Would this work for a formal wedding???

Ok ladies, I need some H.E.L.P. I am going to one of mine and LC's very good friend's wedding this Summer. Now mind you, it's August 1st in Georgia. August in Georgia is ridiculously hot. I received my invitation this weekend, and it is black tie. LC and I are looking at houses, and I'm trying to not spend as much. I have this dress below in my closet with the tags still attached. It's the Lilly Pulitzer Betsey dress in Vanilla Got It Made Brocade. From pictures on the website when it was ordered, it appeared to be a white/off white dress with white brocade or a light silver. However, when I actually got the dress, it is not at all like the color pictured. I included the whole dress along with the closeup of the fabric. I guess my question is, considering this is an evening black tie wedding, do you think this dress is appropriate? I'm only 5'3 so the dress is not short on me. I would love what y'all think and what suggestions you might have.

I actually wish I was at work today

because I am home sick with a stomach bug. I mean I seriously would rather be at work than home sick. Sick days when you're actually sick are no fun. My stomach bothered me a tad on Saturday, but the discomfort went away. We attended the wedding Saturday night which was the most beautiful wedding I'd ever been to. I'll have to blog about that tomorrow. Yesterday, the bug was in full effect. I went to bed at like 6:30 last night and didn't get up til 6:30 this morning just because I can't sleep anymore. I feel much better today, and I think I'll be back in full swing by tomorrow. My stomach is really sore from all the cramping yesterday. I would not have been productive at work and am not feeling even 90%; so, I called in sick. Enough about my sickness. No one wants to hear my whining. LC has had the brunt of that=)

LC and I went house hunting again on Saturday. We found two houses we really like. One is the northwest part of the suburb, and the other is in the southeast part of the suburb. The second one has amazing curb appeal while the other is not as appealing as the other. The second one is more move in ready in my opinion, and the first one would need a little bit of work. The second one has a HUGE bathroom as in we could install a jacuzzi tub=) The first one doesn't not have a HUGE bathroom. Both neighborhoods are nice and well kept; however, the first house will have a better re-sellable value than the second one. The first is in a more established neighborhood where the second is still in said suburb but closer to the city line and well, let's face it, closer to the undesirables/not so great neighborhood. Ah, many many decisions. LC is taking his parents on Friday to go look at them. So, ladies he is serious about the house. Although, he did sit me down and tell me it was either a house or a ring; because, he couldn't do both. He said he understood that for a woman a ring is a symbol and commitment, but he is just as committed to me regardless if there is a ring on my finger or not. He said he would have to wait and see what was left over for the ring situation. He left the decision in my hands. He said he would do what I wanted whether it be a ring or a house. I know this may sound stupid to you ladies, but I chose the house. Right now the interest rates are the lowest I think they'll ever be, people are giving away houses (I mean in the sense some people are desperate to get rid of them b/c they  bought a new house before the market fell out) and when the market goes back upswing in the next couple of years, I don't think that we'd be able to get a house that size for as cheap in the neighborhood we want. Both houses have come down $30,000 off the original asking price. The first one has been on the market for almost a year. We think we would be able to get it for much less than the asking price due to time listed on market, it is vacant, etc. The second one has been on the market for 2 months, and to lower it 30K too, we think they are ready to get rid of it. The second one has a pool which sounds amazing, but it would be a lot of work and a higher utility bill. We're not sure if we want that kind of commitment for our first house. I dunno. It's a big decision. Do y'all think I'm stupid for wanting a 3,000 sq. ft. house over a ring right now? 

RIP MJ:(

I remember the first time I ever saw the video Thriller. I was amazed and enthralled at the same time. I was glued to my Grandmother's television in the early to mid 80s. Even though I was young, I remember it just like it was yesterday. One of my aunts is only 10 years older than me. So, she was always watching MTV. I still remember vividly practicing my little heart out til I could do the Thriller dance, or at least I thought I could. LOL! I remember my aunt and I just waiting and hoping that MTV would play it. You know back in the day when all MTV played was videos, the time before reality tv, the time before the internet, and my what a golden time in music it was. Regardless of all the things regarding his personal life, he touched my life along with many, many, many others. His music holds tons of memories for me. May he rest in peace.

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed

'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

You hear the door slam and realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand and wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination, girl!
But all the while you hear the creature creeping up behind
You're out of time

'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain't no second chance against the thing with forty eyes, girl
Thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

Night creatures calling, the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time
(They're open wide)
This is the end of your life

They're out to get you, there's demons closing in on every side
They will possess you unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time for you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night I'll save you from the terror on the screen
I'll make you see

That this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a
Killer, diller, chiller, thriller here tonight

'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!

(I'm gonna thrill ya tonight)
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'alls neighborhood

I'm gonna thrill ya tonight, ooh baby
I'm gonna thrill ya tonight, oh darlin'
Thriller night, baby, ooh!

