Honey & Goat Cheese

hair product

2011-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Where HAVE you been all my life?
This tames and smooths my thick, just-enough-body-to-often-be-unruly hair. I am seriously contemplating dreadlocks now that I don't have to alter my appearance to some unspoken standard of sophisticated, Southern and professional. You can use it when your hair is wet or dry. I use it daily to prolong having to actually wash my hair, which I loathe having to do. It smooths and softens and adds shine. And it smells good. It is crazy expensive but can be found in most drug stores and a little goes a long way. Thank you Wanda. I gave it to Laura for her birthday. Turns out she has been using it for years and was almost out. It's really good I tell ya.

another reason i love Reefs

2011-05-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

J.Crew Sale

2011-04-26T19:39:00.001-07:00

$38
$20
$14
$20
$10
J. Crew is having a sale again. 30% off all sale items and free shipping on orders of $150. They will eventually increase the sale to 40% and reduce the spending limit to $100 for free shipping, but selections are limited. I recommend going into your local store. You can find items there most likely an additional $10 off the online sale price, and you get to try it on. Don't forget to search the clearance for accessories and shoes. They have Minnetonka Moccasins on sale too!

Red Table Wine

2011-04-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

I think you can find this at Cost Plus World Market. Since my trip to Cape Town and sampling South African wines, I have become a fan. I am actually quite impressed. I am seeking them out. This is an inexpensive table wine, a blend of reds, incredibly young and sweet, but nice. You'll like it.

www.goatsdoroam.com

Hair Pins

2011-04-26T18:54:00.001-07:00

These work! And if you wear your hair up often, I recommend them. If you have fine hair, you may need to add product to help hold it in place, but if you have a messy mop like mine, you just twist them in clockwise. You can use one or two. Retail: $6

Wal-Mart.com has them in a variety pack for $8 here:

A blog

2011-04-18T03:56:00.000-07:00

And not just any blog. Gwyenth Paltrow's blog.

It is lovely. www.goop.com

Make-up: Kandee the Make-up artist

2011-04-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

This girl knows her stuff. She shows you the actual products she uses and works with a variety of lines. She has several videos to choose from. I always learn something.

Hair Tip

2011-04-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

Laura sent this to me. We've both tried it. It works. Results vary. :)

Skin Care

2011-04-15T13:52:00.001-07:00

I am always on the search for good things to bring home that you cannot find just anywhere. One day I will be a buyer for a huge store and they will fly me around the world to search pottery shops down narrow streets of Greece and antique stores in southern France and to find craftsmen in desert tents in the middle of nowhere. But for now, I found this a few years ago in the pharmacy in South Africa and I really like the face wash and daily face cream (SPF 25).

http://www.africanextracts.com/

Wine

2011-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

I got to visit and taste from this vineyard in Cape Town. If you ever see it, get it!

"Mother Nature smiled when she prepared the Constantia Valley for the winemaker. She bestowed on him the influence of the sun, wind, oceans and fertile soil, and then challenged him to plant vineyards and make excellent wines. To this the owners of Constantia have answered positively for more than three centuries, producing one of the world’s most famous sweet blends and today continuing this tradition, creating a range of quality wines.

The name Constantia is irrevocably linked to the most famous wines to be made in South Africa. Constantia wine was coveted across the globe. Limited volumes were made and it was so expensive that it was exclusively bought and consumed by the aristocracy of the world. Members of the British Royal House, Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis Philippe of France, Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia, the Lords Seventeen of the VOC, governors, admirals, captains and other dignitaries coveted the Constantia label and treated their special guests to it".

http://www.grootconstantia.co.za

free tunes

2011-03-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Terra Bailey first introduced me to iMeem, which no longer exists sadly. But this weekend, she revealed their replacement, Grooveshark. Her exact words were, "I love introducing people to Grooveshark". So, Grooveshark, meet my blog readers. Blog Readers, meet Grooveshark. Any musician you can think of, right at your fingertips. Thank you Terra. www.grooveshark.com

vino

2011-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

this is a decent little inexpensive Australian wine. strangely enough, i found this at the Wayfield Foods in College Park for less than $5.00! i got the shiraz cabernet. nice little table wine and far better than two buck chuck. excellent flavors, berries and cardamon. you will be surprised and at $5, you will not be disappointed.

Boots

2011-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

"In 1853, Aigle revolutionised the world of footwear by using rubber as its core material for boot manufacture. Boots continue to be made by hand at Ingrandes, France near Chatellerault.From preparation through to finishing, each stage takes place under the watchful eye of specialists. Firstly, the natural rubber mix endows the boots with all of their characteristics (suppleness, waterproofness, sturdiness, comfort, etc.) Then the parts are assembled by hand on an aluminium last. The 3rd stage in the process involves vulcanisation of the boots in an autoclave at 140° to give them their definitive shape. Finally, each boot is carefully inspected to ensure that a high-performance, high-quality product is obtained".

These are excellent, well-made, all-purpose, comfortable, all-weather boots. Oprah likes them too, but I liked them before she did. I have found most all other rubber boots impossible to walk in and they make me feel stiff like the Tin Man. Aunt Nancy kept army green rubber boots in the back of the rusty blue Jeep where I learned to drive a stick shift, going back and forth to the pond. They were just my size when I was young and I loved being able to put those boots on and puddle jump and get in the mud. These are all perfect for that. Get you some. http://www.aigle.com/

Oh! It's pronounced "Eh-gleu". Bonjour!

Chocolate

2011-01-20T08:08:00.001-08:00

It is not at all surprising that chocolate graces a list of favorite things. Although, I have never been a major fan of white chocolate. To me, it often tastes a lot like that cheap baker's chocolate. Twenty years ago Aunt Mot used to make those chocolates molded on a stick in shapes of Santa at Christmas. The chocolate all tasted the same and it tasted artificial. M&M's recent release of the coconut m&m tempted me and I tried them. They were not bad (I like them in plain Greek yogurt). But I quickly discovered that coconut is not even an ingredient! Angelique packed this in my Christmas package and I have been waiting for a quiet moment to experience it. Real coconut is the fourth ingredient! Lindt has "excellence" in their name and this bar is done quite well. With large coconut flakes, white chocolate done well, this is a bar worth the calories. And speaking of calories, it really isn't all THAT bad, only 120 in two squares.

Under African Skies - Articles - Travel + Leisure

2011-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Under African Skies - Articles - Travel + Leisure

J.Crew Sale

2011-01-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

I am posting these to show Laura what I got. They both retailed for over $200 and I got them for $35 each with free shipping with coupon code MUSTHAVE. I got the strapless one in the "fatigue" green and plan to pair it with gold jewelry and black pearls.. I needed formalwear like a hole in the head. My motto is you have to spend money to save money and I saved a lot. And now 2011, I am prepared for all the weddings, showers and formal events you throw my way. Or maybe I will just wear taffeta to Target because I can...in 3-6 business days.

Music

2011-01-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Good Tunes

Dinnerware

2011-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Mom had a few pieces of this on the oak Buffet in the kitchen when I was little. I loved the variety of the bold colors all pieced together and their distinct rings, vibrant colors. When Carla asked what I wanted for Christmas, I tried to think of the most practical thing that I really can use and need. I hate waste and squander and I am incredibly practical. Always at the top of my list is US Postal Stamps. The only other thing I could think of is that I really need are black socks for work, but I already have one pair and I can just wash them more often, so I scratched those off the list. I don't really need anything and everything I want seems to be high ticket items like a flight to Iceland. I thought about it over cereal one morning and took a look at my cereal bowl, chipped, cracked and purchased circa 1995 for my college dorm room. I knew then what I wanted. I looked at the mismatched set of service for 7 (Loren Tankersley, College Roommate- broke a plate and I broke a bowl) all chipped and mismatched. I never made dishes a priority for the same reason I used to refuse to buy anything monogrammed. I am going to get married! And when you get married, people buy you dishes. Don't start feeling sorry for me. A new last name and fine china are nothing for which I am pining away. I just realized, it is time I get some new dishes and I don't think I am going to be visiting the Registry at Nordstrom any time soon. I instantly knew what I wanted. A colorful variety of the classic Fiestaware for everyday dishes. I got them in Peacock Blue with Shamrock Gusto Bowls. They have been around since the 30's and have an expressed Art Deco influence. I think it is classic, love the combination of various colors and find it very reasonably priced. Not as practical as stamps, but a very useful gift. Come visit! Bring 6 friends. P.S. Ralphie's family in The "you'll shoot your eye out" Christmas Story dines on Fiestaware too.

Key Fobs

2010-12-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Betty gave me one of these for Christmas and I love it already! I didn't realize how many times a day I refuse to make a second trip from the car and go into the house, keys in hand, arms full, dropping stuff. This key fob allows you to slip your keys over your wrist for such occasions and set your hands free for Target bags. In a way, it reminds me of those cheap ones from the 80's. The key to the 4th Floor Capitol women's bathroom has a purple one of those on it. But these are much nicer and you can get your name on it! And who, this side of the Mason-Dixon, doesn't love a monogram on polka dots? I am also quite anal retentive/obsession compulsive about key rings. I think a key ring can speak volumes about your personality. But I must admit that my deliberately streamlined key chain, often gets lost in the bottom of my bag. Now this helps me find them. I recommend them and if you want one, Betty can hook you up. Just let me know. Oh, and if you are like my sister, I recommend skipping the monogram and just adding your phone number in case your keys are ever lost. And if you just want one of these, I think there may be a stash someone on the 4th Floor of the State Capitol.

Socks

2010-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am typically not a fan of socks. I don't know if it is the childhood memory of watching the neighbors chase firetrucks down the street in their sock feet or just my absolute love of going barefoot, but I never dreamed socks would make a favorite things list of mine. Old Navy sells these for $2.50. They may lose their soft, cozy, comfort over many washes and I am sure when Spring comes they will remained balled up in the bottom of my drawer, but I have had this pair on for the past 3 days. Yep. In a row. Under tall boots. Skidding around wood floors in my house. They're that cozy.

Music

2010-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

If you get my Christmas Album from 2010 Jonsi is song #13. The song for 2011. This music will serenade me into the coming year. Praying it means a plane ride to Iceland with this in my ears as I land. With God all things are possible and the journey is exciting. But for now, he serenades me at my desk while I eat lefotvers from a Stryofoam plate with a gently used plastic fork waiting for the 4:30 bell to strike...daydreaming.

about go http://jonsi.com/go (click here to play full length songs from the entire album)

go contains nine songs amassed from the large pool of songs written by jónsi during his many years with sigur rós. the album is sung in english and icelandic, and was co-produced by jónsi, his partner alex somers and peter katis (the national, interpol).
when he began working on go, jónsi initially thought he would be making a low-key, acoustic album until, as he says, “somewhere along the line, it just sort of exploded.” that explosion resulted in sheer aural fireworks. not a straight ahead pop record, nor rock, folk, ambient or electronic, it encompasses all of these to create an expansive musical palette that’s been brought to life by jónsi alongside a number of free-spirited collaborators.
chief among these is nico muhly, the philip glass protégé who is renowned for his work with björk, antony & the johnsons, bonnie “prince” billy and grizzly bear. muhly has arranged all the songs on go, bringing strings, brass and woodwind to dance playfully alongside his offbeat piano playing. add into the mix the percussive genius of samuli kosminen, whose original drumming powers many of the songs along, and you have a sonic landscape that bears little relation to anything else around today, yet explodes from the speakers with sheer happiness and wonder, wide-eyed and eager to be heard.

