Modern Belle

{Friends and Family at A. Tierney}

2009-10-23T13:37:00.000-04:00

Here's a special code for the Friends and Family Event at A. Tierney:

I especially love this fun necklace:

and this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G floral cuff:

A Litte Bit of Inspiration

2009-10-21T09:15:00.002-04:00

“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

- Viktor Frankl

Cute Scarves from The Palm Gifts

2009-10-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

Check out this great deal on monogrammed scarves from The Palm Gifts. Such a yummy accessory to keep warm this fall and winter. Get yours here.

{Beach Wedding Weekend}

2009-10-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

We spent last weekend here.... in St. Simons Island, GA for one of my best friend's weddings. It was absolutely gorgeous, but sadly I took no pictures. I know, I know... I'm terrible. But in my own defense -- I was a bridesmaid and my primary concern was tending to the bride. Luckily for me the St. Simons Island tourist board had this great picture to borrow. They got married with the gazebo and the ocean in the background. It was a wonderful wedding - everything about it was so them. It's such a joy to see one of your best friends meet a man who loves her for all of the wonderful reasons you love her. And it's an even greater joy to watch them pledge to love each other forever.

Hopefully they'll post their wedding pictures soon and I can share a few with you all.

{Bridal Shower}

2009-10-14T23:25:00.001-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of throwing a bridal shower for one of my best friends. I chose an autumn theme to go with their wedding colors (black and white with red-orange accents). It was so fun to plan.

I made the save the dates and invitations myself. Here's a picture of the save the dates:

The Menu:
- chocolate ganache cupcakes

- shrimp and grits

- Kentucky derby sandwiches (these are too fun --- I'll post the recipe later this week)

- veggie and fruit platters

The Decorations (a la Martha Stewart):
- tissue paper pom poms

- personalized celebration banner

- Autumn leaf garlands

It was a super fun way to celebrate the couple's impending nuptials and catch up with old friends.

{Halloween With A Sense Of Humor}

2009-10-13T12:10:00.000-04:00

I saw these pictures today at marthastewart.com and laughed out loud. Both of the unsuspecting victims of these get ups look tres confused. I wonder if dressing your baby up like dinner has long term consequences on their sense of self?

What caption would you write under these pictures?

{Check It Out}

2009-10-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

I'm so honored! My hand embossed paisley notecards (top right corner) are featured in an Etsy treasury this week all abt paisley!

You can check out the entire treasury here

{Advertising Regulations Will Effect Bloggers}

2009-10-12T14:51:00.000-04:00

The New York Times published an article this past week about how new Federal Trade Commission regulations will require bloggers to disclose their associations with retailers beginning on December 1st. Folks think this may dramatically decrease the number of giveaways and product reviews on blogs.

An excerpt from the article:

Soon, Bloggers Must Give Full Disclosure

FOR nearly three decades, the Federal Trade Commission’s rules regarding the relationships between advertisers and product reviewers and endorsers were deemed adequate. Then came the age of blogging and social media.

On Monday, the F.T.C. said it would revise rules about endorsements and testimonials in advertising that had been in place since 1980. The new regulations are aimed at the rapidly shifting new-media world and how advertisers are using bloggers and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to pitch their wares.

The F.T.C. said that beginning on Dec. 1, bloggers who review products must disclose any connection with advertisers, including, in most cases, the receipt of free products and whether or not they were paid in any way by advertisers, as occurs frequently. The new rules also take aim at celebrities, who will now need to disclose any ties to companies, should they promote products on a talk show or on Twitter. A second major change, which was not aimed specifically at bloggers or social media, was to eliminate the ability of advertisers to gush about results that differ from what is typical — for instance, from a weight loss supplement.

You can read the whole article here.

What do you all think? Do you disclose your associations with retailers or do you want to reserve the right to keep that info confidential?

{What I'm Working On This Weekend}

2009-10-10T22:30:00.001-04:00

I love greeting cards, but keeping them organized is a bear. I ran across this tutorial for a cute card organizer at Splitcoast Stampers. It's a super cute, personalized way to keep track of your cards for the entire year.

Here's how mine turned out:

It was super easy & fun to make. I don't have a binding machine so I punched holes in the paper and used ribbon to hold it together.

{We're Eating Dinner Out Tonight}

2009-10-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Because I set the oven on fire

Tomorrow I'm going to buy a fire extinguisher.

{A Fruit Fly Catcher}

2009-10-08T14:40:00.001-04:00

At some point in the last few weeks we brought home produce from the grocery store that came with an extra surprise.... fruit flies! The last time I saw fruit flies was in my high school biology class when we were studying genetics. They're so tiny they are near impossible to smash and I was just wondering how I was going to rid my kitchen of these pesky buggars when I saw Amy's post on The Idea Room abt the exact same problem! I'm making this contraption tonight -- fruit flies be gone!

Where would I be without all the wonderful information I get from all the great blogs out there? Lost! Lost I tell you!

Thanks Amy :) You're a lifesaver.

{One Sneaky Beagle}

2009-09-28T16:49:00.000-04:00

Look who has decided she'd like a Snuggie of her own:

I left for five minutes and this is what I found when I came back.

{I surrender}

2009-09-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

I finally surrendered and bought a snuggie (they have them in pink at Bed, Bath & Beyond!)

Who knew a blanket with arms could bring so much happiness to Saturday afternoon football watching :-)

{Curiosity Killed The Cat}

2009-09-19T19:47:00.000-04:00

or in this case... a curious cat killed the headset. Jon often uses a headset with his computer for work. The other day it wasn't working and he just couldn't figure out why. So he climbs under the desk to take a look and this is what he finds.....

The cat had chewed clear through the wire connecting the headset to the computer! All I can say is that I'm glad she chose to chew this wire instead of the power cord. I think she's trying to send Jon a strong message that she's had enough with his long work hours and demands more attention.

{Dear Blogger}

2009-09-19T19:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Blogger,
I dislike you for being so difficult to work with --- why won't you just do what I want you to?

{A Special Deal From A. Tierney}

2009-09-09T18:19:00.001-04:00

Check out these cute new bangles + a discount until Sunday!

{One Of My Favorites}

2009-08-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite items in my etsy store is this blue and ecru toile belt. I found this ribbon months and months ago and instantly fell in love with it. I loved it so much it took me awhile to turn it into anything because it was too beautiful to cut. Well... I think the belts turned out perfectly and I am very proud to be able to offer them at Modern Belle.

Would you like to give this beautiful belt a new home? She and all her friends can be purchased on our website-- www.thismodernbelle.etsy.com. Happy shopping!

Arm Candy

2009-08-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

A. Tierney has come out with the cutest enamel bangles. I started seeing enamel bracelets of all kinds pop up places earlier this summer, but this criss cross bangle takes the cake. And for less than $20 --- how can you say no?

The folks at A. Tierney were kind enough to send me one in yellow (thanks y'all!) and I love it. In fact, I find myself standing in my closet each morning searching for an outfit that will match the bracelet. I think my favorite part about it is that it has a hinge so you don't have to squeeze your hand through it. And -- if you spend most of your day typing on a computer like me -- you can move it up higher on your arm and it will actually stay there. People have stopped me on the street to ask where I got my enamel bracelet -- it's that darling.