The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom

And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller

MRM: Birthday month giveaway #2

MRM: Birthday month giveaway #2

Thursday, June 25, 2009
Birthday month giveaway #2

One of the first posts that I ever wrote on Whale Flip Flops spoke of my love of the A. Tierney bangle bracelet. My readership has grown a bit since then, and with that, so has my admiration for the bangle bracelet.

I have the ladybug bangle (what? me owing something with ladybugs on it? say it ain't so!) and I love it. In my opinion, it is such a fun, easy, and classy way to transition an outfit or to give a solid-color outfit just the right amount of spice.
What better way to celebrate my birthday with my blogging friends than with an item that I wrote about on my first ever favorite things post?

Thanks to Alyssa of A. Tierney, the winner of this giveaway will receive a bangle in her (or his- guys these make great gifts!) choice of pattern. To enter, please visit the A. Tierney website and leave a comment on this post with your favorite bangle and what outfit you would wear it with. All comments that don't have this information will be deleted and those entries will not count. For an extra entry, become a follower. For a third possible entry, blog about this giveaway. You will also receive one additional entry for every person who says that they were referred by you.


*** Just tell her Tale of a Southern Belle sent you!!!! Fantastic Giveway!!!!!

I've acquired a new friend, not a long lasting one I hope!

No, don't go judging, I woke up next to LC this morning. There's no other man. I woke up with a new friend attached to my forehead per se. I seriously feel like I'm in middle school again. You know when you wake up with that horrid pimple on your face for the whole world to see, and you just want to retreat and crawl back under the covers until it's gone. Not the under the skin ones that come when General Krottendorfer comes to make his monthly visit (in case you've never heard that term here's a little history lesson for you. That is what Marie Antoinette would call her "time of the month" in letters to her mother) , the ones that are red and visible and hurt like H-E-double hockey sticks. I mean really c'mon God. I had acne as a teenager. My dermo always said I had a "mild" case of acne. Well, to me, it was like the end of the world. I mean I wanted a clear face like my friends, but I think alot of people with oily skin have had or do have acne. My skin has gotten tremendously better over the years, and well, a lot better than even my college years. I guess when you're not in a smoky bar, dehydrating your skin from the mass consumption of alcohol, stuffing your face with Krystal's (your town may have a White Castle) because it's the only thing open at 4am, and slamming your head on the pillow to just get some shut-eye for a few hours, and don't even care about taking your makeup off because let's face it, that means that you'll only have to do the touch-up in the morning before class so you don't look like a complete wasted face versus waking up early to put make up on to make it appear that you do not look like what the cat drug in last night, then, when you grow up and don't do all those terrible things to your skin, it gets better. Zits sucks. We have to go to a wedding on Saturday; so, let's hope it's gone by then.

Don't forget to check out MRM's giveaway-located on my sidebar. Just tell her Tale of a Southern Belle sent y'all darlins=)

Blog Header Advice

Would any of you like to share some tips, do and don'ts, and any kind of advice about your blog makeover? Please do. I'm thinking about purchasing a header. I recently changed my template to something Summery; because, I love the coast and wish I was there!!!!!! I'm thinking for my header I'd like a big black antique looking frame with toile background in the frame with a shabby chic crystal chandelier with me in Lilly Pulitzer of course with Puggy on a leash and flowers. I dunno, I figure I'd send the designer some pics of my favorite things and let her kind come up with a plan. Anyways, I need advice. Do any of you ladies have any good recommendations? I'd love to look at who you've used. Or, if you have any ideas for my blog itself, I'm up for suggestions. Any designers who come across my blog, feel free to email me at southernbellejm@gmail{dot}com. Here are some of my favorite things:

I love crystal chandeliers.I love anything toile, seriously.I love fresh flowers especially hydrangeas and the Calla lilies pictured below

Also, I love my pug. This is a pic of her. Don't you just love her little white paws!!!! Isn't she adorable=)I love antique furniture especially Louis XVI style like this and the chair belowIf you know me, then you know I LOVE bourbon. It's my drink of choice, and well, I love a mint julep if it's made right!!!!!
And most close to me know I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach. I have a natural dark complexion and love being out in the sun. I, also, adore GWTW. We've all seen, and I just love Tara. Who wouldn't want to live in a beautiful house like that. I could just picture this house in my header as well.

And, last but not least, Lilly Pulitzer!! This Betsey dress is my favorite purchase. I love it!!!!!Love this frame in gold but would like pictured horizontally or like this but black!!!!

