Blogger's Block: 10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

Hey y'all, I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

In an effort to fight the blogger's block I currently have and in an effort to share something with y'all that's relatively easy and quick (it's exam time), this is what I came up with.

A little "10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me."

For what it's worth, here it goes:

1. I'm a karate kid. I have a black belt in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. (um, what?)

Yes, I competed. Yes, I won stuff. I did it with my dad and my best friend growing up, and her dad. We trained for a good amount of years.

Yes, I broke boards .... and ruined my manicures.

Seriously, I wish I stuck with it because it keeps you in ah-mazing shape.

2. I'm a closet nerd. Reading is a passion of mine that I don't often indulge in because of law school.

However, I love love to learn. I like to read about Philosophy, particularly medieval philosophy. I enjoy religious theosophical treatises and texts, mainly of authors and thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and Tolkien.  "The Inklings" inspire me to no end. Brilliant men.

I also have a HUGE collection of antique and rare books. They take up like four bookcases in my living room. Like a said, I'm a closet nerd.

3. I used to read fan fiction.  This is been divulged by me because of the complete and utter domination "50 Shades" has on society. In college, I read "Fifty Shades" when it was formerly a fan fiction, "Master of the Universe". (It was just as good then) ... It would publish throughout the week and I would chat the author, "E.L. James" after I read each chapter, telling her what I thought.

We still get to chat from time to time, I still regret not meeting her in D.C. when she came to meet me and my gal pals who were her "Bunker Babes". At least we talked on the phone. That success baffles me in the sense that it's so surreal I can't even explain. To me, it was just a story I would read online.

Another author, who now goes by the pseudonym, "Sylvain Reynard" writes a series starting with "Gabriel's Inferno." It's loosely connected and inspired by the infamous love of Dante Alighieri and Beatrice Portinari, Dante being from Florence, and Beatrice from Fiesole.

It's such a beautiful, captivating love story. You should look it up.

This author and this story has a special and infinite place in my heart. The author is a dear friend and I will always be grateful for all I learned, shared and the comfort I gained for being there throughout the writing.

4. I gave mass readings in St. Peter's Vatican Grottoes.  If you're a Catholic as I am, you will know how much this means.  My family and I took a long trip through Italy after my grandfather passed. The priest we travelled with arranged so that we could have mass by Pope John Paul II's tomb in the Vatican Grottoes. It was surreal and one of the most peaceful and precious moments in my life (so far).

And it's very difficult to have any sort of gathering arranged in the grottoes. Somehow I think my grandpa put a good word in to give us all that opportunity to feel near him and my grandma.

I stood aside Pope Benedict the same day. I'll forever be grateful for that trip.

5. I'm TERRIFIED of driving over bridges. If I ever have nightmares, they usually involve me driving on a bridge. I hate hate hate them.

With my dad's family being from New Orleans, this has always been an issue for me. The causeway makes me want to internally combust.

6. Italian Medieval and Renaissance art is a passion of mine.  Cimabue, Duccio di Buoninsegna, Giotto di Bondone, Simone Martini ... all the way to Michelangelo, Titian, Antonio Canova, Caravaggio and Botticelli are among my absolute favorite painters, thinkers, poets, sculptors, philosophers and politicians.

I love how Italian art was so influential and synonymous with culture and policy. You can basically look at art from the Medieval period to the Renaissance and see where the intersections of religion, politics and literature reside.

This interweb of thought, portrayed in oils, preserved in frescoes and made alive in sculpture will always garner my devout attention. Hence, Florence is my absolute favorite place I've been. Venice would be second.

7. Frank Sinatra is the most amazing entertainer ever, as far as I'm concerned. 

My mom calls me an old soul. She's right. I find comfort in things of the past more than contemporary ideals.

I'd rather watch tapes of The Rat Pack performing at The Sands in Vegas or Sinatra at Carnegie Hall than Miley Cyrus twerking.

I just love Frank. So much.

If that makes me a complete loser, so be it. I don't care.

My Frank Sinatra anthologies keep be happy and I gleefully listen to "Siriusly Sinatra" everyday in my car.

