Thirsty Thursday: Falling Leaf Fizz

This week's cocktail will hit the spot, as the temperatures begin to fall, and so do the leaves!  Enjoy sipping this fizzy concoction, while entertaining guests at a party, or just for yourself.  Cheers!

Ingredients:

• 1 part Grey Goose La Poire Vodka
• 4 parts of sparkling wine
• Dash of simple syrup
• 1 heaping teaspoon pumpkin butter
• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice
• Dried apple chip for garnish

1. Place Grey Goose La Poire, pumpkin butter, spice and syrup in the bottom of a champagne glass.
2. Stir well.
3. Top with sparkling wine and garnish. 

And while sipping this yummy treat, I'd love to be wearing this cozy ensemble:

Trina Turk 'Gillespie' Sweater Jacket

James Perse Stretch Knit Leggings

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat

Ariella Collection Statement Ring

Happy Thursday, Y'all!

P.S. If you haven't tried the MacIntosh Spice Yankee Candle yet, it's a must!  

Have it lit right now, and it's such a great Fall scent!

Article Credit: 1

Photo Credit: 1

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The location yesterday was Hedeby Island, Sweden.  Told you it was difficult!  It was from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and many of you had actually read it.  Crazy thriller of a book!  Definitely not a book I normally read.  I'm a Confessions of a Shopaholic, Bridget Jones' Diary kind of girl, but this was actually really interesting, and a fascinating read!

Photo Credits from Yesterday's Location: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wednesday Whereabouts

Alright, just a warning, this location is going to be tough, but if you've read the book I've just completed, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you could take a wild guess, and probably be right!  It was really neat, to get a better idea of what the location looked like.

Any guesses?

Tuesday Trends: Giveaway - Back On!

Hi Ladies!  Thanks so much for waiting on the giveaway, that I promised you about two weeks ago!  I'm still awaiting to throw that giveaway, from a friend, but while I'm setting that one up, I decided to go ahead and throw my own little giveaway, a "truly preppy" giveaway.  I'm giving away a copy of True Prep and a Lilly Pulitzer photo book!  Good luck!

True Prep

"From the author of The Official Preppy Handbook comes a new take on the old world that Lisa Birnbach turned into an international best-selling phenomenon thirty years ago.  True Prep looks at how the old guard of natural-fiber-loving, dog-worshipping, G&T-soaked preppies adapts to the new order of the Internet, cell phones, rehab, political correctness, reality TV and . . . polar fleece."

Here's how to enter:

1 Entry:  Become a follower (or let me know you already are)

Extra Entry:  Grab my button (or let me know you already have it)

Extra Entry:  Blog about the giveaway on your blog 

Extra Entry:  Tweet about the giveaway (make sure to tell me your name on Twitter)
Extra Entry:  Add my giveaway to your sidebar

An extra entry each for every time someone refers you in their comments, about how they found out about the giveaway (I'll keep track of this.).  Endless entries!

Please let me know in your comments, how many entries you get.  The easiest way would be to list it on your comments, 1., 2., 3., etc.  Keep all entries in one comment.  That would help organize it for me a great deal.  There are lots of ways to get extra entries.  The giveaway will end on Wednesday, October 13th, at 11:59pm.  I'll choose a winner on Thursday, October 14th, and announce the winner the next day on Friday's post.

Thanks so much for continuing to read, and good luck, y'all!

Monday Manners: Southern Cakes

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  This week is supposed to bring a lot of rain here, well-needed, but it still doesn't do well with my mood.  I thrive off of sunlight, who doesn't?  At least W will finally get to wear her new raincoat and galloshes.  Maybe I'll let her play in the rain this week too.  I know she'll love that.  Like I said, it's been a long time since we've had rain here...

So, what could be better than Southern cakes?  All of these cakes are absolutely scrumptious!  I have a major sweet tooth, and I could eat almost every single one of these...I must admit, there are a few of these that I've never heard of before, which makes me anxious to try them!

Are there any that you've never tried before, or any that I've left out?  I'd love to know!

Southern Desserts

• Butter pecan cake

• Caramel cake
• Coconut cake
• Hummingbird cake
• Italian cream cake
• King cake

• Lane cake

• Peach shortcake
• Pound cake
• Red velvet cake

• Stack cake
• Smith Island cake

Happy Monday, Y'all!

Article Credit: 1

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Weekend Inspiration: James 1:17

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Jeggings

Jeggings (Jeans/Leggings): Yay or Nay?  Around here, it's hardly time to sport any kind of denim just yet, it's still in the mid-80's, but I'm trying to decide if I should attempt to wear these or not.  For one thing, they would look super cute with a tunic or blousey top, but forget tighter shirts.  I'm not sure I could pull them off that way.  Does that mean I should fore-go them?  What are your thoughts?  Any particular brand that's a good one to try?  There are just so many choices out there!