Laptop Case

2010-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting one of these for a long time. The hardback case keeps your computer safe from scratches and being crushed. And passersby will think it's a dirty ole book and not try to swipe it. I have been living in the ATL too long because I think in ways to protect yourself against theft. Yet, it is incredibly stylish too. They make them for iPads if you have one of those. They are $80 but www.horchow.com has them 30% off today with free shipping. I like these better than the Speck (http://www.speckproducts.com/) brand see thru cases that retail for $50 and they serve the same purpose, and for a little more you get that anti-theft measure and you get to look smart. Cases made by www.twelvesouth.com

Corduroy

2010-12-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

j.crew toothpick cord. soft. forgiving. can be worn with tall boots. or ballet flats. comfortable.

don't you dare pay $79.50! order them online at the factory store on the weekends or get last seasons style at their site. or go to the outlet mall they are at least half price there at all times.

www.jcrew.com

Audio Books

2010-12-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Although this site really needs updating, the content it offers is worth enduring the very antiquated site. Librivox offers audio and text versions of all the classics and pretty much anything written over 100 years ago and not subject to copyright laws. You can find C.S. Lewis, H.G. Wells, Stephen Crane, Mark Twain ,the Bronte sisters and all the great poets and so much more. You can also volunteer to be a reader. I want to do that, but all the instructions are incredibly confusing- Boards to make posts and replies and saving files in a certain format and I am thoroughly confused. But oh what fun that would be! I have always wanted to be a book reader. I loved it when Librarian Harriett Brown would read to us as Hartwell Elementary School students. Stuart Little came alive and scurried across the large carpet among us. I think my Southern accent could fit nicely with a great Classic. But I can't read Snow White because I can't say the word, "mirror". It always comes out "mirrow" instead of "mirra" or "mirrrrrer". Which one is it? But if I ever figure out their system and I ever record a book I will let you know and even if the word mirror is in there, I will practice. In the meantime, check them out on iTunes as well. And if you have time to decipher the intricacies of how to record and book and save and send the files, let me know! Simon and Schuster might get wind of my reading, hire me and I can read books all day long!

http://librivox.org/

Stone Soup Kitchen

2010-12-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Fare told me about this place. It is close to work. Nice restaurants close to the capitol are a big deal. Yet, over time, the rest of the capitol gang discovers it too and you can no longer go there and talk about work for fear of bashing the school superintendent for her close-mindedness for removing all references to evolution from curriculum, only to have her emerge from the booth behind you, giving you a cold hard stare and fake smile. I have not seen any suits here just yet. Just local Grant Park residents in need of a warm meal and great cup of coffee, kids in their PJ's and Patagonia, eating pancakes.

I like the fact that they have huge tables with outlets. You can go and perch and set up office and plug in and connect and work and sip coffee and have a delicious bowl of soup. I recommend going after the lunch rush, that way you can occupy a large table and not be taking up valuable space. They have vegan options on the menu and pretty sure breakfast is served all day. I like their Cuban Black Bean Soup. They serve Batdorf and Bronson coffee. They also have a little stash of yesterday's brownies and cookies for $1 at the front counter. If their stale cookies are good, I can pretty much guarantee the fresh ones are amazing.

http://www.stonesoupkitchen.net/

2010-12-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize I was such a huge fan of cocoa butter. I generally am not a fan of lotion as I have explained before and there is just never enough time to put it on and I find it daunting. And messy. And greasy. Yet, hot baths and cold winters make some sort of moisture replacement a necessity. With this stuff a little goes a long, long way, but I like it. It is great for knees and ankles and elbows and in between. It would also make a great massage oil, if only...

Retail $5.00

They also have this now! Dying to try it! I use vaseline for eye makeup removal, up my nose in dry weather, on my lips mornings and nights, middle finger for lips, index for nose.

Retail $3.00

Body Wash

2010-12-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Back in July when I went to Fernandina with Angelique, the beach house had an outdoor shower. Don't all beach houses? With a Teak floor and walls and a small thin curtain protecting my bare flesh from whomever may be watching, I loved the outdoor shower. Hot sand encrusted skin, sea salt hair, all washed away by fresh H20 spilling from the tiny shower head. Someone had left this behind. It was hot from the sun. It smelled amazing and left me feeling clean and soft and smelling like butter cream with hints of cocoa and coconut. For a while I had trouble finding it at local Walgreen's, CVS, Target and the like, but have since noticed it on the shelves. It also comes in hand and body creams.Retail $7.99 Grab your loofah and enjoy. Inside or out.

Keyboard Protector

2010-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

After hearing horror stories from so many friends who have spilled coffee across their laptops resulting in absolute ruin, I began to look into ways to protect her from me. This is certainly absolutely fool or klutz-proof, but it is something. It protects your keys and it lays in one solid piece across the keyboard which could also serve as a buffer from spills.

I got mine at www.ifuncity.com $8.49. Free shipping.

It is quite thin and doesn't interfere with typing and can quickly be removed if you are going to be working awhile and want to type without it. It comes in fun colors. I got the red one. It is a cheap investment that could save you thousands and just overall wear on your keys.

Sweet Potato Souffle' ala Christine Davis

2010-11-30T07:07:00.001-08:00

Sweet Potato Souffle'
3c. cooked mashed potatoes
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter, melted
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
Combine all & put in casserole dish.
Topping:
1 c. nuts
1 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. flour
1/2 stick butter
mix all & sprinkle over potatoes.
Bake 350 until brown

Cranberry Sauce with a Kick

2010-11-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

I made this for Thanksgiving. I waited too late to go to the grocery store and the Kroger on Howell Mill did not have a single solitary orange in the whole place. So I had to use juice instead of fresh squeezed and couldn't add zest. Despite that, I think it turned out okay. I liked having a hot version this year.

Tart cranberries and sweet orange pair beautifully with a little bit of jalapeno heat in this unique cranberry sauce recipe. This recipe can be prepared up to 4 days ahead of time. Refrigerate until use.

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces fresh cranberries

zest of 1 orange, finely grated

juice of 2 oranges

2 tablespoons tequila

1/2 cup sugar

1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely minced

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes about 1 1/2 Cups

Add enough water to the orange juice to make one cup of liquid.

Combine cranberries, orange zest, juice and water, tequila, and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a slow boil, stirring occasionally. When the cranberries begin to pop, add the chopped jalapeños and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a bit more water. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and chill.

Toothbrush

2010-10-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is 2010 and No, I haven't had an electric toothbrush. Well, I did have those big battery powered kind that are real cheap. The Georgia Dentist Association gives us those at work. But they are big and heavy and you can't tell that much difference. It never made it from the desk drawer to my home. I was that unimpressed. Recently, for the first time since 1989, when my sister and I were living under the same roof, Carla and I were brushing our teeth side by side. She whipped out her electric rechargable Sonicare Flexcare toothbrush, and I, my buy one get one free FlexNeck Rubber Gripper Oral B. She looks at me and says, "I can't believe you still manually brush." I knew right then I must be missing out on something good. Within 48 hours I bought this:

Amazon sells it for around $50 and additional brush heads for around $10 each. This particular version has a 4.5 Star rating and over 500 reviews. I didn't compare it to the latest version, as I never considered it and refuse to pay $100 for a toothbrush. Be sure to select Amazon's "frustration-free" packaging. Otherwise, it comes sealed in that awful encasing that is impossible to penetrate and you have go find scissors and then you get impatient and reach in and try to pull it out and cut your knuckle on a sharp edge and don't realize it until you see blood on your white duvet cover where you go to sit crossed-legged while you open packages. I immediately threw away the little plastic stand for additional toothbrush heads. I won't be sharing my Sonicare with anyone and if a tooth brushing/sink sharing companion does come along, he can get his own.

The experience was riveting. Life changing. I cannot believe you manually brush.

Magazine

2010-10-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

As posted before, I love this magazine. Tanga has it on sale today. The Coupon Code "FOOD" cuts the price to $5.99 for 8 Issues. (You can get an additional year at the same price). This is one I really read, use and keep and reference. www.tanga.com

Brunch

2010-09-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I am turning my back on Ria's Bluebird Cafe or even the American Roadhouse and going somewhere new for brunch, but I am. Betsy and I are going to try this place tomorrow. They claim to have this amazing vegetarian "pork" sandwich, but I am that much of a vegetarian that I don't like or want pork of any kind, even fake pork. So I don't know why I am trying it. I drove by it one Saturday morning and it was packed. I had not had breakfast and almost turned around and went back. For some reason it is beckoning me. Full review to come. I think I am going to get the omelet of the day and French toast. Yes, I already know today at 7:30 what I want tomorrow for brunch. I think I even have an outfit planned too.

http://www.homegrownga.com

UPDATE:

We went. At first it seemed very Hole-in-the-Wall. Kinda Jim's Grill Hartwell, GA Hole-in-the-Wall. But then I noticed Art on the Wall. For sale. I like places that display local art and offer artists a place to sell their stuff. Our waiter was young-ish and offered advice on what to get and I like that. Now that I am a waitress myself, I pay attention to things like this. I offer suggestions too. Because I am vegetarian I have not had over half the stuff on our menu, so I make stuff up. But I think this guy was the real deal. Betsy and I both got coffee, served in those diner type mugs with the little cups of half and half. I have had better coffee, but it was not horrible. We both got the omelet of the day, Arugula, Mushroom and something. Betsy got the cheese grits per the honest waiters suggestion and I got the French toast. Betsy said her grits were "to die for" and we both enjoyed our meal. What I loved even more was the price! $6. I think the coffee added another $2 to the bill, but we had like 3 cups each. Delicious brunch at a lovely price. Fun art and inspiring company. I will go back. And if you are looking for brunch or lunch and are near the Capitol, Braves Stadium, Oakland Cemetery or just lost on Memorial, you should go.

Chocolate

2010-09-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have had German Ritter Sport Chocolate before and was not impressed. I really do not like milk chocolate. There is some Swiss Milk Chocolate out there that is without a doubt outstanding, but as a general rule, I am not a fan. But Dark Chocolate, I am a connoisseur. This Ritter Peppermint or "Pfferminz" has to be what Peppermint Patties taste like in Heaven. I have seen Ritter at Target, but not sure if they have this Peppermint kind, but within the next 24 hours I want to find out. If you see it, get it.

Furniture

2010-09-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am completely in the wrong field of work. I seriously need to be in some sort of creative design career. If Interior Designers were not a dime a dozen I could be one. One of my 100 dreams is to decorate a whole house, a big, old, rambling one. I would put crazy loud expensive wallpaper in the foyer. I would go to flea markets and get rare finds and use antiques. I would take a trip to Southern France and buy Limoges and tapestries and I would love every minute of it. I would swing by Vietnam for fabric for silk curtains and bedding.

My old condo once was described as, "a page from a Pottery Barn catalogue" and that tore me apart. I wanted to stay away from typical design, mix all sorts of eras and fabrics and textures and not be oh so Ethan Allen Pottery Barn predictable. Boring. My current home is "Bungalow on a Budget" and is nothing like what I would really do if I had the money or the desire to invest my money in this little home. My ten year plan involves a lot of travel, and furniture is at the bottom of my needs list right now. Yet, I love to look, to dream, and still need functional spaces in my home. I needed a desk chair. I bought a lovely wicker bottom one at the antique auction but failed to sit in it before paying $14 for it and discovered it is rickety. I hit up Ballards. And so should you. Don't buy everything in the store. Do not buy their artwork. Although I love their vintage map of Africa and I think they are going to carry a new Penley line (great local Artist). I purchased my porch furniture cushions there, a few throw pillows and recently got this lovely dining chair for my desk. Retail $273. My price $65. Ballard Backroom is a full of wonder place for furniture, indoor and out.

