! At these prices you can't afford not to get all three pairs.

Now let's talk about my other favorite store. I'm sure it seems as though I post frequently about TJMaxx finds, but since there really aren't many options of places in town to shop (most of my shopping is done online), I can frequently browse those few places and score some really good deals. Yesterday there was one Lilly Pulitzer scarf left, some Kate Spade large pearl earrings and some Chloe sunnies.

I adored this gold Kate Spade bag, but I didn't really like the fit of it over my shoulder. I am very picky and if the straps were a little bit longer I would have taken it home with me.

This Kate Spade clutch was fantastic, but I passed on it, too. I'm sure at some point I will wish that I had gotten it.

Using a red clutch with an outfit is one of my favorite ways to accessorize. Michael Kors knew what he was doing when he designed this little baby.

And now for the best part for one of you! I could not pass up getting this Catherine Malandrino tunic, even though it does not fit me. It is a size 10, but I think it would fit anywhere from a size 6-10. Make me an offer and it will go in the mail to you asap!

The new boutique in town posted a Facebook album full of their Valentine's Day gift picks for their followers to see. I think this necklace will be perfect for the spring and summer.

On another note, I have become slightly obsessed with the top knot aka party bun. Megan does a good job explaining how to create one--super simple. I find that I always have to tease mine with a comb once it is in the ponytail, just because I have soft/fine hair. You'll understand what I mean when you watch her video. The day I took this picture mine was slightly messy.

Have a great Tuesday!

In My World

2012-02-06T11:05:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, friends! I hope that everyone had a nice and relaxing weekend. We sure did at my house. Bryan ended up working on Saturday, so it was pretty much like any other week day for us, but we had a friend over for dinner and a movie and that was fun. Yesterday we watched the Super Bowl at two other friends' house. Per the host's request, I made my yummy feta and artichoke dip. Thoughts on the commercials this year? I was not too impressed with many of them.

On another note, the Jason Wu for Target collection...my store did not end up carrying anything. I was sort of bummed, but at least I had called ahead and didn't show up at the store when it opened Sunday morning. Browsing their Internet collection yesterday slightly annoyed me, but maybe I will try to pull it up in a little bit to check it all out again. Ok, yes I called ahead, but I had to check this morning just to make sure. Nada. What did catch my eye were these yummy Clif Bar Mini Energy Bars. Perfect for after a morning workout with a piece of fruit!

My dear hubby has been begging me for weeks to make pancakes. After seeing this whole wheat banana bread pancake recipe on Pinterest, I had to give them a try. Delish. Click here to find out how to make them.

When this Tucker dress first came out, I knew that it had to be mine. Pink and ducks, how can a girl go wrong? I finally ordered it, only to accidentally have it shipped to my parents' house. Going to get it is on my list of things to do this week.

I saw this quote last week and think it is so true.

My Internet is being super slow, so that's all I've got for you today. ;)

Friday's Fancies: Spring Fever

2012-02-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

Woohoo for Friday!! Today I am linking up with Alison from Long Distance Loving for her Friday's Fancies series. There are so many wonderful links being posted, be sure to go over and check them out! This week's theme is "Spring Fever". I don't know about you, but this mild winter we've been having has got me dreaming of spring extra early this year.

Coral is by far one of my favorite colors right now. I see it everywhere, I like it everywhere. When I found this picture on Pinterest, I knew that the search for this dress had begun. I've tracked it down to Mango's spring collection, but is is not available on their site yet.

Thus, I have come up with my own day-to-night creation that is very similar. I am always such a sucker for stripes, so it is no surprise that I am already dreaming of wearing brightly colored stripes this spring.

This is a very simple dress that can easily be dressed up or down. I can see it easily being worn during the day, then sprucing it up at night with a belt and heels. It would also be a versatile piece to take on your spring break trip. There are tons of striped dresses out there right now, but of course I like the pink best. Have a fantastic weekend!

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Don't forget that Sunday is the day that Jason Wu's collection debuts at Target!

Kate Spade: Spring 2012

2012-02-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

Black and white are the two classic complementary colors, but add in a pop of color and things begin to get interesting. Nobody knows color better than Kate Spade, and I have to say that this year's spring collection is just what the fashion doctor ordered. Ok, so there might not be a rainbow of bright colors flashing everywhere, but the pinks are pure perfection for the neon trend that is everywhere.

What do you think of the edgy-preppy look? Love it or hate it? I heart pink and these pants are adorable!

And the quote of the day...

Click here to see the rest of the new collection.

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Wednesday Wellness + Smoothies

2012-02-01T10:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Wednesday, lovelies! Sorry that I have been absent the past few days, sometimes life just needs all of my attention. Yesterday Bryan unexpectedly took the day off, so I was a very happy wifey. ~~Hunting season~~ Duck season is over, so at least some hunting things can be moved and tucked away. We did not get to ride the mountain bike trail over the weekend like I had mentioned, but we did get to ride it yesterday afternoon. The weather could not have been more perfect-I wore shorts!

My sister and I have both kicked it into high gear in our fitness routines. She has never been a runner, and for the first time is running! That makes me giddy, because I prefer running over any other source of exercise. We have both been cooking much healthier, too. It seems to me that if you take the time to exercise, why would you turn around and put junk back into your body? I do not keep a food journal, but I know that they help many people who are trying to lose weight. I do use a fitness app on my IPhone called RunKeeper that keeps up with all of my daily workouts. If nothing else, it is wonderful to have a friend who can hold you accountable and give encouragement.

For me, the two areas that need work on (minus the cardio) are my arms and abs. I ordered a new ab workout dvd that should be arriving any day.

With all of the wonderful resources that the Internet provides, there is no reason to make healthy food boring food. Gina's Skinny Recipes is one of my go-to places to look when I need a little creative help. I have yet to make anything that has not been liked.

This picture and its words have been my inspiration lately. I think I should print it and post it somewhere on a mirror.

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For me, smoothies are yummy after a hard workout. I eat breakfast around 6:30am, so if I go to the gym at 7:30, I am starving by the time I get home. Here are two of my newest favorites. I have actually used the peanut butter one for breakfast a few days. I have never used protein, but it would be great added to either of these to help sustain you until lunch.

Morning Smoothie

1 banana

4-5 strawberries

1/2 c. blueberries

1 peach, peeled

1cup fresh spinach

splash soy milk

1 TBSP Greek yogurt

2 tsp honey

1/2 cup crushed ice

Blend everything together in a blender.

(The morning I took this picture I did not use a peach or strawberries. I also substitute agave nectar for honey.)

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

2 bananas sliced and frozen

1/4 cup oats

1/4 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup milk

Blend the oats in the blender first, until they reach a powder consistency. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until the bananas are smooth.

Do you have any smoothie recipes that are wonderful? I would love for you to share them. Please post them in a comment or leave a link the where the recipe can be found. Have a great day!

Weekly Ramblings

2012-01-27T10:16:00.000-06:00

Anyone else super duper excited that it is Friday? It is supposed to be pretty here, so Bryan and I have planned on riding a local mountain bike trail tomorrow afternoon and then checking out a lake with a supposed running trail and park after church on Sunday. How have your workouts gone this week? Feel free to post about them in the comment section if you need a little encouragement. I've got a few great smoothie recipes to share next week. For girls' night on Monday, Dr. Ash made a wonderful whole-wheat pasta dish that is packed full of good carbs. The original recipe did not call for chicken, but we added it. Also, this recipe serves two, and we found that making more requires a little more olive oil and lemon at the end.

Lemon Garlic Spaghetti

Ingredients:

4 oz dry spaghetti

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic

1/2 lemon

2 tbsp pine nuts (we didn't use)

5-6 basil leaves, chiffonaded

Directions:

Pour in olive oil and chopped up garlic into a small frying pan and let it cook over low, until the garlic starts to brown on edges. Immediately remove from heat and reserve. While that is going, boil your spaghetti.

Chiffonade some basil leaves.