Here are some jeggings that I've seen, shopping around...

J Brand Stretch Denim Leggings in Starless Wash

CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Joy' Stretch Denim Leggings in Black Beauty

Citizens of Humanity 'Slick' Skinny Stretch Denim Leggings in Dark Ivy Wash

Habitual 'Audrey' Stretch Denim Leggings in Carbon

Burberry Brit Stretch Denim Leggings in Dark Indigo

What do you think?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  I'll still be wearing summer clothes until this heat dies down!  

Anything fun planned for you?

We may be attending a Fall Festival this afternoon.  If so, I'll be sure and take pics to share!

TGIF!

Thirsty Thursday: Summer Beer

My best friend, Beth, makes a delicious Summer Beer that you HAVE to try, even if it IS fall now...because for many of us, the weather isn't quite autumn-like yet.  Driving home from preschool this afternoon, it was 88 degrees!!  So enjoy this refreshing drink, and dream of a tropical place somewhere - the best place to enjoy it....even if you're just sitting on your back porch!

Summer Beer

1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 can vodka (use lemonade can)
1 can water
1 or 2 beers (any light beer would do) - to give it a little fizz!!

Mix in a pitcher and serve!
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Wish I could be wearing this, while enjoying this concoction...

Muse Back Zip Sequin Sheath Dress

Steve Madden 'Caryssa' Pump in Red

Sparkling Sage Crushed Stone Hinge Bracelet

Happy Thursday!

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Yesterday's location was Paramount's Carowinds.  What a fun place!  It's a little toned down than other theme parks, but don't get me wrong, it's still huge!  Then again, I haven't been in over ten years, so who knows how much bigger it's grown since then.

Photo Credit: 1

Photo Credit from Yesterday's Post: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wednesday Whereabouts

Although this place is on the outskirts of my city, I haven't been in over ten years.  Still can't believe it's been that long.  One day, I'll take the girls, when they get a little older.  Can you guess it?

Doesn't it look like fun?

My favorite was always Days of the Thunder, and then the Vortex!

I haven't ridden a roller coaster in FOREVER!

Tuesday Trends: Another Award

Keeping Up with Stella awarded me with the Super Comments Award, although I must say, I've been a little busy this week, and haven't commented as much as I should!  I'm catching back up though!  As part of this award, I must answer the 9 questions below, and pass this award on to some fellow blog friends.

Why do you blog?

It's fun!  I get to post about what's on my mind and topics I love, and get opinions and view from others, from all over the country.
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What are your three best memories?

Sweet E, the day after she was born

This may seem difficult, seriously the BEST ones?  But they're pretty easy for me.
1) Getting married to my other half   2) Giving birth to W   3) Giving birth to E
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Name four of the best fiction books you've read.

Wow, well I've always loved Bridget Jones' Diary, The Shack is a must-read, Confessions of a Shopaholic (need I say more?) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (in progress, but LOVE it!).
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What are the five best movies ever made?

These sure are great questions!  Hmm, well of course, Gone with the Wind is by far my favorite!  Then I would have to say (now, these are not the best films ever made, but they're some of my favorite chick-flicks!)

2. Steel Magnolias
3. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
4. Sweet Home Alabama
5. Pride and Prejudice

There are so many more, but I'll keep these five as the tops on my list, for now.
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Name five things you can't live without.

 Little W was seven months here - now she's 27 months!

1. My Family and Friends
2. Blackberry
3. Camera
4. Laptop
5. TV
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If you could change your name, what would it be?

I have no idea on this one.  Love my name.  It fits me.  Although, my parents did consider Carrie and Meredith too, so I could kind of see myself as those names.
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Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.

W's First Birthday, last June 2009

(Notice the Lilly-themed cake?)

I think she enjoyed her cake, a little too much!

I know I've mentioned this before, but my entire family (my parents, and five sisters - so that makes eight of us, were all born in different months), and even more crazy, my daughters were born in different months than all of us too - so our family celebrates birthdays in ten months out of the year!  No wonder W wakes up every morning saying it's someone's birthday because most months it probably is.  :)
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If you could have a Freaky Friday experience, who would you change places with?

Wow, I don't know, Jesus?  Isn't that the Sunday School answer?  Haha.
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What is the best thing about being a woman?

 Sweet, little E, when she was born - well, maybe not so LITTLE.

Both of my girls weighed 9 pounds!

Having children!  They're a part of you, and no man can ever say that, well, physically anyway.
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The blog friends I tag are the first three comments left on yesterday's post.

Shannon at Webbisodes

Kelly at Life in a Small Town

Mama K at Mama's Messages

Hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday!  The girls and I are almost back to 100%.  

W was well enough to go to preschool, so that was great!  Thanks for all of the well wishes!

Monday Manners: Southern Miscellaneous Food

This weekend was quite relaxing here, filled with lots of tissue and cold medicine for myself and the girls.  Thankfully, the hubs was out of town for the weekend, so hopefully he won't catch what we've had, upon arriving home.  I'm hoping everyone's weekend fared much better than ours!