Mother came along with me, won the best bargain and got this lovely upholstered bench in a pale sage velvet for less than $90. Retail $661.

And not long ago I got a hutch for the boys' room, still in the box for $20. No zeros at the end. Yes, $20. It retailed for over $400. New. In the Box! All wood. 3 drawers, two shelves, beadboard inside.

Disclaimer: Ballard Backroom is hit or miss. I used to get the name messed up and called it Ballard Backyard for years. There are two outlet locations in the Atlanta area. The Roswell location is much larger and has a wider selection of clearanced merchandise. www.ballarddesigns.com

Quinoa

2010-09-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Quinoa is gluten-free and contains a balanced set of essential amino acids and is therefore a unique complete protein among plants. And it is incredibly good. It is prepared the same as rice. 1 C. Quinoa to 2 C. Water. Boil. Cover. Simmer. 12-15 Minutes. Done. Fluff with a fork. Then I add things like this:

Then I pour on a simple oil and vinegar dressing. You can make a garlic dressing with one clove garlic and 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 olive oil in a processor. I am a huge fan of Apple Cider Vinegar and EVOO sans the garlic. Be sure to drain those black beans and add lemon juice to your avocado. I think I must be of Mediterranean decent. I could eat like this all the time and never tire of some variety of this dish.

Bread

2010-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I do my very best to cut out all flour and stick to Ezekiel bread for morning toast and for occassional sandwiches. Yet, I recently discovered these and although made with Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour, which is terrible, I figure life is short and these are a decent alternative to the more horrible stuff that is out there. They are 100 calories, have 5 grams of fiber, and no high fructose corn syrup (but that is only because they are made with Sugar). Yet, they are perfect for homemade tuna salad or blackbean burgers with Swiss cheese or portabello mushrooms with roasted red peppers, feta cheese and a bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. I like them much better than ordinary sliced bread and are much better than a carb loaded bun. They come in other varities too, such as Rye and Whole Wheat.

Lips

2010-09-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

I bought a few of these Yes to Carrots Lip Butters at Walgreen's when they were on sale for .99cents and used them as stocking stuffers for Christmas. Getting one of each for myself too. I say you can never have too much chapstick. There really is no replacement for it. Maybe Vaseline. But plain ol' lipstick make dry lips worse, typically and my personal choice, licking your lips makes dry lips way worse. Gross, but true. I kinda have a lot of lip, so I stash these tubes all over the place. In the car (take caution doing this in the ATL), handbag, desk drawer, bathroom drawer, nightstand, cosmetic bag, vanity drawer, and overnight bag to name a few. I think somebody should invent a no melt kind for those of us who live in blistering hot cities. But I have found that these hold up fairly well to the heat. In addition to the Lip Butters (basic chapstick with hints of carrot, mint and stuff like that), they have Lip Gloss and Lip Tint. The Gloss is in a thick tube and is minty and goes on thick. It is good stuff. I like adding the Tint on top of my lipstick.

They are 95% organic, 5% cancer causing really bad stuff. Kidding. It looks like they are 5% stuff that is really necessary to make all the organic stuff stick together. The main ingredient in the gloss is actually what appears to be Castor oil. I have seen and even tasted it in other organic lipsticks. Origins used to use it. But they failed to cover up the harsh taste of Castor oil, Yes to Carrots covers it nicely with Peppermint Oil. I don't really care one way or the other about how organic one product is versus the other. I honestly don't care if it is tested on animals or not either. Well, maybe if they tested it on little sweet kittens that might be disturbing or West Highland Terrier Puppies. And just how do you test lip gloss on a rat anyway? These are things I don't want to even think about.

Target also carries this line and if you swing by the clearance sections at the end of the cosmetic aisle, you just might find a variety of this stuff marked with that lovely orange sticker and get it 75% off! These sets retail from $10-$12. I got mine for $2.49.

La Croix

2010-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of this stuff. It is something refreshing and cold on a hot day, even straight from the can. I like to keep the fridge stocked and grab one on my way out the door. They are calorie-free, sugar or sweetener-free, sodium-free, and caffeine-free. So what is in it? Refreshing, good, lightly flavored, pure sparkling water. They come in Pure Sparkeling, Berry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange and Cran-Raspberry. I am a fan of Lime, Berry and Grapefruit. They are also great for making cocktails. If you are into that sort of thing. I also like to make my own Orangina by mixing a can of Orange LaCroix with fresh squeezed OJ. I also dilute my cranberry juice with LaCroix Lime. You can also use the Lime LaCroix, a tiny bit of simple syrup (and I mean tiny), a dallop or 3 of rum, a few sprigs of mint and Voila! a Mojito. Enjoy in your Tervis Tumblers. No sweat. No calories.

Wallets

2010-08-23T13:27:00.001-07:00

I have this wallet and it works! It has an accordian fold inside for cash, checks and receipts, and a zippered pocket for change. It also has 8 slots on each side for credit cards and identification and your library card! Of course, I mostly just throw it all in and zip it up, but it has the potential to be very organized and about once every three months, I do so. It is colorful and unique and durable and fun. Check- Out Girls think it's, "cool". I lost her once in the Kroger parking lot and someone turned it in. I think it was a heavenly host of angels and I am grateful. I have been very attached to her ever since. www.pylones.com

Music- Kelanie

2010-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

I love the heart of this worshipper. Her music speaks to me like no other. Her latest CD did not leave me disappointed. I play it over and over again and feel something sweet and powerful each time. It is an invitation and an encounter and just such a sweet one. You can get it on iTunes. She is amazing. It will change you. www.kelanie.com

Nail Polish

2010-08-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Laura sent this is the mail. In a plain manila envelope. No note. I wondered why in the world she sent me nail polish. Then I turned it upside down. I laughed out loud, plopped my feet up on the coffee table on the front porch and now I have shimmery deep red toes. The color is fun. And the thought involved in this sweet gift, priceless. You see, I am a waitress, sorta, well...not really. It's pretty. I recommend it.

The ATL

2010-08-23T11:56:00.001-07:00

365 Things to do: a site featuring something to do in the city each and every day

Dandelion Root

2010-08-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Angelique calls this her Beauty Pill as it reduces facial puffiness. It is an herbal diuretic. It was used back in the 10th century for inflammation. It aids in digestion and is a source of potassium. There is even evidence that it normalizes blood sugar. I take it for the puffy face problem. I think it works!

Nightcap

2010-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Angelique calls Calcium, Magnesium and D Complex her "little cocktail". I call it The Answer to All Life's Problems. Recently, well maybe for a couple of years now, I have had trouble sleeping. I just don't get sleepy and don't rest well. I don't really have insomnia, but something is not right. For the past few nights, I have been taking it too and I am a believer! I take it a little before bedtime and I am not sure if it is my long days or The Cocktail, but something took the edge off and put me in a deep, peaceful, heavy sleep. I am already looking forward to tonight.

3 Day Tour of the ATL...outside the ATL

2010-08-16T13:09:00.001-07:00

My friend Maggie is coming to the ATL! Maggie is from Ireland, lived in England and is coming to Atlanta! Maggie knows her stuff and I don't think a trip to the The Varsity is going to impress her very much. Therefore, I am planning ahead for her October visit, doing research, making lists and attempting to put together a Red Carpet Tour of the ATL for the Well Travelled Woman. Maggie and her Brit friend, Jessica arrive on a Monday. I am considering whisking them away to Tate Mountain for a night. Just one hour north of Atlanta (or thereabouts), Tate is located near Jaspar, and is a little slice of heaven.

After a night of a barefooted dinner on the porch at Tate and a breakfast of omelets and English Muffins, I am considering taking them to the best outlet mall shopping this side of the Mississippi- North Georgia Premium Outlets. It is about 30 minutes from Tate and is a pleasant experience during the week, but never on the weekends. I hear Varsity Jr. is coming there, so if they have to have it, we can go there for a Frosted Orange and sip on those while in Off 5th.

If we can't go up for our mountain outing we have an incentive to stay in the city on a Monday night, Evening Brunch at Rosebud Atlanta. Located on N. Highland Avenue, Rosebud uses local and regional ingredients. I am getting the fried egg tostada with heirloom tomato pico de gallo, guacamole and salsa roja and a housemade Bloody Mary. And yes, I plan my meals months in advance. I think I might even already have an outfit in mind too.

We can also swing by The Porter in Little Five Points to make my European friends feel a little at home. It is no Guinness at Bushmills Inn, but it is close as we can get. And there's always The High. But I am not a huge Dali fan and that is all I see still running in October that looks interesting. Plus, there are only a few moments when you can actually enjoy being outside in Atlanta and October is one of them.

October weather in Atlanta is usually quite glorious. With Highs in the low 70's and low's in the 50's and average temperatures in the 60's, it is a great time to live and be in Atlanta. And the perfect time to spend the day at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Gardens are a great place to stroll and relax, take a small picnic and a wonderful place for a photo op. It is a beautiful, sweet smelling place to spend the day, to sit and journal and be with friends. Their concerts in the garden are a beautiful experience with nature, art, music under a canopy of pale stars right in the city. If you live or work in town, I recommend getting an Annual Membership and going for a stroll during your lunch hour or better yet, spend a Saturday. For under $100 you can take your brown bag lunch there about once a month for a year. Lunch with the butterflies does you good. Disclaimer: I don't think they really let you eat and bring a bunch of food. For some reason I just always have to have food of some sort on my person. So be discrete, clean up after yourself, take your garbage with you or place in proper receptacles and don't tell them I sent you.

If we can't get enough of nature from the Garden's, I think we may head south to Serenbe for a day. I am completely cheating again, by taking my friends out of the ATL during our 3 day tour OF the ATL. To me, it still counts since we are still in Fulton County. But, seriously what else is there to do in the city? Aquarium, maybe. World of Coke, no. Shopping? Who needs Phipps if you hit up the Outlet Mall? Serenbe has great specials during the week. We can even stay the night at the Inn and have dinner at The Hil for $169 (double occupancy-rooms are $109 with $60 receipt from The Hil). We could arrive in time for an afternoon stroll, freshen up at the Blue Eyed Daisy and head up to The Hil for dinner. Enjoy a farm to table breakfast the next morning and have an easy drive up to Hartsfield Jackson for their Thursday departure. It's no London Eye or Buckingham Palace, but it is a Frosted Orange and discount shopping, what more could a girl want?

Art by Kelly Rae Roberts

2010-08-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Her stuff is now mass produced and sold in girly Gift Shops all over the place now, but I like it. I want to create my own piece, statement and prophesy. I think I will. http://www.kellyraeroberts.com/

Art by Claire Hollywell

2010-07-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

I went to Mission School with this lovely lady. I love her work. It makes me cry. It moves me. Empowers me. Humbles me. Ignites me. Grieves me.

http://www.chollywell.zenfolio.com/

Originals and Prints for Sale

Tumi Sale

2010-07-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

New without Tags- All Original Wrapping Inside/Brand New Tumi Sample

Style: Similar to the Ashley Collection City Satchel made of Napa Leather, but this one is a silky nylon, Leather Trim

Color: Carnelian (Orange) with Gold Buckles and Zippers

Retail: $349

For you: $99

It is a lovely bag. Pictures don't do it justice. I picked up two on my way down to Fernandina. One for you and one for me. jgracedavis@hotmail.com

If you are an out of town friend, residing in the United States of America, I will ship it to you.