Mix cheese and pine nuts in a large bowl, and add the garlic and its oil. Squeeze in lemon juice.

Add cooked spaghetti and toss until well combined.

Serve with freshly ground pepper.

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On Monday I paired my Max and Chloe necklace with a coral necklace that I tend to wear in the summer. It went nicely with a striped tank and olive green jacket. You likey?

Here is another random outfit picture from one day when I was running errands. I picked up a few goodies for my sister and went into the dressing room just so I could take an outfit pic. Seriously, their mirrors are so much better than mine at home. ;) My mom got me the cute burgundy silk shrug for Christmas and I heart it.

That is about all that I can think of interest to tell you today. Oh, other than the fact that I have the sweetest husband who saved me the last piece of my favorite See's Candy because he said I deserve it.

Super Simple Tacos

2012-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday I completely forgot that I had planned on cooking a Mexican dish in the crock pot all day, so I was forced to get a little bit creative in a short amount of time before Bryan walked in the door. I am sure that a lot of us, myself included, have made some form or variation of this before while making tacos. It was super simple.

Super Simple Chicken Tacos

Chicken:

I chose to grill mine. I let the chicken breasts marinate for a few minutes in olive oil and a paprika, lemon and lime spice blend that I have among my spices. OR You can cut up slices of chicken and saute it in a pan. OR You can use the pre-cooked chicken tenders that come frozen or fresh. Basically, use whatever chicken you have on hand.

Veggie Mixture:

This is where it gets super easy. Instead of cutting up all of your taco toppings and placing them individually in a bowl or or a platter mix them all at once in a bowl.

1 can corn or I cooked some frozen corn, then rinsed it under cold water to chill it quickly.

1 can Rotel or diced tomatoes

purple onion, diced

fresh cilantro, chopped roughly

1/2 can black beans, rinsed

1 avocado

salt and pepper, to taste

squeeze 1-2 limes over the top, toss

cheese to top the tacos, I used Feta (sprinkle on the top of the tacos before serving)

tortillas

All of this can be mixed up and placed in the refrigerator until the chicken is ready. Wait about five minutes before slicing the chicken to seal in the juices.

Heated tortillas are the best. If you have a gas stove, just place them over the open flame, turning them so they do not burn or catch on fire. If you do not have a gas, place the tortillas in a pan to warm. If you want them slightly crispy heat some oil, get it really hot, then pop them in for about 20-30 seconds on each side.

*I have made this in so many different ways before. It can even be eaten as a fresh salsa with chips. An alternative is to use apple cider vinegar and a hot sauce (Tabasco) mixture.

Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

A Pop of Pink

2012-01-24T06:06:00.001-06:00

When I saw this picture on Pinterest, I knew that I had to re-create it. Being a lover of pink, the search began for a cute pink blazer. After reading the comments that go with this picture, I have gathered that the one shown is from Zara, but I cannot find it anywhere. Thus I came up with a couple of other options.

The Look for Less

I ordered this blazer from Forever21. Being less than $30, I figured it was worth a shot.

Shop Sosie has this 3/4 length dress that I think would be perfect for the upcoming spring.

I also like this sleeveless Tinley Road dress on Piperlime.

For Rich Folks

I guarantee that if I had an extra $1,600 lying around it would not be spent on this blazer, but it is very pretty.

This Tibi dress is my tippy top favorite choice for a white dress. You know the quality is amazing and it will last forever.

With all of the bright colors that are in style right now, I thought a pink blazer would be a nice touch to my wardrobe. There is no telling what Bryan and I will do for Valentine's Day, but I thought at some point it would be cute to wear with a black lace top and black ankle boots. I also like this version that Olivia Palermo is wearing.

A Chef of All Trades

2012-01-23T09:27:00.000-06:00

My mother says that I began cooking when I was 18 months old. That being said, I can honestly say that I have made quite a vast array of dishes over the past 20-something years. Little did I know that when I married a hunter my cooking skills would be taken to a totally different level.

Since marrying Bryan, I have processed deer, filleted fish and breasted ducks. The all-time worst was when I had a pressure cooker explode in my kitchen full of squirrels.

I have put my foot down when it comes to rabbits. (Insert thoughts of one of my favorite childhood books, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.)

To spare you the details of my Saturday night rabbit hunt, I will say that it was a ~~success~~ lovely time with flashlights and .22s. (Honestly, I sat in the truck the whole time as my dad and Bryan pranced around like fools.) My head hit the pillow after midnight, with my dear hubby not crawling in beside me until after the end of their second round at 1:30 am.

Yesterday I did the thing I swore I would never do...I cooked rabbit. Oh yes, gasp and sputter and gag if you like ~~because I did~~. For the record, it turned out quite nicely and only some pieces were slightly chewy. This has been added to my resume. ;)

If you really want the recipe I will share it. I think that it would be fantastic with beef since it has red wine and onions. Happy Monday!

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-22T06:05:00.000-06:00

Our Lord is enthralled with your beauty. Not matter what the world's expectations are, know that He delights in you. Have a blessed Sunday, lovelies!

Five for Fashion Friday

2012-01-20T06:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday, lovelies! Are you as glad as I am that the weekend is almost here? I struggled through the day yesterday. At noon I was looking at the cabinet and thinking it was 5 o'clock somewhere, but instead of opening it I got out a work-out video and burned some calories. Today I am linking up with Kori over at Blonde Episodes for her Fashion Friday series. Head over and check out some great blogs that are linking up!

1. Green is my favorite color. This Alice + Olivia bodysuit paired with their high-waisted pants are the epitome of sexy chic.

2. Animal prints always seem to suck me into their lair. I have more variations of animal print scarves than any other kind. And with green, they equal perfection.

3. If it did not get so darn hot in the south, boots might possibly adorn my feet year-round. Ok, so probably not...I do adore my McKims in the summer.

4. Have I posted this dress already? Hum...I do not remember, but I very possibly could have and just have forgotten. Tucker remains one of my all-time favorite labels. This dress keeps calling my name--you know the dots get to me.

5. Emi-Jay hair ties make me smile every time I use one. They do not pull or dent your hair, plus they are made in the USA!

via, via, via

Warm Pear Cider

2012-01-19T13:04:00.000-06:00

I have sorta been on a roll with my days this week, Tasty Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, therefore I might as well continue on and do Thirsty Thursday. This warm pear cider looks amazing to me. Use your normal mug to serve them, or carve out the inside of pears like they did in the original post.

Warm Pear Cider

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups pear nectar

1-2 sticks of cinnamon

3 whole cloves

4 whole anise stars

¾ cup tequila gold

4 Asian pears (optional)

Directions:

Combine pear nectar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and anise stars in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Add tequila and stir to incorporate.

To make the pear cups:

Cut off the pear top and with a sharp knife carefully outline a rim on your pear cup.

With a melon baller or a spoon, hollow out the pear making sure to leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom and around the edges, creating a cup.

Pour warm nectar into pear cups and enjoy.

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If you are a bloody Bloody Mary fan, head over to Sweet Southern Prep's Thirsty Thursday post today for a Bloody Maria recipe.

Wednesday Wellness + Semi-Wordless

2012-01-18T07:35:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things to do on Wednesdays is link up with Daph over at Flip Flops and Pearls. I have not done it lately, but I actually thought in advance this week and planned it so that I could link up with her today. Be sure to go over and tell her hello!

I wanted to do a post on wellness today, so I combined the wordless and wellness part. Let's get down and dirty, how is your New Year's fitness goal going? Come on, I know a lot of you made them. I did not exercise last week, but this week I am back on board and feeling better than ever. If you miss a week do not feel like you are a failure, pick back up and get on with it. Only you can make a difference! I only allow myself to by healthy foods at the store. You do not see me putting chips or cookies into my buggy. ~~Except for that late-night run to the store with Dr. Ash on Sunday.~~ If I have them, I will eat them, so therefore I just don't do it. If you eliminate the bad snacks, you force yourself to eat the good snacks that you have purchased. That in itself is a huge help!

