58 Hours in Savannah

February 3, 2015Beauty, Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

I tagged along with my husband on a business trip to Savannah, Georgia last week and had such an amazing time. I explored the beautiful and incredibly charming historic district, spent some quality alone time at the spa (steaming, kneading and buffing every single square inch of my dermis) and enjoyed as many of the indie restos and boutiques as I possibly could. I found so many little treasures and left feeling well rested and totally inspired. Here are just a few of the gems from my trip...

Always my #1 in a new city: Secure a list of must see/do/eat from someone who looks cool. Trust me, it works. This list came from the baristas at The Coffee Fox.

I'd never pass up a store called The Salt Table. I left with Lavender Salt and Habanero Sugar and more...much, much more.

Just one of the cheese boards we ordered. This one was from Churchill's Pub. They're a fixture on many Savannah menus. HOLLA!

A jumble of pearls at Peddler Jim's Antiques. It takes A LOT of digging to find a real treasure here.

Waiting for our fabulous tex-mex dinner at Foxy Loxy (sister store to The Coffee Fox). How could we *not* eat there?

Took a late night jaunt to the sea. No way would we be that close to the ocean and not stick our toes in!

I always pick up as many local publications as possible.

A HELLA fast visit to the Wormsloe Plantation was beautiful and peaceful. So nice to walk around outside without a coat.

Shop SCAD proved to be chock full of treasures from local design students. I think Savannah's booming indie vibe is a direct result of having a great art school in its midst.

FOUND: the *ugliest* souvenir in Savannah. However, this certainly wasn't the most offensive. I won't be posting a picture of that one.

A bird's eye view of the basement at The Paris Market. This was my favorite store when I visited 7 years ago and it's still my favorite today. Lovely!

Cute, rustic decor at Back in the Day Bakery. We went for breakfast and ended up splitting a Jambon Royal and a cupcake.

Cupcakes may be "over" but these babies from Back in the Day Bakery were DELICIOUS! Perhaps the best I've ever had (and I've tried my fair share).

I loved *everything* at Back in the Day Bakery. I just want to live there.

The mead tasting bar at Savannah Bee Company. We had our first (and definitely not our last) taste of honeycomb here, paired with crisp green apple and sharp cheese. Yum! The company makes all manner of honey products as well as a range of haircare and skincare and sells beautiful honeycomb inspired jewelry.

The nice craft beer selection at The Beer Growler. Fun fact: You can stroll the streets of Savannah while drinking beer, as long as it's in a plastic container.

Thank you, Savannah! I'll be back...

The best Pin-tentions...

November 26, 2012Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

After about a year on Pinterest, and then almost instantly forgetting about what I've pinned, I have decided to review my boards and start attempting the fab recipes, decor ideas and DIY crafts that always look so appealing.

I've zeroed in on my Food & Drink board first and here's what I've done so far:

Cinnamon, Sugar & Butter Crescent Rolls...So damn easy and fun to make. I think I'll try Nutella as a filling next time.

Caprese Lasagna Roll Ups...Again, super fun to make and awesomely delicious. I'm still perfecting my own marinara sauce so this time I used a jar from the market.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes...I started this on Thanksgiving morning and had the perfect side dish by the time we sat down for our meal. This is THE way to make mashed pots, fo shizzle. I added whipped cream cheese instead of milk for a creamier and thicker texture. Diets, be damned!

Hard Boiled Eggs, in the oven...Clearly, I can't call these hard boiled but hard baked just doesn't sound right. I don't think I'll ever go back to the boil - this is just too simple.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits...I passed this recipe off to my husband who was happy to attempt these savory biscuits from Red Lobster. He said the recipe was ridiculously easy and I'm here to say they were ridiculously delicious! Instead of the oregano, Mr. Fox used fresh parsley (curly or flat, doesn't matter) and added a little Old Bay seasoning to the finishing butter.

What have been your favorite pins to tackle thus far? I'd love some more Pin-spiration!

Thanksgiving, my favorite fall-iday...

November 15, 2012Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

Thanksgiving just might be my favorite of all the holidays. Mashed potatoes, comfy clothes, lengthy naps with the sounds of football in the background and QT with loved ones makes for a pretty spectacular day.

My T Day always starts with the Macy's parade blasting while I pretend to work in the kitchen. I absolutely love watching the Rockettes kick those gams and last year, my son asked me why I wasn't dancing with them...sweet boy. The National Dog Show that runs after the parade is my cue to start consuming port wine cheese and crackers (and a cocktail when I'm not preg) while cheering for the English Springer Spaniel to take home Best In Show.

Dish

Mashed potatoes is always my favorite dish to make and eat for Thanksgiving but I can also whip up a mean cranberry relish. I saute one 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and slices of about 6 clementines, peels on, 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of water, until the liquid is reduced. Feel free to play around with the measurements and some add ins like cinnamon or ginger...this recipe is almost goof proof and so much better than the canned ish.

Threads

My no fail Thanksgiving outfit is leggings or lounge pants with slippers, a roomy t shirt and an oversized cardigan. I keep jewels to a minimum for snag-free, spontaneous naps. These ballet flat style slippers are plush and cute, not sloppy or childish.

Give Thanks

Get creative with how you express your gratitude this year. Cut strips of pretty colored paper and place on an entryway table with metallic gold and silver pens. Ask guests to write down what they're thankful for this year. Using clear tape, create a chain garland with the completed strips to hang over a mantle or chandelier. After your meal is over, share the chain with the group and then keep it up for display throughout the holidays. You might even save the chain for some fun reminiscing the following year.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration!