Joseph's Lullaby

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

look at these nuts!

Here are a couple of last-minute nut recipes for gifts, gatherings or gorging.

Freddie's Chocolate Peanut Clusters

12 oz white chocolate chips (did you know white chocolate isn't chocolate at all?)
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 lb. salted peanuts

Combine and melt in microwave (2-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to make sure it doesn't burn) stir until no lumps. Mix in peanuts and spoon clumps onto wax paper on cookie sheets. Chill to harden and serve.

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated. Serve warm.

**Update: I made these last night, and they are AWESOME! Don't get the salted cashews - look for the unsalted ones. It makes a difference. PS - after you take the cashews out of the oven, toss them in the butter first to coat. Then, toss with the rosemary mixture. That will help the spices stick.

Happy Christmas!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* An unlimited supply of Archipelago Vanilla & Brown Sugar lotion. It smells so wonderful and reminds me of Haley.

* That time would slow down! I'm not ready for Christmas to come and go yet!

* I saw these shoes out shopping last week, and I can't quit thinking about them.

* A new iPhone case. I kind of love this "crocheted" one.

* A "Happy Birthday" to Jesus - the reason for the season! Thanks to his abundant blessings, I don't want for anything, but it sure is fun to wish, right?

What's your wish?

Christmas dessert party

I had a little Christmas party at my house Friday for my mom, aunt and cousin, and we had a great time! They shopped (I have no money with which to shop), we opened presents and giggled a lot. Isn’t that what family is all about?

As I tend to do, I went a tad overboard with the after-lunch desserts. Here’s what I made if you’d like to know…

Christmas Potpourri
Ok, obviously we didn’t eat this, but it made my house smell like Christmas! Isn’t it funny how certain scents just mean something? This mix you can make once, leave it out and turn the stove on whenever you want; just add water when it needs it! Next year, I think I’ll use a little baby crock pot so I don’t have one eye out of commission on my stove.

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes (no pic)

Truthfully, I can’t tell if I bombed these or if I just didn’t like the recipe. Red Velvet is my favorite cake flavor, and I really wanted these to be the star of my little show. I have to admit I killed it on the frosting, but the cake part blew. My kitchen sink looked like someone tried to cover up a murder with all the blood-red batter everywhere. Next time I’m using this recipe. I might do that this week to try to redeem myself in my mind.

Mini Treasure Brownies

These are such an old stand-by recipe for me. I made them for a party a couple of years ago, and they were so easy and popular, I’ve made them many times since. The name is kind of stupid, so I’d love to change that if you can think of something good. This go-round, I used Reese’s cups and those peppermint Hershey’s Kisses. Festive!

Angel Food Cake Skewers

I pinned these a while ago, and wouldn’t you know, there’s not a recipe attached to the pin – just a picture. Oh well, not like a monkey couldn’t figure these out. But for your convenience, here’s what I did:

½ of a store-bought angel food cake

1 pint strawberries, washed and stems removed

Nutella (duh)

Short skewers (they were about 7-8”)

I cut 1-inch slices of the angel food cake and cut those slices in half. Then I “broke” the slices into cubes – that was much easier than trying to cut with a knife. On each skewer, I put 3 cubes of cake with a strawberry between each cube (that’s 2 if you’re counting). I laid out all the skewers on wax paper and heated some Nutella in a double boiler (Don’t even think about trying to heat it in the microwave. It’s a disaster, plus you just waste good Nutella – a crime punishable by death). When it had loosened up some, I poured the Nutella into a small Ziploc bag and cut a tiny corner off. I then piped/drizzled the melted Nutella over the skewers and put them in the fridge until I was ready to serve them.

We listened to my playlist for the season, and there you go! A Christmas dessert party in a nutshell! Can you believe Jesus’s birthday is Sunday? I don't want it to come because then it's over!

christmas playlist 2011

“Zat you, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah MacLaughlan
The Night Before Christmas” by Brandon Heath
“What Child Is This?” by Third Day
“What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by The Civil Wars
“Merry Christmas from the Family” by Robert Earl Keene
“Joseph’s Lullaby” by MercyMe
“O Holy Night” by Selah
“That Spirit of Christmas” by Ray Charles

well, isn't that clever?

image from you are my fave

Look at what Melanie made? Isn't she the smartest/cutest/darlingest?