Badonkadonk

Yeah, I got one. I have a badonkadonk. I put the word in huge letters; because, well you know badonkadonks are big. You know the song, go sing right along:
You can look but you can't touch
That honkey tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how'd she even get them britches on
That honky tonk badonkadonk


Today, I'm frustrated. I get tired of wearing empire waist dresses or wearing the same pants for like 3 years which seems like FOREVER. Even when I was a size or two smaller, I still had the same problem. It's hard for me to find clothes that fit without having to do a complete alteration. I'm short, as in 5'3". I've got a ghetto booty, and well, let's just say the rest of my body doesn't go with this large rear. I'd say I'm built alot like Kim Kardashian. I was in Vineyard Vines today trying on the Skylark dress and to no avail, too tight in the rear. Argh, silk and satin are not my friends. And, I'm not trying to gain sympathy compliments by any means. Tis true about my hiney, a couple of my girlfriends and I made a trek to Sin City, yup Las Vegas, back in undergrad. Vegas houses one of Madame Toussaud's wax museums. And yes, they happen to have a replica of J.Lo is this museum, and They had me stand next to her to compare, and yes, it's the same size. I guess in all reality I should be thankful. I am, but sometimes, like today, I am not. Days like today I wish I had the normal white girl booty; so, I could fit into some cute clothes. But alas, I digress... There are worse things in this economy than worrying about my precious behind. Speaking of economy, I was trying to stimulate the economy one purchase at a time last night. I had bid on a pair of gold McKims on Ebay, and I was down to the last 15 seconds. Then, wham! A big red X! You have been outbid popped up when I refreshed the screen. NOOOOOOO! Believe me, by the time I scrambled trying to outbid the conniving clock watcher, I had lost:( I was distraught. I have been really wanting some Lilly Pulitzer gold McKims just like I have really been wanting a black pair of Tory Burch Revas, but I just can't justify dropping regular price for them when I need to pay some of my bills off. But I can justify spending oh say about 60 bucks=) Which I bid 50 dollars + 10 dollars shipping=60 buckaroos. I got outbid my $3.05. Seriously, a tear ran down my cheek. I really really wanted them. I contacted the seller to ask if they would be listing anymore size 8s. The ever so kind person said, "Yes, I will be listing another size 8 in a couple of days." Yessssssssssssssssssssssss! And away to bed, I went. To much surprise, I checked my Ebay this morning and found a message from the seller giving me a second chance offer. They sold me a pair for 50 buckaroos + 10 buckaroos shipping= 60 burning a hole in pocket dollars. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've been looking at houses=)

Ok, remember back in the day when I was fretting over whether or not to move in with LC, read this post. It was posted quite some time ago. Well, ladies, we spent the entire morning on Saturday looking at houses. I decided to go for it. LC and I have been living together since October. Yes, things have moved quickly, but I just know he's the one. I love him and can't imagine a day without him. I mean I could do without all the incessant complaining over my shopping habit, but nonetheless, it's a small annoyance that I've learned to tune out. One of my friends calls me a "late bloomer". I acquired my "first, real" job when most people have been working for oh say about 5 years. I decided to enjoy life, go to grad school, obtain another degree (well, almost. just need to write my thesis), and not use it. So with that being said, I cannot afford a house in the area I would like to live in:( The thing is I will not be taking part in qualifying for the loan or putting my name on the deed. We're not married, and in due time, that will come. I pay rent now to an apartment, and it's really no different than paying rent to LC. I can decorate things how I want, paint walls, plant flowers, and I can do all of this without fear of damaging something, landscapers ruining my flowers, new light fixtures, etc. I know some of you might disagree, and I get that. Awhile back, I disagreed. I was scared. I was scared of what happened with TWOS. But you know what, LC isn't TWOS. LC is LC. I love him more than he'll ever know. I love him more than words can describe. So, for me, this is the right decision. I am signing a 6 mo. lease with my apartments since it's about that time. That way it will give us time to find a house and make the necessary renovations to make it liveable i.e. updated kitchen and bathrooms, painting, moving, etc. So, I will definitely keep you all in the loop.

Tory Burch Interview!

I definitely drool over TB's line. I seriously just need to go ahead and take the plunge to buy some Revas. I mean really. I love them but don't own them:( I know a ton of you bloggers love some TB. I came across Spoiled Pretty's blog, and she had the wonderful pleasure to interview the Mrs. Burch herself!!!!! Very interesting, and it made me like Tory Burch even more. It's titled "Ten Questions with Tory Burch". You can read it yourself here.
Courtesy of Spoiled Pretty

Hug Your Daddy Today=)

Courtesy of clinton2.nara.gov

Courtesy of stmarystoday.com

So, Ladies, I hope you are having a fantastic weekend. This is my first scheduled post I've ever done. Hopefully, all goes well=) Today, I will be spending the day with my Daddy and going to see LC's father as well. Just thought you'd like a tidbit on how Father's Day came about. I heard it on the radio and thought it was very interesting.

"Regardless of when the first true Father's Day occurred, the strongest promoter of the holiday was Mrs. Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Mrs. Dodd felt that she had an outstanding father. He was a veteran of the Civil War. His wife had died young, and he had raised six children without their mother.
In 1909, the idea of Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Wash., while she listened to a Mother’s Day sermon, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Mrs. Dodd approached her own minister and others in Spokane about having a church service dedicated to fathers on June 5, her father's birthday. That date was too soon for her minister to prepare the service, so he spoke a few weeks later on June 19th. From then on, the state of Washington celebrated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Children made special desserts, or visited their fathers if they lived apart.
States and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare an annual Father's Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent."
**information credited to livescience.com and homeschooling.about.com

courtesy of besthomecare.com

Friday's Finds....