You can also check out their bamboo and ribbed enamel bangles... also super cute.

What's Popular Now

2009-08-24T08:00:00.005-04:00

It's official -- folks love our Modern Belle Organization Kit! We couldn't be more thrilled. You get:

Daily appt calendar

Daily to do list

Weekly menu planner

Grocery list

Birthday + special event list

You can print and reprint these templates again and again. Put them in a binder, a folder, or on a clipboard for quick access and easy organization. I use these templates myself (in fact --- I originally made them for myself and only shared them in my Etsy store at the urging of my work colleagues who also loved them). They look great in black and white if you're ink conscious or you can choose a color to customize the templates. Life's complicated enough -- make it a little simpler with these great organization and time management tools.

Click here to order your own.

Antipasto Tomatoes

2009-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

I love sun dried tomatoes with mozzarella cheese. It just makes me feel like I'm sitting in a side walk cafe in Italy. We moved in June and I haven't been able to find great sun dried tomatoes anywhere (good grief --- c'mon folks --- where are your priorities?) so I'm setting off to make my own. Here's the recipe from the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver:

You'll need:

tomatoes
dried thyme
capers
olive oil
vinegar

Cut tomatoes in half -- small ones work best. Arrange skin-side-down on trays in a food dehydrator, or the sun if you live in a dry climate (I don't -- NC in the summer is about as humid as you get -- so step one for me is buying the food dehydrator). Dry until they feel between leather and brittle.

Place dried tomatoes in a bowl. Heat vinegar in a saucepan or microwave, then pour enough into the bowl to cover the tomatoes. Soak for 10 minutes then pour it off. Toss the damp tomatoes with thyme, pack loosely in glass jars with capers and enough olive oil to cover. They'll keep in the shelf for several weeks.

Alright.... let's see how this experiment goes.

More Of What I'm Reading

2009-08-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

I'm about three quarters of the way through Barbara Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Kingsolver is the well-known author of The Poisonwood Bible, but Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is a more autobiographical work. It's a story of her family as they move from Tuscon, Arizona to rural Virginia and live on her husband's family farm. During their time there they vow to eat only locally grown food for an entire year. The book is filled with the challenges and opportunities of their undertaking sprinkled with great seasonal recipes.

It would be all to easy for the book to be preachy and look down on all of us that grab produce from our grocery stores without given a second thought to how or where it was grown, but it isn't. Instead it's the literary equivalent of pulling up a seat in the kitchen of a friend and catching up while making dinner - warm, welcoming, comfortable, and entertaining. I want these folks to be my friends because they are so funny, down to earth, and real. I'm not all the way through the book, but I'm ready to buy some chickens of my own (for egg laying purposes only -- there will be no head chopping happening around here) or at least grow a tomato plan on my apt porch next spring. As I'm nearing the end of the book I find myself slowing down because I just don't want it to end.

You can learn more about the book and get great recipes at www.animalvegetablemiracle.com.

It's Been Swell

2009-08-18T20:57:00.004-04:00

For the past five years I've worked at a national non-profit. I've been about as lucky as a girl can get -- doing work I love and believe in with people who are smart and great to be around. In today's market, where people are thankful to have a job at all, I have a very grateful heart for my work and the folks I do it with. Last year I decided a career change was in order and started making plans to head back to school and work towards earning my credentials to become a licensed therapist. Friday was my last day at the office. It was bittersweet --- I'll miss everyone dearly, but I am excited about my new adventure. We celebrated with a good bye happy hour and they were kind enough to send me off with a bag full of back to school goodies from Swoozies (I told you they were great --- stylish, too).

They gave me a great black and white canvas tote (with a gift card to have it monogrammed! they know me so well), a personalized ID holder, a monogrammed bag tag, pink polka dot calendar and to do list, and a fabulously sweet card. They also included an 8-pack of diet dr. pepper with a smart comment about how that ought to last me about a day as a joke.

Thanks for making me the cool new kid on campus y'all. Much love!

Smitten

2009-08-16T19:39:00.002-04:00

A friend recently turned me on to a great cooking blog -- Smitten Kitchen. I'm in love. The author lives in New York City and uses fresh ingredients to make simple, elegant seasonal recipes. Not to mention--- the pictures are fabulous eye candy (pun intended). The photos make the food look like art. It's a blog that will inspire even the least experienced cook to don an apron.

Now -- I am by no means an excellent cook. In fact, I didn't even really start cooking until about three years ago. Up until then I'd had a host of people that would happily cook for me -- my mom, my roommates etc. Then three years ago I lived by myself for the first time. I made it about 3 months on Lean Cuisines before I couldn't take it any more and broke out a cookbook. Since then I've really started to enjoy cooking and I've realized that I usually prefer my own food to anything I can order in a restaurant (there are exceptions to that --- like when I'm extremely tired and I'll happily eat anything that I don't have to make). I'm also lucky to have a fabulous boyfriend who is pleased to eat anything I set on the table and is incredibly supportive of my culinary adventures. I made some truly disastrous red velvet cupcakes two weeks ago and he still ate them.

Smitten Kitchen provides me with a constant stream of culinary inspiration and a reason to head out to the local farmers market on the weekend. I hope you'll check it out and love it as much as I do.

Look What Came In The Mail!

2009-08-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been hard at work designing new inspirations for the fall at Modern Belle. The first of the new fabric arrived in the mail this week and I'm so excited. Can you guess what it will become?

Giving Back

2009-08-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

KIVA is a non-profit that arranges microfinance loans to entrepreneurs in impoverished nations across the world to empower them to life themselves and their families out of poverty by starting their own business. When I decided to create Modern Belle late last year I was lucky enough to be able to dig into my own bank account for the money to get started. In order to help small business owners in less fortunate circumstances, I'm proud to announce that for every purchase made at the boutique I will donate $1 to KIVA. It's my hope that together we can help other small business owners realize their dream.

You can learn more about KIVA and the important work they do at http://www.kiva.org/ or check out my previous blog post on KIVA.

Smoothie Recipe

2009-08-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday I mentioned how I've been reading Spent by Dr. Frank Lipman. By far my favorite idea from the book is to have a smoothie for breakfast instead of the usual cereal, bagel, nothing but coffee etc. Here is the recipe for my favorite smoothie:

Throw the following into your blender:

1 small banana
1 cup mixed frozen berries (read the packaging to make sure you're getting just the berries... no sugar added)
4 tablespoons of whey protein powder (Aria is my favorite brand, I like the vanilla)
2 teaspoons greens powder (optional -- available at your local GNC or Vitamin Shoppe)
1/2 cup almond milk (you can use regular milk if you'd prefer)
1/2 cup water

Blend. Pour into a tervis tumbler. Drink with a straw and have a wonderful morning!

What I'm Reading

2009-08-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of Spent by Dr. Frank Lipman? Folks who know me know that I'm a bit restless and I love staying busy. This year I started Modern Belle Boutique, my blog took off, and I went through the application process for 15 graduate schools - all in addition to my 80+ hour a week job as an educational consultant. In January I noticed that I felt perpetually tired - even when I was getting 8 hours of sleep a night. I just sucked it up for awhile, drank more coffee, and kept on trucking, but after awhile it just got ridiculous. Out of desperation I began reading this book in late spring.