8. My favorite drink is a steaming hot cup of Earl Grey. 

One sip of the Earl at the Dorchester and I fell in love.  That's all you need to know.

9. Speaking of love, my first love was undoubtedly Rhett Butler. When I was a little girl, I watched Gone with the Wind with my mom as much as I could.

I wanted to be Scarlett at the barbeque, or wear that stunning baby blue velvet dress she wears later on.

I wanted to receive bonnets from Rhett (emerald green feathered bonnets yes please).

Rhett Butler is the epitome of Southern gentleman chic. His ascots and coat tails made me sigh and swoon.

I'm from Georgia, I love GWTW. It's that simple.

10. I want to practice Domestic law. 

It's likely I will practice some criminal law too, but domestic work is where I feel I should go in terms of my practice.

If you know me well, you know how passionate I am. If I care about you, I fiercely care. I will defend you and stand by you no matter what.

If you screw me over, (or someone I care about) I'm done ... No, you're done.

I'm Italian and that's how I roll.

With that said, relationship situations bring that out in me the most. Whether it's my life, a dear friend's life or a child's, I want to defend them and their feelings, their dignity.

No one should ever be mistreated by someone when they were brought into that person's life out of love.

And that's why I want to be a domestic relations lawyer.

To represent the mistreated, the people who loved and who were taken advantage of in whatever fashion. It happens far too often and it's a reality we all have been touched with one way or another.

Hope you learned a little more about who I am, why I am.

Cheers dahlingssss

Roasted Tomato Caprese

It's been a hot minute since I've shared a recipe with y'all. Cooking makes me feel like I'm taking care of people I love. I try to do it often.

Generally, we have a few recipes that I make over and over and over because when our social schedule allows us the luxury of coking at home, we just tend to want what we like. 

Giada de Laurentiis and Ina Garten are my go-to chefs when I'm looking for a delicious recipe. I think their cooking styles truly embody all that is good and fresh, comforting and wholesome about food. 

Even better, the recipes are mostly easy to make and very easily tweaked to suit your own tastes. 

As an Italian that loves, adores,  can't live without Italian food .... my mouth has always watered at the sight of the mozzarella + basil + tomato combination.

It is so delicious there are no words.

Ina Garten's Roasted Tomato Caprese is too good not to share. 

What you will need:

(12) plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds removed

(1/4) cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling once the dish is assembled

(1 1/2) teaspoons balsamic vinegar

(2) large garlic cloves, minced

(2) teaspoons sugar

Kosher salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

(16) ounces fresh mozzarella (I buy a package already sliced)

(12) basil leaves, julienned

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

2. Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan with the cut sides up. Drizzle the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar on top. 

3. Sprinkle the garlic, sugar, salt and pepper. 

4. Roast for two hours, the tomatoes will begin to caramelize.

5. Arrange the tomatoes and the mozzarella alternately on a serving platter and scatter the basil on top. 

6. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle a little more olive oil on top.

I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as we did. It truly is a treasure of a recipe. 

Also, be sure to check out my food column for Atlanta luxury lifestyle magazine, Sole of the South.

You can find my first feature of Atlanta's SEVEN Lamps at  South of the South "Dare to Dine": Seven Lamps

Cheers, darlings

B

How I Get Prepared for the Holiday Season

If you're like me, the upcoming barrage of holiday cheer that our commercial-retail, light-brite, peppermint mocha driven Christmas world shoves upon us each year can be a little overwhelming.

Down South, we are taught from the time we wear our first OshKosh outfit that Christmas is a time for joy and praise and peace ... a time for family gatherings and a time to rest to remember those things that are most important. 

That sentiment seems to always get lost in the midst of retail catalogs, eggnog and cyber monday, doesn't it? 

Sad, but true.

While maintaining perspective, I also get excited about the shopping and the cooking and the punch bowls. We all get to pin cute DIY wreathes and look at dogs in Santa costumes.

I listen to the "Holly" station on my satellite radio. It's all so fun.