Treat boxes made from, wait for it...aluminum foil boxes!

Adorable, clever and very green!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* How cute are these 12 Days of Christmas plates? (Even though I loathe the song...)

* To make some homemade marshmallows. This recipe looks like a good one. Fran swears it's easy...

* This super little glittery bag. It would be so hard not to carry it every day!

* This book spotted on A Cup of Jo. Dogs rule!

* A classic Christmas movie film festival with Rudolph, Charlie Brown, The Grinch (the original, NOT the Jim Carrey one...), Elf and Christmas Vacation. What are your faves?

What's your wish?

tis better to give

image from you are my fave

I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I’m hard to shop for. I disagree, but that’s probably because I know in my head what I like and what I secretly want. And if we’re being honest here, and we are, there are often things that I want and want to give, but financial means prevent me from doing so.


So, here’s a thought: if you could give anyone ANY gift EVER, no matter the cost, what would you give?

it's beginning to look a lot like Pinterest

Who up in here is digging on Pinterest? I am (follow me!). Something about it has re-energized my creative spirit, and that makes me happy.

Last year, I didn’t do any Christmas decorating other than a tree. I kind of thought it was pointless since only Kell and I would see it, but turns out, I was a little depressed about it. So this year, I knew it was on like donkey kong. And where’s a girl to go for inspiration? Duh.

All that said, would you like to see my mantle?

I can’t take credit for the look, and please excuse the poor photo. I had to take the picture with my phone, and there’s just not a lot of natural light in my living room. Here’s the mantle muse (image from there, too)…

What do you think? Did I get close?

I have to admit, when I first start copying a project, I can have blinders on for everything except what’s exactly like in the original. I searched high and low for the candlesticks, but they were nowhere to be found. (What’s the deal with no one selling hideous glass candlesticks anymore?) I even scoured our local Hancock for fabric just like what’s in the picture, but that didn’t happen either. When I got over the hurdle of not executing a carbon copy, it was much easier to visualize (and breathe).

Wanna know how I did it? As if it’s really complicated.

The trees are just floral foam trees from Michaels, and that’s where the garland is from too – it’s actually yarn from the knitting section. The only reason I even recognized it from the picture is because I used the same stuff in pink for a baby shower this summer. The sequined garland is from Big Lots – don’t you dare knock that place.  I tore strips of fabric for the trees and pinned them on with those pins that have the little white balls on the top. It didn’t matter if it matched up perfectly; in fact, I didn’t want it to. I like the overlap here and there – it reinforces that it was handmade.

The blue trees are circles of felt pinned with the same pins. I saw the idea here and went along with that tutorial, except I used pinking shears. Not sure if you can even tell, but I think it adds another layer of cuteness, and as we all know, cuteness counts.

The other stuff I had – the window is old, the “MERRY” I got years ago when I lived in Greenwood, and I have no recollection of where the glittery trees came from.

I have to say, I’m proud of my little mantle, and I’m so glad I decorated this year. I feel like much less of a Grinch.

Have you decorated yet?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That someone would tell me to go home today. We got some snow this morning!

* I'm certain I could find a spot for these gold pinecones around my house. You could leave them out all winter!

* That there were such thing as Nutella chips. Probably good there's not (that I know of)...

* These awesome Uggs. They're actually cute!

* To come home to some of this Holiday Peppermint Bark. Hint, hint...

What's your wish?

look what I just made!

Check this out!

I just made two of these lighted "trees" from a couple of tomato cages (about $2.50 each) and Christmas lights. Sadly, I can't take credit for the idea (yay Pinterest), but it was one of the fastest, cheapest projects I've ever done.

What do you think? I'm going to put them on either side of my front door, but I'm still not sure what's going on the door...

It's beginning to look a lot like you-know-what...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

look at those nuts!

Here are a couple of last-minute nut recipes for gatherings, gifts or gorging.

Freddie's Chocolate Peanut Clusters

12 oz white chocolate chips
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

Combine and melt in microwave (2-3 minutes, check every 20-30 seconds to make sure the chocolate doesnt burn) stir until no lumps. Mix in peanuts and spoon clumps onto wax paper on cookie sheets. Chill to harden and serve.

Ina's Rosemary Roasted Cashews

1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through (keep an eye on them!). Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated. Serve warm.

