Happy Easter, everyone!
I hope your Easter was lovely and filled with beautiful moments with friends and family.
This Easter I was very busy and very blessed. I had the opportunity to attend Mass with two lovely ladies and enjoy Easter brunch with my boyfriend's family while also spending time with my family too. The night ended with us and our dogs, delivery and a movie.
It was perfect. It felt whole.
This morning at church I was reminded that today is bigger and far more important than the chocolate bunnies, or the egg hunts and all the pastel colored dresses. Those are lovely, but faith and love are the greatest of all.
More to come on the blog this week. I wish y'all the best and thank you all for the kind words and texts about the blog! Y'all are so sweet!
Cheers darlings,
B
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend
Is it just me or have y'all noticed the abundance of tie-front blouses on the racks lately? They seem to be everywhere these days and, you know what? I kinda like it.
I'm an old soul at heart and that part of me absolutely LOVES the 50's-inspired look that the tie-front blouse provides.
I mean, who doesn't want to channel their inner Marilyn or Audrey and tie their favorite gingham for that classy, yet unabashedly southern look?
Southern belles for years have tied up a denim (today, it would be chambray) shirt and thrown on a pair of Daisy Dukes or their favorite cropped jeans and they look just darling.
I'm an old soul at heart and that part of me absolutely LOVES the 50's-inspired look that the tie-front blouse provides.
I mean, who doesn't want to channel their inner Marilyn or Audrey and tie their favorite gingham for that classy, yet unabashedly southern look?
Southern belles for years have tied up a denim (today, it would be chambray) shirt and thrown on a pair of Daisy Dukes or their favorite cropped jeans and they look just darling.
Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend by aslongasitssouthern featuring joie
So why don't y'all try it out with me? I'm not suggesting a Britney look a la "Oh Baby, Baby" (time and place, ladies) but I think it's a fun and fresh look that ties classiness and youth together (see what I did there?)
Here are a few I've found in store and online. :)
Cheers, darlings, in hopes that Spring will start playing for keeps about bringing on that sunshine.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Dinner Tonight: Pasta Fresca with Proscuitto, Peas and Tomatoes
I just adore Pinterest. It's inspiration and ideas in cute little squares.
Pinterest also makes me hungry. Really hungry.
And aren't all the pretty pictures of food just delightful? They beckon me to click them and answer the perennial question, "What's for dinner?"
Well, tonight was no exception, I tried another Pinterest recipe that Val SoCal pinned. The recipe links back to this blog: Taste For Adventure.
Last time, the Pinterest recipe was a huge hit and round two was brilliant likewise.
What You'll Need:
(9 oz.) Fresh Pasta (Toscano and Sons in West Atlanta is a great place to get it)
(3 oz.) Proscuitto thinly sliced
(1 cup) Cherry Tomatoes
(4 tablespoons) Good Olive Oil (love love Bella Cucina)
(one medium) Shallot
(3 cloves) Garlic
(1/4 cup) Mint
(1 pinch each) Coarse Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated, for topping, if desired)
The Steps You'll Take, All Six of Them:
(Prep: Chop the shallot, garlic cloves, mint, cherry tomatoes and proscuitto.)
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped shallot. Toss those around until they brown, about three minutes. Add the garlic and allow that to develop, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the sliced proscuitto and sauté until it starts to crisp, 2 minutes.
4. Add peas and tomatoes, and sauté until the peas brighten up. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook pasta until al dente. Keep about a 1/2 cup of pasta water on the side. Drain pasta and transfer it to the skillet.
6. Toss it all around to coat. Add the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil.
7. Toss to coat. Serve with the chopped mint garnish.
On the Side:
We paired a light salad with our entree: Arugula, shaved parmigiano-reggiano and a lemon pepper vinaigrette I made from scratch. It was a perfect compliment to the pasta.
Vino:
Pinterest also makes me hungry. Really hungry.
And aren't all the pretty pictures of food just delightful? They beckon me to click them and answer the perennial question, "What's for dinner?"
Well, tonight was no exception, I tried another Pinterest recipe that Val SoCal pinned. The recipe links back to this blog: Taste For Adventure.
Last time, the Pinterest recipe was a huge hit and round two was brilliant likewise.