This has been posted before, but I want to share it again with you today. When my mind draws a blank, I find myself going back to this to look for a new option.

I have found lots of motivational pictures, but when I stumbled across this work-out plan, I knew that it needed to be shared.

Get that body ready for bikini season...you've got plenty of time...it's only January, ladies!

One of the most important things to remember is to drink water. Drink water. Drink Water.

Have a great and healthy day!

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Trendy Tuesday: My Weakness

2012-01-17T07:42:00.000-06:00

Since the first preview pictures of Tibi's Pre-Spring collection came out (last summer?), I had a hunch that this just might be one of my favorite collections. Possibly all-time favorite? Yes. Ahhhh, my love for Amy's designs has swooped me up into its arms again and carried me away. I am currently taking donations for my closet account. ~~Is it really illegal to stand on the street corner?~~

Among the stripes, polka dots and cheetah prints it is hard to pick my absolute favorite, but I must be true to myself and go with the animal print.

And then there are the polka dots. Swoon. This dress needs to hang in my closet.

Cheetah, dots and stripes...my head is spinning.

Did I mention there is a horseshoe crab print?

Did anyone notice that I even like the pieces that have blue in them? Obviously I like the pink articles, too. I really could post every single piece that is new.

What are your thoughts? Have a great day!

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Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Galatians 5:13

Cozy Saturday

2012-01-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am convinced that there is nothing better to do on a cold winter's day than snuggle up by a warm fire and have a cup of hot chocolate. Yesterday was a slightly stressful day for me. I have been having a weird chest pain off and on for a while and finally decided that I could not let it go on any longer. It was the funny heartbeats that I felt in my chest that really got to me. After and EKG and heart x-ray, much to my relief the doctor said my heart looks great. We are still not exactly sure of the problem, so he has put me on a trial run of an acid reflux medication to see if that changes anything. Please, keep me in your prayers. All of that being said, Bryan is off duck hunting and I am getting cozy at my parents' house.

Chocolate is one of the things that I will not be consuming any time soon, due to a few diet restrictions, but I want someone to please go and make this recipe. A la mode has some fantastic recipes with wonderful pictures and directions. Go here to see the entire post.

Lavender Hot Chocolate

Since lavender is quite fragrant, adjust amount according to preference. For a creamier hot chocolate, a 1 to 1 ratio of dark to milk chocolate can be used. Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients:

Hot Chocolate:

2 cups whole milk

3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao)

1 ounce milk chocolate

1/4 teaspoon lavender buds

Whipped Cream:

1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1/4 of a whole vanilla bean pod

1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Directions:

Whipped Cream:

Place cold cream, vanilla, and sugar into a cold mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a whisk or mixer until stiff peaks form. keep refrigerated until ready for use.

Hot Chocolate:

Heat milk and lavender over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the milk begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let lavender steep for 5 minutes. Strain lavender and return milk to saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until chocolate is melted and incorporated. Whisk milk mixture for 10-20 seconds until frothy. Pour into mugs or bowls and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Change That Blue Funk

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

It seems as though a lot of us have been experiencing the wintertime blues. The weather has been cold, we've been bundling up in lots of layers, you get my drift. Bold, bright, neon colors are all in style right now, so what are you waiting for? Add a little color into your life!

Have you jumped on the band wagon yet? Maybe you've gotten a pair of eye shocking pants? One of the best ways to change up an outfit is to add a scarf. You all know that I have done plenty of scarf posts before, but right now, in the dead of winter they can add a colorful punch to your dreary day. I first came across Pretty Penny Designs when I saw this top scarf and fell instantly in love with it. Oohlala, they are all so beautiful!

If these are a little out of your budget, head to your local TJMaxx or Marshalls for some cheaper options. Have a colorful weekend!

New Collection

2012-01-12T07:21:00.000-06:00

After the huge Missoni for Target sensation that swept across the nation, rumors whirled as to who the store would be partnering with for their next Designers Collaborations collection. Jason Wu was announced as their pick, which left his fans beyond excited as they looked forward to possibly owning a piece of his work for a reasonable price. Pictures and prices of the full collection were published yesterday, and I must say that I am thoroughly looking forward to heading to Target on February 5, 2012, the day they hit stores.

The ten different handbags in the collection look well-structured and come in polished-looking cream and black, as well as more girlish prints. Fabric-wise, there's a nice mix of solids, stripes, florals, lace and a cute black-cat pattern that shows up on a scarf and a tote bag. -Global Grind

So classic and simple, these three tops are among my favorite items. And the lace skirt, and the black pleats...

Hello pretty trench, I think I like you a lot.

The dresses are light and feminine. Stripes and dots? Yes, please. For the price, they just cannot be beat.

A girl can never have too many handbags. This clutch needs to belong in my closet.

Prices range from $19.99 to $59.99, which is not too bad for a piece of designer (for Target) clothing. What do you think about it? Click here to see the complete collection.

Hot Toddy

2012-01-11T15:38:00.001-06:00

Being such a huge hot toddy fan, I knew I could not let National Hot Toddy Day go by without blogging about it. Confession, I only know this because it popped up as a reminder from Garden & Gun, thus I thought it only fitting to share their superb recipe today.

Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients:

8 cups apple cider

6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

15 whole allspice berries

10 whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks, broken into small bits

5 tsp. dark honey

4 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 cups dark rum

Directions:

Boil first 6 ingredients about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add butter, stir till melted, strain into 8 warm mugs, and divide rum among them.

via

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... was the reply. "You are exhausted, of course, but if you do not get cold you will soon be all right. Maggie," she continued, to the servant, "tell Mr. Hesden to bring in that hot toddy now. He had better put the juice of a lemon it it, too. Miss Ainslie may not be accustomed to taking it. I am Mrs. Le Moyne, I forgot to say," she added, turning to her unintended guest, "and Hesden, ...

— Bricks Without Straw • Albion W. Tourgee

HBD + Mules

2012-01-10T08:26:00.000-06:00

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! When I asked him what he would like to do, his reply was that he wanted to spend the night at home with me. I also asked about the kind of dinner he would like and kind of cake he would like. Seafood and a good cake. Thank goodness I do not have a picky husband! Now I just have to come up with a few wonderful creations for our evening meal. Seafood recipes, anyone? If only I could make a cake like this.

Bryan is a man of many talents and hobbies, each of which he becomes very passionate about. This is a good thing, and sometimes a bad thing. (Hunter's wives, can you catch my drift?) Anyway, the beginning of this past weekend's travels actually goes back a few years. Somewhere along the way, once my sister and I got older, our ownership of horses somehow turned into the ownership of mules. Not the kind that are driven around a deer camp, but four-legged creatures that graze in your pasture. For some reason, a couple of years ago for Christmas my dad gave Bryan the two "babies" Gus and Ellie. Long story short, my parents, Bryan and I (Emily met us there from Ohio) ventured over to Kentucky to check on the training of three of our mules.

You may be asking yourself what in the world we are going to do with these animals. Good question. I will not be doing much with them at all, other than looking out the window at them when I am at the farm. Bryan and my dad are giddy with delight thinking about all of the mountain streams they can find and the elk that will be hung in the upstairs of my mother's house. Did I mention that Bryan went hog hunting with his new Amish friends on Gus while we were there?

The funniest moment was when my mother mentioned something about being a typically normal American family on our little venture. Do any of you other normal American families go across four states to visit your mules in training? Have a great day!

Funday Monday

2012-01-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

This past weekend took me through four states and back. I will share that tale with you tomorrow. As for today, I am going to share a few pretties with you that I have seen recently.

It's raining here today, but for the most part this winter has been fairly warm. Still, I cannot help but think of warmer weather. I find myself always looking to occasions in the future where I know I will be able to dress up. Bryan's brother will be getting married this summer, and I have found myself eyeing summery dress already.

This Cynthia Steffe dress would be perfect for a shower that I will be attending. Plus, I think it is just a fun summer dress that would be put to good use a number of times.