Here's the first few lines from the book....

When the alarm rings, Emily groans and hits the snooze button. Lying there dreading the second ring, she feels dead on her feet before she is even on them. As she eases out of bed, she is aware of her stiff back, sore hops, and tight neck and shoulders....Emily gets to work and her caffeine buzz might have her a little up, but an hour later she feels as if she has already been working for eight hours.... She does whatever it takes to get her through the day. She eats snacks full of sugar. She drinks - more coffee or soda.

"Aaaagh!" I thought standing in the aisle of the Barnes and Noble. It IS me. I headed to the cash register immediately!

I'm usually skeptical about books like -- as much as for their content as about my ability to follow through on them. The book gives you a mission a day. Every night before I go to bed I read what the next day's mission is. After a week I was sleeping better and feeling better. After two weeks I was feeling great! There are some parts of the book that aren't super realistic for me right now -- like cutting out processed foods all together -- but the book has helped me be a lot more mindful of how I treat my body. I've even recommended it to a few friends at work and they've been really excited about the difference they've noticed.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Weekend Project

2009-08-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Jon headed out on a week long business trip this morning. I miss him when he's gone, but there's something really decadent about having the apt all to myself - the thermastat stays at the temperature I set it to, no one commandeers the remote when I leave the room for five minues, and a smoothie becomes a perfectly suitable dinner.

A few weeks ago I saw this altered tee tutorial from Enchantresses Three. It looked so easy and cute that I went ahead and bought everything to do it myself, but hadn't gotten around to actually making it. Today seemed like the perfect day to start the project and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

Before:

After:

I started sewing on my machine, but it turned out to be much easier to do by hand. I think the corsage detail to give an other wise ordinary t-shirt a little something special. I can't wait to wear my creation tomorrow!

Jack Rogers Vs. Bonannos: The War Rages On

2009-07-14T16:35:00.004-04:00

I've received several comments on my post about Stephen Bonanno sandals (not all of them were... ahem, nice). It seems the controversy over who started the palm beach sandal rage is still quite heated. Sadly, the beloved Jackie Kennedy is no longer with us to settle the score. One commenter suggested that The Costume Institute at The Met had evidence that Jackie Kennedy did indeed wear Jack Rogers and they were the original, but I was unable to locate any such information. If you have evidence from a reliable source - one way or the other- about the origins of the palm beach sandal, please (nicely) let me know and I'll happily correct my post.

My Favorite Things #41: Darling Key Fobs from Pink Azalea

2008-08-21T09:49:00.001-04:00

The Pink Azalea is a darling boutique in Greenville, South Carolina. I love browsing through their online store - usually when I should be doing other things, like the dishes or returning phone calls. During my most recent visit I found these precious little key fobs. I'm having a hard time deciding between the pink paisley and the pink and green palm tree. What do you think?

They'd make such a great gifts for teachers, co-workers, or someone who has helped you out lately with a favor.

My Favorite Things #40: The MacBeth Collection

2008-08-20T09:27:00.002-04:00

Who knew organization could be so stylish? I just love all of these trays, tubs & vases from The MacBeth Collection. Such a great way to contain the clutter. They even have a list of 100 cute ideas on their website! Here's my list so far of things that would benefit from a cute container:

magazines
the mail
keys, sunglasses etc.
the dog's toys
often used kitchen utensils
extra guest hand towels
cold drinks for outdoor parties

Do you think they do discounts for buying in bulk?

So now when you're Fall feng shui is complete you can buy delicious containers for it all to live in. Love it!

BBQ Extraction

2008-08-19T09:21:00.002-04:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that this weekend was a little hectic. We had a big conference this Saturday followed by a BBQ at the lake. The caterer was supposed to deliver the food to the house around 5 pm so it would be ready when everyone showed up. The usual caterer had 3 weddings on Saturday so we went with some new folks. Long story short... they didn't know how to get to the house and all attempts at getting directions to them failed. I called The Boy, who at this point was lounging at the lake house with the dog, and asked if he could be a hero and pick up the food. Being the stellar person he is (no, he's all mine - I'm sorry I won't share) he hopped in the car to drive the 45 minutes to pick it up.

Fast forward - food arrives safely, The Boy saves the day, we all eat really great BBQ, and as I'm getting in my car (the car used to pick up & deliver the food) I notice the very strong aroma of coleslaw and pulled pork still in my car. It's at this point that The Boy mentions there was a small hitch in the plan. It seems that food for 200 people doesn't fit neatly in a 2-door Accord and there may have been some spillage in the trunk and that may be where the smell was emanating from.

When I opened up my trunk it didn't look that bad - until I placed my hand on the carpet in the trunk and it squished. Ewww. I lifted up the carpet to find at least 2 inches of coleslaw juice in my spare tire. There wasn't a little spillage - it was as if the Niagara Falls of BBQ had let loose in my trunk. We cleaned it out the best we could, but it was clear this was work for true professionals.

It rained yesterday in Raleigh so all the car washes were unfortunately closed. Monday morning at 9 am I was the first person in line at the Cary Auto Spa (if you live in the Raleigh Durham area these are your guys - they're the best around). I sheepishly showed the detailer the state of my trunk. One hour and $15 later - ta da! No more BBQ in my trunk. The BBQ extraction was a success and The Boy can return from his business trip on Friday without fear of finding a still pouting girlfriend.

My Favorite Things #39: Chip-proof Nail Polish

2008-08-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

I consider myself a pretty faithful person, but tonight... I cheated on one of the first loves of my life. For years I have used nothing but OPI nail polish. I love manicures & my standing weekly appointment is one of my few moments to myself each week. I love choosing from the rows and rows of OPI nail polish at the salon and the look of a fresh manicure.

I had a particularly hectic weekend & just couldn't make my appt so my nails were looking pretty pitiful. I stopped by Target on my way home to buy a pair of the pants made famous by Clemson Girl and The Coach (about to be another of my favorite things). While I was there I decided to snag a bottle of nail polish for a quick DIY manicure. I found my usual OPI (Did you know Target carried the brand? Fabulous!), but was tempted by the fruit of another. I ended up buying Sally Hansen's Hard As Wraps nail polish in sheer pink gloss. It contains the same acrylic gel in it that goes into acrylic nails so I thought it may stand a chance at lasting longer than... oh, the usual two days that I get when I normally do my nails myself.

I can't believe how great it looks - just like I came from my manicurist. It went on super smooth and dried quickly so no flaws. Not to mention it's a steal at less than $5. Instant favorite!

My Favorite Things #38: Clearing Clutter With Feng Shui

2008-08-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning & walked out on the back porch to let the dog out. For the past month this time of the morning has been the only part of the day where it was desireable to be outside. The rest of the day it was just too darn hot. This morning, however, I was greeted by a surprisingly cool breeze coming in off the lake - just a little whisper that fall is starting to peek around the corner.

Fall for me consists of a few magical months where I say good bye to the past year. I always get a bit nostalgic and as each leaf falls I recount the memories the past year held. Some folks count their years from New Years to New Years. I count mine from Autumn to Autumn. I also get inspired to clean out the house & get ready for a cozy winter inside. That's why I'm feeling so inspired about the book Clearing Your Clutter With Feng Shui. It was recommended to me by a friend whose house is always enviably clean and organized. She said the book gave her a new lens through which to view her things & it helped her weed out the unimportant from the very important.

