I love designer clothing... Milly, Tibi, Trina Turk, Theory, Chloe, BCBG, the list goes on. Little if any designer labels hang in my closet thanks to a strict budget, but were I to have the means, I'm sure I would splurge on a few of my favorite pieces. That's clothing. Bags are a completely different story.
I just don't understand designer bags. Sure, I appreciate their shape and luxurious materials and overall design, but the price tags are just not justifiable to me. Sooner or later they'll end up at the bottom of my closet along with all my other bags that have been replaced by newer, prettier models. I don't do fakes either. I mean, what's the point of that? But I do refuse to spend more than $80 on something that I know I'll only use temporarily.
My favorite solution? Francesca's Collections. If y'all have one of these near you, you must stop in. They have amazing bags that are stylish and trendy at great prices. Another great option is a boutique in town called KLa. I also scour TJ Maxx and Marshall's for purses that hit the mark on style without breaking the bank.
What are your thoughts on designer bags. Worth the splurge or totally not?
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Horsin' Around
For the third consecutive year, the fam and I (with two special guests... my beau and Sis' Amish friend) attended Charlotte's Queen Cup festivities on Saturday. We were a bit nervous that we'd get washed out, but the rain held off, and we had a truly wonderful day eating many, many delicious treats, sipping delectable drinks, betting (and, in my case, winning) on the races and just being together. I'm awfully sunburned from the event, but it was totally worth it. Below are just a few of the many snapshots we took... do you spy all the Hems & Hers?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Yum Yum, Sugar Plum
The beau pointed out three things to me recently...
1. I become "obsessed" with a lot of things (true)
2. I "accidentally" start watching lots of shows (hi, Tori and Dean)
3. Everything's my favorite (so true)
Well, guess what? I have a new favorite thing that I'm obsessed with... grilled lettuce. Now stay with me for a moment. Lettuce is perhaps one of the most boring foods on the planet, and I didn't think I would ever describe it as "to-die-for." I love salads, but for me they're all about the toppings. Not anymore. Several weeks ago the beau and I went with the Lobster and HeLobster to Charlotte hot spot Soul Gastro Lounge. Everything we got was insanely delectable, but the hit of the night was Lobster's grilled Caesar salad... hearts of romaine grilled, placed inside a huge, round crouton and drizzled with Caesar dressing. The flavor of that lettuce... WOW!
I've been craving it ever since, so after church yesterday I headed to the Harry Teet, picked up two bags of hearts of romaine, came home, lit the grill and set up cooking up two of the bunches (brushed with a bit of olive oil first) intending to have one for lunch and one for dinner. While they spent their short stint over the goals, I also drizzled some shrimp with lime juice and dusted them with Lawry's seasoned salt, Tony's (my go-to) and some Southwestern Chipotle seasoning. I dropped those in a pan and let them saute.
I flipped the lettuce on the grill so that all sides were equally cooked (just a few minutes per side... you don't want it to burn), and they were ready to go. I chopped it into a huge bowl, topped it with the shrimp and drizzled on some Caesar vinaigrette. Holy deliciousness, Batman. That bowl was plum cleaned out in record time. I could go on and on about the delectability of this grilled salad, but instead, I'll just urge you to try it yourself.
I decided last night (hours after my mouthgasm) that I NEEDED to bring the salad for lunch toay. Out of coals and lighter fluid, I opted to use a large saute pan to replicate the process. I think I'll be a little disappointed this afternoon, because I let the lettuce burn a bit, but I can assure you that it will still be incredibly tasty. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat another salad without the grilled lettuce.
And I think that's all. I'll pretend it's not pathetic that I just dedicated an entire post to grilled romaine, and I'll post and recap my trip to Steeplechase later!
1. I become "obsessed" with a lot of things (true)
2. I "accidentally" start watching lots of shows (hi, Tori and Dean)
3. Everything's my favorite (so true)
Well, guess what? I have a new favorite thing that I'm obsessed with... grilled lettuce. Now stay with me for a moment. Lettuce is perhaps one of the most boring foods on the planet, and I didn't think I would ever describe it as "to-die-for." I love salads, but for me they're all about the toppings. Not anymore. Several weeks ago the beau and I went with the Lobster and HeLobster to Charlotte hot spot Soul Gastro Lounge. Everything we got was insanely delectable, but the hit of the night was Lobster's grilled Caesar salad... hearts of romaine grilled, placed inside a huge, round crouton and drizzled with Caesar dressing. The flavor of that lettuce... WOW!