Of course I'm a sucker for all things made by Tucker, so I was happy when I saw this dress last night for such a slow price. But, of course it was sold out in my size. Wait list, please.

Both of the dresses I found on Gilt last night. They are having some great sales right now. I managed to snatch up this python Stephanie Johnson makeup case on Hautelook. It is to replace the one that I threw in the trash last week. As much traveling as we do, I cannot live without something this essential.

I've gotta admit that I am pretty excited Tibi will be on Ruelala today! I have a little bit of credit to spend, so hopefully there will be a little something I cannot live without. If you are not a member, click this link to join for free.

Bookworm

2012-01-07T06:03:00.002-06:00

Pilfering though antique stores, thrift shops and flea marks is something that I could spend a lot of time doing if given the opportunity. Granted, most of the things waiting to be dug through are junk, but from time to time you find a diamond in the ruff. Earlier this week, my future sister-in-law and I went hunting for a few rustic pieces for her wedding. My find of the week was these Reader's Digest books, all for a whopping dollar each. Three-dolla. Yes. When I showed Bryan, he in all seriousness told me he used to love to read these books when he was growing up. I bought them because I liked the cover colors and want to use them for decorating.

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Reading is one of my favorite activities, thus I was thrilled to receive my Kindle for Christmas. Here are some of my most-recent reads.

My sister does not enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks' books because they all have a dramatic twist. That is exactly why I like reading them. I love a good cry over something heart-wrenching. In all honesty, I was a little disappointed in The Best of Me. It was a beautifully written book, but left me disappointed. I will not spoil this for those of you who have not read it, but for those of you who have read it, what did you think?

On the other hand, I have also just read Sparks' Safe Haven and loved it. Much better to my liking. Thoughts on this if you have read it?

Currently I am reading The Centurion's Wife by Janette Oke. According to my Kindle, I am 6% complete, and so far I really like it. Growing up I read all of Oke's books. I was thrilled when I ran across a few that I have not read. A Christian historical fiction book, I always enjoy reading what Oke has to offer her readers. If you are not familiar with her writing, I highly suggest picking up some of her books.

For those of you Kindle owners, it is actually free right now on Amazon. I ran across a website that regularly updates available free Kindle books (and I think all e-readers). Here is a link to it. Enjoy!

Healthy Lunch

2012-01-06T06:00:00.002-06:00

Recently I have gotten into a very bad habit of eating whatever can be scrounged up from the fridge for my lunches each day. Leftovers from the night before usually go with Bryan to work, but sometimes they are frozen or I eat them, too. Eating better lunches was not one of my goals that I listed yesterday, but it is something that I have become very mindful of recently.

A list was made before I went to the store earlier this week, with specific ingredients for healthy lunches for myself. Anything that is sour, tangy or salty makes me start to drool. Lemon was in my favorite lunch of the week, and it was oh so yumm-o! I grilled chicken to add to my salad, but it is not necessary.

Golden Chickpea and Artichoke Salad

+ Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (15 oz.) can chick peas, drained and rinsed well

5 to 7 artichoke hearts (1 can), drained and sliced lengthwise

¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted if desired

1 teaspoon lemon juice (I used a whole lemon)

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (I used 1 teaspoon dried)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a seasoned wok or cast-iron skillet. Add the chickpeas and cook on medium-high for 10 minutes, stirring only occasionally to prevent burning, until the chickpeas are golden brown all over. When done, put them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Add more oil to the pan and cook the sliced artichoke hearts until browned. Add them to the bowl of chickpeas.

3. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet (if desired) and then grind them in a food processor. Add the almonds to the artichokes and chickpeas. Season the salad with lemon juice and salt and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

*This served two people for lunch, but could serve more if used as a side dish.

*I grilled chicken and added a large, cut up breast to the bowl and tossed it in the seasonings.

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For a while now, my eyes have been set on a Michael Kors watch. It was on my Christmas list, and fortunately I got enough money to pick out the watch of my choice. After searching online and two different cities, I had just about given up hope of finding a smaller-sized gold one in stock anywhere. Much to my delight, my mother sent me a text earlier this week showing this little baby that she picked up for me in just the size I have wanted!

It had to be classic enough to wear alone or be stacked--that was one of my requirements. What do you think about it? I can hardly wait to slip it on my wrist and stack it with pretty baubbles.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

New Year Goals

2012-01-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

Every year people make resolutions at the beginning of the year, most of which do not last very long at all. Why? Not all resolutions are really very realistic if you have to make a huge change in lifestyle. Instead, take baby steps in order to help you achieve your goals. According to studies, over half of the top ten New Years Resolutions are health-related...hum. Yes, it is a good way to kick off the new year by eating better and exercising, but be sure to take those baby steps so you do not feel overwhelmed.

This year on New Years Eve, as everyone gathered around the table to eat dinner, we took a few moments to share our own resolutions for the new year. A resolution is just a fancy word for "goal", therefore I made a list of the goals I have for 2012.

1. Move to a new place and have an adventure with my hubby.

2. Take step-by-step photos of projects/recipes and share them on my blog.

3. Participate in a couple's Bible study with my hubby.

4. Run a half-marathon.

5. Learn to sew.

There are other things I would like to do this year, but the five I listed are all things that I know are realistic and dear to my heart.

In my opinion, the best way to start and keep up with your goals is to make lists. Write, write, write. Get a notebook or journal to keep up with things. Post sticky notes. Whatever it takes to make your goals happen, do it!

NYE + Recipes

2012-01-04T07:49:00.003-06:00

Most of my long-time readers know this already, but for the new readers who do not, Bryan and I met at a wedding. My best friend growing up, Meredith, married one of Bryan's pledge brothers, Nathan. It was a fairytale moment when we sat at the rehearsal dinner table together, him a groomsman and me a bridesmaid, looked into each other's eyes and knew it was meant to be. JUST KIDDING...he had no interest in me for a good 24 hours, which was after the newly married couple had left and we sat at the country club having a jolly good time. Eight months (to the day) from when we met, Bryan proposed and I said yes. I say all of this to tell you that we spent New Years weekend with Meredith and Nathan. Like I said on Friday, this never happens, so we were both pretty excited to get in time with each of them.

Meredith and I grew up spending many weekends at my house cooking. Before we were able to drive, and probably weekends that I was in trouble, we spent hours in the kitchen learning the ins and outs of cooking. Though we have not cooked together in years, it just came naturally as we planned the New Years Eve party at her house. I sheepishly admit that I prefer to throw gatherings by myself, which includes doing all of the decorating and cooking alone. Often times when I cook with another person, I find myself staring over their shoulder or telling them what to do differently. ~~I kinda like things done my way.~~ With Meredith, it all comes so naturally and we balance each other out so well, that I did not realize until later that I had not given a second thought as to what she was doing on the other side of the room. Total confidence. Love.

There were four couples, plus this little cutie pie. He can crash our party any time, especially with all of the sweet kisses he gave me.

For some silly reason, no pictures were taken until about five minutes before midnight, when we were all tired and about to pass out. My fingers were so swollen that I had to pry off my rings and take them off. Don't you just love the crowns and blowers?

The food was fantastic. We had a veggie platter, mushroom goat cheese queso, brie cheese bites, chocolate covered oreos and a salami and cheese platter for appetizers. The main course consisted of steak with whiskey cream sauce, goat cheese salad with a raspberry vinaigrette, jalapeno macaroni and cheese and rolls.

Mushroom Goat Cheese Queso

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons expeller-pressed canola oil

1/2 pound mixed mushrooms, finely chopped

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

3 ounces cream cheese

6 ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) shredded pepper jack cheese

1 1/2 cups sliced baby spinach leaves

2 chipotles in adobo (from a can), minced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms have released their liquid and are both dry and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Spread mushrooms and onions over the bottom of a small ovenproof casserole or gratin dish.

