Blogger Bites

Little rant here, you're forewarned....

When deciding to start a blog i debated about going with Wordpress or Blogger, choosing the latter because it connects seamlessly with my google account and because of it's popular, user-friendly platform. Boy am i regretting that decision. It's been one issue after another, with daily hair pulls over the simplest of design changes or posting edits. To top it off, Blogger not only didn't publish my schedule posts correctly over the weekend, but completely deleted my recipe post that was supposed to publish yesterday morning. I'm beyond frustrated. Since our blog is still so new, i'm thinking about switching it over to Wordpress this week.

Surely i'm not an isolated case? Anyone else having trouble with Blogger on a regular basis? I'd appreciate any help or advice y'all. Thanks!

Memorial Day Rememberances

While we're having such a great time at the lake with friends and family this weekend, we do not ever want to forget the reason *why* we're celebrating. If not for the willing sacrifice of America's finest Men & Women in the United States Armed Forces, none of us would live the blessed lives we do in the greatest country ever created. To the families and loved ones of every American Soldier, past & present, thank you. I pray that today is a day of honor & peace for you all. May God bless you abundantly!

photo: via my fave political Cartoonist Michael Ramirez

Before the suns sets on this Memorial Day watch the video below. It's a homecoming for fallen USMC Staff Sgt Jason Rogers to his hometown of Brandon, MS with Jason Isbell's song Dress Blues playing in the background.

"He was a Marine.... You never planned on the bombs in the sand or sleeping in your dress blues."

Blog Hopping

Full disclosure: this post is a scheduled one because the hubs & i are at the lake for the Holiday weekend with friends. I thought about just skipping the blog this weekend, but i'm really excited about my Blog Hopping series. I came across some terrific posts this week from other Bloggers and i'd hate for them to miss out on some much deserved lauding! So, here's this week's roundup:

1. The Cake Duchess - Sweet Tea Icebox Tart. If you’re a Southern Living subscriber, you'll recognize this recipe from last month's issue. Cake Duchess makes a few minor tweaks and it turns out beautifully. I can't wait to make this pretty tart this week for a cookout with our neighbors. I never make unsweetened tea (who does in the South?). Wonder how it will taste if i make it with my usual sweet tea instead. Hmmm.....
2. Marriage Confessions - This is really one of my favorite daily blogs. Katie writes about her life as a wife, mom of 2 under 2 & middle school teacher. You've probably seen her columns in Southern Wedding Magazine or on The Knot magazine as well. My fave post  of hers this week was Your Mom Likes Facebook. It's hilarious & her personal version of When Parents Text. 
3. Steven Furtick - Ambition and Arrogance. Furtick is the Sr Pastor at Elevation Church here in the Queen City. In this particular blog entry, he pens a compelling post about the Biblical view of ambition vs arrogance. It's a must-read, illuminating lesson for every Christian who seeks to reach the full potential of God’s calling in their lives. My fave line: "Let me free you: it's ok to want to be the best at what you do. It's ok to want to achieve as much as you can with your life for the sake of the God who gave it to you."
4. Pennies On A Platter - Italian Pizzelle Ice Cream Sandwiches. Don't these look delicious? To me, this is the perfect summer dessert. They're fun enough to make with your kids & pretty enough to serve at a dinner party. Best part: it's an easy recipe & uses Nutella. Yum, yum, yum!
5. Michael Hyatt - How To Get Your Stuff Into Evernote. From one of my hubby's fave bloggers, Michael Hyatt is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers & typically posts about intentional leadership through a Christian worldview. I loved this post about Evernote, a tool my hubby uses regularly & one he's teaching me to use as well. If you're unfamiliar, Evernote is essentially the ultimate organizational tool for your notable life from your computer, phone & web. Michael's post highlights the top 10 best features & how to utilize them. Mongo productivity booster! Check it out.

So those are my best pics of the week. What are yours? Tell me what you think and have a safe, happy Memorial Day everyone!