Traveling with Pomegranates

2010-07-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I visited the Ponce de Leon Branch once again, to return the Half Broke Horses book and got sucked back in to the big shelves in the middle with all the brand new books. I was going to just return my book and leave. I don't like being obligated to return something by a certain date and don't want the words "Library" on my already overwhelming, growing To Do List. But the word is there. On Wednesday. I found this Sue Monk Kidd book there on the shelf, begging me to take it home. Pomegranates. Sue. Due back next Wednesday. Impending fines. Stress. Obligations. But new and hardback and co-written with her daughter, Ann.

Mama used to read to me from The Guidepost, most nights honestly. I think she herself liked to read the inspirational stories and used it as just a filler to get me to go to bed. I know I would do the same. Just read to the kid till she falls asleep and you may as well read something you enjoy instead of having to do all the B'rer Fox and B'rer Bear and B'rer Rabbit voices. Exhausting. So I got Guidepost. Sue Monk Kidd was a regular contributor and her tiny square picture showed a woman that looked a little like my mother and a little like Kathy Oliver, but you don't know her. Sue lived in Anderson and her biography told us that and she had two children, Bob and Ann, her daughter just a little older than me. She wrote about being a nurse, and wife and mother. Her husband's name is Sandy and I thought about Sandy Moore every time she would mentioned him, but you probably don't know him either, but he is sweet. So I imagined her Sandy to be sweet as well and loyal like orphan Annie's dog of the same name. Evidently, I did have a vivid imagination growing up, or perhaps I was just very bored because my mother read to me from a magazine. But, growing up I felt like I kind of knew this woman, who lived in the nearby town. Mom saw her a few times in the mall. She recalls one time in particular where Sue was angry and was walking far ahead of her husband and daughter at a fast pace and it was clear that she was mad. So, after the mall spotting I just imagined Kathy Oliver walking ahead of Sandy Moore all in a huff while little orphan Annie just sat there in her red dress with that shaggy dog. Wow. That is such a tangent. But pretty true.

So I got the book. It is good! I am enjoying it. Almost finished. I read her others as well. In this one, she and her daughter visit Rocamadour in France which I find so incredibly ironic because Mother and I have been there too!! It is about their travels and their finding themselves and their relationship. I can't say Mother and I found ourselves on our journey to Rocamadour. We didn't pray to the Black Virgin. I just prayed to Jesus to get us home because we flew over on buddy passes. But the book is good. Nice. Well written. Contemplative. Sweet. The fight in the mall musta blown over, because they now live in Charleston and she writes a little about that too. The marsh, the birds, the beauty. I like those parts. I think you will too.

Half Broke Horses

2010-07-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

As my life is settling back down a little, I am falling back into my glorious routine of book reading. I think I have shared before, my love to read and snuggle up with a good book, far surpasses my love of the remote and reality TV. Despite a pretty steady love affair with the DVR and Housewives drama, I love to check out 4 or 5 books and read a chapter in each, decide on one, read until I feel like I can take a break, then choose a second to open and read until I need a break from the drama unfolding and then open a third and so on, taking breaks to nourish myself with meals in between.
Not long ago, I was in the library, the Ponce de Leon branch and a total stranger lady in a cardigan with glasses on a chain around her neck came up to me and said, "What is a really good book that you just LOVED that you have read lately"? At first I was a little surprised to have a stranger just come up and talk to me and then I just stood there with my mouth open as if she had asked me what is my favorite flavor of ice cream. Where do I begin? Then I started to blush a little as the last book I read was that kinda brainless one I bought in Publix- "Happens Every Day". If you want a morning of brainless, reality book reading, get it. But I could not tell the lady in the cardigan that I like brainless grocery store books. I tried to recall the last piece of true literary genius I had read, but by then she was handing me a stack of stuff off the New Books area and telling me what was good and how she didn't like smut. Oh well. So I withheld my suggestion of the new Emily Giffin book, which I have yet to read, and told her about Kaye Gibbons. But I felt so inept that I could not even think of a single book or title or anything good, and I wanted to ask if she had seen Bethenny Getting Married! or Top Chef, Washington, D.C., but I refrained.
I left her standing in front of the Fiction "G" and I left with her recommendation, Half Broke Horses. There is a second book by the author, Jeanette Walls, which is on my list The Glass Castle: A Memoir. But she insisted I read this one first. The book is a memoir of sorts. Written by Walls, but in first person, from her grandmother's perspective, based on stories her grandmother and mother verbally passed down. It is an interesting view into the world, about 100 years ago, set in the West. It reminded me a little of Granny Davis and her stories of riding bareback and life in the early 1900's and poverty and The Depression that came later on. It is all quite fascinating as it is all true and set in a day and place that I never knew. It makes me want to go out West and saddle up a horse and eat biscuits and jerky, even though I hate jerky. Walls grandmother is a fascinating, wild and crazy character, set in her ways and stubborn and a product of her upbringing. It is a very good read. Makes me want to write a similar "true-life novel", but not about me. That would be boring. Any volunteers?

Body Butter

2010-07-17T05:54:00.001-07:00

My friend Jen in Seattle sent me this. I love it. I have this Coconut & Lime one. It is made with real coconut and lime extract, as well as Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and Safflower Seed Oil. "Shea Butter can naturally improve skin tone, re-hydrate skin, promote cell rejuvenation, improve skin elasticity and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks". And it smells good. In addition to the body butter Tree Hut also has scrubs, lotions and washes. Distributors include Kroger and Publix. I am all for good beauty products available at the grocery store. Two errands in one. www.treehutshea.com

Cloudland Canyon State Park

2010-07-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

I went here last weekend with the family. Dad rented a cabin for us all. Carla brought the Publix Deli and a small produce stand and a good time was had by all. Mom & Dad brought a puzzle and I brought Skip-Bo and everyone was entertained. Mapquest says it is a little over two hours from Atlanta, but it took me much longer than that for some reason. It is up 75N, but then really an hour off the Exit. So prepare for that if you go. But the cabins are fine. Two Double Beds in each bedroom. Clean. Linens provided. And then there is The Canyon. The views are quite amazing and the 4.5 mile hike around the rim of the Canyon is one of the best hikes I have ever been on. But then again, I have not been on many hikes now that I think about it. Except in Europe and you know those are way better. But you hike through lots of wooded areas that are shaded and breezy with expansive views over the Canyon, it is very secluded and sometimes with the huge roots and large tree cover, it feels a bit like Narnia.

The Park Guides state that the hiking trails are strenuous, but I think that word might be a little harsh. It is a nice little work out. With fun trails. Nature. Scenery. Green. Lush. 2,000 miles above sea level. It would be worth a trip. Rent a cabin with friends and hike both the East and West Rim Loops. Take a board or card game. Eat peaches on the backporch. They have a coffee maker. What else could you need? Don't forget your iPod. All Canyons need a Soundtrack.

Byki Language Instruction

2010-06-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

This site, www.byki.com offers excellent, free, fun language instruction. You can download their version in the language of your choice and it comes with several free lessons. After you have completed those, you can go to free word lists on their site, like the one above. Not only do you hear the words, but you are required to write them as well. Eu gosto d muito.

Parfum

2010-06-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

I love these Frazer Parfums. These come in Nine different "Chapters", each Chapter inspired from the creators travels around the world. Chapter 1 is nutmeg and jasmin, inspired by India and Chapter 3, coffee and orange blossom inspired by travels in Australia. They are made from handgathered organic beeswax as done in the 18th century. They are housed in these African Blackwood

compacts. The fragrances are strong and unique, but organic and subtle. They travel well too. Retail $45 http://www.anthropologie.com/
www.frazerparfum.com

What do you think?

2010-06-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

These are made by Kristin Haner, a friend of a friend and North Georgia College student. She is a talent artist and decorator. She is one of those people who can see something and then create it. She is a painter, graphic and interior designer. Her Etsy Handmade Shop is Foulard Threads.

Lunch- The Porter

2010-04-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

As Cafe' on the Corner is a tiny bit of France, this place is a big slice of Amsterdam. In the heart of Little Five Points, it already has the look and feel of Europe, with the eclectic passers-by, tattoo parlor and bizarre shops close by. (Make time to go in Stefan's to check out the vintage clothing). If the streets were just cobblestone, you could not tell the difference. The Porter serves Belgian Fries. That means French Fries with Mayo and you may say, "yuck", but I say "yum". No shame in my game, I love those things. I ate them last on my 31st birthday in The Netherlands...with my eyes closed. They also have shrimp and grits made with truffle oil,the best bean burger in the city (and I know bean burgers) and everything on the menu is paired with...beer, including their sauerkraut and organic Fuji apples. They serve breakfast on weekends and use local Georgia products, like pecans and Sweet Grass Dairy and Flat Creek Lodge cheeses. I am dying to go to Sweet Grass and have been to Flat Creek. That's where I gagged at the Bison Buffalo Steak something or another they served for dinner and got scared going up the fire tower and crawled back down like a wimp. But you should go there too. But the fire tower sways as you get about half way up and your knees turn to jello.

The Porter owners have studied under the best in the business, Seeger's and Bacchanalia's Anne Quatrano to name a few. They know their stuff and the food is great. The atmosphere is a little rough on the inside, a little worn and a smells a little funky, but all that fades when you put your nose in a Schneider Weisse. Proost! Cheers :)

Lunch- Cafe' at the Corner

2010-04-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

I had a doctor's appointment in Hapeville. There were needles involved. That means I get a reward. Grape suckers and animal shaped erasers don't cut it anymore. I wanted chocolate. I asked the doctor where was the best place for lunch and he told me, "Cafe' at the Corner". He said it as if there were no other choices. Trusting no one's palate but my own, I actually drove past it first, but I was starving. The band-aid across the vein in my arm brought back memories of pain and light headed-ness and the only way to erase the trauma, was something warm and delicious, followed by something chocolate. So I turned around. I mainly turned around because I had to go to the bathroom. All that water I drank on the way to the doctor's office in anticipation of giving a urine sample was all for naught. They didn't want one. But you never know. Plus I didn't want the nurses to judge me and my coffee addiction. You can tell a lot by one's urine. I pulled in the back of the restaurant, as parking was scarce. The back door was propped open and kinda dirty and there was a stray cat in the parking lot, but by this point I was starving and dancing, so I went inside. I came in through the back and when I got up to the counter, found a long line of people waiting to place their order. Daily specials were on a chalkboard and huge glass dessert counter displayed a grand selection of mouth watering massive cakes and pies. I jumped in line behind a group of men in khakis and short sleeved dress shirts with badges attached to their belts. "Salmon Steak - 4 oz. portion of pan-grilled, Wild Caught Salmon, our lemon-infused linguine, fresh spinach & roasted Roma tomato garnish, with a cup of soupe or salade- $8.99, Quiche Lorraine - All vegetarian savory quiche chock full of spinach, mushrooms, leeks, onions and herbs, served with a Cup of Soup and French Bread & Butter.- $8.49". They even have crepes! I chose the Quiche Lorraine and the White Bean Soup with Truffle Oil. Oh my! The Quiche was drizzled with this Guyere Beurre sauce that took me right back to Cahors. So good. You order everything at the counter and it is all there waiting for you by the time you get to the cashier. There is a large room in the back with rickety bistro tables and chairs. I sat in the back corner with my Quiche and Soup and French Bread and sopped it all up the way Nathalie taught me. Actually, I have been doing that my whole life. It's rude to do that here I 've been told, but you can do it in France all day long. The meal has very distinct French flavors, which probably just means a whole lot of heavy cream, but I don't care. For under $10 I got whisked away to Southern France for just a moment. If I had had a glass of Malbec and a West Highland Terrier tied to my chair, I would not have known the difference. I swung by the dessert counter on my way out and chose two pieces of cake. Don't judge. I couldn't decide! (Band-aid across puncture wound in left arm vein).They wrapped them up neatly and included forks, just in case I couldn't wait until I got home. How'd they know? www.cafeatthecorner.com

