Julep Magazine

While tomorrow is the first day of March and the official start of my countdown to Spring, it also marks the beginning of Julep Magazine! I have been waiting for this digital publication to launch for months! Julep is a new magazine geared toward the next generation of Southerners. It will highlight young, Southern culture by featuring the best artists, writers, products and ideas. This is something you WILL NOT want to miss.

Be sure to check it out tomorrow at Julep Online.

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Happy Birthday, George Harrison!

Happy Birthday, George Harrison! Wish you were still around. You wrote so many of my favorite Beatles songs and put on one heck of a benefit concert (Concert for Bangladesh). Thinking of all your great accomplishments on this special day.

Favorite GH songs:
Taxman
Here Comes the Sun
While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Until next time, may your day be filled with magnolias, bourbon and lots of great George Harrison/Beatles tunes!

XoXo

My (Almost) Famous Friend

It seems as though we all have a friend, or a friend of a friend who use to date your cousin, who has been fortunate enough to make it big. While my friend, and dear Kappa Delta sorority sister, hasn't "officially" made it big, she is well on her way to showcasing her talent on the runways of every major fashion week.  Laura (Laura Kathleen) and I attended Western Kentucky University together where we shared the ups and downs of college life. During my time in Kappa Delta, I was fortunate enough to foster a great relationship with her and have her become my adopted big sister. As everyone in our circle knew, Laura was bound for big things. Her vision and creativity in the outfits she put together to the major greek week events she helped coordinate were more than enough to make me realize that one day I would be reading about of all her great accomplishments. 

LK began working on her career in fashion when she was 8 years old. After many years of designing and constructing garments for herself she attended Western Kentucky University where she earned a degree in Design, Merchandising, and Textiles. Laura also studied fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Florence Italy. While working under the late Jean Claude Mastroianni at his storefront on west 29th in Manhattan, she had an opportunity to work with a 10,000 piece collection of vintage couture that was once owned by fashion icons like Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe.

After working for a large retail company in Nashville as their clothing manager, LK decided that at age 23, she was ready to open her own business. She returned home to Saint Louis to find a market that was craving something new and original. Laura’s designs are inspired by vintage style, tailoring techniques, and the manipulation of fabric. She believes fabric can make or break a garment. Laura Kathleen remains true to herself. She designs clothes for a confident woman who is not afraid to stand out. Laura Kathleen is feminine and flirty with a tailored edge.

Laura Kathleen also teaches fashion design at a high school in Saint Louis. This past summer she worked under the direction of Stages theater, creating costumes for their summer productions.

I want to share some of her AMAZING garments with you.  Some are from years past, but you will CLEARLY be able to see that her work is amazing (Especially her vintage-inspired swim-suits).

For all of you looking for Carolina Cup dresses, Kentucky Derby, Wedding or any other kind of dress or garment, keep her in mind. LK does custom design that is sure to make you shine. I anxiously await the day when I can watch my talented friend get a  standing O from the talented crowd of Milan or Paris. It will happen-take my word for it. 

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Here, There and Everywhere

Asheville, Atlanta, in bed-that's where I've been. I've been fighting a bad case of winter illness (again), like most of you. I guess it's just that time of year. Who knows. Either way, it is no bueno. None-the-less, I have managed to get around.

I am one of the lucky girls who gets to come up with ways to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday and Valentines Day within two days of each other. Woo Hoo! Exciting, right? Not really. It actually presents quite a challenge. Like most men I know, E is very hard to buy or celebrate for. I have come to realize that he is a person who appreciates memories and the meaning of gifts rather than the actual gift or its value. Lucky me for figuring this out, (no, really). In doing so, I planned the BEST birthday/Valentines Day he could ever imagine.

We decided to celebrate Valentines Day low-key. E had quite a bit of work to do for grad school, so we opted to stay in. He pulled out his recipe book from home and made me "chicken biscuits." Ladies don't be fooled. What might sound like a fried chicken breast on a fluffy white biscuit is actually a chicken-salad like dish on a croissant. Amazingly tasteful and romantic. They take quite some time to make. I was impressed and we paired it with a GREAT wine and great conversation. Overall, a perfect night.