I'm excited to read the book and start my fall organizing. By winter I hope to be bedded down in front of the fireplace in an even more organized and clutter free home.

My Favorite Things #37: Croakies

2008-08-12T18:30:00.008-04:00

In college my daily uniform consisted of Rainbow flip flops (or my gray New Balance sneakers if it was winter), jeans, sorority t-shirt, North Face black fleece jacket, silver bead earrings & my sunglasses around my neck on a pair of C roakies.

A lot has changed since college - my sorority t-shirts have long since faded and now only make it out of the drawer to go to the gym or on laundry day. My life decisions have much bigger consequences than choosing a topic for my english paper. The bills now come in my name - not my Daddy's. Somethings don't change though - and I still love my Croakies.

Whether I'm out on the dock at the lake house or running out of the house on Monday with my purse, briefcase, cell phone, car keys, lunch tote, and coffee in my hand - there's nothing easier than throwing my sunglasses around my neck on a cute pair of Croakies (note: must match outfit, no exceptions). Maybe it's just my preppy genes, but they'll never go out of style for me. Now you can find them in such cute patterns too! Just click on the picture to start shopping....

Check out this cute yellow orchid pattern from the Croakies website:

Or these cute monogrammed pair from The Pink Monogram:

Or another chic pair from Vineyard Vines:

P.S. Dear VV, it hurts my feelings that you only put these in the guys section. How about a little love for the ladies?

If I could just find them in a cute Lilly Pulitzer fabric my collection would be complete.

My Favorite Things #36: Homemade Cookies

2008-08-10T22:04:00.003-04:00

My new KitchenAid mixer arrived late last week & tonight I took it out for its first spin. My mixer is really an early, early Christmas present care of The Boy. I chose the color ice - my first step towards my dream Jimmy Buffet themed kitchen.

I just had to share with y'all the recipe for the cookies I made tonight. They are so yummy! I can't wait to take some into the office tomorrow. Just more proof that The Barefoot Contessa can make a gourmet cook out of anyone.

Chocolate White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

You'll need:
1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
2/3 cup good unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds good white chocolate, coarsely chopped (I just used white chocolate chips because it was what my grocer had on hand)

Here's what you do:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer

3. Add the vanilla, then the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix well

4. Add the cocoa and mix again

5. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and add to the chocolate with the mixer on low speed until just combined

6. Fold in the chopped white chocolate

7. Drop the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop or a rounded tablespoon

8. Dampen your hands and flatten the dough slightly

9. Bake for exactly 15 minutes (the cookies will seem underdone)

10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Delish!

My Favorite Things #35: Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer

2008-08-10T08:41:00.000-04:00

About twice a year I do a big order of my favorite things from Sephora to restock my medicine cabinet.... Hope in a Jar, mineral foundation, Tarte cheek stain, the new Lash Stash. The great thing about Sephora is if your order is over $50 (I did not have trouble meeting that bar) shipping is free so you can order from anywhere and poof! it shows up on your doorstep just a few days later.

When I checked out I got to pick from a bevy of new product samples to try out free of charge (I love trying new things so when I can do it for free I get really excited). One of the samples I choose was Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Hotel Heiress (your other color choice is Park Avenue Princess) and it has quickly become one of my new favorite things.

This is the perfect way to look like you still have your vacation tan weeks after it has started to fade. It gives a healthy glow, but not over the top. I'm a pretty pale person - I have my toad-bellied daddy to thank for that - so finding a bronzer that doesn't look like I just applied bronzer is tough. The stuff that comes with my mineral make up always looks ridiculous, but Tarte has done it again - just the right amount of color and it stays put all day. It also comes in a cute magnetized faux croc case that fits easily in your purse or make up bag. Make the last days of summer last a little longer with this great find.

Where's Miss Maners When You Need Her?

2008-08-09T16:07:00.006-04:00

I had a manners meltdown earlier this week. The Boy & I were shopping at the local mega mall. We were making a beeline for the Williams & Sonoma so I could check out the Kitchen Aid mixers when three familiar looking people stepped out of Banana Republic. Upon closer look I realized that it was the family of my high school sweetheart. Now I live several hours away from the town I grew up in and it had been.....seven, eight, nine.... NINE years since I last saw these folks.

Flashback to my high school years...I basically grew up in their home. I spent many late nights doing homework at their kitchen table with J*. They were there for our homecoming, prom, the college application process, my driver's license, my first car (clearly, not in that order). Their son was my first love and they were a second family to me.

Back to present day.... now he is married and working as an investment banker in Charlotte, I hadn't seen or heard from his family in almost a decade, and we were standing in the center of a v. public place. It seemed v. surreal - like a giant pink giraffe had just waltzed out of the store.

As I stood there gawking, completely unhinged by the blast from the past, they walked away seemingly unaware of my presence. Before I had the wherewithal to say/do something they were already gone & I realized that I had been unbelievably rude in not saying "hello." At that point I was faced with a major manners dilemma. Should I: 1.) keep walking, still slightly dumbfounded by their presence or 2.) chase after them to say "hi." I chose option #1 because it seemed v. awkward to yell "Mr & Mrs. C!" down the corridor of the shopping center, but also because I didn't really know what I would say to them after that.

This was not my shining moment as a Southern Belle. Southern women pride themselves on always knowing what to say in any moment. My momma would've been so embarrassed. The Boy - being the Yankee transplant that he is - was thankful I just avoided the situation. He wasn't up for any uncomfortable introductions. Being at the mall has almost overloaded his circuits already.

It's been a few days since my southern upbringing failed me & I still feel badly (another trait of southern women? guilt). It may have been nice to reconnect with them and I'm horrified by the off chance that they actually did see me and I looked like I was avoiding them.

What would Miss Manners have done? What would you have done?

My Favorite Things #34: A Dozen Eggs

2008-08-07T20:46:00.005-04:00

No, not the "from a chicken" variety... this kind of Dozen Eggs is made of hand iced sugar cookies. A great gift for a hostess.... a thank you .... a birthday... or just to brighten someone's day. There are so many great choices it was tough for me to choose a favorite.

For your Hawaii Luau...

A beach themed tin....

The cutest bugs around this summer...

My Favorite Things #33: Le Chien et Le Chat

2008-08-06T17:18:00.007-04:00

The other day I picked up my beloved beagle, Cricket, from the vet. I put her and her oversized dog bed in the front seat, walked around to the driver's door, got in, closed the door and.... whoa! what is that smell? Cricket just looked at me like, "what smell?" It was 100% smelly hound dog stench.

God bless her... I love that dog, but sometimes the aroma that follows in her wake is unbearable. That's one of the reasons that Le Chien et Le Chat by The Laundress makes my list of favorite things. It's a super yummy laundry detergent made just for pets! It dissolves all the extra pet hair (great for when the cat makes a bed out of my favorite black North Face fleece jacket) and does wonders on all pet odors (Cricket's oversized bed). It also takes care of any other things that may end up on fabrics care of your pets (so the next time the dog boots on your running shoes you have a quick solution). This stuff is a lifesaver for anyone who owns pets.

