Wine Cheat Sheet

Oh, where have you been all my life? Um, I mean for the past 5 years since I've been 21 ;). Every wino and hostess needs this little cheat sheet.

Wine Demystified

Homemade Chocolate Goodness

I will not deny it, I have stolen this blog post, but I would like to see it more as a tribute to the hilarious With a C.H. blog owner, Christin Schindewolf. If you don't follow her, you should. She's extremely sarcastic and honest, and I get a serious kick out of it. It's nice to have a break from the usual cheese out there. Moving on...

My husband will tell you, I start to get this tick around 7 p.m. for something chocolate-ish,  and it's all I talk about until I find my fix-yes, I have even settled for expired movie Raisinets. Pathetic, I know.

As women, we have this idea that if we refuse to purchase the food that we crave it's confirmation that we actually have willpower, until that one night when we find ourselves with an empty bag of snickers minis looking like this guy. Moral of this story...portion control.

So, I grabbed this homemade recipe for hot chocolate from her blog. You can be stingy and keep it all to yourself, or you can share with others this Christmas.

Boom and there you have it. Two things...make this and start following With a C.H. 

Cheers and Merry Christmas you filthy animal. 

Gift Guide 2012

It's that time again. Are you having trouble finding the prefect gift for someone, or telling that someone what to get you? Here are a few reasonable and freaking awesome gifts.

'Nuff Said

Dip-Dye iPad Case

Probably the first blog I started reading religiously-Eat.Live.Run.

Her book is out and it's a must read.

Because I love BaubleBar and this is kind of a twist on the "Carrie" necklace a la Sex and the City.

If you saw my key ring you would know it's in need of an update. I think I have a couple of Kroger plus cards, Walgreens, CVS, oh and a gym membership card to somewhere I haven't been since high school. Time to purge the key ring.

I love these DVF coasters. I have kind of started a collection around the house-I'm just forever planning on hosting some awesome party with 200 people and then getting really anal and putting one of these under everyone's drink. Cheers!

I could see some friends and I having way too much fun with something like this. 

A decorative urchin. To add some pizazz to your place!

Julep Winter Collection 

The Sidewalk Skimmer in calf hair from Madewell

Tory Burch cosmetic case

Happy Shopping!

Arabian Nights

I have developed a love for all types of textiles (did I mention I'm from the Carpet Capital), especially those with Moroccan, Arabic, and Middle Eastern influence. Their patterns and use of bright colors are unlike any other, and I think it's safe to say that these designs are here to stay. It doesn't just stop with rugs and blankets. From frames to art and tunics to poufs, this is no trend that will be going out of style.

Bone Inlay Picture Frame

Watercolor Print

These heavy blankets can be used as rugs, too.

Traditional pouf jazzed up a bit

Arabian tile wallpaper 

Wunderley Pillows

Tunic

Souk Rug from West Elm 

Rug installation shot

More rugs 

Holla, It's Halloween!

Happy Halloween from these extremely thrilled pups. I'll be making an appearance as Honey Boo Boo this afternoon. 

Sip and Snack for your ghoulish evening:

If you're like me and really into zombie movies/shows these days, then you'll appreciate this cocktail.

Get 'em Rick!

The Zombie Gut Punch Cocktail (even though we all know you go for the head)

• 10 ounces vodka
• 5 ounces triple sec
• 2 ounces bitters
• 1 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice
• 2 cups black cherry soda
• Grenadine, for rim

Grab a handful of halloween candy bars and chop into pieces. Then add to your regular chocolate chip cookie batter. Ta Da!

DIY: Wall Space Rejuvenation

Problem: Office walls were boring. Solution: A couple of cheap purchases from Lowe's and tada!

A great addition for anyone suffering from a blasé dorm room or small apartment space. 

STEP 1: salvage an old/beat up bulletin board. Along with some painters drop cloth from Lowe's for under $10.98 and furniture nails for a border for $1.30 a box. 

                                                           I liked the hammered look of these.

STEP 2: It's like wrapping a Christmas present. Just start wrapping the cloth and get the corners last. Staple all around back side. 

STEP 3: Start with the furniture nails. 

Space about an inch apart.

STEP 4: Continue until you have a complete border. Now, add pictures!

Emerald City

We're all itching for some cooler weather and a new wardrobe to accompany that. Well, the color of the season seems to be, EMERALD! This regal color is here to stay and gracing the covers of magazines, blogs, and most importantly, our PINTEREST boards! Let's see what we are in for...

Tory Burch has it going on with her lizard bag

BaubleBar

BaubleBar

Butter-British Racing Green

Tom Ford- Emerald Lust

Just purchased this cheeky scarf from The Spotted Moth

Lonny Magazine, August 2012

This Reem Acra dress is out of my price range, but offers plenty of inspiration. 

This maxi skirt is on SALE for $40! 

Kate Spade

Happy hunting!

It's Tailgate Time

It's about that time, and with the help of Pinterest we have no excuse not to have the best dang tailgate food, accessories, and cocktails. Our houses tailgate allegiance lies within the city limits of  both Oxford, MS and Tuscaloosa, AL. To call a truce I decided on the below...a cheers truce I will call it!

ROLL TODDY FROM THE MARKS
Visit Paper House to personalize your gameday accessories!

                                 
Here are a few of my favorite nosh items, cocktails, and even a little bit of fun decor if you are looking to go the extra mile this upcoming season.

                                                                 Mini Muffulettas 

Click for recipe.

                                    Fried Cheeseballs with Chili Mayonnaise 

Click for recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Bites

Click for recipe.

My personal favorite to make, mainly because they are so easy- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Click for recipe. 

Now, some of the best gameday chicken fingers can be found at Walmart (click for more info). This is no lie, but now you need a delicious dipping sauce.

The sauce from Raisin' Canes and also similar to Guthrie's. Click here for recipe.

                        Now, we have to have some pimento cheese on this list.

                                                                 Click for recipe.


Now for some cocktails.... 

I must credit my sister's mother-in-law with this delicious recipe for her Bourbon Slushies...start sippin'!

Some of you have your gameday ritual of a spicy Bloody Mary to begin your day! Well, why not set up a Bloody Bar at your tailgate?

Your choice Vodka, your choice bloody mary mix (can't go wrong with Zing-Zang), hot sauces, lemon, lime, jalepenos, salt, and pepper. 

Extras: peppered bacon, shrimp, pickled okra, hearts of palm, pickled pearl onions, celery, carrots, olives, horseradish, and pickles.


Here's an awesome thought, mix up some cocktails of your choice in mason jars. Perfect and easy! Plus, mason jars run less than $1 a jar. Find them at Ace Hardware or Walmart.

To me, nothing tastes better than a refreshing mimosa on a crisp Saturday morning, which also goes very nicely in a solo cup. 

Now, if you want to get really crazy you can download these free printables for some of your gameday decorations. 

Click for link.

Click for link.