We celebrated E's 25th birthday at Maple Street Grill in Murfreesboro. Neither of us have tried this little downtown treasure,  but were both pleased. The food was good as was the Bourbon Barrel Stout from BBC. During dinner, I presented E with a homemade book of rhymes. It was a story that explained we would be leaving Friday for "Beer City, USA." aka Asheville, NC and then on to Atlanta for a birthday surprise. You see, my sweet E is a craft beer aficionado and a big fan of Asheville. He is also from Charleston, SC and does not get to see his friends too often. I planned a full day of craft beer tasting and brewery tours via the Asheville Brews Cruise. We toured Highland Brewery, French Broad and the Asheville Brewing Company (who, by the way, has GREAT onion rings).

The next day we drove to Atlanta where I took E to the 6th best beer bar in the country, Brick Store Pub. Little did he know that his best friends from Charleston and Atlanta were waiting for him there. We spent the day enjoying craft beer, margaritas, good company, 80 degree weather and full out debauchery.

The weekend was splendid. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect Valentines/birthday week with my love. I've come to realize that life is about the experiences you have, the people you spend time with and the love you share. I am extremely lucky to have E's love in my life each and every day as well as the love of GREAT friends and GREAT family.

If you get the chance, venture to Beer City, USA and check out the amazing craft beers they have. Even if you don't like "beer," you'd be surprised. Craft beer comes in a variety of flavors from chocolate stout, to Creme Brule, to your everyday lager. Even if you don't like the taste, your beau is sure to be impressed that you brought him along for the ride and you and your girlfriends are bound to have a night you'll never forget, (after all of the beer tastings that is)!

Until next time, may your evening be filled with craft beer, magnolias and lots of love!

XoXo

Friday Fancies!

 T.G.I.F,  y'all! I am SOO glad the weekend is finally here! I'm looking forward to my Kappa Delta sister, Nichole's, bridal shower, spending time with my BFF Suzy, and showing E's out of town company what Music City honkey-tonks are all about! Hopefully i'll get some baking done too! I thought I would share some of the simple things I'm swooning over this week.

Until next time, may your weekend be filled with bourbon, magnolias, and lots of Valentines Day love!!!

XoXo

Valentines Day and <3 Doodles!

Sweet little puppy Boo on Facebook.

Dot always knows how to win me over.

This PRECIOUS heart-pocket skirt from ModCloth.

This B-E-A-U-tiful bouquet of peonies and friends!

Double Trouble

Sister Bear! Missy

On this cold, snowy Tuesday I am missing my other half more than anything! Some of you might not know, but I have a twin sister! That's right, a TWIN! Unfortunately she is 22 hours away in El Paso, Texas. Her husband is a member of the armed forces and was recently ordered to move there. I am looking forward to a week of summer exploring in the great state of Texas.

Fast facts about my sis:

*We are not identical

*Nurse (Ah-mazing nurse!)

*Ambidextrous

*Married for 4.5 years

*Fitness Freak

*Two dogs

*LOVES Fall

*OBSESSED with Tervis Tumblers

*Loves Dr. Seuss and Little House on the Prairie

*Drive a MASSIVE Dodge Ram truck (that is way too big for her)

*Has a Nook that I would LOVE to borrow and forget to return :o)

Missy and Kevin

Don't make fun...I had bad vision...
and always had my mouth open.
She was DEFINITELY the cute one!

Twins and Friends-My Masters graduation

Love you Sister Bear!

XoXo

French Affair...Vin, de sable et de shopping sans fin!

I am ABSOLUTELY loving the new Essie Spring collection: French Affair! The Essie website describes it as wine, sand and endless shopping. What's a girl not to love?!

I'm currently sporting Topless and Barefoot (second from right)- a perfect hue for the work week. I also REALLY love Kisses and Bises. It gives just the right amount of iridescent shimmer. Of course, there is the pretty-much-perfect-pink: French Affair. If you're having a difficult time deciding which color you like best, don't fret! You can pick up a four-pack of mini bottles to help you decide. If still in doubt, have a glass of wine and dream of your toes in the St. Tropez sand-it's sure to bring inspiration!

Until next time, may your days be filled with bourbon, magnolias and a sweet French Affair!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, Y'all!!!

Tonight, at approximately 6:29 pm, nearly 100 million viewers will tune in to watch one of America's most highly anticipated sporting events- Super Bowl XLV.  If you're anything like me, you're having a tough time deciding who to root for-no southern teams and our beloved Dallas looks more like a home game for both the Steelers and the Pack.  Either way, you can always count on great commercials and great snacks. In honor of this SUPER day, I want to share some fun facts about Super Bowl and a few great recipes to whip up for your friends.