While you're at the website... be sure to check out all the other great items at The Laundress.

My Favorite Things #32: Sephora's The Lash Stash

2008-08-03T10:33:00.001-04:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect mascara.... oh, all my life. Some have fulfilled me for a short period of time, but eventually they all start to look puny, flake, run, or let me down in one of the myriad of ways only a mascara can. At $20 a pop, it's tough to be adventurous in the world of mascara without feeling like you're tossing money down the drain so my heart sang when I found Sephora's latest great idea - The Lash Stash. It's a sampler pack of 7 of Sephora's best selling mascaras and it only costs...... wait for it........ $28. Buying all those little guys individually would normally run you close to $50. I haven't decided on a favorite, yet, but I have culled one from the herd (Stila's multi-effect mascara, may work for some, but my lashes need more ooomph).

Have you tried The Lash Stash? Which was your favorite?

If not, what mascara can you not live without?

My Favorite Things #31: Barefoot Wines

2008-08-03T10:32:00.001-04:00

May your time be filled with relaxing sunsets, cool drinks & sand between your toes

Barefoot wines have become the house wine at the lake house this season. With my new fancy schmancy wine fridge I now have no excuse not to have a couple of bottles on hand at all times. These award winning wines are so affordable (all around $5) it's easy to stock up. I love their chardonnay much more than any of the more expensive varieties we've bought in the past.

Last night we ate dinner out on the porch over looking the lake. We put Jimmy Buffet on the house's built in stereo system (thank goodness for the wonderful person who thought to put speakers outside), poured a few glasses of Pinot Grigio and talked and laughed and ate as the sun set. A perfect way to spend a summer evening.

But you don't have to have a house on the water to enjoy the splendor of Barefoot wines. Just their footprint in the sand logo will make you feel like you're watching the waves wash up some place wonderful.

My Favorite Things #30: Lara Bars

2008-08-03T10:31:00.006-04:00

This summer it seems that everyone in my office is reading that horrific book Skinny Bitch. For those of you who haven't read it - it is basically a no, no list of everything you shouldn't eat that happens to include anything worth eating. Hey girls, you only live once and I don't want to live looking at all the things I can't have. In every grey cloud there is a silver lining, however, and while my colleagues spewed paragraphs of urban diet non-sense they did mention one great find - Lara Bars. These puppies are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, lactose-free, no sugar added, and kosher. Then what is in them you ask? Fruit. Uncooked & unprocessed fruit neatly packaged in a little bar.

Now, I have tried lots of these cereal, granola bar thingys and have been wholly unsatisfied with all of them, but I do love Lara Bars. They are great for mornings where I have to be able to eat breakfast in the car to make it to my first appointment on time and keep me full until lunch. Eat it with a small yogurt and it's actually a real meal.

While I'll never completely give up chocolate, caffeine, sugar, dairy & meat as Skinny Bitch prescribes (no wonder she's feeling bitchy - if you made me give up all that I would be, too!) Lara Bars are a great way for me to eat a healthy, filling breakfast even on the run. Enjoy!

My Favorite Things #29: Roasted Shrimp & Orzo

2008-08-03T10:31:00.005-04:00

This receipe is actually from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. Her food exudes simple elegance. This recipe is one that I first experienced at a dinner party with friends and I was so enchanted by it. It's now become a staple in my home - so easy to prepare and lovely enough to serve to any guest.

You'll need:

kosher salt

olive oil

3/4 lb orzo

the fresh juice of 3 squeezed lemons

freshly ground pepper

2 lbs fresh shrimp (peeled & deveined)

1 cup minced scallions

1 cup chopped fresh dill

1 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1 cucumber, seeded and diced

1/2 cup diced red onion

3/4 feta cheese diced in large chunks

Directions:

Add 1 tbsp salt and a little olive oil to a boiling pot of water. Add the orzo and cook for 9 to 11 minutes. Drain.

In a bowl, whisk the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper together. Pour over the hot orzo.

Spread the thawed shrimp into a single layer ona cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes at 400 degrees in the oven.

Add the shrimp to the orzo as well as the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Toss together. Add the feta and stir carefully (so the feta doesn't melt). Set aside for at least 1 hour. Serve at room temperature.

You can find this recipe and other great ones like it in Ina's book Barefoot Contessa at Home.

My Favorite Things #28: Benefit Boo Boo Zap

2008-08-03T10:30:00.002-04:00

It's been.... uhm, awhile since I was a teenager, but quite unfortunately I still occasionally get a zit or two. Conveniently, they always appear right before big events and there's nothing like getting great party pictures back only to find that you have Mt. Olympus on your chin in every single picture. We were in Dallas for a big get together of friends and family recently when I had a break out emergency. I headed straight to the local Sephora and scanned the shelves for anything that would do away with my budding facial bump. I grabbed a container of Benefit's Boo Boo Zap off the shelf and it's been my weapon of choice ever since. The clear liquid can go on over or under your make up and quickly dries out the offending blemish. The one in Dallas was half the size by the end of the day and gone by the next. Its like a facial first aid kit in a bottle.

My Favorite Things #27: Bold Earrings

2008-08-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

Great jewelry doesn't have to be expensive and inexpensive jewelry doesn't have to look cheap.

I love bold, colorful earrings. Not that plastic teeny bopper stuff you see at the mall - I'm talking about those one of a kind, handmade earrings that stand out in a crowd. They are both daring and elegant. Great earrings can make jeans & a crisp white shirt look like a fresh, cohesive outfit or make your favorite dress completely unforgettable.

When you go for big and bold, earrings made out of wood are a great option because they are light despite their size. I have several pairs that I've purchased from local artisans around the country. Part of their fun is that each pair have a story to go along with them.

My latest find for daring, brilliant earrings is Sharma Designs. With such reasonable prices the only trouble will be deciding between all the phenomenal options.

My Favorite Things #26: Ten Thousand Villages

2008-08-03T10:28:00.002-04:00

Ten Thousand Villages is a line of boutique stores that sell handmade, fair trade items from around the world. I first wandered into Ten Thousand Villages in Asheville, NC during the Bele Chere Festival and was captivated by all the great finds! Rows & rows of lovely chandelier earrings, unique baskets, drums from Africa, handmade angel ornaments, and sculptures - all at very reasonable prices. Not only do you have the pleasure of a unique item for your own home (or for a gift for someone else) - you're also helping support artisans around the world support their families and build their communities because they earn a living wage. It's the ultimate in socially responsible shopping.

I desperately want one of their hand knotted Oriental rugs. What a classic, timeless piece for any home.

My Favorite Things #25: Rescued Dogs

2008-08-03T10:27:00.001-04:00

Six years ago a lovely bundle of joy joined my life.... my beagle, Cricket. Cricket's beginnings are not the things that fairy tales are made of. After her previous owners failed to make a hunting dog out of her, they locked her up (sometimes without food and water) and physically abused her. Through a series of coincidences she came to join my household and I can not imagine my life and travels without her. In fact, Cricket is curled up next to me on the couch as I write this post.

Two years ago a friend of mine desperately wanted a beagle. She went to a breeder and paid several hundred dollars for a puppy. I was so disappointed.