Happy Christmas!

wish list Wednesday - cell phone edition!

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?




* A free pass to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. $85 is a bit much...

* That I could figure out how to add links on this darn thing. Did it work? ;)

* For all of you to download the new Etsy app! Finally!

* Some cute, long scarves like the ones from Madewell.

* To come home with a Christmas tree waiting on me!

What's your wish?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

thankful thursday

Happy Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday!

I’ve seen something on Pinterest that asks, “what if you woke up tomorrow morning with only the things you thanked God for today?” I don’t know about you, but that stopped me in my tracks. Because let’s face it – we all have it pretty good. I have an embarrassment of blessings for which I am thankful, but I often take for granted.

Here are just a few (in no particular order)…

My sweet husband. I can really be a handful sometimes. I’m messy, kind of lazy and my mood can turn on a dime. But Kell is so patient and even. He makes for such balance in our home.

Pets! Y’all knew I wouldn’t get far in this list without mentioning them, especially since today is their 5th birthday! I believe that all good things come from God and that He created Olive and Charlie just for us. I know they’re not human children, but for now, they’re all we’ve got, and they bring us a lot of joy.

A good job. I wake up 5 mornings out of the week and go to a job that provides, gives me opportunities and where I’m surrounded by good, supportive people. So many Americans don’t have this luxury, and I try to remind myself of this when my alarm goes off.

A loving family. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not want to be with my family during the holidays. I could call my parents right now, and they would drop everything to help me or my sister. And although it took us moving out of my parents’ house for Harris and me to like each other, I really think she is about the coolest, kindest, most fun person I know. Not to mention incredible in-laws!

Good friends. I really don’t like (most) country music; it makes my ears bleed. But, some of my friends went to a Reba McIntire concert last weekend and wanted me to go with them, even after complaining for about 3 months. Misery loves company!

5 senses. I can see, hear, smell, touch and taste. I take these for granted probably most of all.

A loving God. We’re not meant to understand everything, but I know God’s hands are all over it. I’m so thankful I can go to Him at any moment in prayer, and He hears every word.

Healthy body. Sure I don’t take care of it like I probably should, but I try to appreciate the blessings of being able to go to work and not have to be in a hospital bed or worry every day about getting sick.

A house. We have a roof over our heads, four walls, grass on the ground and air and heat we can turn on and off for comfort (even though Kell is a bit of a AC/heat dictator). We live in a safe neighborhood with courteous and kind neighbors. Not sure what they’d say about us…

America. No matter your politics, America is the greatest country in the world. Bar none. We have so many freedoms that others only dream about, and we’re protected by the best military in the universe. USA! USA!

For what are you thankful?

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:4-5

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* This Harry Potter mug. If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. (be sure to read what it does!)

* A hot chocolate party! Wouldn't this be such a fun end to a progressive dinner?

* Some vision for decorating my home for Christmas. I'm so overwhelmed!

* Speaking of Christmas, I can see this topper on a sweet little Charlie Brown tree.

* That you'd come back tomorrow to see my annual Thankful Thursday post. After a year of wishing, I love to give thanks!

What's your wish?

yowzaa!

Beyonce kills it again in maternity attire. Is there anything she can't do?

Photo from Suri's Burn Book - a hilarious blog that has been sucking the time from my work day. Check it out if you like to giggle.

the psychology of i'm sorry

It sucks to mess up.

Like, really sucks.

To know that you’ve missed the mark on something or disappointed someone is one of life’s stings. Whenever I do it, I literally feel sick. My tummy hurts, my palms start to sweat and I can’t think of anything else. I’m not sure if it’s the oldest child syndrome or just my personal anxiety level, but something in me can’t let it go until I know (for dead certain) those I’ve wronged have. Most of the time, I’m way more hurt by it than the people I transgress, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. Nothing makes me feel worse than to disappoint someone or hurt someone’s feelings. It’s the pits.

If nothing else, I try to take it as an opportunity to really apologize to someone. For me, an effective apology can wipe away a multitude of mistakes, but just like your Love Language, everyone likes to hear “I’m sorry” differently. And you know how much I subscribe to the Love Language psychology…

I took this quiz a few months ago, and I think it’s as interesting as the Love Language quiz. (Haven’t taken it yet? Get enlightened here.) Choose how you would react in a series of scenarios and then find out how you like to be apologized to. Fascinating and so helpful if you can get your friends and family to take it, too!

Sorry if this is a heavy subject for a Friday, but friends can talk about this stuff, right?

I hope you have a happy-go-lucky weekend!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I could walk to my car after work and arrive home before dark.

* This cool map to chart my American domination.

* I adore this stripedy sequin-y top.

* Another free Avett Brothers concert. Bulldog Bash was insanely crowded!

* The complete Harry Potter movie collection. I can't wait to see When Harry Left Hogwarts...

What's your wish?

***a note from the author: I set this as a scheduled post, and it didn't work properly! It switched over to a draft. Any of you know how to fix that?

i'm so excited, i might pass out...

I've already watched this like 10 times today.

Have you read The Hunger Games?

nostalgia

Harris and I love to reminisce. Fortunately, our childhoods give us a lot of material. Sometimes she and I will email back and forth all day about things that we remember fondly from decades ago. Maybe it's food, a person, a TV show or movie, or just something that made us feel weird to see decades later. I won't leave you hanging anymore; here are a few things I remember fondly...

Fruity Pebbles remind me of going to the beach with my family and my Mimi. My mom always thought it was so funny and strange that Mimi ate Fruity Pebbles during weeks like those.

We played a LOT of video games. Mario Bros. (1, 2 and 3), Tetris, Dr. Mario...you name it. I bet I could still remember the "secrets," too.

Boiled peanuts will always remind me of going to Dudy Noble Field with my dad. There are some pretty cute pictures of us there, one of which Harris has her beloved Pound Purry "Kitty" with her.

What girl doesn't get nostalgic about Barbies? I could have (and probably did) played with my Barbies all day, every day. We even had the house with the elevator. I think I might have pushed it over on Harris at some point...


I watched a tape (yes, a tape) of old-school Winnie the Pooh for years. The only thing that stopped me watching it was the wear and tear on the VHS. I still love it. Pooh-koo clock? Come ON!

Isn't it funny what sticks with some people. Do you ever get nostalgic? If so, about what?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* Soup weather. I feel like I'm being teased...

* That the Christmas cards I want weren't so darn expensive.

* A Bulldog miracle on Saturday!

* This gorgeous sequined dress. Yowzaa!

* About a million feet of this felt garland. Can you tell I'm ready for the holidays?

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* Motivation to run today. It's so much more fun to put on a sweatshirt and be a lazy bones.

* One of these sandwiches for lunch. It calls for two (yes, two) sticks of butter.

* To survive my Mistletoe Marketplace shifts this week. Those girls are INTENSE.

* The Delta Magazine Cookbook! I'm so excited it's finally out!

* One or two or all of the pieces from Kim Dulaney's Etsy shop, Fortune. (spotted on the ever-darling You Are My Fave).

What's your wish?

boo!

The night is dark
and the goblins are out,
and the witches and black cats
are prowling about.

And costumed creatures
the strangest I've seen,
are knocking on doors
'cause tonight's Halloween!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* One of these clever street sign pillows. Wouldn't they make a great housewarming gift?

* A cupcake. Right here. Right this second.

* This cute table lamp. I love the circles!

* I saw these booties a few weeks ago, and I can't quit thinking about them...

* That I didn't loooooove Halloween candy. The grocery store is killing me!

What's your wish?

copy cat chic



JBrand skinnies, $176, Anthro



Old Navy jeggings, $34.94

on my recent playlist

“New Slang” – The Shins
“It Girl” – Jason Derulo
“Can’t Force a Dance Party” – Dent May
“Countdown” – Beyonce
“Houdini” – Foster the People
“It Don’t Come Easy” – Ringo Starr
“Love You Like a Love Song” – Selena Gomez
“Ghosts” – The Head & the Heart
“Caroline” – Old Crow Medicine Show
“Skyscraper” – Demi Levato
“Falling” – The Civil Wars
“Loaded” – The Wood Brothers
“Oh My God” - Kassidy

What's your favorite song du jour?

gallery walls

Home décor is always a work in progress, isn’t it?

I’ll think something in my home looks really great for a few months or more, and then one day, I decide I’m totally over it and need a new look. Well, I’m there.

If you’ve seen my house before, you probably remember an obnoxiously huge bare wall. I had a couple of large pieces of art there, and I kind of hate them now. What else can you do with an enormous wall? A gallery wall, of course!

My Pinterest followers may have noticed I have an entire board dedicated to gallery walls, simply because each is totally different than the next (which is what I LOVE about them). There are perfectly matching ones, some have completely straight lines, and lots use the same frames and mats. Y’all know I could never get anything to match OR be completely straight, so I’m drawn to the more fancy-free walls.

Here are some of my favorites I’ve found…

I just love this room as a whole.

So many gallery walls I've seen are on light-colored walls. This is more workable for me.

I love how this one isn't just paintings or prints. That bust is cool!



Jenny's (aka LGN) gallery wall in her own home. Look at all the different textures and sizes and colors! She can do no wrong.

Another green wall.

I love how low these are hung. I have a chair rail, so I'm not sure if I could make this work.

I’ve already started collecting little pieces here and there, but I want to do it NOW! Do you love a gallery wall? If so, what kind? If not, why not?

just a funny doggy video for your thursday...

If you haven't seen this, you'll love it. If you have, just watch it again; it never gets old.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* The new Southern Living Style book. Who doesn't love Southern Living?

* That I could have a list of all the songs on Pandora I've given a thumbs up. iTunes is missing out.

* This cute ring with the little fox on it. I love his perky ears!

* That Mindy Kaling and I were friends in real life instead of in my head. Her blog is a riot. Seriously.

* To give (or receive!) one of these adorable letterpress boomboxes. Put a cute prize inside, and DONE.

What's your wish?

fill in the blank

1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was… I really can’t think of anything at the moment. I do a lot more selfish things than selfless, I think.

2. When it comes to working out, I am really miserable. I don’t do it often enough, but when I do, I am constantly wondering why anyone would do this to themselves on purpose.

3. A woman should always write timely thank-you notes, feel pretty, know how to shake hands, have clean fingernails and appropriately groomed eyebrows, be tough when necessary and ladylike always.

4. I wish I could be more musical. I would love to be able to sing and play guitar at dark pubs.

5. A best friend is someone who is honest with you if you’ve gained weight but reminds you that you’re cute anyway.

6. I can't get enough of re-decorating my home in my brain, Storage Wars, Modern Family and red seedless grapes.

7. This weekend I am going to a lakeside wedding. Whatever shall I wear?!

Your turn...

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* That my favorite foodie treats weren't the worst things for me! It should be completely acceptable to eat an entire baguette as a snack. Right, MK?

* This darling romper from my favorite local boutique in Ridgeland, Libby Story. I cannot quit looking at it!

* That I liked pumpkin. It's everywhere this time of year, and I feel left out.

* Cold enough weather to get to wear scarves like this one.

* Some of these pretzel tots. I don't love a regular crunchy pretzel, but I think I could get behind these.

What's your wish?

quiet time

wish I were here...wherever it is...

I may have told you this before, but I think I require more alone time than most people. I think it's because deep down, I'm really an introvert (those of you that know me best are not surprised).

Every once in a while, (ok, more often than that) I need a day just to myself with no human interaction. It's not that I'm sad or down or depressed. Just the opposite, actually: sometimes it takes me a few hours of quiet to totally recharge my social-interaction batteries. I honestly think it's the only time my brain is truly at rest. And don't ask me to complete a task just because I happen to be at home; I may get fussy.

Today is one of these special days. I've been with a media group since Sunday, and although I'm having a great time and getting to see some really good friends, while they're on a canoe in the Mississippi River, I've so been looking forward to spending just a few hours doing all the quiet things that I like to do - blogging, reading and watching TV to name a few (Food Network is on right now). I've even already taken a walk, and I may take another one later. Then again, I may not.

Friends, do you ever feel this way? Are you an introvert like me? What do you do on your own "me days?"

i can't quit listening...

... to The Civil Wars!



I saw a tweet from Kendy months ago about their new album, and I finally downloaded it last night. Joy's voice is so unique and beautiful, and I think John Paul (he's Southern!) kinda looks like Johnny Depp (swoon).

Do you have any other musical recommendations for me?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I could dance like Heather Morris (Brittany) on Glee! That girl can bust a move!

* This amazing mirror. Wonder how it would look above my fireplace?