In a large bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, spinach, and chipotles. Toss until combined. Spread cheese mixture evenly over mushrooms and bake until bubbling, about 25 minutes. Serve hot.

Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer (Makes about 3 1/2 cups).

Chocolate Covered Oreos with Silver and Gold Sprinkles

Jalapeno Salami with Cheese and Crackers

Whiskey Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup diced onions

1/2 cup whiskey

1/2 cup beef stock or broth

Dash of salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

Cook the onions in the 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. When the onions are brown, turn off the burner temporarily.

Pour in the whiskey. As soon as it evaporates, turn the burner on medium-high heat and pour in the beef stock. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then allow the mixture to bubble up and reduce by half.

Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter, then reduce the heat to low. Whisk in 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup cream, according to your taste. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Serve over beef.

Click here to see the Baked Brie Bites recipe.
Click here to see the Fancy Macaroni recipe. (Meredith added jalapenos.)
Click here to see the Knock You Naked Brownies we made for dessert.

Christmas Review

2012-01-03T14:21:00.000-06:00

Helloooo!! Home at last, everything is a chaotic mess and I think everything needs a good deep-cleaning and re-organization as soon as I am able to take down all of the Christmas decorations. Laundry is washing and drying, dishes are cleaning and Ivy Belle is snoring happily on the floor at my feet. Somehow in the past two weeks my camera has managed to disappear...no bueno. Thus, I hardly took any pictures at Christmas, minus a few that I snapped with my phone.

This could have quite possibly been the most relaxing Christmas ever had in our household. Most of my extended family did their own thing this year, leaving a quiet, intimate holiday for us at my parents' farm. Emily arrived home late Friday night, and as per her wish, we ate duck gumbo for Christmas Eve and drank home brewed Holiday Ale.

As a family tradition, we all sat around the fire on Christmas Eve, sipping eggnog and reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Christmas morning started with the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of stockings. After a scrumptious holiday brunch, we all gathered around the tree to open our gifts. I received a ton of wonderful presents, but my tippy top favorite was my Kindle from my sweet hubby.

Bryan and I drove halfway across the state to be at his parents' house in time to go with them for Christmas dinner at his grandmother's house. The food was wonderful and the gifts were beyond generous. I do not know what time we crawled into bed, but it was pretty late that night.

...........

A new recipe I made for our brunch was Cinnamon Toast Pudding. I cannot believe that I do not have a picture of this to share! It was delicious beyond words. Pinterest and Google do not show any pictures that look remotely similar to the one I made, so trust me when I say you just need to make it.

Cinnamon Toast Pudding

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for baking dish

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 (1-inch) thick slices day-old brioche bread (or French)

5 eggs 1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup orange juice

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup grapes, halved

Powdered sugar, for garnish

1/4 cup maple syrup

8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Butter baking dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine butter, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Generously butter both sides of brioche bread with butter mixture.

Toast on a baking sheet in the oven 5 to 10 minutes, or until bread turns golden brown.

Cut toast on a diagonal into triangles and arrange in the prepared baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, yogurt, orange juice, salt, remaining sugar, and vanilla.

Stir in grapes and pour over bread slices in baking dish.

Let rest 10 minutes for bread to absorb some of the egg mixture, gently pressing down a few times to help absorb.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes until crust is golden and crispy in parts and custard is set.

Remove from the oven, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup and serve.

..........

Tomorrow I will post about our New Years Eve weekend. There are a ton of wonderful recipes that I cannot wait to share!

NYE

2011-12-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

Bryan and I have spent the past week back and forth all over the place. I have some wonderful pictures and stories to share, but they will all have to wait until next Tuesday. Bryan should be leaving the ducks alone soon and then we will be headed out of town, once again. I am beyond excited to be spending the day with my oldest best friend shopping and doing whatever our little hearts please. We never get to spend time together alone, so I can hardly wait!

I have not written any posts for this weekend, nor do I intend to, so be sure to come back next Tuesday for a jam-packed post. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys another fun-filled holiday weekend. We will be having a relaxing New Years Eve dinner with friends, but I can hardly wait to see a lot of you all dressed up in your sparkly outfits. I helped baby sister get her sequined dress all set to go, with matching nails and earrings. Love!!

Maybe I won't be wearing a shimmering dress, but I do plan on sipping on a little bubbly. You cannot celebrate New Years without a little of that, right?

I may be secretly taking shots of espresso in the back room to stay awake, but you had better believe I will be getting a sweet kiss from my hubby. Keep your eye on the clock, girls!

Be sure to be safe and have a fantastic time!

Tasty Treats

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have recently found so many yummy things to eat this holiday season from a variety of sources. (Most of these are super easy to whip up.) You just might find a new blog to follow, too!

Garden and Gun emailed these fantastic Bacon Crackers.

Megan posted these amazing Blue Cheese Biscuits with Pinot Noir Butter.

Sparrows and Sparkle shared a yummy Southern Prize Shrimp dip a few weeks ago.

Yummy Mummy is my most recent favorite food blog. Love. This Holiday Granola is amazing, you've gotta try it.

My mouth started watering when I saw these Mini Butterfinger Cheesecakes.

I am never disappointed when Natalie posts a recipe. Doesn't this Baked Potato Soup sound perfect for a cold winter's night?

Baklava. Need I say more?

Dot It

2011-12-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

polka dots + red pumps = killer combo

This picture had me scouring Pinterest to find it's original source. Of course, it would be a super expensive killer combo from Shopbop. These fantastic pumps are Kate Spade and my closet is calling them to find a new home inside of it.

I could not find the exact shirt used in this picture, but found a couple of other options from their website.

Yes, please! I have already thought of countless ways to wear these babies.

Even though my husband jokingly tells me that the skinny trend is over, I continue to wear them every day. In my opinion, a girl can never have too many skinny jeans or leggings. These from Joe's Jeans are very versatile. Roll them up to resemble the jeans in the picture.

A little out of your price budget? Not to worry, I looked to my trusty friend, Zara, to come up with some other adorable polka dot options that are more budget-friendly.

Sweet Day

2011-12-27T06:12:00.003-06:00

Thirty-two years ago today my sweet Mama walked down the aisle to marry my handsome Daddy. They are every bit as in love now, if not more, than they were on that special day. I could not ask for two better role models as parents and as a couple. Happy Anniversary to very special people!

Christmas Story

2011-12-25T01:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas! Before stocking are taken down from the chimney, and before any presents are stolen from under the tree, we always sit down as a family to read the Christmas story.

Luke 2: 1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Happy Christmas to All

2011-12-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement Clarke Moore - Published in 1822

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew

2011-12-23T06:00:00.003-06:00

If you are looking for a hearty, yet easy recipe to throw together while company is in town, look no further. I think I might have posted this stew recipe a long time ago, but want to share it again. This was our girls' night meal on this past Monday. (See Mollye, I am remembering to post what we eat--sorta.)

Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew

3/4 pound hot Italian sausage links (I use pre-cooked smoked sausage links, sliced)

2 medium carrots

1 medium bulb fresh fennel (I use an onion)

1 can (14.5-ounce) petite diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

4 garlic cloves, pressed

2 cans (15-ounce) cannellini beans

1 package of fresh basil

1. Remove casings from sausage. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch nuggets.

2. Place sausage into 4 quart (or 4 liter) casserole and cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

3. As sausage cooks, peel carrots.

4. Chop carrots and fennel; add to casserole and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, or until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables begin to brown.

5. Stir tomatoes, broth and garlic into sausage mixture.

6. Drain and rinse beans using small colander; add to casserole.

7. Simmer stew, uncovered, 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

8. As stew simmers, chop basil. Remove casserole from heat; stir in basil. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings

Thank-You Notes

2011-12-22T06:00:00.006-06:00

The art of writing thank-you notes is very sadly being forgotten by many, yet it is still a polite and courteous gesture that should never me eliminated in my book. My mother taught me to always write a thank-you note whenever a gift was received. Not only that, but any time you are invited and attend a party or visit someone in their home, it is a polite way to show your appreciation. Here are a few tips:

*Always handwrite your thank-you note.

