Sunday Best

Hallowed by yoursouthernpeach featuring judith leiber handbags

PETER PILOTTO Dress, 1.100 EUR
MARIA LA ROSA R16U008 DARKGREY SILK / CASHMERE N69W01, 150 GBP
Jimmy Choo Peep-toe snakeskin ankle boots, $1,695
Judith Leiber Deco fine crystal-embellished clutch, $2,680
Anna Beck 'Leti' Large Cutout Cuff, $548
Amazon.com: 14k Yellow Gold Black Diamond Stud Earrings (4 cttw):..., $149
House of Harlow 1960 Sunglasses in Black, $125
NARS Duo Eyeshadow - Mediterranee, $32
OPI ON THE SAME PAIGE NAIL LACQUER (15ML), 9.95 GBP
halloween

Happy Halloween

Hope everyone has a spooktacular weekend!

Happy Halloween,

Cranberry Macadamia Bars

It's always about this time of year that the local Starbucks starts offering their tempting Cranberry Bliss Bars which my husband loves! I saw this recipe and knew I had to give it a try. These were so, so easy because they're made with a pre-packaged dry sugar cookie mix which can be found in the baking aisle.

One note I made for next time around was to increase the cranberry mixture. I would recommend 1/4 cup more cranberries and another tbsp. of butter. I also added an extra 1/4 white chocolate chips and I wouldn't be against adding even a bit more next time!  Just don't forget to increase the oil a tad bit too.  I took the easy way out and melted my chips and oil in a glass Pyrex measuring cup and just drizzled on with a spoon.  The plastic bag seemed like a bit too much work for me.  Enjoy!

1	pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/3	cup butter or margarine, melted
1	egg
1/3	cup butter or margarine
1/4	cup packed brown sugar
1	cup sweetened dried cranberries
1	cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
1/2	cup white vanilla baking chips
1	teaspoon oil

	Print these coupons...
	$0.50 off Nature Valley® Granola Bars Plus 64 more...
	About Concordance™

1. Blend cookie mix, 1/3 cup butter and egg until soft dough forms. Press dough in bottom of greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350°F 15 minutes.
2. Heat 1/3 cup butter, brown sugar and cranberries over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Spoon and spread cranberry mixture evenly over partially baked cookie base. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.
3. In resealable freezer plastic bag, mix baking chips and oil; seal bag. Microwave on High 30 to 45 seconds, squeezing mixture in bag every 15 seconds until smooth. Cut 1/4-inch top from corner of bag; drizzle over bars.

Starstruck in Nashville

We're finally home from our fantastic trip to Nashville! We started the weekend with an amazing Snoop Dogg concert, to which I wore (drumroll......) jeans, a black tank, metallic heels and gold chandelier earrings.  I also carried a metallic clutch with a wrist strap so I could get my groove on and ya'll know I did! 

Since the concert was on campus at Vanderbilt, most of the people in attendance were college kids which made for great people watching. Apparently, very short, tight mini dresses are all the rage, as are ankle boots and skinny jeans. Did I mention how THIN the kids are these days? I didn't see a single girl in the place that looked like she had fallen victim to the freshman fifteen. I wondered whether the current generation was truly more health conscious or whether their size was a reflection of society's obsession with weight. Of course it could be that I'm just getting old, which is a good possibility. Here's some more highlights from the trip.

• I tried one of these delicious Southern treats for the first time.  They're made in Nashville!
• Discovered some new music by this band who opened for the DoggFather.  The college kids were going wild for them and I must admit, the lead singer had some amazing energy!
• Did some shopping here which is one of my favorite spots in Nashville.  It's a family owned local business and they're in the process of improving their website to offer more online shopping.
• Had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with this talented and adorable food blogger.

Of course all this was enough to send me home a happy girl but then I found out that our friends, who kindly hosted us, live within a stone's throw of Dolly Parton's Tennessee home.  Umm, don't you know I almost ran out the door that moment to try to catch a glimpse of her?!?!  For those of you who don't know, I am a huge, huge Dolly fan.  There aren't many stars who I'm "struck" by but she's one of them.  I've always been intrigued by her but after reading  this , I became a crazed Dolly fan.  I love her rags to riches story, her generosity and her positive perspective on life and fame.  So, long story short, and in true southern fashion, I went to Nashville to see Snoop Dogg and ending up stalking Dolly Parton.  I got a few shots of her home I want to share with ya'll but not in a creepy kind of way, I promise.  (wink, wink)

That's her house on top of the hill hidden behind the trees.  I love that she has an American flag flying proud out front.  I also love that she has a chain link fence around her entire property!  It cracked me up because you know she doesn't give two cents about what people think of her.