There are hundreds of thousands of homeless dogs out there. Please don't encourage breeders (many of whom are quite illegitimate) to produce more puppies. If you have your heart set on a specific breed visit one of the many breed specific rescues that exist. These are organizations committed to finding caring homes for homeless dogs of a certain breed.

Here in the Raleigh-Durham area there are several exceptional breed-specific rescues (this is by far not a complete list):

You can find the breed rescue nearest to you by checking out this page put together by the American Kennel Club or by doing a Google search.

Do you own a rescued dog? Send a picture to thismodernbelle@gmail.com & we'll post them on the blog.

Cricket sends her love. Woof.

My Favorite Things #24: Monogrammed Lunch Tote

2008-08-03T10:26:00.002-04:00

I have been guilty of too many restaurant lunches lately. While I do enjoy a leisurely lunch out every once in awhile it's been hard on my waistline and checkbook, so I began the search for a cute reusable lunch bag to encourage me to "brown bag it" sans the ugly brown bag.

I was so pleased with the lovely monogrammed, insulated bags I found at Lilypad Embroidery. You can customize your bag (which I love!) and they have so many great ribbon and monogram options to chose from.

I went with the pink bag with my full monogram and I had the pink polka dot ribbon sewn into the handles. I've received many lovely compliments. I'm also inspired to pack my lunch and look better in my bathing suit this summer because of it!

You could also use one of these great bags to carry sandwiches and drinks out on the beach or use it for snacks for the kids in the car.

Another bonus - Lilypad Embroidery has exceptional customer service!

My Favorite Things #23: Bonanno Sandals

2008-08-03T10:24:00.001-04:00

I was chatting with a friend just the other day about great shopping finds. She has impeccable style and I always enjoy seeing her latest find. She had on a pair of fabulous sandals and I asked, "where did you get your Bonanno sandals?" She replied, "What's Bonanno? These are Jack Rogers." While her shoes were beautiful, the truth is that Jack Rogers shoes (which have become oh so popular) are actually just a copy of Stephen Bonanno sandals. In my opinion, any well informed preppy Southern girl should know the difference. While the pricetags are similar, Bonanno's have the upper hand for several reasons:

They are the original. You wouldn't buy a fake Coach, so don't spend the same amount of money to wear fake shoes.
If you look closely at the stitching (which I didn't of my friend's shoes while we were having coffee or I clearly would've noticed) it is crisper and sturdier on Bonanno sandals. They are visibly a higher quality shoe despite being in the same price range as other imposters.
Bonanno sandals are completely customizable - you chose the base color, whip stitch color & heel of your shoes. Your shoes are absolutely one of a kind because you picked everything about them.
While Bonanno has the same "Palm Beach Classic" shoe style that has become ultra popular this summer (did you know the shoe was originally designed for Jacqueline Kennedy herself in the 1960's by Stephen Bonanno's dad and famous shoe designer Luigi Pucillo?), they also have other unique styles to chose from so you can stand out from the crowd.

Now you know and knowing is half the battle. So, don't be fooled by the masses. If you're forking over $100 for these lovely sandals, please buy the real deal. In the meantime I think my next Bonanno purchase is going to be these beauties:

[caption id="attachment_48" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bonanno's "Chelsea" style sandal "][/caption]

I love, love, love those precious little tassels. I'm thinking a silver base with a white whipstitch. What do you think? They are so cute they may replace my Rainbows. Go here & customize a pair of Bonannos for yourself today!

P.S. If you are wearing these cute sandals, you're going to need a great pedicure!

My Favorite Things #22: DIY Pedicure Kit

2008-08-03T10:23:00.001-04:00

"A lady gets a pedicure in preparation for the warm weather months."

From How To Be A Lady by Candace Simpson-Giles

Ah, it's sandal season. I love the look of perfectly pedicured toes in really fabulous summer sandals. There are so many delicious shades of polish to chose from. If you're like me, you're picky about who does your nails so I only go to the best place in town. Sadly, so does everyone whose anyone and her sister. That often means a fairly long wait, even with an appointment.

That's why I keep a handy, dandy DIY Pedicure Kit in my home. I know, I know - it's just so difficult to get your pedicure as perfect as they do in the salon and you have to be a contortionist to reach all your toes, but sometimes I just don't have two hours to drive to the salon, wait, get my pedicure, wait for it to dry, and drive home. I promise- with the right tools and a little practice- you can do it just as well at home in front of Paula Deen on the Food Network while shopping online from your laptop computer. I still go to a professional at least once a month, but this is great for those in between times.

DIY Pedicure Kit Contents Essentials:

Sally Hansen Lavender Foot Soak
Sally Hansen Deep Callus Foot Scrub: terrible name, lovely feeling
A cuticle pusher: you can use orange sticks, but I like the stainless steel variety they use in the salon
Nail polish remover: any non-acetone kind will do
Base & Top Coat: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat -all you need in one bottle!
OPI polish: my current favorite color is Most Honorable Red
File block: easy to use to file nails & buff out ridges
A good set of nail clippers
Cuticle oil: I like Beauty Secrets Nail Matrix because it doubles as an instant nail polish dryer or learn how to make your own cuticle oil here
Pumice stone
Toe separators
A cute bag to store it all in- I love this Vera Bradley cosmetics case

DIY Pedicure Kit "Nice to Have's":

If your nails chip easily you may also want to purchase OPI's Chip Skip. I am terrible about chipping my nails & I swear by this stuff.

You're ready to go! Now when you go to the beach you can throw your sweet little DIY pedicure kit in your suitcase and you'll be totally prepared to have beautiful toes on the road, too.

My Favorite Things #21: Tiffany's Silver Bead Bracelet

2008-08-03T10:12:00.002-04:00

Tiffany's jewelry is simply timeless. This chic bracelet was given to me by The Boy for Valentine's day and I have rarely taken it off my wrist since then. It is truly a classic piece of jewelry and a great alternative to pearls. The beads are the perfect size - not so large they are flashy, but still a sizeable piece. It looks just as great with my Joe's jeans & a cute top as it does with my new Banana Republic cocktail dress. For our anniversary, he bought me the matching graduated bead necklace (available in single or double strand). I've received endless compliments on the set. Treat yourself to one (or both!) of these great pieces this summer. I promise - you'll never want to take them off.

My Favorite Things #20: Benefit Eye Bright Pencil

2008-07-31T12:40:00.001-04:00

This little pencil is magic! It is tinted pink and if you use it in the inner corners of your eyes (lower and upper lids) it does away with all traces of tiredness and under eye circles. The advertisement calls it a nap in a stick. I call it a must-have for your make up bag. In fact, buy two - one for your make up bag at home and one for your briefcase or purse for touch ups during the day. Go to Sephora right now and get yours. Chop, chop - right now I said.

My Favorite Things #19: How To Be A Lady

2008-07-31T12:39:00.001-04:00

"A lady never compliments one person when she is in a group setting. She chooses a moment when the two of them are alone to offer her compliment."

How To Be A Lady is the kind of gift every Southern momma should give to her girls at about age 12. It's one of those books that provides such sage advice that it should be common sense, but we all need a quick refresher every once in awhile.