*Use a black or blue pen, never a colored pen or pencil. (Unless you are a child drawing a picture with a crayon.)

*Do not include fewer than three sentences in your note.

*It is never to early to start your child writing his or her own note. If they cannot write, simply let them draw a picture or their name one that you have written for them.

*Upon receiving money or a gift card, treat is like any other gift. If you have something specific in mind you will be purchasing with it, be sure to include that in your note. Do not indicate the specific amount you received.

*Not just when you receive money, but with any gift feel free to explain how you plan on using it. "The picture frame looks perfect on our fireplace mantle."

*Be sure to personalize your note by making it descriptive. Say more than, "Thank you for the gift." Say, "I was thrilled to find a sweater in the exact shade of pink that I love!"

*Reiterate your gratitude again at the end of your note.

*Even if you do not like your gift, remember that is the thought that counts.

*Get your note into the mail as soon as possible.

via

Waffles + Eggnog Butter

2011-12-21T06:15:00.002-06:00

I am starting to go into freak-out mode. One of my favorite drinks to make during the holiday season is eggnog. A couple of weeks ago I had to miss my normal Monday girls' night, and I was appalled to hear that the girls had eggnog out of a container. Dr. Ash had never had eggnog before and I think she might be scared for life. Why am I freaking out? Well, I have the most amazing eggnog's recipe that calls for separating egg yolks from egg whites, a blender or mixer...I cannot find it anywhere!!! I'm thinking that I will probably just wing it and come up with my own little concoction from memory. So, since I haven't perfected it yet to share it, I will share another one of my eggnog flavored holiday treats. Eggnog butter adds such a simple holiday twist to your normal waffles. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Belgian Waffles with Eggnog Butter and Orange Syrup

Belgian Waffles

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 (1/4 oz.) envelope active dry yeast

1 3/4 cups milk

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 large eggs

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, set aside.

Combine milk, water and butter in a 4-cup glass measuring cup; microwave on high for a minute and a half.

Add milk mixture to dry ingredients alternately with eggs, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer just until dry ingredients are blended. Cover and chill batter 8 hours.

Pour batter, 1 cup at a time, into a preheated, oiled waffle iron; cook until golden. Yields 16 (4") waffles.

Eggnog Butter

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. rum extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat butter at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in nutmeg and extracts. Cover and chill. Yields 1 1/4 cups.

Orange Syrup

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup orange marmalade

Combine syrup and marmalade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until mixture comes to a simmer and marmalade melts, about 5 minutes. Yields 1 1/2 cups.

Colorful Christmas

2011-12-20T06:02:00.002-06:00

When I think tons of color and fun cheer, I think of the one and only Kate Spade. She makes every color a Christmas color. Prepare yourself for some beautiful eye candy. Have a very merry and colorful day!

Wrapping Gifts

2011-12-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm willing to bet that a lot of you spent the weekend purchasing Christmas gifts. It is extremely fun for me to run around by myself and pick out things for others, but I might like wrapping the gifts even more than picking them out in the store. To me, wrapping gifts can be a beautiful form of art. It adds a lot to your holiday decor under the tree, but I like to add them mantles or the tops of furniture to add depth, dimension and a little extra holiday flare in other areas in the house, too.

The sky is the limit when it comes to wrapping gifts. One year I used brown Kraft paper with different red, gold and green ribbons on each package. This year my wrapping paper matches our Christmas decor. In case you haven't started wrapping yet, I've found a few different creative ideas to share.

Using stamps to spell out names or messages on a package adds a nice personal touch. All you need is a package of letter stamps and an ink pad.

This option is a little more time consuming, but adds a personal touch to each gift, too.

I think this confetti idea is pure genius! How cute would it be with red and green for Christmas?!?

Another natural looking option is to use twine or ribbon and buttons.

I do not have any extra maps just lying around, but you sure might. Talk about a good way to recycle.

Another great old-fashioned way to recycle is by using newspaper. I know we all have those lying around. Add candy cane colors and a monogram or letter for an extra personal touch.

Add any festive holiday object that you might not normally thing to use on a gift.

Who wouldn't like a tasty treat on top?

Making your own tags are so simple. There are stickers and pre-made stamps that are specifically for tags on Christmas gifts at your local craft store.

Who says you have to use the traditional red and green for Christmas gifts? I think these colors are beautiful together.

Any extra sprigs from your wreath or mantle? Tie them on the top for beautiful presentation.

Alright folks, get busy wrapping!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-12-18T09:17:00.000-06:00

As we prepare for Christmas in a week, I know that it is difficult to not get caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday. Yes, it is wonderful to give and receive gifts. Yes, it is wonderful to spend time with family. Yes, it is wonderful to have good things baking in the kitchen. But, be sure to not get forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This verse is incorporated into one of my favorite songs by Handle that is sung at Christmas. It always puts me into a festive, worshipful mood during the holidays.

Sippin' on Saturday

2011-12-17T06:05:00.004-06:00

This recipe for hot chocolate makes some of the most delicious hot chocolate that I have ever tasted. I served it on Christmas morning last year. Everyone went back for more and scraped the bottom for the last drop. I will certainly be making it again this year on Christmas morning, too.

Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate

4 cups milk

4 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup sugar

3 (4-oz.) semisweet chocolate baking bars, broken into pieces

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup peppermint schnapps

Garnishes: whipped cream topping, crushed hard peppermint candies.

Heat first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; add chocolate and salt, whisking until chocolate melts. Stir in peppermint schnapps. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately. Yield: 11 cups.

Click here for a recipe to make Peppermint Marshmallows.

Click here for a recipe to make Peppermint Stick Cocoa in a jar.

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Chai Tea Mix

2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

3/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)

1 tsp. ground allspice

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea or decaffeinated instant tea

1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1 cup powdered nondairy creamer

1 cup French vanilla-flavored powdered nondairy creamer

Combine spices and tea in a food processor or blender. Blend 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture becomes a fine powder. Pour into large bowl. Add sugar to food processor or blender (without cleaning it), and process until superfine, about 30 seconds. Add sugar to bowl of spices. Stir in milk powder and creamers; blend well. Spoon mix into gift jars, if desired.

To serve, stir 2 heaping tablespoons Chai Tea mix into a mug of hot milk or boiling water. Yield: 5 1/2 cups mix.

Chocolate Chai Mix: Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa along with dry milk powder to the blend above. Follow serving directions above. (Use milk with this.)

Chai Shake: Blend 1/4 cup Chai Tea Mix, 1 cup milk, and 3 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream in a blender.

White Chocolate Chai: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped premium white chocolate to 1 cup Chai Tea Mix. Stir well. Follow serving directions above with 2 heaping tablespoons per cup of hot milk or boiling water.

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I added a few new items to my blog sale, so check it out!

I See Spots

2011-12-16T06:05:00.001-06:00

Spots are all over our house right now! I'm such a sucker for animal prints, loving leopard the most. From bows, to stockings, to platters and pictures on the wall, I don't think there is a room in the house that doesn't have some sort of festive Christmas leopard item.

A little leopard was even snuck into the mantle at my parents' house that I put together last week. Good thing my sweet hubby trusts my decorating skills, right? Bless his sweet heart!

My Christmas List

2011-12-15T06:01:00.002-06:00

I didn't ask for a whole lot for Christmas this year...maybe because everything I want is expensive. Oh, the ~~joys~~ pains of having good taste! Of course this is my bloggy version, since the real one went out the day after my birthday. ;) I had taken off the TB cosmetic case, but just yesterday the zipper on mine broke, so it's been re-added. I want it in gold, though I'm pretty sure it is nowhere to be found. And the Boulevard Tote should be apple green with a gold foil monogram. Nothing too complicated, right? What's on your list?