Fab Finds Friday: 5 Things I'm Obsessing Over

First up - Jeweled Sandals. If you’re gonna wear flats this summer why not bling it out? Loving these bejeweled beauties:

1. Jack Rogers Zsa Zsa (silver) - cutest, preppy thong. I’ll be wearing mine all summer! $145
2. Antik Batik - leather & glass beads on gold leather. Adorable! $240
3. Rene Caovilla - Swarovski crystal, python sandal. I’d sleep in these. $895
4. Valentino Garavani - Crystal & shells on copper leather. For when you hit the lottery. $1195
5. Giuseppe Zanotti - Rose jewels on silver & tan leather. $240
6. Rene Caovilla - Dazzling asymmetrically-strapped slide covered in crystal. I die. $1050
7. Chinese Laundry - Couldn’t resist ordering this beaded t-strap last night! $69
8. Sam Edelman - These bejeweled python gladiators are at the top of my “want list.” $75

Pure Barre - This is truly my latest workout obsession. My Sister-in-law introduced me to Pure Barre at Easter & gave me a month’s membership for my birthday earlier this month. It’s a fusion workout of ballet, pilates & weight training....on steroids....at warp speed. I’ve been involved in competitive sports since i was 8 & am known as a gym rat, but this class KICKS. MY. FANNY. Literally. It’s a fast-paced, loud, intense, tough workout specialized to tone your arms, thighs, abs & rear. This is so much tougher than any of my power pilates, ballet booty, or yoga classes. It’s a high-intensity class that spits you out if you can’t keep up & built for those that want to tone, not lose a ton of weight. If you like a challenge, this is it. Find a studio near you & try a class. You’ll get addicted, trust me ;)

Summer Nail Lacquers - The spring pastels were fun & cute, but i’m ready for bold colors!

1) Zoya - I’m a big fan of Zoya’s pops of bright color. The Summertime collection is easily a fave.
2) Essie - I want every color in the new Brazilliant collection. Every single bottle. So pretty!
3) Ciante - How cute are the bows on Ciante’s paint pots? This Festival set is just gorgeous.
4) Deborah Lippmann - Those corals!!! And only DL could make yellow polish look so good.
5) OPI - Their new Pirates Of The Caribbean collection is perfect for the beach or everyday wear.

Roku - My hubby is the gadget guru of our household. We’ve had our Roku XDS for a while but i’ve just not learned how to use it -this is really Jeff’s domain. Now i get why he just had to have it though. This tiny genius invention is a wireless HD device that streams movies, tv, music, sports, news, photo sharing and more directly to your tv. The Roku has 50 premium channels but we use mostly the Netflix library, Hulu Plus, MLB, & Amazon On Demand movies. Bonus-it comes with the simplest remote ever made. Also, Jeff told me to mention it has dual wi-fi, usb, component video & optical audio. I don’t have a clue what most of that means, but evidently it’s amazeballs to gadget gurus. I do know this though, when Roku begins streaming all college football & NFL games, it will eliminate any need to have cable for us. Coolest gadget ever. If it talked, it would beat out R2-D2.

Summer Handbags - I get stuck in such a rut of using neutral purses during Fall and Winter months. So by the time May hits i love to switch it up with a pop of color on my arm. This season is no exception!
1) Lilly Pulitzer - I just love this beach club blue, beaded clutch. $138
2) Marc Jacobs - Save The Birds Lenny bag in coral. My absolute fave this summer! $396
3) Kate Spade - Lemon Drop Lella Clutch. Honestly, have you seen anything prettier? $325
4) Michael Kors - Vanilla Ring Tote. Perfect, crisp pop of white against summer colors $348
5) Tory Burch - The coveted Gwendolyn bag. Love the shape, tassels, everything! $525
6) DKNY - Cherry Flap Satchel. Hubs gave me this for my birthday :) Love him! $195
7) Dooney & Bourke - Cork Zipper Sac in kelly green. It screams happy! $188

Let me know what you think & tell me about what you’re crushing on lately. We’re headed for 3 days at the lake with friends but I’ve got scheduled posts for Sunday & Monday so be sure to check back.

