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Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy Moan-day!

As you may know, my friend Tippins gave birth to beautiful baby girl almost 2 months ago.  My first gift to little Miss Eloise was a pink tutu onesie which I bought almost 6 months prior to her birth.  This morning, Tippins sent me a darling photo of Elle wearing her tutu for the first time.  I think it's her new favorite outfit.


Looks like I'm not the only who has a case of the Mondays. 

Have a great week y'all!


.....Must Have.....

We all know The Sak for their handbags, but, now they have crossed into the world of footwear.  Paying homage to their iconic collection of cross-body bags, The Sak's line of flats and wedges are crocheted.  Pre-order the shoes on their website now and have them just in time for spring.  




.....Must Hear.....



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tasty Tuesday

My first Tasty Tuesday entry is finally here! This was probably the fifth time in my life when I cooked something entirely by myself.  Amazingly, the fire department never had to be called! 

Despite my limited workspace and prehistoric knife set, I still was able to produce delicious results.  This is a true testament to how simple the recipes in this fabulous cookbook really are!
   

 The first appetizer I will be featuring is Artichoke Crescent Rollups.


I will admit, I was a little reluctant to cook this recipe because I'm not a big fan of artichokes or mushrooms.  However, to my delight, the combination of flavors is so delicious, I didn't even know I was eating vegetables.  Healthy and tasty, what a surprise! 


Since I was only cooking for myself, I did not halve the crescent rolls.  They weren't as delicate and dainty looking as the one's portrayed in the cookbook, but they were delicious none the less!


Jeanie's next featured appetizer is Chili Cheddar Pinwheels.


The greatest thing about this meal, in my opinion, is that you can modify it.  For example, I prefer milder flavors, so I added a minimal amount of hot sauce and left out the chili powder.  If spicy food is more to your liking, give your bottle of Texas Pete a few extra shakes. 


After allowing the crescent rolls to chill in the refrigerator for an hour, I popped the sliced pinwheels in the oven, and before long, they were ready to be served.  It is the prefect finger food for a cocktail party or small gathering of friends.


Both recipes are easy to follow and do not require a lot cook time.  The longest part of this experience was shopping for the ingredients. Before beginning my journey to culinary success, my kitchen was limited to salt, pepper, and on occasion, crackers and cheese.  Most of the ingredients are very common and can be found in any pantry.


To get your own copy of Everyone Brings Something to the Table, or to learn more about Jeanie DeGroff, connect via:





Tuesday, January 17, 2012

HeyItsFree.net

 "Hey, It's Free" features a variety of websites offering free promotions for a limited time.  As a well seasoned weekend warrior, I can never have enough travel size goodies.  From pain relievers to perfume to peacock feathers, there is a promotion sure to peak anyone's interests. 

Since discovering this gem, I have received a personalized Get Well card and an issue of Martha Stewart Living, for free!  I'll be checking my mail this week for the David Yurman fragrance sample I ordered.  



The deals don't last forever, so stop by their site throughout the day to snag choice freebies before they run out.


.....Must Hear.....




Wednesday, January 11, 2012

When Parents Text

Over Christmas, my cousin was telling me about a hilarious book called, When Parents Text: So Much Said...So Little Understood.  I brought a copy of the book with me on my plane flight to Nashville. From takeoff to landing, I was that girl on the plane laughing to herself (I may have even snorted once or twice). Every page was hilarious!  Here are just a few of my favorites:

 








If you're ever having a bad day, or just in the mood for some laughs, visit their website.  Happy Wednesday! 


Monday, January 9, 2012

Big News!

Last New Year's, I made a resolution to try new foods.  I will admit, I did not follow through with this commitment.  This year, I am taking this resolution to a new extreme.  I am not only trying new foods, I am going to cook new foods as well!  

Earlier this year, I was speaking with a customer, and he told me his wife, Jeanie, had just published a cookbook. The cookbook features delicious and easy to make (that's key!) Italian dishes, each with a personal story behind it.  I offered to help develop Jeanie's blog and website, and, in exchange, Jeanie offered to give me cooking lessons! 

Over the next few months, I am going to be doing a bi-monthly cooking segment called "Tasty Tuesdays".  Jeanie has selected some of her favorite recipes from the cookbook, and I am so excited to be able to share these meals with the blogging community. 


 I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from a published chef.  
I am confident that in a few months time, I will be able to bring more to the table than a bowl of cereal!



Sunday, January 8, 2012

Nashville New Years

On Saturday night, we headed downtown to one of my favorite hidden gems of Nashville, The Patterson House.  The old mansion turned bar has a maximum capacity of 32 occupants, so I was thrilled when Will said he was able to make us reservations.  We sipped on signature cocktails, and in order to avoid the midnight taxi chaos, we headed home at 11:30.






We watched the ball drop at home and shortly thereafter, called it a night.  This was the first New Year's I can remember where I was asleep by 1AM.  Happy New Year!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Nashville New Years

I spent an extended New Year's weekend in Nashville with some of my favorite people! Jess and Jon arrived Friday morning and we headed to Bread & Company for lunch.  


Then, I insisted we hunt for celebrity homes. I'm pretty sure the group wanted to leave me curbside after the fifth drive-by of Al Gore's home.   


After everyone settled in, we got ready for dinner at Cafe Nonna. This was the restaurant Will took me to on my first trip to Nashville, and I love it!
  




That night, like true tourists, we visited some of Nashville's famed honky tonks (that's so fun to say!) We listened to some great music at The Stage and moved onto The Big Bang, a dueling piano bar. 


New Year's Eve day was filled with shopping, relaxing and a delicious brunch at Germantown Cafe overlooking the city.  It was a great last day of 2011. 



More to come tomorrow!



Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A Year in Photographs

 January
February
March

Nags Head with Jess and our beaus
Mary Loyal and Lash's Oyster Roast on Ladys Island
ML's Bachelorette Weekend in Debordieu
April
May
June

Surprise Birthday trip to DC
Bridesmaids
Mary Loyal and Lash get married!
Hanna and Nelson's Engagement weekend
 July
August
September

Hanna and Nelson's Wedding in Flat Rock
Family Vacation in Wild Dunes
Visiting Jess in Richmond
Reuniting with Roommates in Columbia
October
November
December

PurpleStride Brunch Hostesses and me
Anna and Chett's Engagement Party in Charleston
Family at Aunt Connie and Uncle Mike's wedding
PurpleStride Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
Taylor Swift in Raleigh
Tippins' Baby Shower in Murrells Inlet
Girl's Weekend in New York City
Mommys and Daughters at Rockefeller Center

Meeting Baby Elle for the first time
Tacky Sweater Day at work
Christmas in Florida

 Here's to an even more amazing 2012! Happy New Year!