I've been craving it ever since, so after church yesterday I headed to the Harry Teet, picked up two bags of hearts of romaine, came home, lit the grill and set up cooking up two of the bunches (brushed with a bit of olive oil first) intending to have one for lunch and one for dinner. While they spent their short stint over the goals, I also drizzled some shrimp with lime juice and dusted them with Lawry's seasoned salt, Tony's (my go-to) and some Southwestern Chipotle seasoning. I dropped those in a pan and let them saute.
I flipped the lettuce on the grill so that all sides were equally cooked (just a few minutes per side... you don't want it to burn), and they were ready to go. I chopped it into a huge bowl, topped it with the shrimp and drizzled on some Caesar vinaigrette. Holy deliciousness, Batman. That bowl was plum cleaned out in record time. I could go on and on about the delectability of this grilled salad, but instead, I'll just urge you to try it yourself.
I decided last night (hours after my mouthgasm) that I NEEDED to bring the salad for lunch toay. Out of coals and lighter fluid, I opted to use a large saute pan to replicate the process. I think I'll be a little disappointed this afternoon, because I let the lettuce burn a bit, but I can assure you that it will still be incredibly tasty. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat another salad without the grilled lettuce.
And I think that's all. I'll pretend it's not pathetic that I just dedicated an entire post to grilled romaine, and I'll post and recap my trip to Steeplechase later!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday Five
1. Tomorrow is Steeplechase! I can't wait to spend the day outside with my family and friends in the new dress I'm putting the finishing touches on!
2. I've cut myself back to one or two diet sodas a day. The number was steadily climbing to 4 or 5, and I can't tell you how much better I feel!
3. Every time I'm behind another car (so, you know, every time I'm driving) I memorize their license plate just in case it's a stolen car, gets stolen or is needed in some sort of crime caper. I just like helping!
4. I can't think of a fourth. Oh yeah, my sister is coming home today!
5. My roommate got home late yesterday afternoon to find a quite shaken Sadie perched on the couch too afraid to move. The poor pooch had gotten a hairbrush tangled in her luxurious locks and was petrified by the fact that it "followed" her everywhere. She's still recovering from the trauma.
2. I've cut myself back to one or two diet sodas a day. The number was steadily climbing to 4 or 5, and I can't tell you how much better I feel!
3. Every time I'm behind another car (so, you know, every time I'm driving) I memorize their license plate just in case it's a stolen car, gets stolen or is needed in some sort of crime caper. I just like helping!
4. I can't think of a fourth. Oh yeah, my sister is coming home today!
5. My roommate got home late yesterday afternoon to find a quite shaken Sadie perched on the couch too afraid to move. The poor pooch had gotten a hairbrush tangled in her luxurious locks and was petrified by the fact that it "followed" her everywhere. She's still recovering from the trauma.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Some Days I Feel Like This
Fortunately, I don't think I often look quite this lovely, although I'm sure it happens more frequently than I care to admit. It just isn't documented in quite the same level of detail. Thanks, Sis.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Lucky Girl
This weekend I had the pleasure of spending time with my dear, dear friend the Supermodel who was in town visiting her hubs while he's in Charlotte through June, and she's getting settled into New York (speaking of: I just booked my flight to visit her in May, and I'm crawling out of my skin excited). As if just spending time with her wasn't enough, my glorious chum bestowed upon me a gift from her place of work... an Elsa Peretti bean necklace! I have loved the cute bean since it was released, but I adore it even more now that it's hanging from my neck.
And if that wasn't enough either, my precious beau surprised me yesterday with a set of bean earrings that he had shipped from New York, since the style is being discontinued. I've never been a huge fan of matching jewelry sets, but these sweet beans are subtle enough to be worn together every day without being too matchy-matchy but distinctive enough to be eye catching. All I can say (which is something new since I've been basically speechless over it for almost 48 hours) is wow. I am a blessed and lucky girl.
And if that wasn't enough either, my precious beau surprised me yesterday with a set of bean earrings that he had shipped from New York, since the style is being discontinued. I've never been a huge fan of matching jewelry sets, but these sweet beans are subtle enough to be worn together every day without being too matchy-matchy but distinctive enough to be eye catching. All I can say (which is something new since I've been basically speechless over it for almost 48 hours) is wow. I am a blessed and lucky girl.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Not So Auf Wiedersehen
Well, here I go making a fool of myself. I have officially applied to be on P*roj*ect R*un*way (don't want it showing up in Google searches, natch). I know that I have a minute shot of making it, but why not just throw my hat in the ring? The written questions were long and difficult, but they challenged me to stretch myself and discover why I love creating. The sweet beau hopped over yesterday and, armed with a video camera, helped me create this little ditty. Naturally, I hate hate hate watching myself on video and had no idea I was approaching 600 pounds, but in the name of full disclosure to my blog readers, here it is... please forgive the INSANE amount of hand motions. Ricky Bobby was soooo right, "I don't know what to do with my hands..."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Bandwagon
Sadie likes watching the Disney Channel almost as much as I do. Except when a pomeranian puppy starts growling at her on the Suite Life of Zack Cody. What else can she do but growl right back?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Channel 54
I'm not ashamed to admit that for the past few weeks right before bed I've been putting the TV on Channel 54, which for Charlotte Time Warner Cable customers is the Disney Channel. I just can't help myself. Between Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Sonny with a Chance, and my all time favorite Wizards of Waverly Place (I puffy heart Selena Gomez).