My Life In IG

2011-12-14T10:22:00.000-06:00

Hello, lovelies! I apologize for being absent the past week. It has blown me away the people who have told me that they have been missing my posts! It melts my heart to hear such things. I have been going non-stop and have not had a single second to sit down at a computer. Yesterday a headache started and I have yet to get rid of it. I do not have time for that nonsense, and must get out to run errands and do a little Christmas shopping today. Here is a quick recap of the past week.

Thursday night Bryan and I had a super casual little dinner party with close friends. I made an Asian pork shoulder with rice and the most amazing tiramisu. Dr. Ash brought hot cocoa fixings and we added a little Baileys Irish Cream to make it extra nice.

My creative side came out last week when I made this winter wonderland wreath. The only addition I made was silver ornaments after I had already snapped this picture. Let me know if any of you are interested in how I made it.

My nails were painted a little festive with Christmas red and gold. Bryan made sure to tell me that I had missed my ring fingers on both hands.

On another holiday note, there has been way too much chocolate eating going on at my house. Thank goodness we finally finished off the Dove dark chocolate, but I do miss my daily little messages like this one.

Hope you all have a great day!

Hot Spinach Dip

2011-12-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

This is the best hot spinach dip ever. Our cook at the Kappa house in college made it and I made sure to have her write it down before she retired.

(This is not what mine looks like, it is an image from Pinterest.)

Spinach Dip

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained (press with a paper towel)

8 oz. Monterrey Jack cheese, grated

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup purple onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1 can rotel

cumin, to taste

Mix all ingredients thoroughly together in a bowl. Bake in a 12x12 baking dish at 350* for 30 minutes or until bubbly in center. Serve with pita chips or baguettes.

Christmas Chandeliers

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oh Christmas decor! One year I tied ornaments with ribbons onto the ceiling light/fan in the kitchen. This year there is a chandelier in our kitchen and it will soon be adorned with some sort of Christmas decor. These pictures of tying objects onto chandeliers can easily be adapted to be used on any type of light or curtain rod. I definitely think that whatever you choose to use needs to look full and not sparse. Don't let it look like you just added a few things because you liked the idea. Head over to Pinterest for lots more inspirational photos like these. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Biscotti

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy making holiday treats for people. Last year I made two different kinds of biscotti for the teachers at school. The gingerbread was my favorite. Place them in clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon and add a tag and you're all set!

Gingerbread Biscotti

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup butter

1/2 Cup sugar

1/2 Cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup dark molasses

2 eggs

2 1/2 cups flours

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. In large bowl of an electric mixer, beat sugar, butter, molasses until smooth.

2. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.

3. In a bowl, stir flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and almonds.

4. Add to egg mixture; stir to blend.

5. On two greased 12x15 inch baking sheets, use well-floured hands to pat dough into two 9x2 inch logs, spacing them evenly on sheets.

6. Bake in a 350 F. oven until browned at edges and firm, about 25-28 minutes.

7. Let loaves stand on baking sheets until cool to touch, then cut into long, 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices.

8. On baking sheets, arrange slices close together with a cut side down.

9. Return to oven and bake at 300* for 8-10 minutes.

10. Transfer biscotti to racks and let cool completely.

Serve, or store airtight up to one month; freeze for longer storage.

Yields: About two dozen.

Cyber Monday + Wants

2011-12-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

That famous day dubbed Black Friday got nothing out of me. I refuse to fight the crowds to get a few good deals. Maybe when I have kids it will be different, but this girl would rather shop online. I did participate in the great day called Cyber Monday. I scored a few good deals, purchasing these few items from Ruche for myself. I liked the top shirt to wear under a cardi, the copper one to wear casually with jeans, and I'm hoping the skirt is cute for my Christmas cocktail party and doesn't look cheapy.

Upcoming wedding? Yes, we have two in the next three weeks. This is our one weekend home this month. Please someone order this Tibi dress for me and mail it to my house.

I'm toying with the idea of ordering this Tibi blouse. By the time you read this I might or might not have made the purchase. Hum...

I still want this DVF scarf. Rather, this pattern in anything. Santa, are you listening?

I have some birthday money and cannot decide what should be my splurge! I really want a gold watch that can be worn alone or with bangles. Dr. Ash and I are doing a little Christmas shopping this weekend, so hopefully I can look at a few things for myself, too.

Holiday Recipes I've Already Made

2011-12-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Slacking could be the correct word to use when describing how I've been doing in posting holiday recipes lately. There have been some wonderful dishes that I have made the past couple of weeks but not posted. Thus, I'm posting pictures and links to where they can be found.

Cardamom Caramel Honey Pears

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Candied Walnuts

(mine is slightly different because I had pecans and not walnuts)

Fall Sangria

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pie

Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies

Cream Cheese Filled Snickerdoodles
(these were the hit Dr. Ash made for our party)

My (Birth) Day

2011-11-30T09:14:00.000-06:00

Thank you all very much for the sweet notes, calls and texts that you sent yesterday. I had a wonderful birthday! I spent the day doing one of my favorite things, decorating for Christmas in my pajamas. About 11:00 am I got dressed and ran a few errands to grab things I realized I needed for decorating. The house is far from complete, but I did get a good amount accomplished. While running errands, I couldn't help but swing through Starbucks and purchase a birthday cake pop--of course it was pink!

My mom got stuck out of town due to weather, but we had celebrated with dinner last Wednesday, so I wasn't terribly bummed. Bryan left work a little early and surprised me with five kinds of chocolate and wine. He knows how to treat a birthday girl right! We also celebrated my birthday in Stuttgart with his family last Friday night. My gifts from him were a sewing machine and serger. I mentioned many months ago that I would really like to learn how to sew and own a sewing machine at some point. Little did I know that I would be teaching myself this winter! I know these might not be thrilling gifts to a lot of people, but I am extremely excited just thinking about all of the the creations I can produce!

Bryan and I went to IronWood Grill with a small group of friends, where I had a wedding cake martini and salmon with mango salsa. I asked the waitress for a fun drink and wondered if I could get a birthday martini instead of a wedding cake martini. Her blank stare and quick no would have been much better received had she just made up something and said yes. Can't a girl want to be festive?

I racked up on jewels, with my mom giving me a monogrammed West Avenue necklace from Max & Chloe and Dr. Ash giving me a sparkly rhinestone necklace. Love them both!

Bryan snapped this picture of me while I was getting out my lip gloss before we left for dinner. It is really the only good picture of the dress I purchased from Sosie.

That's all I've got for ya, so have a Happy Hump Day!

Childhood Memories + Books

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

As a child growing up, I was an avid reader. Sitting by the fire, sipping a hot cup of tea or cocoa and reading a good book was a normal way to spend winter and Christmas holiday evenings. It was also a special time of year when the four of us would read books aloud to each other. With the weather turning cold, I cannot help but think of a few of my favorites, The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis.

I am sure most of you have either heard of this series because of the books or the movies that have recently been produced. They really are the greatest. Even if you have seen some of the movies, I think that at least the first one is worth reading as a family together this holiday season.

What triggered my thoughts on these was a picture of Turkish Delight that I saw on Pinterest. For those of you unfamiliar with these books, Turkish Delight was Edmund's favorite treat that helped him to be lured by the white witch. When Emily and I went to Turkey four years ago we bought some solely for this reason. I love these books, where there is good versus evil in a mystical land, only a few steps away in a wardrobe.

Happy Birthday

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002-06:00

As much as I normally celebrate all month long, I really kept pretty calm this year. But, today is finally the day that I turn the big 28!! Bryan and I have dinner planned with close friends, but that is pretty much all that is on my schedule so far. Birthday cake? I hope it looks like this one. ;)

I will forever be my Daddy's little girl and birthday girl, too. He has always told me that I am the best birthday gift he has ever received. Though he is a half-way around the world, I know we are celebrating together in spirit. Happy Birthday to him, too!

Holiday Recap

2011-11-28T08:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday! After the past few days of craziness, I am finally able to sit down, have a cup of coffee and post the pictures from the past week. I'll try to share only the good ones so you don't have to go through pages of them.