 

She also has a small chapel on the property.  This is the closer up photo but you can also see it in the far right hand side of the first picture.

And of course, she's got her fall decor on the gates out front.  Isn't that sweet?

The weekend was great fun and brought back a lot of memories of my younger years when my husband and I were dating.  After the Snoop Dogg concert, I commented to my husband that I felt like we had just renewed our wedding vows.  Romantic, right? Yes, we did get to hear (and dance to) the song we meet to back in 1994!  To top off a wonderful weekend, we enjoyed the gorgeous colors of fall on the ride home.

Thanks for sharing in my adventure and I hope you have a wonderful week!

Sunday Best

Sunny by yoursouthernpeach featuring high heels

ＳＩＤＥ　ＤＲＡＰＩＮＧ　ＤＲＥＳＳ
55,650 JPY - mirabella.jp
Catherine malandrino dress »

Lounge Lover Nube long-sleeved wrap
$220 - net-a-porter.com
Cotton coat »

Yves Saint Laurent Tribute suede sandals
$895 - net-a-porter.com
High heels »

ROBERTO CAVALLI - TIGER PRINT PONY FUR TOTE
1.625 EUR - luisaviaroma.com
Fur handbag »

Cut-Out Square Wooden Drop Earrings (Brown&Cream)
5 GBP - avalaya.com
Brown earrings »

MICHAEL KORS Horn Jet Set Watch
$195 - michaelkors.com
Michael kors jewelry »

Jonquil Dots Cocktail Ring
127 EUR - pret-a-beaute.com
Cocktail ring »

Hermes silk twill scarves | Hermes.com
$375 - usa.hermes.com
Hermes scarves »

Urban Decay Cosmetics - Eyeshadow Duo
urbandecay.com

Cartier Eau de Cartier Essence D'Orange 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
$90 - sephora.com

What to wear to a Snoop Dogg Concert

It's Wednesday.  I'm supposed to go to the Snoop Dogg concert in two days.  Can you say fashion crisis? 

Worried? Who me?  Of course not, silly!  He's performing here in Nashville, home of country and western music and the Vanderbilt Commodores, my husband's alma mater.  Now if we were gonna see Snoop perform in Detroit or something, now THAT would be scary.  I'd have to pack heat and that just isn't a good fashion statement for me personally.

You're probably wondering what kinda business a thirty-something, stay-at-home mom has going to a Snoop Dogg concert.  Well, you see, I'm actually a HUGE fan....shhh, don't tell anyone.  My husband and I met at a house party the summer of '94 while dancing to one of Snoop's songs that is so degrading to women, it would make Rosie O'Donnell's head spin.  That was an awesome summer and everyone (even us country kids up in North Georgia) was listening to Snoop Dogg's album Doggystyle which had just been released.  My husband and I probably would have danced to Snoop Dogg at our wedding but that would've probably been inappropriate, right?

Of course when my husband asked me several weeks ago if I would like to attend Snoop's show in Nashville, I excitedly replied yes like a little school girl who had just been asked to the prom.  However, the last few weeks, I've been asking myself if it's really appropriate for me to go to a Snoop Dogg concert.  Hello!!!!  I have two kids...I'm a mom..I'm in my thirties.  After long, thoughtful consideration, I've decided that yes, I will go to the concert.  I mean Snoop and I practically grew up together!  When his career took off, we were both in our late teens and living life to it's fullest.  Actually, the more I thought about it, Snoop and I have a lot in common.  Here's the list.

1. We both like dogs.  That was easy.
2. We both like Gin.  Easy again!
3. We both have a "molasses-like" drawl.
4. We both married our high school sweethearts.
5. We're both proud parents. 
6. We both like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
7. We both like to wear lots of bling.
8. We both like parties.
9. We both used to sell drugs.  (Mine were the boring and legal kind, his were the fun and illegal kind.)
10. We both quit selling drugs to spend more time with our families.

See, we're pretty much the same person except I'm east coast and he's west coast.  I'm confident that if we lived closer, we'd probably hang  out on the weekends.  Maybe a few backyard barbecue's, play dates with the kids, stuff like that.  So anyway, now that we have all of that out of the way, can anyone help me with my fashion crisis?     

It's just a pumpkin

Yes, we did the pumpkin patch thing. The kids love it or so we (their parents) like to think they do. Honestly, my oldest son talks more about "the old red tractor at the pumpkin patch" more than anything else. If I could just get one of those things in my backyard, I would never have to go anywhere ever again. But that wouldn't be much fun, now would it?   However, after reading this post a few months ago by a favorite blogger, it made me think twice about what events or "memories" meant the most to me.  I couldn't agree more with her opinion, but after careful consideration, our annual pumpkin patch visit is not one I'm willing to give up...just yet. 