I just felt the need to put that out there. I know I'm not alone.
.... right?!
I just felt the need to put that out there. I know I'm not alone.
.... right?!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Mixed Up
I'm back from spending several days in Knoxville celebrating the life of and saying goodbye to Papaw. I still feel like I'm in a fog of emotion (yes, I know that sounds like something Buddy the Elf would say... throne of lies, anyone?), but spending time with my family was such a blessing. Papaw was so well loved and would have been proud of the way we memorialized him.
It's hard to figure out how to follow up a remembrance post. Straight into commenting on (making fun of) my fellow Y-goers? Simply a picture of the cute pup? A true story Tuesday? I haven't really known. So bear with me as I try this out.
I love to cook and bake. It's funny that I spend so little time sharing my adventures in the kitchen. As much as I love experimenting on the stove or in the oven, I equally love experimenting with concoctions at the soda dispenser. Now this isn't your average "suicide," we're talking about (note: a girl I babysit for calls mixing lots of sodas together a "kamikaze." No, sweetheart, they will always be called "suicides"). These are culinary masterpieces. My two favorites are below.
Diet Cherry Coke
I know that Coke makes Cherry Coke Zero, but they used to manufacture Diet Cherry Coke. They might still, but it isn't sold in Charlotte anymore. While I tolerate the Zero variety, it isn't anywhere as delicious as the original Diet Cherry Coke. So what's a girl to do? Make her own. These can be made two ways - both parfait style.
- Add a splash of regular Cherry Coke to your cup
- Fill 7/8 full of Diet Coke
- Add one more splash of regular Cherry Coke to top
If your fountain doesn't have Cherry Coke, add Fanta Cherry. Enjoy. Delicious and guilt-free.
Creamsicle
I perfected this masterpiece the lone, fateful semester I was at Virginia Tech. It was probably the best part about my stay there. As much as I hated the school, I will throw them a bone and say that Virginia Tech had the best dining halls in the world. At my favorite, I would end each meal with this delicious creamsicle treat.
- Fill cup with vanilla soft-serve
- Add orange soda (Fanta is preferable)
- Start with splash, stir, gauge consistency. If not orange enough or too thick, add more soda. If too runny, add more soft serve.
People acted grossed out, but trust me... you will love this frozen confection.
So there you have it. I'm the Paula Deen of carbonated beverages. And I'll own that.
It's hard to figure out how to follow up a remembrance post. Straight into commenting on (making fun of) my fellow Y-goers? Simply a picture of the cute pup? A true story Tuesday? I haven't really known. So bear with me as I try this out.
I love to cook and bake. It's funny that I spend so little time sharing my adventures in the kitchen. As much as I love experimenting on the stove or in the oven, I equally love experimenting with concoctions at the soda dispenser. Now this isn't your average "suicide," we're talking about (note: a girl I babysit for calls mixing lots of sodas together a "kamikaze." No, sweetheart, they will always be called "suicides"). These are culinary masterpieces. My two favorites are below.
Diet Cherry Coke
I know that Coke makes Cherry Coke Zero, but they used to manufacture Diet Cherry Coke. They might still, but it isn't sold in Charlotte anymore. While I tolerate the Zero variety, it isn't anywhere as delicious as the original Diet Cherry Coke. So what's a girl to do? Make her own. These can be made two ways - both parfait style.
- Add a splash of regular Cherry Coke to your cup
- Fill 7/8 full of Diet Coke
- Add one more splash of regular Cherry Coke to top
If your fountain doesn't have Cherry Coke, add Fanta Cherry. Enjoy. Delicious and guilt-free.
Creamsicle
I perfected this masterpiece the lone, fateful semester I was at Virginia Tech. It was probably the best part about my stay there. As much as I hated the school, I will throw them a bone and say that Virginia Tech had the best dining halls in the world. At my favorite, I would end each meal with this delicious creamsicle treat.
- Fill cup with vanilla soft-serve
- Add orange soda (Fanta is preferable)
- Start with splash, stir, gauge consistency. If not orange enough or too thick, add more soda. If too runny, add more soft serve.
People acted grossed out, but trust me... you will love this frozen confection.
So there you have it. I'm the Paula Deen of carbonated beverages. And I'll own that.
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