"I've discovered that my own little postage stamp of native soil was worth writing about and that I would never live long enough to exhaust it."
- William Faulkner




Friday, September 30, 2011

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)!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

cover

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



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

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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?

Friday, September 23, 2011

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!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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?

Monday, September 19, 2011

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?

Friday, September 16, 2011

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!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

happy birthday

To my mom, who still squeals over Paul McCartney and taught her daughter to do the same.



I love you, Marmie!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* To shake this sore throat.  I'm not in pain right now, just annoyed.

* A bright fainting sofa like this one to fancy-up my master bedroom.  That tufting is incredible!

* Unlimited iTunes credits.

* This awesome tunic.  I love the colorblocking!

* An all-expenses-paid getaway with the hubs...just the two of us.  Greece perhaps?

What's your wish?

Monday, September 12, 2011

sick day

I'm at home today with a sore throat.  Now, before you start to think that I'm a wimp, let it be known that I have a media tour later this week, and I simply can't miss it.  So, I'm lying around with my puppies today watching movies and Food Network.  I think ice cream is in order for tonight.

What makes you feel better when you're sick?

Sunday, September 11, 2011

ten years later

I don’t remember what the weather was like. I don’t remember what I had on. I don’t remember what time I heard.

I do remember Emily Jones Hutton coming into my bedroom at the Chi O house and telling me something happened to the World Trade Center in New York. I remember her telling me that her dad thought it happened because America is friends with Israel. I remember turning on the TV immediately, but I don’t remember what I saw then.

I had to go to Mississippi History in Allen Hall at 9:30, and I remember the buzz in the halls and in the classroom. Talk of the first (North) tower being hit, then the second (South). The second tower collapsed, followed a few minutes later by the first. I don’t remember another thing about class that day – what we talked about or whether the teacher showed up. I don’t even remember how or when I heard about the crashes into the Pentagon or the field in Shanksville, Penn.

After class, I met up with Kell at a shuttle stop, but I don’t remember which one. We sat glued to the TV that entire afternoon, watching Rudy Guiliani walk through the dusty streets of Manhattan with some other men in suits and hard hats. People were running everywhere, weeping, covered in grey. I remember all the printer paper all over the streets and huge clouds consuming all the paths and alleyways.

I remember skipping Speech that day (I was even on the schedule to deliver a speech), but I decided to attend my Newswriting class, simply because of the subject. Classmates were looking at each other, confused, shocked, talking about what they’d seen on TV. I remember our teacher saying we needed to pray for the victims and their families and the leadership of battered New York City and our vulnerable country.

I’ve heard so many people say they remember every moment of September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, I don’t. There are so many elements of that day that have escaped me.

But what I do remember, what’s burned in my brain, is the image of the firefighter going up the stairs of the WTC, his eyes locked forever in that photo, against the hysterical workers going down. I remember our President standing atop a pile of rubble, his arms around workers, declaring that our great nation would not be defeated by these acts of terrorism. I remember the unity that swamped us all. Americans. Not red or blue or Democrat or Republican. I remember Congress singing “God Bless America” on the steps of the Capitol. I remember hearing Paul Simon sing “The Boxer” on SNL that Saturday, accompanied by a trumpeter who worked for the NYPD.

How, in only ten years could so much have happened, yet so many things stay the same? What happened to the “Never Forget” posters and the newspaper flags we hung in our windows? Sure, we’re not all New Yorkers. We don’t walk past Ground Zero every day. Most of us didn’t lose a loved one. But moments, days like September 11, 2001 define a people and a nation and a world. We swore we’d always remember what it felt that day to be just an American.

Ten September 11ths later, we are all still Americans. We got Bin Laden. Contrary to what we hear on the news or read in papers, magazines or on the internet, it still doesn’t matter if we’re red, blue, Democrat or Republican. What does matter is how we treat each other, how we treated each other on September 12. There’s a reason some memories stay while others dissolve. Time protects us from much but cultivates what’s important.

Remember today, every day, what is truly, completely, absolutely important.

Friday, September 9, 2011

don't feel like working today...

I'd much rather spend my day gazing longingly at the Missoni for Target collection.  Have you seen it?  Looks incredible, just like all the cheap/chic Target collections!

I am particularly eyeing these items...
This throw has so many great colors.  You could plan a whole room around it! 

I need some cool barware!  This etched glass is awesome.  Chec out the stem of that 'tini glass!

Emma Roberts totally works this cardi.  Maybe I should pick up a yellow belt while I'm there, too.
Target shoes often hurt my feet, but I think these would be worth it.  Beauty is pain!

Remember I've been wishing for a cool scarf?  These might just fit the bill.

Everything looks just so cool to me.  The colors, chevron stripe, retro vibe - I love it all.  I guarantee I'll have an excuse to be at my Target at 8:00 Tuesday morning when the collection is in stores.

What are your plans this weekend?  Put on a cute outfit and go somewhere!  I plan to!  And please come back on Sunday for a special September 11 post.

Have a great one, chickadees!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?


* That I could do the perfect winged eye a la Nicole Richie.

* Vintage scarf to frame for my gallery wall.  There are so many great ones on Etsy, and I particularly like this one from my favorite store in London.


* That this fall weather would stick around.  My hopes aren't up, though.

* The Design*Sponge at Home book.  If you're a fan of the blog, you'll most definitely love the paper version.
* That I had plenty of money to shop online at ZARA today.  It's their first day of website shopping!
 
What's your wish?

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

beer + cheese dip

Hello friends!

I hope everyone had a most enjoyable and safe Labor Day holiday.  Few things brighten my spirit as greatly as a day off. 

Kell and I spent the weekend with his parents in Greenville where we ate too much and watched too much football.  (Go Dawgs!) Well, to me it was too much.  Kell can't get enough.

Speaking of football, Delta Magazine this month has several great dips that would be perfect for a tailgate.  I made this one, and it was delicious!  If you like beer, that is...

Beer and Cheese Dip

1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1 (8-oz.) block extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 c. beer, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons dried mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cut cream cheese into chunks and place in food processor.  Add 1/2 c of beer.  Pulse until smooth.  Gradually add small amounts of grated cheddar, pulsing until combined.  Add remaining beer and all other ingredients and blend well.  Chill until ready to serve.  Serve with pretzels.

** I don't have a food processor (weird, I know), so I made this in my stand mixer.  Instead of being really smooth, mine came out the consistency of pimiento cheese (see picture), which was just fine.  Also, I served mine with pretzels and crostini I made from slicing a baguette with olive oil, salt and pepper and baking at 450 until crispy and golden brown.

Friday, September 2, 2011

if you can't say something nice...

Have y'all seen this video? 



The always darling Joanna posted it on her blog the other day, and it got me thinking about what I would say if I stumbled upon that podium somewhere.  What would you say?

Wouldn't it be cool to put in your town on a random dreary day? You never know who might need words of encouragement.

Have a nice weekend!
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