So, I thought I might start doing a Friday's Finds post. There are tons of things I see that I want, and thought I should share.



For you ladies who love all things French, New Orleans, or just a plain ol' LSU fan, then this might be for you. A silver and diamond Fleur de Lis pendant necklace. Very cute! 59.99 at smartbargains.com There are only 4 left...so get to clicking=)
I'm a big fan of cocktail rings. This one looks very classy and interesting at the same time. It's sterling silver, pearl, and white topaz. You can find it on smartbargains.com for 44.98, and there's only 1 left!
Lilly Pulitzer's Amarah top. It's only $44.00 at Peppermint Palm. Still available in all sizes. Can't you just picture yourself in this paired with the Anne Klein gold-plated cuff bracelet and Kenneth Cole Green Quartz earrings pictured below. Too cute!
The Slub Shirred Ruffle Tank I mentioned earlier this week. Thank you J. Crew IT guy for finally posting it on your website. And, the tank is perfect for a recessionista at the low price of $35.00!!!!! And, can't you just imagine yourself outside on your wraparound porch sitting on your porch swing enjoying the sounds of The South sipping your tea or coffee out of this darling mug! Thanks to fellow blogger The Preppy Princess, you can orders these directly from her website at PreppyPrincess.com and at a mere $15.00

My response to the ex's ex ( you know you wanna know)

I know you're wanting to know the response to my previous post. I could have ignored it, but I thought that would be slightly snobby. I could have put her up on the jacka$$ wall for being a biatch two years ago and a home wrecker. But nah, I'm happy, and plus, I think the thing women always forget is that it "takes two to tango" and "once a cheater, always a cheater". Why dwell on the past? Sure, two years ago I probably would have made her cry if she'd dare to speak to me. In fact, she just so happened to be obliged by my presence as she entered the bathroom at a place I use to frequent, and believe me ladies, as soon as she looked up, much to her horror, there, I stood staring her straight in the face. She looked like a deer in headlights, and I've never seen a girl run out of a bathroom so fast! But now, what's the use. What will being mean do? Would it make me feel a little better, make me triumphant, or give me the last laugh? Sure, it would. Does it solve anything? No. Is a day's worth of gloating worth hurting a young girl who's already hurting? No. I've been there. We've all been there. We know what it's like to have your heart broken in two, and wondering why this happened. I like to think I took the high road and am a better person for it. Here's my response to her:

"All I can say is I'm sorry. He's a POS, and well, you can't believe anything that comes out of his mouth. I just hate that it happened to you. I just hope it's much better than what I had to go through with him. Hopefully, you got to throw all his sh!t on the lawn too; because, nothing had ever felt so good. LOL!!! Time really does heal all wounds. Just be glad it's over and done with you know. I have a wonderful boyfriend now who is the complete opposite of TWOS*. I love him very much. If TWOS was a part of my life to be a stepping stone for me to meet my boyfriend, then I'd do it all over again if I had to. Mutual Friend always said nice things about you such as you and I are similar people (and if you're like me, then you're awesome!!! jk). With that being said, I hope the same for you."
*Total Waste of Space (the ex)


Her response to this was a kind one. Explaining the ex has multiple personalities. (Well yah, most alcoholics do) She said that he moved in with her after a family trip to his homeland far away, and that she really didn't want him to. And well, whatdya know not too long after that, his crap was being thrown in the yard by someone else. Ha=) I just told her that things will get better, and that he has to wake up everyday and live his sad, pathetic life. To me that is sweet satisfaction. What a sad life! I wouldn't trade mine for his in a million years. The ex's ex seems a lot like myself, and I've been told we are very much alike. So, I get it, I get her ya know. I just feel like it was the mature way to handle things. What would you have done? Would you have handled things differently?


On another note, MRM introduced smartbargains.com on one of her posts. I found these on there yesterday and immediately ordered them. Smartbargains' description: Sterling silver Keshi pearl and diamond flower earring, .925 polished sterling silver, Ten freeform keshi freshwater cultured pearl measures 8-9mm, Two (2) round prong set diamonds = 0.02 cttw; color = J-K; clarity = I2, Friction post with butterfly backs
I thought they were just darling=) They are only 59.98, and there are only 2 left. So, if you want a pair, you better get to clicking!!!! Also, Lilly Pulitzer is on there too, and there are some items left. None were my size, but they might be yours!

When the ex's (ex)girlfriend messages you....