* Some wedge booties.  How awesome are these?

* This cute little pumpkin for my fall table.

* That I could work outside today.  Hooray for pleasant weather!

What's your wish?

who am i?

Now that it’s finally October, it’s high time to talk about Halloween. I’ve always kind of liked it, even though when I was a kid my mom would never let me be a witch (always wanted to). I love to ask Kell what he’s going to dress up as and make suggestions to others. I rarely don a costume myself, but it’s so much fun to think about them!

OK, time for the crazy: my costume idea for this year came to me in a dream. Seriously. Want to know what it is?

SLASH. Can you believe I’ve never thought of this before? I totally have the hair, and I can dig up a top hat and a guitar and a pretend nose ring! 

What are you going to be for Halloween? Do you love it or loathe it?

joanna's guide to NYC

adorable photo from here on Jo's equally adorable blog

Friends, have you ever been to New York?  I've had the opportunity to go a couple of times for work (once at Christmastime!), and it really is so great.  I'm a huge believer in the education that travel provides, and as an American, it's one of those places you just have to go.

Jo shares her favorite places to eat, stay, even play!  One of my (irrational, ridiculous) fears when I travel is looking like a tourist.  I can't wait to see what she says about that!

Where's your favorite American vacay spot?  I still can't get over Charleston...

Be sure to come back on Monday when I reveal what my Halloween costume will be this year (that is, if I get invited to a party...  hint, hint)!

cover

How dare someone cover Adele?  Wait, this is incredible...



Spotted on one of my favorite music blogs, Live in the Sounds.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* SLEEP.  Enough said.

* Some "football game" dresses.  I would be all over this one if it weren't almost $300.

* That someone around me would have a Halloween party and invite me.  I have a killer costume in mind.

* A cute iPad sleeve.  There are some awesome ones on Etsy, of course.

* Money to shop for fall clothes.  What did I even wear last year?

What's your wish?

seeing red

I have always worn red lipstick.  Not every day mind you, but since late high school and early college, I've been known to slap some red right on the kisser.  And it seems like every fall, red lips seem to come back around, which makes me super excited.

A lot of girls I know are intimidated by red lips and don't think they can pull them off.  Like with anything you're not used to, I say, "act like you know what you're doing, and everyone will think you do." 

The keys to perfect red lips are 1) getting the color right for your skin tone, and 2) application.  It may seem silly - we all know how to put on lipstick - but with red, you have to take a little more care.  I love a makeup tutorial video, so here are a couple great ones:

Choosing your red (Michelle Phan videos are great):


Flawless application (this one is long, but helpful):


Here are some ladies in red that I LOVE!
Anne's fair skin looks perfect with red lips.  It's my favorite look for her.

I love this picture of Kimmy because her lips are the focus. She rarely tones the eye makeup down, but it looks great!

My girl, Emma Watson, keeps her short hair from looking too boyish with a dark red lip stain.

And who can argue with Marilyn?

Ok, so now that it's officially fall, who's going to wear red lips this weekend?  I am!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

photo from here

* That I hadn't forgotten it was Wednesday!

* A cool patterned rug like this one.

* These awesome cashmere TOMS.  Is $140 excessive?

* That I had a kid to put in this little lion coat.  Look at the little claws!  Raaaahhhrrr!

* Good weather this weekend for my first home football game!  Go Dawgs!

What's your wish?

sweet

photo from here

Why are French fries so good? 

Ok, so I know why, but I just wish I didn't like them.  Honestly, I don't know if I've ever met a fry I didn't like.  I'm trying to think...

If I had my druthers, I would eat McDonald's fries every afternoon with a big Diet Dr. Pepper.  But since that's never going to happen, I decided to look for a more figure-friendly option.  Enter sweet potato fries.

Now of course I'd rather them be well, fried, but that's not going to happen.  So last night, I went on a search for a crispy, oven-baked, sweet potato fry recipe.  I found this one here, and had some success with it, but I am still not bowled over.

Suggestions?  What are your thoughts on sweet potato fries?

calling all animal lovers

As if I need another reason to love Anthropologie...

They're hosting pet adoption events and supply drives in their stores across the country!  The Ridgeland store is collecting food and supplies tomorrow, but you can see what all the other stores have going on here.

Make some tails wag!