Here are a few things I do to be a little bit organized, a little more humble, and a little bit better at giving than receiving.

1. Go to church every Sunday.

I would be remiss not to put this as number one. It goes without saying Christ is the reason for everything, at least in my life. Although I fail miserably, a lot, I always try to make mass and keep my prayer life strong.

During Advent, I make every service. I always do. Hearing the Christmas story each Sunday reminds me that the items that will likely be under the tree (and I'm grateful and happy for, no doubt) won't always "be".

They fade, they break, they go out of style, they don't sustain you like your relationship with God.

They make you happy, they help you out in life, they have a purpose. But not the ultimate purpose.

2. Plan meals ahead of time. Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner.

That handy dandy thing called Pinterest is so genius and popular because it's so darn helpful. Use it!

Write down all the events that you're attending or hosting. Figure out how many people will attend (or guestimate) or if you will need to bring a dish or a bottle of bubbly.

Then look up recipes in advance, pin them, and write out the grocery lists. This not only removes ALL stress of figuring out what to make, but it allows you to budget for the items you will have to buy.

By choosing your menu ahead of time, you can try out new recipes before the big event, too.

I know this seems like common sense, but I'm positive that ALL of us intend on doing this but don't actually do it in advance. 

To be frank: We pin, we don't PLAN.

Make a commitment to yourself and your AmEx and do it now. There's still some time!

3. Invest in Cardstock/Stationary EARLY

If you already have your Christmas cards purchased, it is all the more likely you will send them out - ON TIME!

Same with thank you cards. If you spend the money and get them, you will use them. I'm sure of it. 

On your downtime (if you even have any), such as a commercial break during your favorite show, or when you are being driven somewhere, write down everyone you need to send a card to. Having the list will help.

It will make you feel good, feel connected, feel accomplished and feel like the adults we all are.

I plan to make my list this week.

Because southern ladies are ALL about their stationary ... and glistening Christmas cards.

4. Go to your Gmail. Create a Folder titled "Christmas Coupons".

Christmas really starts in like, uh, let's say August. EVERY retailer I have EVER purchased ANYTHING from seems to remember that purchase (*cough* Abercrombie and Fitch *cough*) and they send Christmas coupons and reminders of upcoming sales ... like in August.

It's ridiculous.

However, I've started to drag those emails into my Coupon folder. I mean, right now Brooks Brothers is having a HUGE sale. I've already picked out stuff to buy my honey for Christmas. 

I remembered because I set reminders linked to my Coupon folder.

Every time Sephora, Saks, Williams Sonoma, or Harry and David (etc) send you a "Enjoy 20% or free shipping" email, drag it over. It will save you time and money because you will know where to go.

You don't want to buy dad's Yeti cooler at Dick's when Onward Reserve is having a better discount.

Also, craft stores such as JoAnn's and Michael's honor one another's coupons. So, when you're buying wrapping paper or decor, you can access those coupons from your email on your smartphone.

Unfortunately, Frontgate doesn't EVER have discounts ... sorry mom.

5. Drink as many peppermint mochas as possible.

Because you're going to need it after making all those lists, pinning those pins and taking the kids from A to B. 

Plus, the cups are pretty.

Cheers!

B

Fall is Beautiful

Love that chill in the air? Want to curl up with your hunny and a PSL? Do you use the Christmas decorations at Phipps as an *excuse* for a Tory Burch shopping spree?

Yeah, me too. Fall is here and I am SO excited!

Like, I want to actually rake leaves and bale hay kind .. that kind of excited.

And the season change inspired some change in me and now I'm back to blogging. I hope you're as thrilled as I am!

Lately, I've been on a beauty binge. In my quest to become a VIB Rouge member at Sephora I sort of went overboard and bought literally everything.

I'd thought I'd quickly share my favorite products as of late:

1. YSL Babydoll Mascara

I'm always in search of a great mascara. Diorshow just doesn't do it for me. I know, I know.