I went to J. Crew today, and of course, I found a zillion things I want. And, every item I wanted that was on sale was not in my size. Figures. Although, I am wanting this:




But, as I go to find the picture on J. Crew's website, guess what....NOT THERE. Doesn't surprise me one bit. Their website always has problems. I remember last Summer I quit shopping on the website b/c it was always down or freezing up. Seriously, J. Crew get a new IT guy. Anyways, if you're a J. Crewaholic, then check out the Slub Ruffles Tank. I love it and hope to make it my next purchase soon!!! Also, I'm at 166 posts now. I already picked up part of my 200th post giveaway gifts. I'm thinking I might do a "My fave things" giveaway=)

On another note, I received this message via FB mobile today:
"Hey girl, I know this is super random and know we have never met. but I should have listened to you about TWOS*. You're not going to believe who he is with now, a 40 year old something** that has two kids!!!! Anyways, just wanted to apologize for everything he put your through; he's definitely a great liar!!! I know you are over it, but I thought I should say something to you. Anyways, I wish I had listened to you and what others had told me."
*TWOS is my heinous POS ex
**No offense to any women with children this is written by a broken hearted 25 year old girl.
This statement is not a reflection of myself.


I mean, I don't know what to say. Sorry, I guess. I've been there. I know what he did to me. Therefore, I can only imagine how she must feel. He's a smooth talker, a con, a manipulator, a give you a dream and pull the rug out from under you while you still have stars in your eyes kinda guy. She knew while he was pursuing her that he was living with his GIRLFRIEND (that would be me). Even though she was respectful and turned him down, she succumbed when he told her he broke it off with me. Which by the way readers wasn't really a break up, it was more of a I just need some space. Because when you break up with someone, you move all of your crap aka belongings out of their apartment into your new space or make arrangements until you are able to do so. All the while, he was canoodling and gallivanting around town with her. Nope, he just kept feeding me lies to get me to feel sorry for him. And she really did know by Turkey Day, since, I sent him a message via his friend to leave her family's turkey dinner to come over and start picking up all his $hit off the lawn. Little tidbit, I found out on Thanksgiving Day about he and her on Facebook of all things. My how technology has changed the break-up. And believe me ladies, I really did throw everything I could lift and that wasn't nailed down over my balcony and in the grass. Dirty dishes out of the dishwasher, lamps, pictures, clothes, shoes, racquets, you name it, I threw it! I warned her about him. For a more detailed version read this previous post. I felt it was my civic duty as a woman to let her know what a POS he was. I didn't want him to do it to her, to make her feel how I felt, or to mistreat her. Being young and in love, she didn't take heed to my warning. Ah, isn't that how life goes, darlings?!?!? I guess we all have to find out for ourselves. It's human nature, I suppose.....

Crabtree and Evelyn Coupon

Vintage Crabtree and Evelyn Packaging



Hi all, this is my second post for the day, but I just couldn't go by sans telling you. I just adore Crabtree and Evelyn. I have purchased many items while out of town, and just recently discovered, that I have a C&E in my own town. LOL!

Late last week, I came across Makeup and Manicures' blog. To my delight, she has a coupon. The first is for a free 50mL Hand Therapy lotion of your choice which is 1.7 oz. That is a regular size lotion, ladies. The other coupon is for 15% off your entire purchase which is good until 8/5. Also, when you go to the store, sign up for the mailing list, and they will give you a nifty little keychain card, and two free travel items. What a bargain!!!! This is the lotion I chose but in the 1.7 oz. of course:)




Here is a pic of the Nantucket Briar products. For my two free travel size items, I opted for the milled bar soap and the body lotion in NB. C&E describes the scent as "Summers by the sea evoke salt weathered cottages, rambling roses and freshly ironed linens. Our body care nourishes with meadow extracts of honey, linden flower and mallow. Scent: A blend of briar roses, bergamot, fresh greens, amber and vanilla." All pics courtesy of Crabtree and Evelyn

Lilly Find...

Hope you lovelies had a wonderful weekend. There was a dreadful storm to pass through Memphis on Friday. It was bad enough that our office shut up shop at about 4:30pm. I, of course, hit the storm about halfway home. I was just happy to get home okay!!! With nothing to do on a Friday night and after a big storm, what else?!?!?!? Shopping of course. LC and I headed to the mall to return a few things and meet LC's parents for dinner. Needless to say, traffic was backed up on the interstate because an 18-wheeler had overturned; so, we decided to go through town. Oh my, if we only knew then, what we know now. Every traffic light was out, and there were power outages everywhere. A normal trip takes us about 25 minutes, and our trip on Friday took 1hr and 15min. Not fun. Especially not fun, because my low fuel light came on, and LC lectured me to no end about making sure to keep a quarter of a tank at all times. I sure am glad that I have learned to tune him out. Otherwise, it would have not made for a joyful, fun filled ride with lots of quality time between the two of us. We had dinner with LC's parents whom were without power. Evidently, his mother blew the fuse on the generator due to using her hair dryer. Ha! They were still without power as of 7pm last night. And how do I know? Because, I was there reading Mansfield Park with a fan on me. I have no idea what people did before air conditioning. How miserable it must have been!!!!!