Have a happy & safe Memorial Day weekend y’all!

Wedding Dress Watercolors

I’m a long-time subscriber and admirer of Southern Lady Magazine. Let me tell you, I look forward to it’s arrival in my mailbox more than any other, even Southern Living (Gasp!). One of my fave issues of late was the March/April edition. There were so many great Spring recipes, entertaining ideas and home decor tips. But the best part of this issue was the Artist Profile on Kristina Bailey. Not only is she brilliantly talented, but she’s also a Georgia girl & a fellow UGA Alumna I’m proud to say. Her paintings are simply beautiful and her portfolio of work includes renderings of Southern ladies, sweet nursery designs, gorgeous flowers, charming cityscapes, and more. But truly, her most stunning designs are her Bridal Gown watercolors. I mean, they’re just breathtaking.

As every Bride knows, your gown is so personal & special. In addition to wedding album photographs, the traditional way to honor your fashion choice is in a wedding portrait. And Kristina’s designs put a chic, modern twist to that classic. More than that, her sketches & watercolors are timeless works of art.

I’ve hinted in not so subtle ways to my sweet hubs that i’m hoping beyond hope he will commission Kristina to paint my gown as well. Since our 1st wedding anniversary is coming up on June 26th, and the traditional gift is paper, fingers crossed he got the message!!

Be sure to flip through Kristina’s portfolio. She has listed many of her paintings online that are for sale. Or maybe you too would like to commission one of Georgia’s finest Artists to immortalize your bridal gown in a glamorous fashion as well.

Workin' For The Weekend OOTD: Date Night!

Untitled by allyugadawg featuring leather clutch bags

Dorothy Perkins crinkle top
15 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Max Mara stretchy pants
198 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Forever21 rubber shoes
$27 - forever21.com

ASOS leather clutch bag
55 GBP - asos.com

Lauren by Ralph Lauren wood jewelry
$58 - nordstrom.com

White jewelry
$54 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Bvlgari brown sunglass
194 GBP - eyewearbrands.com

Belt
6 GBP - peacocks.co.uk

Michael Kors Eau de Toilette/3.4oz
$75 - saksfifthavenue.com

stila cosmetics - mango crush lip & cheek stain
stilacosmetics.com

OPI Mod-ern Girl

$8.50 - thecosmeticmarket.com

Thank the good Lord it's Wednesday! It's been a crazy busy week around the Garner household, especially for my husband. Work is consuming so much of his time right now, we're both looking forward to a long holiday weekend. We're headed to Lake Greenwood Friday as soon as Jeff gets home (crossing my fingers he will close up shop by 6pm) to meet up with my best friends and their families. My bff since freshman year at UGA, Andrea, and her family have a home on the lake and all of us (4 couples & 7 children) are headed for some fun on the water through Memorial day. This is a tradition for our group for the last 10 years or so and we never miss it. Can. Not. Wait.

But before we head to the lake, my sweet Bama man wants to have a date night just the 2 of us Thursday. Nothing fancy, just a great dinner at our favorite brewery here in Charlotte then off to see either Thor or Pirates Of The Caribbean. Clearly, it's his turn to pick the flick (heh). So i thought i'd wear my white pants and pair it with my new coral top & turquoise Vestique jewelry i blogged about last Friday. I'm loving orangey corals against pops of crisp white & turquoise this season. As a UGA grad married to a Bama grad, it's definitely a no-no to wear anything orange, ever, but i'm just gonna have to make an exception this summer. I think I've bought more tangerines & coral wardrobe pieces than any other shade lately. Oops!


So, what are y'all doing this weekend for Memorial Day? And how much are you crushing on the coral & turquoise trend of the summer? Oh and somebody let me know how bored i'm going to be during Thor or Pirates por favor. Of all the movies playing, those 2 are the least appealing to me. Hmm, I wonder if i can get away with bringing in my Kindle....