Pasta Fresca with Proscuitto, Peas and Tomatoes
What You'll Need:
(9 oz.) Fresh Pasta (Toscano and Sons in West Atlanta is a great place to get it)
(3 oz.) Proscuitto thinly sliced
(1 cup) Cherry Tomatoes
(4 tablespoons) Good Olive Oil (love love Bella Cucina)(one medium) Shallot
(3 cloves) Garlic
(1/4 cup) Mint
(1 pinch each) Coarse Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated, for topping, if desired)
The Steps You'll Take, All Six of Them:
(Prep: Chop the shallot, garlic cloves, mint, cherry tomatoes and proscuitto.)
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped shallot. Toss those around until they brown, about three minutes. Add the garlic and allow that to develop, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the sliced proscuitto and sauté until it starts to crisp, 2 minutes.
4. Add peas and tomatoes, and sauté until the peas brighten up. Season with salt and pepper.
 |
| Step by Step |
5. Cook pasta until al dente. Keep about a 1/2 cup of pasta water on the side. Drain pasta and transfer it to the skillet.
6. Toss it all around to coat. Add the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil.
7. Toss to coat. Serve with the chopped mint garnish.
 |
| There it is, y'all! |
On the Side:
We paired a light salad with our entree: Arugula, shaved parmigiano-reggiano and a lemon pepper vinaigrette I made from scratch. It was a perfect compliment to the pasta.
Vino:
We found this wine at Holeman and Finch. It's a Chateau Les Angres, 2010 Bordeaux. It's delicious.
Cheers to great love, life, and food,
B
Drybar: My kinda place
Alli Webb once spent her days driving around Los Angeles to her clients' homes who needed her for her signature service: a blowout.
Today, she's at the helm of a $20 million operation known as Drybar. An idea born from the seat of her Nissan Xterra, Drybar brings blowouts at an affordable price point (only $35) to the masses.
With the mantra: "No cuts. No color. Just Blowouts." the bar focuses exclusively on styling your hair. Which makes it perfect for a night out, a date, or any special occasion where you'd like your hair to look marvelous.
At Drybar, the "bar" concept is personified, coming alive in each Drybar product and each aspect of the Drybar experience. Clients can enjoy complimentary cocktails while sitting at the beautiful bar, while watching classic movies, and munching on snacks and sweet treats.
You can even get a floater (massage) with your speciality cocktail-inspired blowout.
 |
| Drybar Buckhead, next to Flywheel. Image courtesy of talkingwithtami.com |
Care for a Mai Tai, Manhattan, Cosmo, Straight Up, or Hot Toddy anyone? These are the different styles you can order at the bar. You can sign me up for a Southern Comfort. I love big hair.
Appointments are hard to come by, so book a week or more in advance via the Drybar mobile app or online. Of course, you can call, too.
In March, the Drybar product line launched and it is fabulous. The Drybar brush is wonderful and a personal favorite is the "Southern Belle" volumizing mousse. The buttercup blowdryer will be my next purchase. Moroccan Oil Products are also used.
So next time you have a date, or just want to be taken care of, consider Drybar.
Treat yourself, have a mimosa and get blown away.
Cheers darlings,
B
Monday, March 25, 2013
One Stop Beauty Shop: Woo Cosmetics, Buckhead
Hate dodging the wafts of perfume and the excited sales associates shoving blush brushes at your face in cosmetics departments? Yeah, me too.
Pla Beauty is an AMAZING line of beauty products created by an Atlantan lady who was inspired by her daughters (one of her daughters passed) and pledges proceeds to Children's Heathcare of Atlanta in her daughter's memory. What a beautiful gesture. I'm a huge fan of Pla Beauty, love supporting the brand and it's ONLY available at Woo to the best of my knowledge.
Trish McEvoy has been a long-loved beauty line in my life. First of all, Trish is famous for her beauty organizer concept which is FABULOUS. More on that later. What means the most to me about Trish products is that Trish developed her product line with there dermatologist-husband so I trust the McEvoy line very much. It certainly is worth the money; her foundations and moisturizers (Beauty Boost is a life-changer) are the best things I've ever used for my skin.
I was first turned onto Kai candles when the infamous store Blue Genes was alive and well at the Shops Around Lenox. They smell so fantastic and Woo is the only place that I know of that sells them. Kai also makes lotions I think and probably a few other items. You can't go wrong.
