Pop The Bubbly...

Recently my weekdays have been full of work, hitting the gym, and fighting the cold rainy days that refuse to give in to Spring. So feeling like a puddle when I get home and not wanting to do anything other than collapse has become a problem. The laundry waits for the weekend, my nails go unpolished and chipped, and sadly my skin has seen only sporadic rendezvous with Mr. Lotion. However, I am forcing myself back towards the living by reviving an old evening ritual from childhood that calms my nerves and helps me get ready for much needed sleep. Mandatory BATH TIME!!!

It's my new favorite thing and I truly look forward to it after dinner. Melting into a hot tub and soaking in warm scents, leaving all the stress of the day to go down the drain with the water when I'm finished. Below are a list of my favorite bubble bath buddies that aid me as I drift away.

1. Perlier Honey Cream Bath $27.50
2. Sake Bath by Fresh. $80.00
3. Deep Steep Bubble Bath $11.95
4. Bath & Body Works Luxury Bath $16.50
5. Origins Calm Your Senses Lavender Vanilla Bath Oil $24.00

Lust List- Starry-Eyed

It's getting warmer here in the deep south. Spring is floating in and with daylight savings in full swing, the excitement is almost too much to stand. One of my favorite summer activities has always been stargazing. Something about a warm night, a comfy quilt in the grass, and feeling small against the blanket of the sky is magical. Alas, we still have a bit to go before South Carolina heats up enough for summer frolicking. So until then, here are some starry surprises that are place holders for the real thing...

Starlette Hair Pin $18.00

Sugar Stars $15.00

Star Stud Converse $95.00

Tiny Star Necklace $13.50

Antique Star Garland $20.00

Silver Cake Toppers $6.50

Starlight Metal Sign $200.00

Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar

Last week one of my very dearest friends came home from England. With over 10 years of friendship I wanted to take him somewhere special for dinner before he left again, so we headed to a great spot in Greenville called Southern Culture.

Elevated Southern comfort food sprinkled with a hipster vibe, it's hard for me to decide whether dinner or brunch is my favorite time to pull up a chair. Last night we went for dinner and I had the Fried Green Tomato and Pimento Cheeseburger with sweet potato fries (pictured below). I also added bacon because I figured that if I was going to fall off the diet wagon I wanted to do it going 120 mph, and I have to admit that the plummet was worth it. Big and delicious and juicy and flavorful and savory and sweet and.... ok I guess you get that I liked it. I can also recommend the Shrimp and Grits, Blue Grass Chicken Sandwich, Crab Cakes, and the sinfully delicious Banana Pudding in a mason jar as personal favorites.

Another shining star at this gathering spot is the brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. I've yet to go without seeing a friend recovering from the night before or there to dive into the delicious grub. My normal go-to-dish is the Fried Crab Cakes Benedict with a side of fried green tomatoes and if you are the adult beverage sampling sort you will also be as excited as I was to discover the bottomless mimosas for $12 and the build your own bloody mary bar.

So grub out my friends and make a reservation if you can... this place is becoming as hot as southern summers.

Ice Ice Baby

Waste not, want not…

As a farmer’s daughter I feel like the message of these words must be permanently tattooed within me, especially when it comes to food. “Drink all of your milk young lady.” “Don’t you dare open another box until empting the last one!” “Clean your plate!”

And although no one has to badger me at the kitchen table anymore,  I still do occasionally have waste guilt when things go unfinished. Recently, one of my biggest squandered daily items has been coffee. Despite how delicious or expensive it is, I never seem to finish it to the last drop. So, I decided to reprimand myself and start using this cheap and easy trick…. Freezing the leftover liquid in regular old ice trays*. Tah Dah!

*Those reading this younger than 18 may have to do a Google search for the old fashioned ice trays, but believe me they still exist and will more than pay for themselves with all the java savings alone.

So here’s what I do… After finishing my coffee I pour the leftovers into the ice tray and freeze. Then, at the end of the week I put the cubes into a tumbler, pour over Friday’s unfinished batch, and add a little creamer/milk/dairy of your choice. Presto iced coffee!

I know, I know, complete rocket science, but here’s the best part- it doesn’t water down. Which leads me to mention that I now am using these trays for everything… Making a summer cocktail? Freeze some pineapple juice cubes overnight to have on hand. Fancy wedding shower? You would be surprised how excited people get over frozen fizzy cubes of clear soda with raspberries or blueberries inside. And it doesn’t stop there, leftover chicken stock, herbs with olive oil (see above), pesto for pasta, tomato sauce, garlic or whatever you have too much of; then when you need it later, it's ready in perfect units to be tossed in to any pot, pan, or serving.

You can find some of my favorite online fancy lady recipes here, here, and here.

I also just picked up a cute new tray/mold of cold fish below along with some other little cuties.

1, 2, 3, 4

Try Another Sip...

The best thing about a good drink is that it has the ability to change any given moment for the better. Whether it be a hot sip of coffee on a cold morning, a cool drink on a hot afternoon, or a much needed cocktail after a long day- you instantly feel a little brighter as it rolls it’s way down. Life itself is full of moments we savor and moments that make us pinch our noses and gulp quickly. Since my last post over a year ago, eek!, I have had my share of each. However, another great thing about a drink is that even if it’s the worst swig you’ve ever taken- all you need is a taste of something different to wipe it clean.

So here we go… To a new start and a new SIP! Cheers!

Starting MONDAY, MARCH 11 2013 The Deep South Sip is coming back! 

Drink It Up!

Rustic, yet Refined

Keith Phillips, Clever Creator

If Keith Phillips were a beverage he might just be a cold PBR served in a beautiful piece of china.

Based right above us in NC, Phillips created Mud Stuffing to showcase his uh-mazing handmade pottery, quilts, and fabrics. The traditional down-home quality spiced with delicate detailing and whimsy has me drooling at the mouth to own a chunk.

First on my list is the sponge holder and a tea or coffee cup to strut around the office with, but if I ever get my hand on a cool grand- that Bee Queen is mine!! Below are some of my favorites but make sure to click here to see all the other beauties from this talented local gem. He also has a blog spot here or a feature interview on etsy here.

P.S. Ladies- it doesn’t hurt that he’s nice on the eyes either!

My sponges shall never look ugly again!

Oh, Bee Queen how I love thee!

Even if your tea goes cold it will still look hot and stylish in this cup!

The details- rock my brain!

All photos by Mud Stuffing.

Glamping

Continuing with the outdoor theme this week, I want to talk about a new hybrid way of experiencing all the mountains majesty in an elevated way. It’s a trend called “Glamping”- a fusion from glamorous camping! I also call it perfection!

If you struggle, the way that I do, with bugs and sleeping on the ground, this may be your ticket. I know there may be traditionalists that will snub their noses, but to each their own. It’s not a camper or an R.V., it’s just a tent with attitude….. and a real bed, and real furniture, and great sheets, and wonderful lighting, and fabulousness- so get over it!

Below are some photos of how others have adopted this trend. And sure I would need to be going for more than one night to schlep all this stuff up the trail, but staying a week or more would make it all worth while. Enjoy!