Mangia Mondays: Mexican Chicken

I have a love for Mexican food like some people love their Mamas. Well maybe not that deep, but it’s a serious affection y’all. And it stretches the gambit from authentic Sonoran to Tex-Mex to even Mexi infusions. I’ve got Mexican recipes out the wazoo, but some of my favorites are the simple, quick fixes I whip up for myself & the hubby during the week. One in particular that Jeff loves is my most versatile: Mexican Chicken.

The great thing about this recipe is how many different ways you can use this Mexi-filling. I’ve used it to top off nachos, add with peppers for fajitas, layered in mexi-lasagna & in soft tacos. I’d recommend to eat it with your grits too, but that might just be a little much, no?

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 pkg taco seasoning or homemade mix*
• 1 can Goya black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• whole wheat tortillas
• Toppings: sour cream, green chiles, shredded monterrey jack cheese, salsa, fresh cilantro

Directions: 

1. Cook chicken over med high heat in a Pam sprayed skillet, 8-10 minutes until chicken is no longer pink. 
2. Stir in seasoning mix plus ¼ cup water until spices dissolve. 
3. Add in the black beans, corn and tomato. Cover & cook over med heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce thickens. 
4. Steam or grill the tortillas, whichever way you prefer to warm them, and cut into four triangles. 
5. Top with cheese, sour cream and whichever fixins you like! Scoop up the chicken and beans with your tortillas. Compliment the dish with a side salad, some Spanish rice & baked okra.

In a word... Yummo. Now if you want to use this filling in a Mexican lasagna, fajitas or any of the other ways i mentioned above, just be sure you finely shred the chicken rather than slice it into strips. I really hope y'all love this recipe as much as we do. 

Mangia! Mangia! (or should i say Comer! Comer!) y’all ♥



*Note: I’m not a fan of pre-packaged taco seasoning due to the high sodium & preservatives so i make my own. Click here for my fave homemade taco seasoning mix.

Blog Hopping

I follow so many great blogs in my reader from a wide variety of topics including marriage, sports, cuisine, style, politics, faith, Southern culture and more. And i continually come across new, fabulous bloggers each week. I’m forever amazed at how many fantastic, creative writers are online sharing their talents. Regularly, i pass on great finds to my hubby, family & friends, but thought it would be really fun to start a weekly series here & share them with y'all as well. More importantly, i’m truly hoping you sweet readers will join me in adding your great finds, or even your posts, here too. To kick off the series, here are a few of my fave posts from around the blogosphere this week:



Sprinkle Bakes - Pink Velvet Roulade! I swooned at first glance of these pics. These roulades are so dainty & ladylike, and most definitely begging to be devoured! Bonus: Heather includes a great how-to video as well as her recipe. Color me pink!







Sports Illustrated - Terror, Tragedy, And Hope In Tuscaloosa. You don’t have to be a football fan or from Alabama to have an emotional connection with this exceptional, personal  account of the recent tornadoes that devastated Tuscaloosa April 27th. Grab some kleenex & give this a read. And if you'd like to help those still suffering from the aftermath, here are some great ways to donate and/or volunteer. And be sure to check out SI's online auction. There's some sweet memorabilia & proceeds go toward the Red Cross' efforts to help Alabama's recovery.

Oxford American - Southword. In collaboration with NPR, Oxford American produces a terrific series “about the people, places, and trends that are shaping the modern American South. The first episode takes us to Holmes County, Mississippi discussing Southern food, tradition & the rise of obesity. I can’t stress this enough-it’s beautifully produced, educational and has some sweet moments of great humor. Give it a watch!

Pizzazzerie - 5 Bite Size Party Dessert Recipes. I know, i know more sweets. But seriously, click the link! They are so fun & adorable. Pizzazzerie is one of my most fave entertaining style sites. These savvy ladies have spectacular taste & brilliant party ideas. I’d definitely recommend you subscribe & visit them often! 