Admittedly, I've only used one of the Dermalogica products before, the Ultra Calming Serum. With travel and seasonal changes (when will it ever just stay warm?) my skin has just become so confused. Distressed, I went to Woo and the associate calmed be down and introduced me to Dermalogica because she used the same product to cure an allergy to a concealer. This stuff has WORKED. My skin is so much better, more moisturized and calm. Dermalogica products do what the associate promised, because she new from experienced. I credit her knowledge and expertise for helping me out.
Moroccan Oil is a god-send to the hair care world. The treatment oil seals the hair follicle, protecting your hair's luster and creating shine. The treatment oily can be applied as a mask (I do this while studying). The shampoo and conditioner is amazing as well as the masks. Woo even has the travel kits that will get you through airport security and will keep your tresses looking fabulous while jet-setting.
There's a time and a place for all of that, but there's also a time when it's nice to just peruse beauty products without the pressure of buying and without the irritation that comes with big brand department stores.
Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides just that sort of luxury.
 |
| Woo Skincare and Cosmetics |
Tucked away in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center off of Peachtree Road, Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides top beauty products in a wonderful package: a no pressure environment with friendly associates who know and use the products and won't bother you until you need them.
Seriously, never have I walked in there without being greeted with "Let me know if I can help you, would you like a water or a cocktail or something while you enjoy looking?"
They are that kind and relaxed. What more could you ask for?
There's actually more, though. With visits from the big names themselves, (hello, Trish McEvoy!) and a full spa in the back of the boutique, Woo is a beauty powerhouse in a very laid-back, accessible environment.
Here are some of my favorite things to purchase at Woo:
 |
| Pla Beauty Lipglosses |
 |
| Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm |
 |
| Kai candle |
 |
| Dermalogica Products |
 |
| Moroccan Oil Product Line |
 |
| Trish McEvoy Beauty Organizer |
I had mentioned that Trish McEvoy is famous for her organizer and rightfully so. Trish has created a system for organizing makeup that makes application (and packing) so effortless that I just can't contain my excitement about it.
Each makeup step: Foundation, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Base, Eye Concealer, Eye Shadow, etc magnetizes into a "beauty organizer page" and voila! you can flip thru your makeup like a book. It's so genius. There are smaller organizers available (highly recommend) that you can stash into your work tote or gym bag or what have you.
Each makeup step: Foundation, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Base, Eye Concealer, Eye Shadow, etc magnetizes into a "beauty organizer page" and voila! you can flip thru your makeup like a book. It's so genius. There are smaller organizers available (highly recommend) that you can stash into your work tote or gym bag or what have you.
Woo has specials on the organizers, like the beauty planner that's available now in pink. You get about $400 worth of product for $150. They are SO cute, too. Love it.
If the broad range of product lines (Caudale skincare, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, YSL, Fresh, St. Tropez, Chantecaille and Giorgio Armani) aren't enticing enough, just think of the idea that a darling little beauty boutique offers the finest beauty can offer, right in your neighborhood.
No pushy sales to be made. No frustrating mall parking issues.
Just beauty loveliness, all for you to enjoy.
Locations in Atlanta and Nashville, keeping it southern. <3
Locations in Atlanta and Nashville, keeping it southern. <3
Thanks Woo!
B
Friday, March 22, 2013
5 Things I'm Head Over Heels About Right Now
Hey everyone!!! Long time, no blogging.
Exams and traveling are done for now and I can get back to it. I thought that perhaps my current "Top Five" might be a fun post!
Without delay, these are the top five things that I just can't get enough of at the moment!!
1. Green Tea:
Just about every morning we stop by our local Starbucks for coffee and tea. Now, I'm a huge fan of both, but lately green tea has been my go-to source for antioxidants and caffeine and tasty-goodness.
At home, I'm left to my own devices when it comes to tea brewing. I usually prefer taking my tea hot at home (idk, it's comfy). I have been making the Tazo Green Ginger tea for when I'm getting ready or studying or whatever it may be. It's seriously probably my favorite green tea.
Please let me know if you have other green teas that are good to try!! I don't discriminate, I try them all. And it must be said, my favorite hot tea to drink ever, especially in lieu of a latte, is Earl Grey. :)
2. Elizabeth McKay:
Elizabeth McKay is a great contemporary brand that has what I like to call a "preppy-chic" esthetic. It's reminiscent of Tory Burch, but more traditional when it comes to clothing. With ruffly collars, sophisticated detailing, and beautiful fabrics, Elizabeth McKay is a brand you can from wear to work, out to play and to the sunny shores of Sea Island.