Tuesday was the Fall Bash that Bryan and I hosted in our home. Twenty people, including a baby, all squeezed in to eat gumbo and drink sangria. The appetizer table was jam-packed with delicious treats, and the vast amount of bread pudding and Dr. Ash's cream cheese-filled snicker doodle cookies made everyone forget about the chocolate chip pumpkin pie that I had made on the counter. That was quite fine with me, and was taken to the farm for Thanksgiving. Caramel pears were the gifts that I sent with everyone as they left, and they have all gotten rave reviews via text messages.

Thanksgiving Day was spent at the farm with my immediate family and a few friends. Normally there are around 30 people, but everyone decided to go out of town or do something out of the ordinary this year, so there wasn't the normal crew of folks. Em's best friend, Ashley, came since Arkansas is a lot closer to Texas than it is to Georgia. Nick and Nicole, who are from Michigan experienced their first Thanksgiving in Arkansas, too. I do not think that anyone left the table hungry.

Bryan, Nick, Nicole and I went to Stuttgart on Thanksgiving night so the boys would be able to duck hunt all weekend. Emily and Ashley came on Friday in time to watch the Arkansas vs. LSU game at Quacker Jack, the Lanier's duck club.

I will not bore you with all of the weekend's details, but we walked through the Wings Over the Prairie Festival, spent a small fortune at Mack's Prairie Wings and ate lots of yummy food. The best part was that the guys were able to have a really good hunt on Saturday morning. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, too! I'm off to decorate for Christmas!

Shimmer + Sparkle

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday, lovelies! Hopefully everyone has recovered from their comatose state after being stuffed from turkey and all of the fixings throughout the holiday weekend. This time of year is always the busiest for us, with duck season in full swing we are gone most weekends. Throw in two upcoming weddings plus the holiday parties and we really will never be home! After Thanksgiving everything seems to spin fast and the next thing you know we will be in the middle of January. Speaking of celebrating a new year, I am willing to be that most of you already have made plans for New Year's Eve. Bryan and I are toying with a couple of ideas with friends, but hopefully we will come to a final decision within the next few days. I simply adore dressing up and sipping on cocktails. Nothing says "Let's Party" to me like a fancy dress. Glitter and metallics really are everywhere, so find your sequin dress and get ready to shimmer and sparkle on New Year's Eve!

via

Are you seeing anything that you just can't live without? My favorite is this gold dress by Vince that is on the bottom left.

Hot Toddy

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hot Toddy: a mixed drink, usually including alcohol, that is served hot. Hot toddies (such as mulled cider) are traditionally drunk before going to bed, or in wet or cold weather. (I chose to leave out the last sentence from Wikipedia...something about hot toddies and alcohol causing dehydration.)

My husband is the king of making hot toddies for me when I am feeling a little down from the cold weather. He always lets the tea steep the right amount of time, adds the perfect amounts of honey, orange and a little something to make me breathe fire. There are so many variations to make these drinks and you really can add just about anything, but I found two that sounded extra tasty to me.

Hot Toddy #1

Ingredients:

4 slices of red apple

3 cinnamon sticks

3 slices of orange

2 cloves

16 oz simple syrup (equal part sugar dissolved in water)

16 oz bourbon whiskey

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and put over low heat. Slowly bring up to a simmer to infuse the bourbon, and keep over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the fragrance of the mixture becomes more apparent. Serve warm.

Serves 4; Cook time 15 minutes.

Hot Toddy #2

Ingredients:

hot tea

honey

orange

brandy

Directions:

1. Drizzle a tsp. of honey around the inside of the glass

2. Squeeze a little citrus (raspberry blood orange)

3. Pour in a shot (or two) of any good spicy brandy (or rum or whiskey)

4. Fill the remainder of the glass with fresh brewed hot tea

Optional:

Cinnamon stick for garnish; leave in to infuse.

Mistletoe

2011-11-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

I am a firm believer in celebrating one holiday at a time. I do not pull out any Christmas decorations or start listening to any holiday music until after Thanksgiving. Quite honestly, I try not to even start until after my birthday, on the 29th, but this year I might start decorating before Tuesday.

Last Friday night, Dr. Ash and I attended Jingle Bells and Cocktails: A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Gourmet, the preview party for our local holiday house, Mistletoe Fair. Since it didn't start until 7:00 pm, we were starving and made a mad dash to the food line first. Delicious, heavy hors d'ouvres were served, along with wine, beer and cocktails. My plate consisted of a variety of dips--crawfish, spinach and artichoke, and quesadillas from the quesadilla buffet line. Everything was yummy! I tried the pomegranate wine and the green apple wine. I thought both were fun and festive for the holidays. We browsed the booths, making Christmas purchases at a few and stocking up on easy soup mixes. I cannot believe that I did not get one single picture! Bryan snapped this one of us after the party.

Outfit: Fifteen-Twenty blouse, Amrita Singh earrings, Steve Madden leopard heels, Tibi cropped pants, assortment of bracelets and vintage watches

..........

Speaking of mistletoe, do any of you decorate with it? I grew up with there always being mistletoe somewhere in the house during the Christmas holidays. My daddy (now Bryan) would take a gun and shoot it out of a tree. Throughout the years I have used it in many different ways over doorways around the house. Here are some pretty images of it from Pinterest.

Be sure to catch your sweetie underneath it!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Turkey Day! I am thankful for all of you lovely friends that I have met throughout the course of having this blog. I hope you all have a very wonderful day, full of food, fun and family!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: Sparkly Sparkle

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am seeing glitter everywhere right now. From Miu Miu heels to tips on fingernails, there is plenty of shimmer for us all to share! I am dying to post some sparkly dresses for the holidays, but I am refraining from doing that until after tomorrow. Are any of you wearing something a little glimmery tomorrow? As of now, I have no idea what I am going to wear. If I get a chance today I will post pictures from our party last night, but I have a feeling I might be cooking all day. Enjoy some pretty glitz and glam this morning!

Maxi Skirts

2011-11-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

In the beginning, my mind was a bit leery about the whole maxi skirt trend. Not necessarily the jersey type that can be worn in the spring and summer, but the fancy chiffon skirts. I do not know what I was thinking, because I now cannot get enough of them. Wear them with ballet slippers during the day, stacked high heels at night or tights and boots to keep warm. They are utterly feminine and perfect to wear for multiple occasions.

One great thing about these skirts, is that a plethora of them can be found with a reasonable price tag attached. There are lots of beautiful ones at Topshop, Asos, Lulu's, Sosie, Dillards and many other places. One of my favorites is the waterfall skirt on the bottom left. I have a hunch that Santa might put a similar olive green one under the tree for me.

Don't you find them beautiful? If you only want to purchase one, go with the staple black skirt. Yet, there are such a multitude of pretty options that one of each color would be gladly accepted in my closet! Macy's has a lovely gold foil maxi skirt that would be perfect for upcoming holiday parties, but it would not save to my collage.

Who Said Solid Was Boring?

2011-11-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

I have told you that I am really into rusts, browns, mustards, saffrons...those types of colors right now. As I went shopping with my mother last week I realized that I was picking up the same type of blouse each time. Solid colors, 3/4 length sleeves--told ya that was my favorite thing to wear with boots in the fall. There is no feeling like clipping off a Tibi tag off a new shirt, but this gal is on a budget that doesn't allow too many of those to be snipped off right now. I have felt like every shirt that I find on blogs, collages and Pinterest are all hundreds of dollars. This past week I hit the jackpot finding some cheaper alternatives that are still cute and well-made.

The dress that I am wearing next week for my birthday came from Sosie, but they have lots of great solid-color shirts that I really like, too.

Modcloth also has great options for solid-color blouses. Both of these sites have tons of other adorable shirts that have patterns, too. ;)

It's starting to get colder here, so I guess I will be doing lots of layering with these basics. That is the great thing about all of these, you can wear them with lots of different bottoms, cardigans, vests and jackets.