Ragamuffin Soul - Francis Chan on hell. Carlos (Los) Whittaker runs one of my fave blogs ever. If you don’t know him from his career as a Worship Pastor & amazing musician, then you might remember his family’s viral video that won a People’s Choice Award. And if you're also not familiar with Francis Chan, than get to know him. His book Crazy Love rocked my faith to it’s core in the most amazing way. I could write 10 pages on Francis Chan, but i’m gonna stop & let you see for yourself. Watch the video of Chan's that Los posted & check out the comments on his blog too. Considering all the crazy talk about today's supposed rapture, this is apropos.

So those are my best pics of the week. What are yours? Tell me what you think y’all and have a great weekend. Btw, I’m running the River Bound 10K Trail Run bright & early....on a sprained ankle. Wish me luck!

Fab Finds Friday: 5 Things I'm Obsessing Over

I tumbled last month 10 Things I’m Obsessing Over Right Now and ever since i’ve had friends asking me to do it again. So i decided to parlay it into a weekly blog feature for Fridays. Just a list of new fab finds i’ve purchased or placed on my lust list.

1. Margarita Bloom: I’m a huge fan of the Hollywood Glam period & retro World War II pin-up looks in addition to my notorious fascination with lotions & potions. Being that Margarita Bloom is a little of both, they were made for me! Their bath line is so luxe, all organic and super fragrant. I got a goody bag full of Margarita Bloom products at my friend Kelley’s bridal shower last month and i’m already addicted. My faves thus far: Appletini Body Glow, Lola Strawberries & Champagne Bath Bliss, Milk & Mango Nirvana Bath Soak, and the Spells & Bells Luxury Cream. Don’t you just love the names?!

2. Jouer tinted moisturizer & bronzer: It’s pre-tan season Ladies! I switched to tinted moisturizers a few years ago, but Jouer’s new line is my new absolute fave. I love their Luminizing Moisture Tint in Glow. It’s featherlight, has an spf & leaves my skin looking dewey. But my must-have Jouer cosmetic is their Hydrating Bronzer. Ah-mazing. It’s so lightweight, silky & makes you look naturally sunkissed. 

3. Vestique Jewelry: Absolutely adore their Summer accessories. Their pieces are bold, unique & so much fun. Bonus: they’re shockingly inexpensive! The pieces i’ve bought so far are: Life Of The Party Necklace, Won’t You BEad Mine Necklace, and Stepping Stone Earrings. I get so many compliments whenever i wear their pieces. The Ivory Coast Necklace & Light As A Feather Earrings are def on my lust list. So cute!!

4. Floppy Beach Hat: Jeff & I won’t be at the beach until the end of June, but pool & lake season is around the corner. I don’t dare make an appearance at either without a great beach hat. As much as i covet a summer tan, sun on my face is a no-no. Last month i ordered the Grandstand hat from Vineyard Vines, but also love these beauties:

5. I’m all about wedges this season. I found these linen slingback espadrille wedges a couple of weeks ago while shopping with my Mom at Talbots. Perfect for nights out & weekends and they’re super comfortable. I bought them in Dark Sweet Almond, but love the Nantucket Navy too. The peep toe with a bow is just darling!

Let me know what you think & tell me about what you’re crushing on lately. Have a terrific weekend y’all!

Workin' For The Weekend: OOTD Garden Wedding

That title takes you back, doesn't it? I was only 2 when the song came out, but I vividly remember my babysitter blasting this song & dancing with me around our house when i was 6. I also remember my Mom having a duck when i repeated the lyrics. And never seeing that babysitter again. I've loved the song ever since ;)

I really love my job, but like everybody else my weekend life is much more exciting. By Wednesdays i've started making plans for Friday night. My husband calls me "the Cruise Director." Can't argue with that. And on the agenda for this weekend is the wedding of one of my sorority sisters. She's having a big garden wedding at Daniel Stowe on Sunday after church. To get ready i started playing around with polyvore. What a fun site! I felt like a kid again playing with my Fashion Plates haha. So here's what i'm wearing:

Untitled by allyugadawg featuring an aquamarine cocktail ring

Milly dress
stylebop.com

Kate Spade leather shoes
$295 - couture.zappos.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather clutch
220 GBP - harveynichols.com

R J Graziano bracelet
$58 - nordstrom.com

Majorica pearl drop earring
$115 - nordstrom.com

Gucci shade
190 GBP - vanmildert.com

Essie Nail Polish - Fiji

$7.90 - apothica.com

I had to find similar bangles, earrings & clutch on polyvore to the ones i own, but the remaining pieces are mine. I actually bought this Milly dress a while back & it's just been hanging in my closet. I'm such a Milly girl-so psyched to finally get to wear it!

So what are y'all doing this weekend? And all you polyvore experts, please give me some tips! I'm still trying to figure the site out. Happy Wednesday y'all!

Mangia Mondays: An homage to Memphis In May... 4 Day Ribs

You know that saying, you’re either an Elvis or a Beatles fan? *I’m all about Elvis, btw* Well, evidently that’s also true of BBQ. Memphis natives & BBQ experts all weekend insisted you’re either a wet sauce or dry rub que fan. Hogwash. At least that’s not true of the Garner fam & our friends that joined us this weekend at Memphis In May. We chowed down on both for 3 straight days, loving every bite! It. Was. Glorious.

Despite the horrendous floods that have swept through parts of Memphis, the world’s best BBQ Fest (aptly named “Come Hell Or High Water”) trudged on, even after moving to a new venue. Kudos to City Officials and Memphis In May Event Planners for not only handling what’s estimated at $320+ Billion in damages but for also keeping the fest going at record attendance levels in addition to Memphis Grizzlies' NBA playoff games. The floods have devastated parts of the city, the last thing Memphis needed was a cancellation of a huge economic boon. I don’t know what’s going on with my beloved South lately but between the tornadoes & floods, i’m wondering just how much more we can take. In addition to still remembering those in Alabama & Georgia, please keep the folks in Tennessee, Mississippi, & Louisiana in your prayers as well.

Even after indulging in scrumptious BBQ 24/7 for 3 days, when we got home yesterday afternoon i asked my hubby Jeff what he wanted for supper. His answer? More pig. I kid you not. I was only able to stave off his obsession for a few days by offering to make him my 4 Day Ribs for this weekend. You marinate these suckers in a dry rub with peppers for 4 days, slow cook for 8 hours, then watch the meat fall off the bone. They’re ridiculously good & i started a batch last night....


Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
• 1 tsp Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Salt
• ½ tsp McCormick Mediterranean Sea Salt Blend
• ½ tsp Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• pinch of sugar
• 5 racks Baby Back Ribs (ab 5lbs)
• 6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
• 2 lg jalapeno peppers, chopped finely
• 2 lg onions, halved & thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers + 2 red peppers + 2 yellow peppers, all thinly sliced

Directions:
In a small bowl combine the first 6 ingredients then sprinkle a quarter of the spice blend onto both sides of the rib racks. In another small bowl, combine the minced garlic, jalapeño peppers & remaining spice blend then rub the garlic mixture on the top and bottom of the ribs. 
Line a large roasting pan with enough foil to wrap all the ribs. Spread a layer of onions and bell peppers on top of the foil. Place 2 rib racks (side by side) on the veggies. Continue to layer the onions, peppers and ribs. Tightly wrap the marinated ribs in the foil and refrigerate for 2-3 days (whatever your preference).
Remove the pan from the refrigerator & let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°. Before placing the ribs in the oven, reduce the temperature to 300°. Bake the foil-wrapped ribs for 8 hours. Remove the ribs. Spoon off the fat from the liquid in the pan and discard, reserving the pan juices. Cut each rack into three sections and serve with the vegetables and pan juices. I always serve mine with some blue cheese cole slaw, corn on the cob & baked beans on the side.

So good even The Beatles would love 'em

Until next time y'all, Mangia! Mangia!!