Beer

2010-02-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

I discovered this beer when traveling to Colorado. Or perhaps I was travelling somewhere else because it seems like I had this for the first time in the Denver airport and it must have been a layover because I think I was on my way somewhere versus headed home and there is no way that if I had actually arrived in Denver and that was my destination that I would have stayed in one of those stinky bars for a beer. There is no logic to any of my reasoning, but when going somewhere, it is celebratory, deserving of a beer even in those gross airport bars that all remind me of a Shoney's sort of. You know, cheap silverware, paper placemats, stinky bleach smell? But coming home, I just get a People Magazine and a package of M&M's Dark and wait for my plane. But, in Denver, in one of those shady gross airport bars where the food is NEVER good, they were pouring this on draft. I was instantly won over. It tastes like what beer is supposed to taste like, fruity and spicy like Belgian beer. But evidently was brewed by this guy in Colorado. This company, New Belgium, makes a wide variety of all sorts of beers and they all look and sound amazing. I have enough guilty pleasures in my life as it is so I have not pursued tasting the variety of beers they make, but I can only assume them all to be delicious. I have had their "1554" beer and it is good too. It honestly reminds me of the typical cheap beer you get at the grocery store in Holland. But this Fat Tire stuff is delicious. It is deserving of having a meal planned around it. Seriously. A Spinach salad with cranberries and goat cheese and glazed pecans would make this come stuff come alive. A 12 pack of Fat Tire is only a few dollars more than a typical Import and honestly so much better than most anything out there. Trust me. Oh yea, my Master Chef "friend" recommends it too! Seriously. I had forgotten about that. Chef Walker, my acquaitance, called "friend", made the comment once that it was the best beer made and all he drank. And he has a very discerning pallate. So there you have it. I am actually having one now. Nothing compares.

Diggin' these

2010-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Was on the phone with Carla last week as she grocery shopped. I blabbed about my day and she told me Kroger had Emerald Almonds buy one get one free. My pescatarian lifestyle has made almonds as staple in my diet. I love them. Typically just raw. She said these didn't sound good to her...cocoa. But she got me a jar at my urging. Not sure if I have just overlooked them or never seen these before, but they are surprisingly, amazingly yum. Roasted almonds, rolled in cocoa powder. Yes, a little bitter. Yes, a little sweet. Aren't most things? I put them in my vanilla ice cream last night. Fit for a queen. The only itty bitty drawback is that they use sucralose. Not sure why they just didn't use sugar. So, even though they are trying to kill me, I still highly recommend them.

Photo courtesy of blisstree.com

music

2010-01-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

At first hearing of the fast paced rhythm and modern sound of this CD, I wondered why Anglique had fallen so in love and went to all the trouble to send it. I assumed it was another Contemporary Christian artist, Taylor Swift wanna-be. At first, in the first notes of the first song and the first beats of the drum and strums of the guitar. But then I leaned in and listened and I fell deep. I LOVE this album and this girl. She has a beautiful voice and her lyrics blow me away. The song Liquid Love talks about love being the deepest pain but greatest joy one will ever know. It's that cup of joy and suffering Heidi talks about. This is a beautiful, beautiful album. I am wearing it out, singing outloud and loving how it changes the atmosphere when I do.

Shoes

2009-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

I recently set out to find an extremely comfortable pair of non-slip, non-heel shoes for being on my feet long hours. One of my favorite online shoes sites http://www.6pm.com/ was having a sale on all their Soft Walk shoes. After a little research I learn that this is one of the leading brands among flight attendants and are known to be extremely comfortable. I am a strong believer in that there is no such thing as a comfortable shoe, it is an oxymoron. I prefer bare feet and if society would permit I would follow suit. Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful shoe and love the look of a high heel, but I certainly feel the pain. I endure it. But I pay a price. I admit that these shoes are pretty hideous and far from feminine or very attractive, but they do make an attempt at being stylish and are worth a try. There are a few styles that could work nicely with jeans or cords in the winter. Mine are these clunky clogs but go perfect with black pants, an apron and a name tag. All Soft Walk shoes were on a one day only sale for $17.95. Their shoes retail for around $100. This discount in price made it well worth the small investment to see if these would live up to their promise of "lasting comfort" and a "massaging footbed". I ordered the shoes on a Thursday and found them on my stoop 5 days later. I have yet to wear them for a full day of standing, but upon trying them on and dancing around the kitchen, I have found them to be the most comfortable shoe I have ever had on my foot. I recommend viewing www.dealnews.com and www.6pm.com periodically for additional Soft Walk sales.

Floor Finish

2009-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

Carla and I were unpacking groceries at her house the other day. She reached under the sink to show me this product and told me to use it on my hardwood floors. She warned me that it costs more than similiar products but convinced me it would make my floors sparkle. I used it today. Although I can't quite make out my relection, I have found the product to do what it says it will do and to be an excellent floor polish. It can easily be applied with a dry mop. I used my swiffer and a dry Swiffer dust cloth. This is not a cleaner and technically I should have mopped before applying, but I didn't. Retail $7.99

Brunch in the ATL

2009-10-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love this spot. It really offers little when it comes to ambiance or amazing cuisine. Yet, it has huge, delicious omelets, a seriously diverse menu and easy parking in The Highlands.

They are offering a lunch special this week. Buy One, Get One FREE! Coupon

I recommend the Greek Omelet! You can substitute egg beaters or egg whites and it comes with your choice of TWO of the following: pancakes (regular or multi grain), bagel (plain, whole wheat or cinnamon raisin), toast (whole wheat, sourdough, rye), English muffin, sliced tomatoes, sawmill gravy, grits, fruit, cheese grits, or homefries. I get the multi grain pancakes and oatmeal. It takes two people to eat this entree alone. Abby and I split the massive omelet and pancakes and got a to-go friendly sandwich for lunch at the office the next day.

If breakfast isn't your style, they have salads, sandwiches, and even a Special of the Day Entree' served with "vegetable" sides. You can also order a "real" cherry coke with cherry syrup and the Blue Cheese Chips are incredible and just as good as those at Buckhead Diner.

842 North Highland Avenue. Atlanta, Georgia

Cumberland Island & The Greyfield Inn

2009-10-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

Cumberland Island, off the Georgia coast, was cut away from the mainland before the last ice age. About one third of the island is marsh. Thirteen miles of the island are desolate ocean beach. In 1850, the island reached its peak in population at 520 residents, 65 white, 455 black slaves. The abundant live oak were used for ship building. In fact, the timber on the island was once more valued than cotton. As I step onto the island I cannot decide which fascinates me most, the rich, haunting history of slaves and Spaniards or the current symphony of neighing wild horses, scurrying fiddler crab and cries of nearby shorebirds. I am instantly caught up in the feeling that I am in an enchanted far away place. The primitiveness of the island living is evident in the battered pickup trucks, vintage hand pump well and slightly overgrown, but used daily, tennis court.I am no longer in the year 2009, but more like 1954 and certainly not in the United States, but more like Rhodesia before the war and name change. It is a foreign land, with foreign foliage and rusty bicycles.The pace is slow and easy. The ocean air is moist and salve to my soul. I am in another time and another world and 20 years younger. The canopy's of trees become a cathedral and a wild horse, my trusty companion. My veil is blowing in the wind and my sword hangs across my chest. "Cocktails"! Did someone say, "Cocktails?". I am interrupted by a boy in khaki pants informing me of the rules of the house. "Honor bar. Got it."

The Greyfield Inn was built in 1900. My room is rather predictable and more museum-esque than comfortable, but nice and pristine and all a part of the escape to another time. The crisp white bedding and spartan antiques take me back and I find myself day dreaming again. I spend most of my day on the huge pillow strewn swing on the front porch, slipping inside intermittently to freshen my cocktail, scribbling my order in a spiral bound notebook with a dull pencil and take another dusty book from the library shelf. I spend a lot of time in the parlor too, when no one else is there, starring at the picture of Lucy Carnegie Ferguson. You can read her story in "Strong Women, Wild Horses". She bears a striking resemblance to her granddaughter, Gogo who splits her time between the island, Morocco and Martha's Vineyard. You must find her and ask about her jewelry. She makes it in this tiny little white shed near the Inn. If you don't get a chance to see it there, be sure and visit her shop on Sea Island in the Harris Teeter shopping center.

The Inn is the only accommodation on the island. Rates are around $500/night and include breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour hors d'hoeuvres and dinner. The food is good, not excellent. My favorite part is cocktail hour, not because of the cocktails, but the extravagant oyster roast centered around it: shucking oysters, by a fire, on an island, on the lawn of the palatial Carnegie estate. Lunch includes a picnic and a "midday exploration". I had my picnic lunch at the Dungeness Ruins and suddenly found myself dreaming again about what this palatial estate what have once been like and wishing the remaining bricks could talk. Park Rangers provide pick-up truck tours and answers to all your questions.(The book below, Bed & Breakfasts & Country Inns offers a One Night Free coupon and can be purchased for around $15 on http://www.amazon.com/).

One can also camp quite comfortably on the island. Do not go in the slap dab middle of the summer. You will burn slap up and you may die. There is nothing worse than a hot Georgia summer on an island in a tent with mosquitoes. I do not say this in jest. I am quite serious. Do not camp in June or July or August or even September. Consider yourself warned. You really need to make reservations if camping and pack light. Site costs are between $2 and $4 per person per night and are limited to a 7 night stay. About 10 miles from Sea Camp is a place called Brickhill Bluff that is a favorite for spotting dolphin and manatee. If you prefer restrooms and shower facilities, you may pitch your tents at the Sea Camp Campground. There you also have a grill, fire ring, food cage and picnic table.
$80 will cover round trip ferry rides, park admission, campsites and bicycle rentals for one couple for a day.

If you need to say overnight in St. Mary's, try The Spencer House Inn, owned by Mike and Mary Neff. 1-912-882-1872

Strong Women, Wild Horses

2009-10-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Coming soon... A review of Georgia's largest barrier island, Cumberland. This book is an excellent historical review and general juicy good gossip of the island. Read this before or during your stay and the story will come to life.