On another note, I did not find anything that was of interest to my closet at the Tory Burch sale today on Rue La La. Hopefully, you all liked something to add to your collection of TB. I, on the other hand, did make a bargain purchase today. I bought this shrunken polo in PB green at The Sale Shack. It's 29 dollars total including shipping. Not bad.

PB green below:

Friday Finds....

Here are some recent purchases I made in the past couple of weeks...Random, but I love all of them, and the tunic and dress were brand new. I was lucky!!!!

This is a rosary box I purchased to hold the rosary my parents had specially made for me in celebration of my confirmation into the Catholic church. Little FYI, I am one to purchase things on impulse sans reading fine print i.e. measurements. This box is so tiny. It literally is the size of half of my finger. Def not going to fit my rosary, but I am a sucker for antiques. I only paid 5 dollars for it, and it is very pretty in person. The engraving is dated either 1830 or 1880. Not sure if the third number is an 8 or a 3. The inscription around Mary states, "O Mary concieved without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee." It's silver and maybe Mother of Pearl. Yes, I know it irks me that conceived is spelled wrong, but hey, you can't undo what some one did two centuries ago. Tehe=)
I still need to load a picture of the rosary my parents gave me. It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful. It is made of sterling silver, has rose quartz Hail Mary beads, and amethyst Our Father beads with aquamarine beads for the spacers. I needed a rosary for use while I am not at home; because, I would not want to lose the precious one that was my confirmation gift. So, obviously, I purchased one=) It's sterling silver, and the beads are African Turquoise which from doing research is basically just jasper. But for 25 bucks including shipping, well worth it to me.
Oh my, and we all know I'm a sucker for Lilly P. I thought this dress would be perfect for church. I bought it for 30 bucks including shipping. Who wouldn't love something with a few palm trees on it anyways=)
And my next endeavor cost me 50 hard earned dollars including shipping...the lovely Newbury Tunic in Speckle and Hyde. I love it. Pair it with some white pants on a summer day, and, voila, a tres cute outfit!!!!
And last but defintely not least, Pottery Barn's Dinner at Eight Second Course. Wonderful cd. I have Pottery Barn's Dinner at Eight [1st cd in the trilogy] and plan on finding PB's Just for Dessert as well. They are great to put on while your cooking, entertaining, or taking a bubble bath. If you like music such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and such, then, this is for you. Or, you could find out the songs on each cd and download them on Itunes. Whatever is your fancy darlings....

Hope you loves have a wonderful weekend, find many fab bargains, and don't forget Tory Burch is on sale at Rue La La on Monday. If you're not a member of Rue La La, reader or visitor, leave me your email, and I'll send you an invite. Don't be shy;)

A Summer Read...

Update: I just ordered this off abebooks.com for 1 buck, yes 1 buck + shipping for a grand total of $4.89. And guess what, it's brand new and not used. Thought I'd give ya the link. Type in Jun9 in the coupon code section and save yourself 10 cents darlings.


I know some of you have been writing posts about summer reads. Here's a recommendation from moi=) This book was featured in a fashion magazine a few years ago. That is how I came about finding it. It was probably Cosmopolitan or Glamour. I actually loaned this to a friend and never got it back; because, she loved it and loaned it to someone else. You get the gist. However, I got to thinking about this book again and plan on ordering it on Amazon to reread this Summer. The name of the book is Breathe by Anne-Sophie Brasme. Don't worry, it's been translated from French to English for you!

courtesy of http://www.curledup.com/breatheb.htm

"Barely out of childhood, I had already committed the irreparable.' Beautifully and simply written with an astonishing maturity, this first novel narrates the story of nineteen-year-old Charlene Boher. Charlene recounts her past from her prison cell, a past which had begun banally enough - a great friendship between herself and Sarah. Charlene, a solitary, unpopular, tortured and breathless adolescent had been 'rescued' by Sarah and they'd developed an intense friendship. However, when Charlene falls in love with Maxime, the jealous Sarah begins to test and provoke her, to humiliate her in public and reproach her persistently - until she can take it no longer, with disastrous and shocking consequences. This is a very frank and convincing account of a possessive, ambiguous and abusive friendship."

"Stories of obsession can be boring--all that self-absorption becomes repetitive--but this spare, poignant first novel, translated from the French, is so exquisitely written that you read it in one breathless rush. The suspense is not about what happens. You know from the first chapter that the narrator is a murderer. Sleepless in prison, Charlene, 19, has no regrets about what she did two years ago. In the walls of her cell, she remembers the break with her family (suddenly "no more than a squalid bunch of strangers"), her loneliness, her ecstatic bonding with charismatic Sarah at their elite high school. Then Sarah drops Charlene, bullies her, treats her as a pet, and worse of all, ignores her. Charlene has a brief love affair with a kind, handsome guy, and she almost becomes an ordinary teen, able to love without hatred and obsession, until Sarah beckons, and Charlene is trapped again. The writer is just 20, and her unsettling story brings very close the passionate intensity of teenage friendship and betrayal." Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Ok, it sounds sort of dark and morbid of sorts, but this book is really good. It's not very long and would be a great summer read. At times, you can definitely sympathize with Charlene; because, we've all been bullied at least once in our lives by someone. We've all at one point in time or another wanted to be in the "cool" click and wanted nothing more than acceptance. You could probably read it in its entirety during a lay out session pool side=) Do y'all have any suggestions for some good poolside reading???

