Anna Spiro's Absolutely Beautiful Things

Christmas is over, and interior designer/blogger Anna Spiro has me already counting down the days until Spring. Her blog Absolutely Beautiful Things is an eye opening burst of color that resembles the energy of her native Australia. This year Anna launched her online store, and I can't stop adding items to my cart. I know we all could use a break from buying after this past month, so keep these on your wish list, or go ahead and splurge with that Christmas money from grandma.

Click here to browse the goods.

THAT'S HOT

I'm kinda lovin' this commercial and everyone in it. Va Va Voom!

Spice Up Your Christmas

Mexican Hot Chocolate


1 cup water
4 cups whole milk
1 1/3 cups chocolate chips
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon chile powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
mini marshmallows

In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and 1 cup water over medium heat, whisking constantly, until hot but not boiling, about 8 minutes (the mixture should smooth). Pour into 4 large mugs and enjoy!

To sassy up your hot chocolate add a coffee, chocolate, or cream liqueur.

Merry Christmas to Me: Design * Sponge at Home

I can now find all of my favorite design factoids compiled into one with one of my favorite bloggers and DIY expert, Grace Bonney's Design * Sponge at Home. So, I've treated myself this Christmas to a gift I've had my eye on since it debuted in September.

                                  

                                          More cravings: design, food, etc.

    Yum!

   Perfect

Death by sweets

Restaurant Buzz: Parlor Market

We walked in and instantly felt the need to say the password and whisper our drink orders. It wasn't 1930, but it had the feeling of a swanky speakeasy. Parlor Market had it all: ambiance, flavor, and Southern revival cuisine. I was overly content. Throw in a vintage champagne glass, and I'm smiling ear to ear.

 Parlor Market is a restaurant the exudes Southern culture with an emphasis on local Mississippi flavors and favorites, as well as a sophisticated menu that will have you wanting to stay for dessert every time (Oh, and it's worth it).

I am new to this downtown Jackson gem, but since then it has been awarded: Best New Restaurant in Mississippi, Most Innovative Menu, Best New Bar, Best Cocktails, and Best Chef, Craig Noone, who recently passed away, but you can still see it is the crew's mission to keep their dear friend's dream a reality.
 

 

 With it's dim lighting and bare wood you get the idea that you have walked into an underground haven for deliciousness, and then... it's confirmed! All your dreams come true in the form of a fried oyster salad and pork belly over Waffle House style hash browns.





Now, I would never forget to include their lovely libations.

I had the Satsuma:

• Cathead vodka -Mississippi's first legal distillery
• satsuma
• orange
• elderflower
• prosecco

 












Now stop by an enjoy, and if you're not a local then come and visit!

Secret Pocket Pillow

Christmas is right around the corner, and if your like me and have nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. in your life, then you know it's never too early to start thinking about what you can get those little ones during the gift giving season.

A great family friend and fellow Daltonian/UA grad, Elizabeth Rakis is apart of the team behind the Secret Pocket Pillow .

Anytime I'm with Miss B I end up finding my cell phone, lip gloss, and other small items hidden in her bed, socks, and there is no telling where else. Now kids can store all their goodies in their very own decorative and playful pillow. Check out the different styles from the Secret Pocket Pillow.

Gifts for the Modern Bohemian

Visit Table Tonic for more items like the above.

 

 

 

 

coffee/cocktail table books for a new homeowner

 

I have in black and gold

 

Tortoise shell highball glasses for entertaining

 

zig zag chevron tray

Above items from Furbish Studio

 

 

Moroccan tea glasses- we have in blue and use more for wine than anything else.

 

What to Get Your Man for Christmas

If your man loves hunting, whiskey, and cooking like mine, then hopefully I can help you out.

Last Christmas I found the book Wild Abundance on The Bearings Guide. Parts of the book are narrated by New Orleans chef John Besh, the family cooks who have been around for years, and the hunters that bring home the bacon (pun intended).
The story takes you on a trip to some of the finest hunting camps in Louisiana and Mississippi and shows you not only some of the most delicious recipes, but also some of the richest and oldest Deep South traditions.

                             

P.S. Eli Manning is featured so I got a ++...hint to any Ole Miss fans.

Next, Whiskey Stones...these guys are awesome. Nothing is worse than drinking a whiskey by a fire and having your ice melt too quickly. Ice cubes are so last year.
                                    


You will learn many new things once you are soon-to-marry into the great state of Louisiana. There is a whole new world of food I have discovered (I have a love for boudin...a thing I never knew existed) and I absolutely love how every time I visit there is always a chance for a small gathering to turn into a party, just add some styrofoam cups and hot sauce. However, I never thought my soon-to-be would introduce me into a new clothing line. Matthew loves the Perlis brand and it sure is a more fun twist on a classic Polo or Lacoste shirt, and I like to think a lot more hip than any ole Vineyard Vines.

Exhibit A


Personally, we are kinda simple and stick to our good ole Miller Lite, except when it's springtime and we are craving an Abita Strawberry, but if you and your guy are interested in something a little more flavorful and homemade, then try out a home brewing kit from Midwest Supplies. The starter kit is only $99.
                                  
 
 

You can't go wrong with some tunes for only $14

                                               

Last year I gave Matt the below Fleur di Lis cuff links. I stumbled upon these hide-on-hair ones while browsing Garden & Gun.
      

 Oh, and don't forget that there is plenty of time for you to buy tickets to his favorite team's bowl game.

Happy Shopping!!

We Put On For Our Cities

Reppin' our home states and the ones where we went to college that became a second home in a fun way, compliments of B&A Prints on Etsy. Very cool site...go check them out.



Mississippi



Alabama



Georgia



Louisiana



Halloween Success

I think I have watched the maximum amount of scary movies possible, maybe Twilight doesn't count, but there were plenty of others. I already miss Halloween, but I am more than ready to move on to the November festivities!

we made cupcakes out the wazoo..the kids helped so we got a little creative.

Miss B's creative cupcake of eyeballs

Aunt LeeLee gave us some Halloween cookies from Lyn's in Huntsville.

Grown-up treats: Prosecco, Grey Goose, Diet Cranberry and OJ

add some candy to get festive :)

Trick my Treat: Halloween Cocktails

Bloody Scary & Bloody Tooth cocktails

 

Ingredients for Bloody Scary Cocktail

• 4 ounces prosecco
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1/2 ounce Campari
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
• 1 ounce Blavod Black vodka, chilled

Ingredients for Bloody Tooth Cocktail

• 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
• 1 ounce Simple Syrup
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Autumn in Mississippi

Gorgeous views and beautiful sunset make a perfect end to a relaxing weekend. May sound cheesy, but it's such a wonderful feeling to sit and hear silence...no interstate, no phones, just nature. Thew in a few pics of the fiance training with sweet Liza Jane. That's all... just wanted to share some peaceful pics.

Chair Flair

A major update to some old chairs found at a garage sale can be a cheap and easy fix to any room. 

Check it out!

za chair

za primer

za paint
The big decision...which fabric to use? We took another trip down to Forsyth Fabrics in Atlanta to find the lucky winner. 

option 1

Option 2 & 3

Option 4 ( I love, but it just wouldn't work)

Option 5

let the painting begin...

one of two new brand new additions!