C-A-N-D-Y

2009-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

"I don't like candy". That is a big fat lie. Last Christmas I got a package in the mail and inside the box, along with the gift were tons of little chocolate covered things in tiny boxes and individually wrapped and I sat them all aside and said, "I don't eat candy". Three days later they were gone. I do like candy. I love candy. It is good. I think it was the first word I learned to spell. When I was little Mom would spell it when referring to it, thinking I could not understand. Now, I limit sugar to baby kisses as often as possible and don't buy it and don't even go down the candy aisle, but I still breathe and am very much alive and just looking at candy makes my mouth water. I confess that I am truly not a big fan of hard candy or fruit flavors, although I did have some Korean or Asian Candy of somesort that was handed to me while on the back of a covered truck in Mozambique by a non English speaking Korean boy that was pretty amazing. But I attributed the experience to the fact that I was just really hungry. I have a rule that it has to be chocolate to be worth the calories. Plus, chocolate is good for you...right? Well, dark chocolate is...isn't it? This week a coworker left a bag of Hershey's Kisses out for the taking. They were the dark chocolate kind, in purple wrappers, so I took one. I walked back down the hall and grabbed another, but this one was orange. I put it in my desk drawer. I had lunch. I wanted something sweet. I opened the drawer. I pulled out the orange kiss. Its tiny paper flag read Pumpkin Spice. Oh my. It was pretty good. I had no idea Hershey had launched a line. Evidently they have. Years ago. They have peanut butter and candy corn and mint and caramel apple and all sorts. My quick research on the matter tells me they sell them exclusively at Target and only during certain seasons. They all get mixed reviews on their goodness. Not a single one of them are remotely good for you. There is way too much fat content. But I say you can have 1. But just 1. Everything in moderation. I found this site. I could stay on here all day and drool. I have changed my desired occupation. I now want to write exclusively for this blog: http://www.candyblog.net/

Household Products

2009-10-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Laura Steen knows everything. She really does. As a military wife, she has learned resilience and is strong and wise and stunning and funny and wonderful. Poor thing, she has to move a lot and therefore often references things in life by her location. I catch her saying, "Oh yea, I've been doing that since Clarksville" or "I've had this since Hawaii". She recommends Thrift...since Deridder. How, pray tell did we get on the conversation of clogged drains you ask? The answer is simple. We discuss everything. Yes, everything. Bras. Hairloss. Wrinkles. Boys. Girls. Babies. Clothes. Mold. Mildew. Airconditioning units. Jesus. Mothers. Sisters. TJ Maxx. Clogged Drains.

Laura says you simply follow the directions. She uses her tea kettle on the stove and boils water and uses that to flush down the powdered drain cleaner. She says you can hear it working!

Designs for the Home

2009-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Aunt Phylis introduced me to Nambe' and I love it. Nambe' was established in 1953 and named for a village near Santa Fe. "Martin Eden, a former metallurgist with Los Alamos National Laboratories, develped an eight-metal alloy that retains hot and cold temperatures for long periods of time". Their unique designs are displayed in art museums all over the world. They now make crystal, dinnerware and flatware. You can find Nambe' at Neiman Marcus and Macy's. There is one tiny, okay, not so tiny drawback with Nambe'. It all used to be made in Northern New Mexico. It is now cast in India or China. They state that it is the same alloy and that the move overseas was a necessity during the current economic times. I am trying not to hold this move against them. Would I rather have overseas Nambe' or no Nambe'? India schmindia.

testimony jars

2009-09-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I made these. I think they turned out great. You know how at work you do a million good things and no one says a word, but you screw up once and you never hear the end of it? Well, sometimes I think that is what we do with God. As long as things are going great, all is well, but something bad happens and we raise our fists at God and blame Him. I created these little jars to fill them up with all the good things God is doing in life, those tiny and some really huge miracles that prove Him alive, in a good mood, a kind Father who is working daily in our lives. Just jot down the testimony and drop them in!

Let me know if I can customize one for you. jgracedavis@hotmail.com Retail: $4.99

Household Cleanser

2009-09-22T12:15:00.001-07:00

Linda Kronenthal of Yorktown, Virginia is known for her Out-of-this-World oatmeal and her Shag moves on the dance floor. Linda taught me how to make perfect soft scrambled eggs. Linda can dance her way around a kitchen and recommends this do-it-all cleanser. She claims there is no elbow grease required when using this stuff and it works wonders. They describe themselves here:

If you're looking for a cleanser you can trust to clean your stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, plastic, copper, china, fiberglass, imitation marble, tile, grout, chrome, and composition sinks--trust Bar Keepers Friend. Bar Keepers Friend, the Can Do Cleanser! Our motto is, "Once Tried, Always Used! Bar Keepers Friend will be your "cleaning friend" for life!" Bar Keepers Friend is safe around food areas. Phosphate, bleach, ammonia & fume free. Eliminates fingerprints, dirt, oil, smudges, spots, grease, and more.

Bar Keepers Friend can be found were most cleaning supplies are sold.

Retail Price: $2

Shoes

2009-09-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

These are fun, comfortable, eco-friendly and if you can catch the sale, inexpensive shoes. I discovered the website from my favorite websale site, Deal News.

Simple Shoes deeply discounts their clearance items and offers free shipping. I bought this pair for under $10! The same day I wore them for the first time, I found a display of Simple Shoes in Neiman Marcus, a practically identical pair was $90. They are comfortable, well made and made from organic, eco-friendly products, recycled tires and inner tubes! I even got this nifty little sleeve for my laptop for under $5. These retail for around $30.At one time they had these neat, but somewhat ugly, "Sew it Yourself" shoes for $5 (Retail $90). They came with an instructional DVD, needles, thread and thimbles. Who would pay $90 for shoes you have to make? Not me. But I did pay $5. I admit. They looked like fun! And $5!! I got them for Catherine and Gracie. I envisioned us all sitting around the kitchen table one cold rainy day and sipping cider and sewing our shoes and pretending to be Laura and Mary...and as always, I play the spoiled, high-maintenance Nellie Oleson.

These are on sale now for under $15 :

Product Recall- Travel Press

2009-08-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

Remember when I recommended the Bodum Travel Press? Well I take all that back. I completely recommend a French Press and those that travel well, such as a stainless steel one. But this plastic one is no good. Around the press is a piece of rubber that is supposed to act as a suction and prevent grounds from coming through. Well it ain't so. It does not work. Also, the cup creaks and pops when you pour in hot water and I just know that one day the pop will be followed by a crack and that's not good.

Eau de Toilette

2009-08-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

I love most all things L'Occitane. On my recent trip home from Africa, I stopped in the duty free shop in Johannesburg and was mesmerized by all the cosmetics and sweet fragrances and stayed in there for hours. I hope the security guy didn't notice my kneeling down in the middle of the aisle, hoisting up my Lycra capris and using the Display lotions to moisturize my poor, dirty, dry legs. I found another fragrance for my arms, and then Dior for my face, of course. Then I used this L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Eau de Toilette on my pillow. Yes, it smelled like burning trash and so I covered all that up with Honey and Lemon and it then smelled like a sweet honeycomb and it smelled soooooo good. I snuggled with it close all 16 hours home and fell in love with this sweet, warm smell of Honey and Lemon. Retail $46. P.S. My birthday was August 1st.

Cosmetics- Eyeliner

2009-08-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Christine gave me this for my birthday one year. It is my favorite and I have found nothing that quite compares. No pencil liner can compare to this liquid version. The tiny brush takes some practice, but once you get it down you will never go back. This creamy liner brushes on deep, smoky, eye-defining color. It is long-wearing and waterproof, sorta. Surely nothing is truly water-proof. I always wonder how they define that. Basically I assume it means it won't run if you cry your eyes out at work one day. But if you decide to go swimming on your lunch hour, you may look like a raccoon when you get out of the water and need to remove and reapply. The whole water-proof thing confuses me, but I love the way this goes on and the deep, defining color.

It can be smudged while still wet for a smokier effect. It is easily removed with eye make-up remover or my favorite, Vaseline.

Travel Necessities

2009-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

I took these to Mozambique and found them to be one of the most handle little things ever. On my way there I had a layover in Johannesburg and stayed in a little Inn with no washcloths or towels. I was not overly surprised, it was $50 a night and would I really want to use washcloths at a low end hostel anyway? The answer is no. So I pulled out my handy, thick, soft durable little disposable washcloth. I hung it out to dry and it dried quickly and I was able to use it again the next day. Some even come with soap already in them so all you need is water. And if the soap is gentle enough for a babies-well you know- then surely it is okay for me. Carla found these and told me they were good. Laura uses them too. Both use them on their babies and thrifty Laura cuts hers in half because she claims they are just too big for Owen's little-well you know, but I recommend them for everyone.

You know how you go to visit someone overnight and they let you use the guest bathroom and the towels are always white and fluffy and new and monogrammed and you wind up spending about an hour over the sink with hand soap and hot water trying to scrub clean the fancy Supima cotton washcloth that you just used to take off your make-up and it is now covered in black mascara stains!!!? No? OK, well maybe it is just me. But from now on I am putting some of these in all my over-night bags so that I am never without one. And you can invite me over and I will not ruin your towels.

just for fun!

2009-07-24T11:15:00.001-07:00

These are so much fun. I did this one for Catherine who is turning 12 while I am gone! They are called Wordles and you just enter a group of words or any text and it randomly places the words in a colorful array, like this one.

You can "scramble" the words for a variety of colors, fonts and arrangements. Make yours here.

Luggage

2009-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a great bag at a great deal! I have been on the lookout for something like this for awhile. I have borrowed Mom & Dad's yardsale bag (see Luggage entry below) for every major trip over the last few years. Now I have my own.

This bag retails for $169.95, but is on sale for $50.99 with Free Shipping.

They have it in Plaid and Polka Dot patterns. I got the Polka Dots. The 2010 version of this bag retails for $289.95 and appears to be almost identical other than color patterns. You can get it HERE

"Pack your Burton Wheelie Double Deck for your European snowboarding vacation. This 70-liter bag holds enough to travel comfortably for a week or two. Burton's new KLIPH space-saving handle system means the Double Deck's telescoping handle doesn't take up any precious cargo room. This system also lets your clothes lay flat in the bag to keep them wrinkle-free, so you'll look put-together when you meet that Austrian hottie. Skate wheels make this bag easy to roll through customs, and an attachment strap lets you put your backpack on your Double Deck for easy transporting. This bag features shoe storage and toiletry kit to help you stay organized".

Product Description- Two weeks. Four Countries. One bag, no problem.

Product Features:
IXIOM Wheel System
EVATPU Back PanelsLighter, Faster, Stronger
Comfort Cush Telescoping Handle
Volume-Enhancing CRAM Zones
Hideaway SnakeStack External Backpack Attachment

Product Details:
Product Dimensions: 30 x 15 x 16 inches ; 12 pounds
Shipping Weight: 12 pounds

(apologies for the one-armed mannequin)

Recipes- Curried Rice Salad & Pimento Cheese

2009-07-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

These recipes came from Mama Deane's Ladies Luncheon. These are easy and delicious. Just add a bowl of fresh fruit, a plate of sliced tomatoes (don't forget the salt and pepper shaker) and a pitcher of sweet tea, with lemon wedges and voila! a Ladies Luncheon. Add men if desired.

Curried Rice Salad

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix(Deane uses Chicken Flavored, I prefer Original)

A few green onions, sliced thin

1/2 green (or red) pepper, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup lite mayo

12 pimiento stuffed olives, sliced

2 6oz jars marinated artichoke hearts

3/4 tsp curry (or more!)

Cook rice as directed, cool in large bowl. Add green onions, pepper and olives. Drain artichoke hearts, reserving marinade and cut in half. Combine artichokes with rice and toss with dressing of reserved liquid and mayo. Chill.