Babydoll is the only YSL mascara I've tried, but I see no reason to tread further. I've found a safe haven in this formula.

photo: thefitgirlsdish.com

It lengthens and separates lashes like nothing I've ever tried before.  It is VERY build-able (I do 3 coats). Some others are great, (Givenchy, Benefit They're Real and Bobbi Brown Lengthening come to mind), but Babydoll makes my lashes look like bombshell lashes.

And um, who doesn't want to look like a bombshell? 

Try it out, it'll make more than your lashes flutter. Hearts beware.

YSL Babydoll Mascara at Sephora

2. Urban Decay Naked Palette

After all the hype I've heard about this product, I gave in and bought it. You know, anything for those Sephora points.

I thought about it for some time and had previously decided it wasn't worth the money ...

I couldn't have been more wrong.

It's worth the price and then some.

photo: thebellebeautyblog.blogspot.com

First, the color payoff is HUGE. These shadows are heavily pigmented and long-lasting. I'm not kidding. Your shadow will be there after your two glasses of chardonnay have come and gone.

Second, the colors are GORGEOUS and I believe would work for any skin-tone variation. 

Third, you can create myriad looks with this thing. Anything from a day look to a sexy smokey eye is possible with this palette. 

Fourth, when you buy the palette at Sephora, a eyeshadow primer comes with it ... that primer is my life. It's everything.

Fifth, it's FANTASTIC for travel. Throw this in the bag, you're good to go. No little eyeshadows pinging around the makeup bag in danger of breaking and getting everywhere.

Urban Decay Naked Palette at Sephora

3. Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Foundation

My story with Guerlain products starts with a trip to Paris in 2007. I went to the Guerlain flagpship on the Champs Elysees and learned about the brand and how darn fabulous it really is.

butterboom.com

When I discovered that Guerlain had foundation I knew I had to try it. It was time for a new foundation and I read reviews for Lingerie de Peau. 

I can't say enough good things about this foundation. If you're like me and you enjoy coverage that evens your skintone and STAYS PUT, then you should try this. The coverage is medium-full and is build-able.

I use 1 or 2 pumps each application depending on what look I'm going for or the weather conditions that day. It's not even half-way empty and I've had this for about 3 weeks. 

This foundation is wonderful for people with dry skin (like me) because it's hydrating and silky. I'd say it's very similar to the Laura Mercier silk foundation, but more liquid-like in texture, making it easier to blend. 

I'm obsessed with this foundation, it's absolutely beautiful and leaves a seamless finish. It disguises EVERYTHING. It really does. 

I've also noticed it doesn't transfer onto clothes, which is a plus for me. I can't tell you how many white oxford shirts I've ruined because of foundation.

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation at Sephora

4. Benefit Hoola Bronzer

As an Italian, the need to look tan and bronzed is eerily similar to my need to eat and drink water to survive. 

I've tried all the bronzers it seems. MAC, Laura Mercier, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown, Chanel.

Some are good, some make me look muddy. It depends.

photo: amodelrecommends.com

Enter Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. This bronzer is perfection. It's great for bronzing or for contouring. It's highly blendable and is not muddy or harsh. It works for every skintone.

The packaging is cute. It comes with a brush.

What more could you want?

Join me, all bronzed and beautiful, at my next luau courtesy of Benefit.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer at Sephora

5. YSL Rouge Volutpe Shine

I've only recently ventured into the world of lipstick. I look best  feel the most comfortable in neutrals (which aren't as exciting as bright red)  and I tend to forget to apply lip products so lipstick hasn't always been my game.

photo: hudabeauty.com

That was the case until I met YSL lip products, particularly these lipsticks.

They are expensive, I will grant you that. But they are beautiful.

The packaging is so beautiful I feel like a Hollywood starlet from the 50's when I apply it.

It's like I was Sabrina the chauffer's daughter and then I apply this and I'm Sabrina dancing at the Larabee mansion a la Audrey Hepburn. I'm saying this stuff is transformational.

Like a good pair of Louboutins.

To be honest, I bought it for the packaging but the colors are very pretty and stay put all day long.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine at Sephora

I can't wait to share more posts and happenings to come on the blog (and other writing prospects to come as well).

Stay beautiful this fall!! xx

B