Here are some of my favorites:
There are also pretty ruffled dresses perfect for a steeplechase event, easter or dinner. I just love wearing these; I feel put together without trying too hard. I think that's what I love about the brand, really. The relaxed, classy look is undeniably southern. The Elizabeth long-sleeved shirt (at left) is probably my favorite shirt in my closet.
You can throw one of these shirts on with white jeans, or shorts, or tuck one into a skirt, or wear under a blazer and you immediately look chic. And the best accessory to go along with the shirt is a mimosa - who doesn't love that?
Where to find: In Atlanta, I would go to Tootsies (an institution) in the Shops Around Lenox as they have a great selection and Poppy's of Atlanta at East Andrews has Elizabeth McKay as well. If you're at The Cloister (lucky you), the Cloister shop always has fantastic pieces from the collection.
Online, I'd visit these places:
Country Club Prep
Tuckernuck
Elizabeth McKay
3. Detox Juice at Whole Foods:
I used to creep around Whole Foods looking at the juice bar area (usually in the back) with fear. I didn't really understand the juicing concept and told myself I wasn't cool enough to walk up there. Now, I pretty much sprint to it.
Here's why:
I truly swear by the benefits of detoxing throughout the week. It's so good for you, it's filling and you you receive the benefits of so many fruits and veggies without having to try hard at all. The Whole Foods in Buckhead had a "detoxifier" juice on the reg that, if you ask sweetly, (and pay $20), they will put in a half-gallon jug for you to take home for the week.
That's four 16oz. servings of Detoxifer, or four days worth. It's awesome. There's grapefruit, lemon, apple, ginger and oranges in the drink. Admittedly, ginger takes some getting used to, but it's a sweet tooth fix that's SO good for you. It is perfect for that snack feeling you get in those weird lulls of the day and you can satisfy it while knowing you're being healthy and doing something good for your body.
4. Wedges:
I'm one of those girls that really values the power of heels and I love wearing them, but not unnecessarily. I'd rather be comfortable and I know that flats are usually not that appealing, particularly when you're going out. That's where wedges come in. They are your one stop shop for everything spring-summer. I love them.
Who wants to wear heels to a summer concert? Or an outdoor wedding/cocktail/derby/party that calls for sundresses (ew, grass on your heels)? Who wants to fall down walking from Five Paces to 8 Traxx?
Not this girl.
Here are my picks so far:
Aren't they pretty? I'm of the mind that you need mainly a neutral pair (or two), a pair you can take wherever and not worry about, and a cute pair that's a different bright spring color.
Oh my goodness, I love. :)
5. Quinoa:
My boyfriend makes fun of my quinoa eating because it's so weird, I know and because I eat it so much. Well, sorry I'm not sorry. <3
Quinoa is a whole power grain that is just awesome. As a partially Italian gal, pasta is easily one of my favorite foods. Thanks to quinoa I eat pasta once a month rather than once a week.
If you haven't cooked quinoa, it's seriously the easiest thing and it's very versatile. I like to cook it in low-sodium chicken stock to add flavor and I generally make about 2 servings at a time. I'll make it for dinner as a side one night and then throw the rest in a spinach or arugula salad the next day. It's so yummy.
Honorable Mention: The Luna Peanut Honey Pretzel bar. It's so delicious, it's sold out every time I try to buy one. It keeps hunger at bay, is usually my breakfast along with a banana or a grapefruit (and an iced green tea) and I just love it.
Cheers, darlings.
B
Exams and traveling are done for now and I can get back to it. I thought that perhaps my current "Top Five" might be a fun post!
Without delay, these are the top five things that I just can't get enough of at the moment!!
1. Green Tea:
Just about every morning we stop by our local Starbucks for coffee and tea. Now, I'm a huge fan of both, but lately green tea has been my go-to source for antioxidants and caffeine and tasty-goodness.
At home, I'm left to my own devices when it comes to tea brewing. I usually prefer taking my tea hot at home (idk, it's comfy). I have been making the Tazo Green Ginger tea for when I'm getting ready or studying or whatever it may be. It's seriously probably my favorite green tea.