Virginia is for Lovers Smokin' Hot Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Here is Mama Deane's non-edited version of my request for the recipe. I love non-edited recipes (see Granny McCarley's Sweet Potato Pie)

okey-dokey: I put into a bowl some of that Three/Four Cheese shredded mix that comes in a bag... a whole 8 oz bag Then I add some extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese....about a cupThen I start putting in Cayenne Pepper and Onion Salt, basically to taste....probably a half of a Tablespoon of each. If it is too pungent, add more cheese. Then I add quite a bit of Hellmann's mayonnaise. Maybe 2 full cups.Then I dice up some Red Roasted Peppers......they come in a jar and can be found in the section with pickles, etc. About 1/4-1/2 cup depending upon your taste.This whole recipe depends upon your taste. These are the ingredients, you just have to fool around with it until you get it the way you like it. It is good on crackers or bread. Glad you like it. I fix it every time my Ladies group comes.They're all coming again this week for some crazy healing, deliverance and breaking off of some generational sins. We just have a grand time when we get together. You didn't really get to see those prissy little southern wimmin in action. They can really go at it!

Precious.

International Travel

2009-07-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Booking international travel on your own can be tricky. I have often used travel agents to book flights when traveling outside the U.S. from country to country. Agents can be helpful, but it is nice to see your options firsthand and make the choices yourself, and you save money in booking fees. Discount airfare sites like Expedia and Orbitz don't offer you the ability to search internationally, once outside the U.S. While traveling to Europe, I wanted to be able to search flights from London to various European countries. In the past, I used Ryan Air to book those flights. Ryan Air is still a good place to go if you want to fly within Europe.

http://www.ryanair.com/

Yet, outside of Europe, these flights can be almost impossible to find. You have to know which airlines fly out of which countries and go directly to their sites. In the case of intra Africa airlines, the sites are not user friendly and not always in English. When trying to book flights to Mozambique, the Mozambican Airlines site kept telling me there were no flights available, but it was simply that I was not searching within the few days each week that there are flights out each week, but the site never displayed a flight schedule and I was searching the wrong days of the week. Also, sadly, I had major trust issues with these international airlines and was very uncertain about paying thousands of dollars and entering credit card information on their sites. Also, prices are often in the local currency and require you to do the math. www.vayama.com is a California based site that allows you to search and book international travel. With Vayama you no longer need to book your flights through an agent and can do it all yourself. Airfares are offered on 100-plus airlines flying between the USA and over 190 countries. It has an interactive map that shows you where you are flying, displays flight schedules, 3-D seat maps and offers pricing in US dollars. It is safe and very user friendly.

Magazine

2009-07-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

You are gonna love this magazine and their website is pretty helpful too. Clean Eating is all about eating food in its most natural state possible. This means avoiding over processed, refined foods, like sugar and flour, staying away from saturated and trans fats, and fried foods. It is not a diet, but a lifestyle. The site has recipes, menus and shopping lists! I love shopping lists. They just help give me ideas of new things to add to my diet and keep me from walking aimlessly up and down the aisles. With clean eating you will find you really no longer spend much time in the aisles in the middle of the store, but hit the ends, for produce, lean meats, seafood and dairy. According to the site, Clean Eating Magazine is like "having your own dietitian, cookbook and instruction manual rolled into one beautiful magazine". I recently subscribed to Vegetarian Times, not that any of you were considering that one, but just in case you were, don't bother, I was disappointed. Check this one out instead. www.cleaneatingmag.com

Thanks for the recommendation Laura.

Makeup Sets

2009-07-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

I love these things! I love just looking at them and love how colorful they are. I always wanted one of these kits when I was little, but was too tough to admit that I liked girly things. Then when I actually started to wear makeup when I became all grown up, there was no way I would choose my color palette from a box of $4.99 assorted powders in plastic cups. But things changed. One holiday I was in the Wal-Mart in Hartwell exploring the Christmas clearance and found a purple tin box displaying colorful green, blue and tangerine eye shadows, blushes and lip gloss and had to have it! It was 75% off making my total investment come to $2.49. That was probably about 4 years ago and I still use this box! We all know good makeup is not cheap. And I intend to make mine last. I am not about to waste my fine collection of Bobbi Brown and Dior on trips to Target or the public library or to produce shop in the stinky Wayfield Foods. So that's when I whip out my little tin box from Wal-Mart and live a little. I love dipping my finger in the tiny little plastic circles filled with cheap shiny lip gloss. I love having 20 different colors to choose from and mix them all together, creating my very best rendition of "smokey eyes". The lady at the checkout counter has yet to compliment my plump lips, but I know the day is coming...If you see one of these kits in your local Wal-Mart you must get one and don't spend over $5.00, otherwise it takes the fun out of it. And get one for me, I am almost out of the safari green eye shadow.

Lipbalm

2009-07-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Years ago, before 9/11 and the economic downturn, when Delta was thriving, they partnered with L'Occitane in creating their international flight overnight bags- those ones with the earplugs and cheap socks. These were full of lush, yummy French created lavender scented creams, lotions and lipbalm. At the time, I was told the lipbalm was a Delta/L'Occitane only creation and could not be purchased at the L'Occitane store at Lenox Mall. It is now available, but can be hard to find and retails for $10. The consistency is a little different than typical chapstick and goes on smooth, not thick and glides on the lips. I have not been able to find an alternative, until now. Carla discovered this Blistex brand of lipbalm, Silk & Shine. It comes in the same type tube container like the coveted l'Occitane balm and is similar in consistency, much cheaper and offers sun protection, SPF 15. Retail Price $2.99

Cosmetics

2009-06-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Laura Steen claims this Mineral Veil finishing powder by Bare Escentuals is "the best". When we were together last, we made a special stop into the Ulta Cosmetic store for a free sample and I agree.

What it is: A luminous 100% pure bareMinerals finishing powder for the face.

What it is formulated to do: For the ultimate, translucent "finishing touch" to your makeup, Mineral Veil melts into your skin, infusing it with softness and light, giving the look you see with a soft focus camera lens. Buff on Mineral Veil over bareMinerals Foundation to lend extra staying power.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates

What else you need to know: Completely sheer and ideal for all skin tones, Mineral Veil gently absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of lines and pores without the buildup of pressed or loose powders that contain parabens, waxes, dyes and binders.

Where to get: www.sephora.com or www.ulta.com

Luggage

2009-06-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of rolling duffel bags. I have a simple black cylinder shaped Pullman rolling duffel that has been all over the world (similar to the one seen here). It just has one long single zipper outside and a zippered pocket inside. I prefer the simple, single zippered bag. For me, all the extra pockets don't necessarily make for more storage, they only produce a more rigid, zipper strewn bag.
You want as much space as possible and all those various little pockets take up space and only create more places in which to lose things. Theft can be a real issue in some international airports and having one zipper makes locking up your bag much simpler. Also, other belts, clips and ties on the bag can cause problems on the baggage conveyor belts and can cost you extra time and money at the airport, having the bag wrapped in cellophane. I recommend sticking with the most simple, basic rolling duffel you can find. I have a similar duffel without wheels, but once full, it kills my shoulder and thus has rarely left the attic. They come in various lengths. I can, when in the fetal position, almost crawl inside mine and zip myself up. Not that I have tried it...
To find a bag, I recommend searching http://www.pricegrabber.com/ for rolling duffel bags. I have also seen basic ones in the luggage section of T.J. Maxx for $39.99. Mom and Dad got my Pullman, in perfect condition for $10 at a yardsale while in an upscale neighborhood in Whistler, B.C. The cost savings was well worth whatever Canadian germs I may have picked up, and I assume they all fell off somewhere underneath the pile of the other 300 bags on top of it somewhere over the Atlantic. It's not Louis Vuitton, but it really is the best way to go.

If compartmentalizing is an issue, try packing cubes or even Ziplock bags. I have a trio of these cubes made by Eagle Creek and they are very functional. I use them to separate undergarments and bathing suits while on my trip and for storing dirty laundry on the way back.

Also, every boring gently used black bag needs a fun and easily identifiable luggage tag. If you have ever had luggage lost you won't forget to mark legibly with your visiting address. I have these in pink.

Fragrance

2009-06-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

I like this fragrance. Everything, everything makes me sneeze. But this doesn't. It is "tropical, light and breezy". And cheap. It comes in this glass bottle body mist, body lotion, hand lotion and shower gel. You can even find it at most Gap Outlets for 30-50% off.

Pic-a-nic Baskets

2009-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our hot-as-blue-blazes Georgia weather can limit our days for a picnic, but these are worth the investment and make you want to go on a picnic! I guarantee that if you buy one, you will be looking for soft grass and a shade tree to dine under. Sure, paper products and Dixie cups make clean up so much easier, but adding this to your picnic or concert at Chastain Park, makes it so much more charming and fun! And to me, makes the food more enjoyable. I am always looking for an excuse to take mine wherever I go. You can find them most anywhere and can spend as little or as much as you want to invest. Most of these charming wicker baskets contain wine glasses, a bottle opener, plates, cloth napkins, a table cloth and utensil service for four. Also, you will want to remember to pack wet wipes for temporary dishwashing until you get home. I just can taste the Stilton, Brie, and Pinot now...

Carla's Book List

2009-06-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

My sister is the most prolific reader I know. I asked her for a summer book list and this is what she gave me. Some of them are historical fiction and they can all be found in the Young Adult section. I am on my way to the library now.

Travel Press

2009-06-09T07:01:00.001-07:00

You will never go back to your mediocre drip coffee maker after having a cup of coffee from a French press. By not using a paper filter you get all the good quality oils that are otherwise absorbed. The press also requires coarse grounds which give you better aroma and flavor. I love this travel size press. It is double walled and keeps coffee hot. Also, by using hot water from a kettle, your coffee is automatically much hotter than from your ordinary coffee maker. The virtually unbreakable 14 oz carafe travels well and fits in your cupholder. Mine goes wherever I go. This is a cheap model and I am sure there are better ones out there. But for good coffee in the middle of nowhere (or where electricity is scarce) you don't want to leave home without it.

Retail: $9.99

Dishwasher safe

Cotton Tees

2009-06-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon these Brooks Brothers Cotton Tees and have found them to be wonderful. They come in packs of three and come in this v-neck that I like a whole lot. They are made of thick combed Pima cotton, and wash well. I buy them in a Boys Size and they come in a Pack of 3 for $24.95. The sleeves are slightly capped making them much more flattering than most tees. Whether around the house, paired with your favorite jeans or under your choice cashmere, you will love these cotton tees.

Destination College Park/East Point

2009-05-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Apologies to Misty and others for neglecting this site over the past month!!I can never create a following if I don't continue to keep it coming! So sorry. This entry is way overdue.

Want a great place for brunch or lunch or even raw vegan cuisine? Outdoor dining? Or a nice dinner without parking hassles or reservations? Come to College Park/East Point.

The Brake Pad restaurant, believe it or not, was a selling point in my choosing to move to East Point. It has this great small town feel. I have to admit that the chef who was there when I first moved there is no longer there and the specials are not near as good as they once were. I had crab cakes there one time that were the best I have ever had in my whole life! Despite his absence, I still find this place to be a great spot for lunch. They have tater tots on the menu! You can sit outside (but the train will ride by and interrupt your conversation). Put pennies on the railroad track. The menu consists of a variety of burgers, fish tacos that they often change up a little with different flavors of chipolte and other sauces, quesadillas (which I don't recommend), yummy sandwiches on 9 grain bread, and very good salads. I recommend the arugula and goat cheese salad with blackened tilapia. They have a full bar and daily drink specials. They serve Sunday brunch. But for brunch I recommend Thumbs Up Diner.

There are a couple of Thumbs Up Diner's in the Atlanta area, and they always rank within the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta. One is located in downtown East Point. Don't blink, but downtown East Point should not be too hard to find. Just take Hwy 166 off of 85S and take the East Point exit. Go right and look for it along Main Street on your left. Remember, they are cash only!