* The first Super Bowl game to be numbered was Super Bowl III- the first two games were called, "The AFL-NFL World Championship Game."

*There are only three teams yet to play in a Super Bowl.  (Browns, Jaguars and Lions)

*Super Bowl marks the second largest food consumption day in the U.S. (Thanksgiving wins)

*Miami and New Orleans have been the host of more Super Bowls than any other city-both have hosted nine.

*About 12 million pounds of Avocado are sold in preparation for Superbowl.

*Fans in attendance at the Super Bowl will eat an estimated 5,000 lbs of hotdogs.

*There are 58 30-second Super Bowl commercial spots-each costing around $2.7 million dollars a piece.

*The most chicken wings will be consumed in the states of Utah and Louisiana- the most potato chips will be consumed in the states of New Mexico and Virgina.

*While most Super Bowl seats are kept warm by corporate sponsors, the first Super Bowl game was attended mostly by fans who were able to purchase tickets at $6.00 a seat.

Now that your equipped with plenty of fast-facts for the Super Bowl,  get your be-hind to the grocery store, pick up your favorite craft brew and ingredients for the recipes below. You've got troops to feed, darlin! 

Until next time, may your Super Bowl be filled with bourbon, magnolias and lots of tasty snacks!





Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas:

Prep: 10 min., Bake: 50 min., Cool: 20 min. 

Yield: Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2  (15.8-oz.) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 3  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  chili powder
• 1  teaspoon  pepper
• 3/4  teaspoon  ground cumin
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 17- x 12-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until crispy and dry, stirring every 10 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes.

Guacamole:

Prep: 10 min., Stand: 30 min. While storing in the refrigerator, keep your guacamole from changing color by placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture.

Yield: Makes 3 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 5  ripe avocados
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped red onion 
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lime juice
• 1/2  medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1  garlic clove, pressed
• 3/4  teaspoon  salt
• Tortilla chips

Preparation

1. Cut avocados in half. Scoop pulp into a bowl, and mash with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky. Stir in chopped red onion and next 4 ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap, allowing wrap to touch mixture, and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Serve guacamole with tortilla chips.

Cilantro Guacamole: Mash avocado, and stir in ingredients as directed. Stir in 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro and an additional 1 Tbsp. lime juice. Cover mixture, and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Happy Birthday Leslie!!!

Happy Birthday to one of my very best friends, Leslie N! Wishing her a wonderful celebration of a another joyous year of life! I am so thankful to have another year with you!

Party Hardy!

XoXo

Nautical by Nature Marley Lilly Give Away!

If you don't follow Nautical by Nature  you are totally missing out! Kate's blog is just precious! Be sure to make it over to her site and take part in the Marley Lilly give away. She is giving away an ADORABLE monogrammed hat that you do not want to miss out on! 

Valentine's Day Sweet Treats!

 

I'm not  usually a fan of sweets  but this  B-E-A-U-tiful Valentine's Day spread has me gushing for a red velvet cupcake! I'm thinking a little heart day baking is up my alley this weekend.

XoXo

Hula in the Coola!

Thanks to my sweet friend Lauren, I got a laugh after reading her tweet that today is Hula in the Coola day. Only Vera Bradley would have the creative mind to let us know this interesting fact. I took the time to look up information on this wacky holiday and much to my surprise, it actually exists!

This "holiday" started in the Northern states where the citizens were fed up with the cold, long winter days by the beginning of February. (I'm sure my Northern-most friends can relate). In an attempt to fool their minds, they suited up in grass skirts and coconut shells and ventured to the streets to heat up-hula style. Our poor, northern friends, bless their hearts, believed that they could convince their minds that it was  a warm, breezy summer day. While it didn't change the fact it was frigid and icy, it did give a great new reason to pull out the blender and celebrate with island-style concoctions!

In honor of Hula in the Coola day pull out your grass skirt, your favorite shag tunes, and whip up a frozen drink! Think warm thoughts friends...the groundhog needs all the help he can get!

Mojito 

• 1.25 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
• 12 mint leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1\2 oz lime juice
• 2 oz soda water

Until next time, may your day be filled with magnolias, bourbon and a little bit of sunshine!

And check out Lauren's blog: http://looksbylaurenoflouisville.blogspot.com/2011/01/blood-drive.html