Please let me know if you have other green teas that are good to try!! I don't discriminate, I try them all. And it must be said, my favorite hot tea to drink ever, especially in lieu of a latte, is Earl Grey. :)
2. Elizabeth McKay:
Elizabeth McKay is a great contemporary brand that has what I like to call a "preppy-chic" esthetic. It's reminiscent of Tory Burch, but more traditional when it comes to clothing. With ruffly collars, sophisticated detailing, and beautiful fabrics, Elizabeth McKay is a brand you can from wear to work, out to play and to the sunny shores of Sea Island.
Here are some of my favorites:
 |
| countryclubprep.com |
 |
| elizabethmckay.com |
There are also pretty ruffled dresses perfect for a steeplechase event, easter or dinner. I just love wearing these; I feel put together without trying too hard. I think that's what I love about the brand, really. The relaxed, classy look is undeniably southern. The Elizabeth long-sleeved shirt (at left) is probably my favorite shirt in my closet.
You can throw one of these shirts on with white jeans, or shorts, or tuck one into a skirt, or wear under a blazer and you immediately look chic. And the best accessory to go along with the shirt is a mimosa - who doesn't love that?
 |
| scoopcharlotte.com |
Where to find: In Atlanta, I would go to Tootsies (an institution) in the Shops Around Lenox as they have a great selection and Poppy's of Atlanta at East Andrews has Elizabeth McKay as well. If you're at The Cloister (lucky you), the Cloister shop always has fantastic pieces from the collection.
Online, I'd visit these places:
Country Club Prep
Tuckernuck
Elizabeth McKay
3. Detox Juice at Whole Foods:
I used to creep around Whole Foods looking at the juice bar area (usually in the back) with fear. I didn't really understand the juicing concept and told myself I wasn't cool enough to walk up there. Now, I pretty much sprint to it.
Here's why:
I truly swear by the benefits of detoxing throughout the week. It's so good for you, it's filling and you you receive the benefits of so many fruits and veggies without having to try hard at all. The Whole Foods in Buckhead had a "detoxifier" juice on the reg that, if you ask sweetly, (and pay $20), they will put in a half-gallon jug for you to take home for the week.
That's four 16oz. servings of Detoxifer, or four days worth. It's awesome. There's grapefruit, lemon, apple, ginger and oranges in the drink. Admittedly, ginger takes some getting used to, but it's a sweet tooth fix that's SO good for you. It is perfect for that snack feeling you get in those weird lulls of the day and you can satisfy it while knowing you're being healthy and doing something good for your body.
4. Wedges:
I'm one of those girls that really values the power of heels and I love wearing them, but not unnecessarily. I'd rather be comfortable and I know that flats are usually not that appealing, particularly when you're going out. That's where wedges come in. They are your one stop shop for everything spring-summer. I love them.
Who wants to wear heels to a summer concert? Or an outdoor wedding/cocktail/derby/party that calls for sundresses (ew, grass on your heels)? Who wants to fall down walking from Five Paces to 8 Traxx?
Not this girl.
Here are my picks so far:
 |
| Nordstom. Pelle Moda "Dana'" Wedge in coral |
 |
| Zappos. Lilly Pulitzer "Picture Perfect Wedge |
 |
| Tory Burch "Ida" Wedge |
 |
| Michael Kors "Giovanna" Wedge |
 |
| Piperlime. Steve Madden "Haywire" Wedges |
 |
| Kate Spade "Dabney" Gingham Wedges |
Aren't they pretty? I'm of the mind that you need mainly a neutral pair (or two), a pair you can take wherever and not worry about, and a cute pair that's a different bright spring color.
Oh my goodness, I love. :)
5. Quinoa:
My boyfriend makes fun of my quinoa eating because it's so weird, I know and because I eat it so much. Well, sorry I'm not sorry. <3
Quinoa is a whole power grain that is just awesome. As a partially Italian gal, pasta is easily one of my favorite foods. Thanks to quinoa I eat pasta once a month rather than once a week.
 |
| My quinoa, arugula and avocado salad. |
Honorable Mention: The Luna Peanut Honey Pretzel bar. It's so delicious, it's sold out every time I try to buy one. It keeps hunger at bay, is usually my breakfast along with a banana or a grapefruit (and an iced green tea) and I just love it.
Cheers, darlings.
B
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