There is a wonderful live food restaurant just off the square, Lovin' it Live. Nothing is cooked, all raw, all vegan, all good, all expensive. I recommend calling ahead. They prepare everything fresh so it can be quite a wait. I like the nutloaf and the brownie, made from dates and carob. Oh! and these "chicken nuggets" that are portabello mushrooms rolled in some combination of nuts. However, the atmosphere is not all that. Therefore, check out the online menu, place your order over the phone and then take it a little further down the street to Barrett Park off Rugby Ave. in College Park and enjoy! College Park is the home of Woodward Academy. Rugby Avenue is one of the more prominent streets, pretty homes, a wide street with sidewalks, magnolias, and dogwoods. They also have tennis courts there. Open tennis courts in Fulton County can be hard to find! It is a great little private spot for an easy picnic. http://www.lovingitlive.com/

Also on the square in downtown East Point is an Oz Pizza where you can buy good yummy fattening pizza by the slice with spinach & feta on it (my choice) and the East Point Corner Tavern. I had to admit it, but I love this place! It is dark and smokey and stinky and punky and tattooy and freaky. But they have trivia on Tuesday nights! Rebecca, Betsy and I discovered this place by accident. We actually ran in there to avoid a downpour one 4th of July. They were having trivia night, so we signed up. The trio of attorneys, an engineer and the Policy Analyst actually WON! 1st place. So we got a little hooked and would frequent it on Tuesday's. Betsy brought her other really smart friends and we always placed each time we played, so we got a little hooked. The food is good. They have fried artichokes! They have a diverse menu of warm, tasty dishes. We like to sit out on the back patio away from the dark and smoke. It is a little shady and you will see all sorts out and about here, playing pool and saddled up to the bar. I kinda stick out in my cashmere sweater set, but it is worth the stares.

College Park restaurants include Noodle and The Pecan. Noodle is an Asian restaurant, with good food, generous portions and good prices. They have yummy mojitos and outdoor dining, but you also have to deal with the loud train every so often. The Pecan is a little more upscale, white table cloth dining. I have yet to go but hear the shrimp and grits are, "to die for".

For more upscale dining in College Park, I prefer The Feed Store. The Feed Store has a comfortable atmosphere and unique menu. The wine list is small but should have something you like and offers a diverse price range. The menu varies weekly. The wait staff is not the best ever, but being able to park up front, walk right in and have a nice candle lit meal within 6 miles of downtown Atlanta is worth whatever little patience you may have to exercise with the waitress. They have appetizers like Pimento Cheese stuffed Fried Green Tomatoes with homemade Chow Chow, and offer quail and lamb as entree options.

If this is not your style, swing by The Feed Store for a cocktail and take in the artwork, and the architecture and then walk down the street to Fina. Fina is one of the Atlanta areas best kept secrets.

This little bistro is owned by a Frenchman named Jay. He also is in the wine distribution business if you are in need. The offer Peroni on tap and a nice little selection of wines. They also have a cheap corkage fee if you want to bring your own. The wait staff is very, very good. Ask for Kay. This is delicious homemade Italian. It is warm, earthly and you feel as if you are in Italy as you sit in their bistro style chairs, exposed brick walls and eat hearty delicious Italian dishes. They have delicious homemade gnocchi, sweet Italian sausages, amazing lasagna, salmon and oh! the best caprese ever. They also have good bread, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but don't get too full on that. Save room for the delicious appetizers and entrees. If you are bringing a group, I would call and make a reservation, just to be kind and let them know and to reserve a space, as it is a small restaurant. Also, if you are bringing a small group, request the circular booth near the bar. It is cozy. I love, love, love this restaurant. They have jazz on Wednesday and Friday. And one time I forgot my gloves and they called me at home to tell me! You can't beat it.

Greek Yogurt

2009-04-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

This yogurt is the best you can buy. It comes in 0, 2 and 5%. It is triple strained so it is not watery like American yogurt. It is unbelievably thick and rich and creamy. It is not bitter or tangy like most plain yogurts. The possibilities are endless, whether adding fruit, honey, agave nectar, cinnamon or cucumber & dill. Fage (pronounced fa-yeh) has about half the carbs of regular yogurt, but more surprisingly it has more protein than your average yogurt. All Total Fage products are great. I also recommend their Feta cheese!

Monogrammed Towels

2009-04-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

I love all things monogrammed. My father was supposedly named Carl Stanley Davis because my grandfather thought that CSD when written in cursive flowed well and he liked those initials. So I guess Papa Davis liked monogramming too.

Neiman Marcus has the Ralph Lauren "Lawton" towel on sale. This also includes the monogrammed bath mat that retails for $28.50 for $16.49 and shipping is FREE. Monogrammed hand towels are $10 and those really great large "body sheets" are $16.49 and make perfect beach companions. Enter coupon code NMSHIP for free shipping.

Sweetener

2009-04-08T20:13:00.001-07:00

I really like this. It is debated whether this is a good alternative to sweetners. Some say yes and some say no. I say it has to be better than Pure Sugar and certainly better that artifical sweetners. So I say go for it. I use it all the time and I think it's a good thing. When cooking with this alternative lower the oven temperature 25 degrees and use about 25% less than the recipe calls for, 3/4c. instead of 1c.

The agave (uh-gah-vay) plant has long been cultivated in hilly, semi-arid soils of Mexico. Its fleshy leaves cover the pineapple-shaped heart of the plant, which contains a sweet sticky juice. Ancient Mexicans considered the plant to be sacred. They believed the liquid from this plant purified the body and soul. When the Spaniards arrived, they took the juices from the agave and fermented them, leading to the drink we now call tequila.

But there is a more interesting use for this historic plant. Agave syrup (or nectar) is about 90% fructose. Only recently has it come in use as a sweetener. It has a low glycemic level and is a delicious and safe alternative to table sugar. Unlike the crystalline form of fructose, which is refined primarily from corn, agave syrup is fructose in its natural form. This nectar does not contain processing chemicals. Even better, because fructose is sweeter than table sugar, less is needed in your recipes. It can be most useful for people who are diabetic, have insulin resistance, or are simply watching their carbohydrate intake.

Billy Reid once again

2009-04-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well, what'd ya know? I head over to Garden & Gun to find that article below on historic trees and lo and behold I see an article entitled Faulkner-esque Fashions and sure enough, Billy Reid is featured here! I found him first! This is getting a bit out of hand. But here you go, G&G's review of MY favorite designer:

What Ralph Lauren did for New England, Billy Reid is doing for the South. The award-winning designer is back on the radar with an exclusive line of clothing and accessories called Billy Reid. Pieces range from luxurious custom-fit tuxedos and handmade shoes and accessories to sportswear and premium denim, with a women’s collection causing a stir as well.
Customers can get a firsthand glimpse of the lifestyle inspired by his clothing at any one of his retail stores, each decorated to evoke the classic American South. Reid’s studio and flagship store, Pickett Place, is located in Florence, Alabama, but other boutiques can be found in Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Nashville, and Charleston, South Carolina. Reid visits each store regularly and gives customers the opportunity for a custom suit fitting with the designer himself.

Trees with Pedigrees

2009-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Garden & Gun Magazine has twice now stalked me and taken my creative ideas as their own. Now I am doing the same, but giving them full credit for introducing me to this amazing program.

Through its Historic Tree Program, American Forests, the country’s oldest national conservation group, will ship you the offspring of some of our most famous trees. Want a direct descendant of South Carolina’s mammoth Angel Oak, widely considered the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi? Or perhaps you’d like a Gettysburg honey locust, progeny of a tree that stood mere yards away from a guy named Lincoln while he gave a pretty memorable speech in 1863. Elvis fan? Look out your window at a Southern magnolia from Graceland’s front lawn. All the trees are grown from either seeds or cuttings of the original and arrive as one- to three-foot saplings, ready to plant—and ready to become a part of your own legacy. Neat, huh?

http://www.historictrees.org/store.html

Cosmetics

2009-03-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Laura Steen recommends this:

Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Where can I get it: Most anywhere, including: Sephora, Ulta or Amazon.com

What it is: Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application.

What it is formulated to do: The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants smoothes and perfects skin, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish.

What else you need to know: Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection. This skin-soothing blend of antioxidants, which can be worn alone or under foundation, works overtime to fill in fine lines and even out skin texture.

Whoopie Pies

2009-03-19T10:37:00.001-07:00

These are some of my all time favorite things ever! Joyce O'Bannon gave me a dozen one year for my birthday and I kept them under my bed and ate one every day for almost two weeks! I was about 10 then and calories didn't count. Never mind the frosting is made with eggs and I was risking poisoning myself. But I knew they would not last a minute out in the common space of the refrigerator and I was willing to take my chances. Christine found this article , it makes my mouth water just to read about them. I assume Joyce's were made from that old Amish recipe. They were so moist they would stick to the roof of your mouth and physically could not be eaten without a glass of milk nearby. Whoopie! certainly fits my reaction to this oh so yummy dessert.

Din Bin Salad

2009-03-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is a very refreshing salad, so easy to make, and so good for you. I can hardly wait for tomato season. Put some of all of this in a bowl and eat it! I would measure out the olive oil though if I were you. 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil has about 24 grams of fat! So go easy on it. Celery is known for its benefits to the brain and Apple Cider Vinegar aids in digestion, contains potassium and calcium, can clear up your skin, great for joint pain and stiffness and more! I added the spinach on my own, I always seem to have some on hand and find it just too good for you not to use every chance I get, so I simply add a small handful for good measure.

Hearts of Romaine

Spinach (if desired)

Feta

Tomatoes

Cucumber- diced

Celery- sliced

Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Kosher Salt (if desired)

Nutrition

2009-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

The following are all compliments of Ginny Reddick, nutritionist with Chick-fil-a and fellow ministry school student. Ginny loves to teach others how to eat healthy, be healthy, maintain energy and live strong. She is all about a healthy mind, body and spirit. Eating healthy each day keeps our blood sugar at proper levels and keeps us from storing too much fat into our muscles and our heart is a muscle! Ginny recommends:

This simple little grocery list to help you plan ahead: /

This amazing website to help you watch your caloric intake to help you watch what you are eating and learn about the nutritional benefits of your meals and to help you lose weight and stay healthy: http://www.thedailyplate.com/. This site will soon be housed under the site http://www.livestrong.com/ It requires you to register and then you can daily add in exactly what you had to eat, how many servings and it will show you a breakdown of the percentages of proteins, calories, fat, etc that you consumed in comparison to daily requirements. You can create a profile with your age, height and weight and how much weight you would like to lose and it will tell you how many calories you need to consume each day to reach your weight loss goals. I think the site is wonderful. I don't know if time will permit for me to use it for a lifetime, but a few weeks of adding exactly what I am eating will soon teach me how to make these calculations in my head and will certainly make me more aware of what I am consuming. The features on the site are endless and I highly recommend checking it out! You can add in your exercise and it calculates accordingly.

Ginny's overall recommendations for eating revolve around a 2-2-1 plan. She suggests eating 2 servings of fruits and vegetables (a serving being a handful), 2 servings of grains, and 1 serving of protein at EVERY MEAL. She also suggests healthy snacks in between meals. Those snacks should just be small in portions and high in fiber and protein. Eating like this will prevent you from experiencing those "crashes" throughout the day and overeating. These are great tools to give you a platform and make you aware of your daily nutritional needs and simply create an awareness of eating healthy.