Are you there God? It's me, Belle.

Courtesy of Istockphoto

Dear Readers,

Seriously, today has been the worst. It made me think of that Judy Blume book I read as a kid. You know the one Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. I'm not one of those people where one thing happens, it's fixed, and life is back to normal. I'm one of those when it rains it pours kinda people. It started with traffic. I have driven down the road that my work is off of on Monday and Tuesday. There was no sign on either of those days alerting drivers that construction would be going on today. Today, I leave at the same time I do every day, and when I get on the road that leads to my office, there is CONSTRUCTION. No people not just one lane. They have closed two of the three lanes. Thank you City of Memphis. Needless to say, I was 20 minutes late, and the wonderful city will take minutes off of my sleep time tomorrow. Grrrrrr! I get all frazzled when my daily routine is disrupted. I get to work to only find that I left my oatmeal packet at home. I eat oatmeal for breakfast everyday. Then, my co-worker was still fuming from yesterday about some documents I requested that were wrong. When I opened up my inbox this morning, they still hadn't sent them . Later, I receive call from the document prep office that the docs are in fact correct. With further examination, I take them to said co-worker who just shook his head and explained "he had a bad day yesterday". Then, I decided to look at my bank account. That was the last straw. My account had been overdrawn. I am very meticulous about keeping my account in the positive. Last night, I made a few purchases on Ebay and paid one with my checking account and one with what I thought was my credit card. Come to find out all purchases came out of my bank account because the last time I updated paypal it did not process the updated credit card information and left my old check card number there. I'm not sure if Paypal processed it through old number or since old number isn't active pulled from my bank account. I don't get paid until Monday. Seriously, I had to go borrow money from my Mama to bring my account into positive. Since the charges are pending, the deposit will catch it without charging fees. How embarrassing!!!! So, without further adieu, Are you there God? It's me, Belle. Please no more drama today, thanks=) I hope you all are having a FABULOUS day. Thanks for joining my pity party today.

*Hugs*
Belle

Tory Burch on sale at Rue La La

FYI-Tory Burch will be on sale at Rue La La on Monday, June 15th, 11pm EST. For those stumbling across my blog that are visitors and don't know about Rue La La, it's a members only site, but all you have to do is have a member send you an invite to join i.e. *Me*! So, if you're a reader or a visitor, it doesn't matter. Just drop me your email, and I'll send you an invite!!!!

I have good news!!!!!!

Nope, it's not a ring ladies. Sorry! But speaking of rings, a little ring mishap happened this morning. Now, darlings, we all know that leaving the entire picking out of the ring would be a big fiasco in this Belle's household at least. LC and I do not always see eye to eye when fashion is involved. Therefore, leaving him, to pick one of if not the most important piece of jewelry in my ENTIRE life, will not suffice. Nope, just won't. I may or may not have went and picked out the most gorgeous, well at least to my exquisite eye for classic and elegant taste, ring for me. I don't care where he gets the engagement ring, but this band is what I want, hands down! So, I had the jeweler put the style number and carat weight on her business card. She also put down a date of an upcoming bi-annual sale on the card. *hint hint (seriously, could it be any bigger?)* Ladies, I am not so clever and must learn to hone my "sneaky" skills. I have caught onto the trick of sending my pretties via USPS to my office. Now, I must learn the skill to sneaky. I decided to put said business card in front of LC's Kroger card in his wallet whilst he was dreaming of sugar plum fairies. I, on the other hand, forgot to close said wallet. Now LC being an attorney and all, hence the acronym LC for law clerk which he once upon a time was, has an eye for detail like no other. He very much so noticed the open wallet this morning and inquired about it. I tried to be clever and explain that I was rummaging through my purse on the table last night and must have accidentally "bumped" it. Gaw, stupid me. In a hurry, I forget to close things i.e. drawers, cabinets, lids, etc. I'm a terrible liar. I must work on "white" lying skills as well. I confessed like an open book. I was highly embarrassed at my little late night rendezvous. Seriously, what in the H-E-double hockey sticks was I thinking?!?!?!? I tell you what, I know exactly what I was thinking. Umm, how about you get with the program LC. I want to get a bigger house, but LC cannot qualify for said house until my name is inked on for additional credit. I, however, do not want to settle for the SMALL house in the nice neighborhood we looked at. I want a house that will suit all my clothing needs. That need is multiple closets to display my pretties since we are looking in an older, yuppie neighborhood, and we all know those houses are built circa 1940/50s. Therefore, closets are tiny with a capital T. So, I guess the hint was evident. I'm just hoping within the next 6 months or sooner. How about y'all do a little dance or a little prayer for me=)
[Grace Kelly on her wedding day]

And yes, I almost forgot my good news.....My Mummy got her results back from the doctor, and her levels are very good as far as the cancer is concerned. The doctor is hoping the blood work will come back fine, and then, my Mum will be on bi-annual visits to a yearly visit. Yay!!!! In my world that is amazing news! Hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

LC's bday dinner and presents....