My copy was given to me by a good friend who enjoyed my strong belief in the importance of manners & considerate behavior. It's a book I read and reread, both because it's sometimes funny and because I want people to enjoy my company. Constantly reflecting on and refining my public behavior seems to be the best way to ensure that I am good company and people enjoy having me around. From picking up after your pooch to meeting royalty, this book has all your bases covered.

You can go here to purchase your copy.

My Favorite Things #18: La Plates

2008-07-31T12:38:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking about doing more entertaining at my new lake house. I wanted a set of dishes that looked great, but are hardy enough to do well indoors and out. There's nothing more embarrassing for a hostess or guest than when a good plate breaks into a million pieces after accidentally being dropped on the outdoor deck. Everyone needs a set of hardy dishes that are beautiful enough for indoors and can be used outdoors. My wish was granted by La Plates!

La Plates creates personalized melamine plates. They have tons of great design choices & help you create a one-of-a-kind look for your dishes. You can order a full set of identical plates or create a more eclectic look by creating several different designs and ordering a few of each to make a full set. The possibilities are endless! When you order yours take a picture of your design & e-mail it to thismodernbelle@gmail.com. I'm excited to see all your great ideas.

My Favorite Things #17 : Friday Freebie's at Monogram Chick

2008-07-31T12:37:00.001-04:00

You can enter to win a free monogrammed coffee mug (tres cute!) from Monogram Chick just by going here and posting a comment on Sarah's (the lovely creative genius behind Monogram Chick) blog by Monday (June 30th). Be sure to mention that you saw it on modernbelle.wordpress.com! Check out the Monogram Chick for other great gifts (for yourself or others).

My Favorite Things #16: Banana Pudding

2008-07-31T12:36:00.002-04:00

Banana pudding is a staple recipe in any southern home & the perfect summer dessert. Some folks swear by the kind that cooks on the stove, but I just don't have the patience. This recipe is the best I've found that uses instant pudding.

Ingredients:

3 small packages of vanilla instant pudding
5 cups of milk
Sour cream (8 oz.) - the secret ingredient
Cool Whip (8 oz.)
Nilla wafers
bananas

Mix the pudding mix and milk. Stir in sour cream and Cool Whip. Layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture; making two layers of each. Top with remaining Cool Whip.

My Favorite Things #15: KIVA.org

2008-07-31T12:34:00.001-04:00

My favorite things aren't always tangible. Such is the case with Kiva. Kiva is a non-profit that allows folks to extend micro-credit loans to people starting small businesses in some of the most impoverished countries in the world. You don't need to fully fund any one project and can loan as little as $25.

Once the project is fully funded you get to hear regular updates about how the business venture is going. The entrepreneurs make regular payments on their loan & eventually your money is returned to you. You can either put it back in your own bank account or lend it to another entrepreneur.

I think my favorite thing about Kiva & the principle behind micro-credit lending is that it's about empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty, not just giving hand outs. Imagine what you can inspire someone to do for themselves, their family & their country if you take the $25 you spend on lattes and loan it to a budding small business owner in a place like Cambodia.

If you're like me & you've realized you just have so much stuff - why not ask friends & family to make a gift to an organization like KIVA in your name on your next birthday or holiday? Or have a summer lemonade stand with your kids to raise money for a specific entrepreneur? What a great way to raise awareness in your own neighborhood and teach your kids the power of interdependence and global thinking.

My Favorite Things #14: Personalized Address Stamp

2008-07-31T12:33:00.001-04:00

I received a beautiful card in the mail the other day and on the outside of the envelope was a to-die-for personalized address stamp like the one above. I am a stationary hound, but I had never seen an address stamp so lovely - I just had to have one. Turns out the custom stamp was made by Three Designing Women and they make personalized embossers as well. They have a lovely selection. The more I looked around my house, the more I thought of additional uses for the stamps like:

1) To label books you loan to friends

2) On recipe cards

3) To make cute gift bags (for personal use, but would also be great for a home business just starting out!)

4) On calling cards

I'm sure I'll think of more.

Three Designing Women also have stationary specifically designed to be personalized with your stamp. They're called inSTAMPables- tres cute! The Three Designing Women website has a list of places you can find these great stamps, but I recommend purchasing yours at The Monogram Chick, a Southern woman owned business right in Atlanta.

If you're like me & move too often to put an address on the stamp, you could always replace the address portion with your full name. They also have a large selection of colored ink to spice up your options. Love it! Now the only tricky part is deciding from among all the great designs!

My Favorite Things #13: Gabriella Rocha Flats

2008-07-31T12:32:00.001-04:00

Well, since my blog entry on Rainbow flip flops has received more attention than any other post I'm guessing there's a need for great summer shoes. Have I got the perfect ones for you!

On the occasion that my Rainbow flip flops don't make the cut (events like a nice dinner out with The Boy or a Sunday morning bloody mary brunch) you can find me in my Gabriella Rocha flats. I love her "Bess" line. I think Bess is a pretty dowdy name for such cute shoes, but the second you put them on you'll be able to overlook it.

They are simply perfection - they have just the right about of toe point-age going on in the front to be feminine, but are flats so you can walk around in them all day long. Wear them with a great pair of over-sized sunglasses & you'll feel just like Audrey Hepburn. They come in tons of great colors (I have them in black, distressed brown & white) and can be worn with just about everything from your cute new summer dresses to jeans. If you have really great legs (which I'm working on at the gym, but am not quite there, yet) you could even wear them with shorts. At $60 they're a steal!

I bought mine from Zappo's which is a great place to shop because they have a million shoes and no shipping fees. I've included a picture, but it doesn't even come close to doing the shoes justice. They are way cuter on your feet so just go on ahead and order yourself a pair (or 3) right now.

My Favorite Things #12: The Dyson Animal

2008-07-31T12:31:00.001-04:00

When I called my momma to tell her that I, the eldest daughter who was always too busy to clean her room as a kid, had just purchased a $500 vacuum she laughed so hard she almost snorted. The truth is - with two pets- my Dyson vacuum was everything I never knew I always needed.

We moved this week & I spent a lot of time sitting on the floor wrapping things in newspaper and tucking them safely in boxes. Each time I stood up I had to brush off a layer of pet fur from my backside. I vacuum at least once a week, but clearly the old Hoover just wasn't getting the job done. I'd been considering buying a new vacuum, but being forced to spend so much time with the failures of my old vacuum plastered across my bum gave me the extra push I needed.

When researching vacuums that are good for households with pets the Dyson was always at the top of the list. So, off to Target I went and I am not disappointed! I plugged her in and went over about 1/4 of my bedroom carpet at my old place when The Boy stopped me and pointed to the canister. Enough hair to create another cat was already in the canister! It did a beautiful job of picking up all the pet hair. I can't imagine ever owning another vacuum now.

The $500 pricetag may seem hefty, but I dropped $200 on my Hoover only 4 years ago and it has long since stopped working. Considering my Dyson came with a 5 yr warranty, I'm thinking it's going to be worth the money in the long run.

In the meantime, I can't wait for all the boxes to be put away in our new place so I can start vacuuming. It's so gratifying to watch the canister fill up with all the dirt, pet hair & dust and leave your carpets looking brand new. I wonder, does Dyson make a steam cleaning machine? If so, I may never call Stanley Steamer again!