Some of the Southern foods I have listed for this week would sure soothe a good cold...boiled peanuts, anyone?  I see some food I would NEVER eat.  Has anyone tried pickled pig's feet!  Yuck!  I was grossed out even typing it...and I'll be nice and NOT provide a picture for this one!

Southern Food Delicious Randomness

• Boiled peanuts - I'm in love with boiled peanuts, especially on road trips.  Although the part I don't like on road trips, is having to peel them for my husband, while he's driving...

• Cheese straws - This has always been my grandfather's specialty!  He makes them all the time, and they're absolutely delicious!

• Fatback or hog jowl
• Frito pie
• Muffuletta sandwich - These are the best on game days!!

• Peanut butter and banana sandwich
• Peanuts in Coke - My father-in-law (grew up in southern Georgia) has always done this on road trips.  Such a convenient idea!  Now I do it too.

• Pickled pigs feet
• Pimento cheese sandwich - Ruth's or Stan's?  That's always the question when asked about which pimento cheese is your favorite, in the Carolinas.  Ruth's is made in South Carolina, Stan's is North Carolina.  Although living in North Carolina most of my life, my parents are both South Carolinians, so we grew up eating Ruth's.  Yum!

• Po' boy sandwich
• Steen's cane syrup
• Vienna sausages - My husband eats these.  Definitely NOT a fan!

Happy Monday, Y'all!  

Stay tuned for next week's Southern food, it's Southern dessert time!

Article Credit: 1

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Weekend Inspiration: Doxology

via

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

I know many of us sing this in church EVERY Sunday, 

but how many of us actually mean it?

Do we praise Him as much as we should?

Fashion Friday: Lilly Luck and an Award

Luck be a Lilly!  I purchased this dress for Valentine's Day, and was devastated that I couldn't wear it to church that day.  Read the post here.  Well, seven months later, I found it on major sale, stain-free - 75% off from C. Orrico, and received it in the mail today.  It was well worth the wait!  Hope to wear it soon!

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Thanks so much to the lovely ladies that tagged me for multiple awards in the last couple of weeks.  I think there was one more, but I cannot remember who it was.  So if it was you, let me know!  :)  Keeping Up with Stella, it's not you.  I'm saving your award for another post.

Thanks so much to Sarah from Too Much is Never Enough, and Prissy Preppy Flamingo, for awarding me with the Versatile Blogger Award.  To see the list of seven things about myself, click here.

The three ladies I tagged were the first three to comment on my post yesterday, please list seven things about yourself, and then pass on this award to three other ladies.

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

Shrimp and Glitz

Henley on the Horn

Love you ladies!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: Michelada

This week I've decided to go with the Michelada.  Many of you may never have heard of this drink, but it's delicious!  Think of it as a Spicy Mexican Beer.  I was even able to drink this, while pregnant, because I would replace the beer with non-alcoholic beer, and it would taste almost the same.  Many Mexican restaurants serve Micheladas, but it really depends on the place.  I know a lot of you will read this and think it sounds gross, but it actually tastes very similar to a Spicy Bloody Mary.  Don't knock it, till you try this one.

Ingredients

1 ice cold Mexican beer: Corona or Negra Modela (or really any beer works)
2 tablespoons of course salt

1 tablespoon of chili powder
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
1-2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
1 dash of soy sauce
1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
Ice
Black pepper
Lime wedge for garnish

1. Mix together the salt and chili powder on a small plate. Rim a beer glass with a little lime juice and then dip in the salt and chili mixture to cover the top of the glass.
2. Fill mug with ice (yes, ice in a beer is popular in Mexico and other parts of Latin America).
3. Add lime juice, hot sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper.
4. Slowly pour in beer. The salt on the rim will cause the beer to foam up, so be careful while adding beer.
5. Stir. Enjoy.

If you'd like a spicier beverage, you can add more hot sauce or chili powder. Every restaurant seems to have their own variation on this beverage and you can change all the proportions of the quantities depending on your own tastes.

Recipe Credit: 1

Photo Credits: 1

And while sipping this spicy concoction, I'd love to be wearing this!  Channeling a Mexi-Cali vibe.

Joie Avina Plaid Dress

Frye 'Melissa Button' Boot in Cognac

I'M SERIOUSLY IN LOVE!

See by Chloe Marti Cross Body Bag in Maple

Michael Kors Multifunction Bracelet Watch in Horn

I'm in love with this ensemble.  Fall weather please get here soon - just stay awhile this year.

The climate here usually goes straight from hot weather to cold - never much of a cool season...

...unless you're up and at 'em around 6 in the morning.

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Yesterday's location was the good old town of Athens, Georgia, home of the Georgia Bulldogs!  

GO DAWGS!

Yesterday's Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5