You know, I never carved a pumpkin until I was in my late twenties?  I learned how to roast the seeds and all that good stuff from a friend who had grown up doing this fall tradition and  I remember thinking to myself, "Why didn't mom ever do this with us as kids?  It's fun!"  Well, I can guarantee that as a single mom, it was too much for her to do by herself, dragging three young kids to some rural pumpkin farm or even carving a store bought pumpkin with three kids wanting to help.  Sure we did lots of other stuff as a family but the pumpkin thing was something she choose not to do and I don't blame her one bit.  (She sure enjoys taking the grand kids though!)

For me, our visit to the pumpkin patch symbolizes the culmination of  fall with Thanksgiving being the grand finale. I actually really enjoy admiring all the unique characteristics of each pumpkin and watching my son pick what he thinks is "the perfect pumpkin."   The pumpkin patch doesn't cause me stress because there's no start time that we're committed to make, there's not a huge financial investment made upfront, the kids can run around and play and if they start having a meltdown, we go home.  It's just a pumpkin.  If we luck out with a cute picture, great.  If  not,  no big deal.  Its just a pumpkin.  Some years we get around to the carving and roasting part, some we don't.  It's just a pumpkin.  And quite frankly, how many more years do you think these sweet children are gonna indulge us in this simple pleasure?

There are no fonder memories than those created in your own home.  However, suburban living just isn't cut out for pumpkin farming.  Maybe next year I can try my hand at planting some pumpkins here. I've heard pumpkins are actually very difficult to grow but how hard can it be?  It's just a pumpkin.  For now we'll be supporting local farms with our annual visits which is a "very good thing."  What family traditions or events do you cherish most?  I'd love to hear from my fellow peaches!

Smoothie Queen

I love starting my day with a fruit smoothie so I thought this post would be appropriate for a Monday.

I make all flavors and pretty much throw in anything I have on hand. Daily smoothies help my family and I stay healthy throughout the cooler months.  If one of us is fighting a cold, I add some of this.

I also buy these  and these in bulk just for making smoothies.  "Must haves" for that great, smooth consistency are bananas, yogurt and a mix of fresh and frozen fruits. Be creative with your concoctions!

Wishing you all good health this season.

Sunday Best

Vamp by yoursouthernpeach featuring black sneakers

floral jude dress, 295 GBP
Charles Anastase / Peter Pan Collar Coat, $1,305
Prada shoes. New Prada women's shoes and Sneakers 2010, Code:..., $1,019
Safari Clutch, $490
Kate Spade New York - Candy Ribbon Large Hoop Earrings (Gold) -..., $79
VAMPIRE BAT RING - Betsey Johnson, $55
Rosemount Sunglasses, 129 GBP
Kevyn Aucoin The Elegant Lip Gloss - Anastasia, $27
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color Colour Nouvelle Riviera No. 537 Limited..., $30

Maverick and Goose

The Blue Angels were practicing yesterday for the local air show and our house just happens to be in the flight pattern. When I was three months pregnant with my oldest, I actually climbed on top of our roof with my husband to watch the show, which was spectacular. I never get tired of watching them!  Talk about a dream job.

My oldest is slightly obsessed with the Blue Angels after our recent visits to the National Naval Aviation Museum.  We've been there three times now on our beach vacations and it never gets old.  He looks forward to the "airplane museum" more than the beach!  If you've never been or if you're vacationing on the Gulf Coast and have a rainy day, I highly recommend it.  It's amazing, very hands-on and kid friendly. Here are some photos from our last trip.

So, this last photo showcases who I refer to as my own personal "Maverick and Goose."  Doesn't my hubby look like a kid in a candy store?  He was being so gracious allowing Luke to take the pilot's seat.  I have to explain (and toot his horn) a second because he actually DID get an appointment to the Air Force Academy but turned it down for another opportunity.  However, that doesn't mean his dream of being a pilot is dead. For some reason a nickname that naturally came to me  for my oldest son was "Goose."  I've yet to start referring to my sweet husband as "Maverick" but I have a feeling he wouldn't have a problem with it.

These two are at the air show today having some daddy/son time while I hang here with the little guy.  For more information on the Blue Angels and their show schedule look here.

For the love of pinecones

My hike last weekend got me thinking of all the wonderful things I could do with these.  Look at these gorgeous photos!  I think I may be taking a walk tomorrow around the neighborhood to find a few more.  Are you seeing a pattern here?  Yeah, my neighbors just love me.  Seriously, I have a neighbor who religiously picks up every pinecone from his yard each week.  I'm offering an even exchange.  Whatever I pick up, I can keep.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Country Living

BHG

Shelter Pop

Celebrate Creativity

Evergreen Memories

Women's Day