My Favorite Things #11: Joe's Jeans

2008-07-31T12:29:00.001-04:00

My Joe's jeans are my all-time favorite article of clothing. Designer Joe Dahan prides himself on the way his jean designs flatter a woman's natural body and has created several lines of jeans so that you can find the ones that are just perfect for you. They have just enough stretch to be super comfortable from the day you get them off the rack. At 5'3, I'm also vertically challenged. It can be really difficult to find jeans that are the right length. I have a great tailor who has hemmed jeans for me in the past, but them hems never look quite as neat after they are hemmed. With Joe's Provocateur petite jeans I never have to hem jeans again! They are always just the right length. While you can often find Joe's Jeans in boutiques - I usually buy mine online at Shopbop.com. These jeans are definitely an investment piece, but when I think about how often I wear them (I usually assess the worth of a piece of clothing by figuring out the price and dividing by the number of times I wear it) they are well worth the cash.

My Favorite Things #10: Joy the Baker

2008-07-31T12:28:00.002-04:00

Joy the Baker is my favorite foodie blog. On her blog you can find Joy's recipes for fabulous treats like fresh mango bread, red velvet black & white cookies, and gingerbread pancakes. Make sure you schedule some extra time at the gym - you're not going to want to miss a single calorie.

My Favorite Things #9: Bon Ami polishing cleanser

2008-07-31T12:27:00.001-04:00

While cleaning definitely does not make my list of favorite things - Bon Ami polishing cleanser certainly does. This magical powder will gently scrub anything from pots and pans to your kitchen counters without scratching. I use it to get stuck on food off of plates and dishes, scrub my bathroom tiles and tub, and remove scuff marks off my floors. It even removed a ring of red wine left on my white kitchen counter top during a party. As if all of that wasn't enough, it's also earth friendly! Bon Ami contains no chlorine, dyes & perfumes. Visit their website to find a store near you.

My Favorite Things #8: The Palm Gifts

2008-07-31T12:25:00.001-04:00

The Palm Gifts is my favorite online preppy boutique. Their specialty is "unique, monogrammed gifts." Basically- if it will hold still long enough to be monogrammed you can find it on their website. With wedding season upon us, this website is your ace in the hole. So, when you didn't pick glance at the registry until two weeks before the big event and now all that's left to choose from is a single dish towel or a $350 Waterford crystal vase, set down the registry, flip open your laptop & get the happy newlyweds something personalized.

Or - when a friend gets engaged, get her something monogrammed with her new initials. I mean, she's been practicing writing her married name on her math binder since she was in 7th grade - she'll be thrilled to see it permanently etched or sewn into something lovely.

It's also on of my favorite places to treat myself. I'm currently coveting these beautiful earrings.

My Favorite Things #7: Hope in a Jar

2008-07-31T12:24:00.001-04:00

I love this light & airy moisturizer. It's the first one I've used that is the right amount of moisture for summer & winter. My skin went from "make up required" to "make up optional." I'm a believer!

My Favorite Things #6: Rainbow Flip Flops

2008-07-31T12:22:00.001-04:00

Rainbow flip flops are to me what Manolo Blahniks are to Carrie Bradshaw (although I'm willing to bet- at the end of the day my feet are a lot less sore). I proudly wear my Rainbow flip flops from early March - November most years (the South isn't know for it's harsh winters obviously). Jeans, pants, skirts & dresses .... they all love the Rainbows... or at least in my mind they do. While they generally cost around $50 each pair I've purchased has lasted 4 years or more, despite the fact that I wear them almost every day so I've concluded they're well worth spending that kind of dough. You can even get them now in a wide range of hues .... from red to blue. My favorites are still my good ol' plain leather ones though.

July 2, 2008

P.S. I've gotten questions about the best place to buy Rainbow flip flops. Well, if you live in the Raleigh-Durham area I highly recommend Man Mur Shoe Shop (2704 Hillsborough St Raleigh, NC). They are a great little place just across from NC State University. The folks that work there are super, duper friendly and knowledgeable. They will also repair your favorite shoes. I get my fave pair of kitten heels patched up there all the time because they are one of a kind.

If you aren't fortunate enough to live in Raleigh, you're on your own. I only buy mine at Man Mur. If you've found an online store you like that carry them, please let me know & I'll be happy to share it with everyone else.

July 13, 2008

P.P.S. Don't you dare put on those darling Rainbows without the perfect pedicure.

My Favorite Things #5: Annie Laurie Turner

2008-07-31T12:18:00.001-04:00

With a great double name like Annie-Laurie you had to know this girl was from the South! You can find Annie-Laurie's work at Annie-Laurie Designs. Her fun paintings simply make me happy. Just looking at one transports me to that relaxed "vacation at the beach" feeling & I suddenly have the urge to go start a blender of margaritas. I stumbled on her work at Raleigh, North Carolina's annual Artsplosure art show in 2007. I bought a custom framed painting early on in the day and by the time I walked back by her booth you could hardly get in the tent such was the large hord of folks trying to get their hands on the goods. You can buy her work online, but if you can, I recommend going to visit her at an art show. You can mix and match her prints to her darling custom frames to get the perfect look to match your home. Great for gifts or just keep 'em all to yourself!

My Favorite Things #4: Lands End Monogrammed Oxford Shirts

2008-07-31T12:16:00.001-04:00

I own a closet full of these classic oxford shirts. I have each one monogrammed with my initials. They are the most high-quality, affordable shirts I've found. They require very little ironing for a crisp look and are my go-to pieces when I'm in a hurry. Why not buy one in every color?

My Favorite Things #3: Jill Conner Browne

2008-07-31T12:15:00.002-04:00

Jill Conner Browne is THE Queen Bee of the Sweet Potato Queens of Jackson, Mississippi. She is also the hilarious author of a series of books written about the antics of these wild and fun women who make their homes in the deep south. The first time I heard one of Jill's books was on an audio CD while stuck in my car in Washington D.C. traffic. I laughed so hard I had tears coming down my face and other people were gawking at me trying to figure out what in the world was so darn funny. I think you can't go wrong with any of her books, but I highly recommend you read them in order starting with The Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love.

My Favorite Things #2: Tarte Cheek Stain

2008-07-31T12:13:00.001-04:00

I love this long lasting gel blush. My favorite shade is blushing bride. It leaves your cheeks looking naturally flushed as if you just came in from playing outside in the sun. You can find Tarte cheek stain at Sephora.

My Favorite Things #1: Bloody Marys

2008-07-31T12:09:00.002-04:00

What is a great brunch without a bloody mary? Despite growing up in the Bible Belt ... I do love an excuse to drink alcohol on Saturday morning. Below is my favorite bloody mary recipe - it makes an entire pitcher so y'all invite your friends.

1 46 oz bottle of spicy V8

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 lemon, juiced

1 cup vodka

1 tablespoon celery seed

4 shakes of Tabasco sauce

Put all the ingredients in a large pitcher and give it a good stir. Serve in glasses over ice with a celery stick as a stirrer.

If you're not in the mood to make them yourself and you're in the neighborhood I highly recommend the bloody marys (and Saturday brunch!) at the Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor, MI. Outside of my own, they are my favorite.