So, thank all of you wonderful ladies for sharing such fab recipes with me!
For salad, I chose this one from Fun with The Super Munns:

Corn & Arugula Salad

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup Balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1/8 cup basil, finely chopped (roll and slice with kitchen shears)
1 vine-ripened tomato

Salad:

5 oz. baby arugula (1 plastic container from organic section)
2 ears fresh corn, shucked with "hairs" removed

2 more vine-ripened tomatoes
sea salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste

To make the salad dressing, whisk first four ingredients in a small bowl (or your measuring cup). Cut the tomato into quarters, hold over the sink, and squeeze it just as if you were squeezing a slice of lemon into your tea. This will remove the seeds and gunk from the tomato while softening up the fruit. Dice the tomato and add the it to the dressing. Stir to coat. Refrigerate while you prepare the salad. It's important that the dressing has five minutes or so to flavor...the balsamic and garlic will really meld into the tomato.

Divide arugula between two plates. Working one at a time, hold the corn over a serving and cut the kernels into the salad. Keep going back over the cob until all bits of corn are in the salad...make sure to catch all of that sweet juice, too! Repeat with second ear of corn and salad plate. "Juice" the remaining two tomatoes and dice them if you wish - otherwise just quarter or slice them over your salads. Pour dressing evenly over salads.

For the main course, I chose a recipe from the lovely Sarah at Prep in Pearls.

Pork Loin Roast~1 41/2-5lb boneless pork loin roast
salt and pepper
1 10oz jar apricot preserves
1/4 c orange juice
splash bourbon
3 T soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 325
1. Place pork in roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients.
3. Pour over meat.
4. Cover and roast for 30 minutes.
5. Uncover and baste. Continue to do so every 20 minutes for about 1 hour and 15 minutes-remember to cover after basting.
6. Remove from oven and let roast rest for 10 minutes.7 Serve with pan marinade.It can also be made on the grill wrapped in foil-YUM!!!!

[(USDA website recommends cooking pork to the temp of 160 degrees so it took mine a little longer than what this recipe calls for...just a little FYI on my cooking adventure!)]

Side dishes:
Homemade Mashed Potatoes: (was my first attempt and were good)

7 small russet potatoes
1/2 stick of butter
salt and pepper
milk
country crock's honey butter spread

I peeled the potatoes with a peeler of course. Then I sliced them. Put them in pot for 30+ minutes until soft to fork's touch. Drained potatoes. Put potatoes, butter, milk in bowl. Beat potatoes with electric mixer adding salt and pepper as going (taste for more if needed) and add more milk as you like. Then I added a spoon full of the honey spread and mixed. It gave it a nice flavor!!!

Green beans out of a can. I'm no superwoman, ladies. Just threw some onion in it, and it let it cook.


For dessert, I made one that I make myself.
Raspberry Delight (a concocted version of things I like myself)



1 box of Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry Shells ( I like these b/c the middle is precut so after baking you can pull it right out which is perfect for putting stuff in it)
1 package of cream cheese
1 pkg of raspberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 pkg of blueberries
1 tub of whip cream
powdered sugar

Bake pastry shells according to instructions. While baking, put cream cheese, raspberries, and sugar in bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth(will still have small bits of raspberry in there should be a pink color) When shells are done, pull out the middle, spoon some of the raspberry mixture in the middle. Put some whip cream on top. Garnish with blueberries and some powdered sugar. Yum Yum Yum=) It will look just like the picture but will have the raspberry filling in the middle.

So, that was my dinner. I had one minor fiasco with the meat thermometer. But hey, you know I didn't know not to stick the metal thing ALL the way in b/c it will be touching the other side of the meat. You only want to stick it partially in so the thermometer is in the middle of the meat to determine the actual temp of the inside since the outside cooks faster. We live and we learn. Other than that, he enjoyed the dinner. The glaze for the roast was very very good with just the right hint of the bourbon to make it yum yum. We both love bourbon. Ha=) Although, I do say that pork roast is not our favorite cut of meat. I will make it next time with a pork tenderloin. Overall, thank you everyone b/c I found lots of recipes I'd like to try too!

I totally forgot, I know you would love to see what I got LC besides the dinner. He would not tell me what he wanted. He simply stated that he would like anything I'd get him. Therefore, Brooks Brothers would have to suffice and pink would be the color of choice or at least shades of pink;)

(It is much more of a salmon color in actuality)And this:
Which will go perfect with his grey suit and baby blue shirt=) I am a fab girlfriend. You can find these items at brooksbrothers.com.