My Shrimp & Grits

Ummm, shrimp and grits! Who doesn't love this combo? After eating this dish a few years ago for the first time, I simply fell in love. I have been tweaking my own recipe for shrimp and grits for some time now. I think I finally have it down to the point where I can share my recipe with other moderate skilled level cooks. The great thing about this meal is that it's very versatile, so you can make it any way you want to make it and eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you feel impelled to try this recipe, let me know what you think! So here's my rendition:

A Fresh Look

I'm giving my bedroom and my bathroom a face lift for the new year. Here's a sneak peak of some of the inspiration and the style I'm going for. Stay tuned for more progress, I'm super excited about my new space!

Need something like this above my bed

Purple Grapes: by Olympic

Accent Wall Ready to Paint!

Bedding Fabrics

Curtains? Shams? Headboard?

Element of Glamour... 

Blog Update - Better With Style + Food

As 2012 quickly approaches, it's so easy to forget the beginning of 2011. Seems like the years go by faster and faster, and soon we will face the beginning of a new year again. Along with the new year, I've decided to make a few new beginnings of my own. As my followers (few but faithful) have probably noticed by now, I've started to combine my food blog with my fashion/craft blog. These two elements are very important to me in my life and I feel that I should share them with you all in once place. So, please bear with me as I work to create a new look for this blog and soon a new and interesting name and URL. Stay tuned, great things to come!

On a different note, I must say that there have been some life changing events taking place in my life in just the past month that have made me refocus on what is really important to me in the life that God has given me here on earth. Being a Christian, I must say that knowing God's will for your life can be one of the most challenging concepts to understand and trust. There is a phrase that says 'If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.' I've felt like God has probably had a few good laughs at me this year from a few of my over zealous and not so humble blueprints for life. Even still, I've learned to be patient. I'm still learning to trust Him even when He puts me in situations that make absolutely no sense to me. So I ponder on the scriptures that say: for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways (Isa 55:8) For I know the plans I have for you, to give you an expected end (Jer 29:11). How great is our God?! So I'll continue to trust and praise Him even when life seems to be as clear as mud. For I know that He will give me the desires of my heart, and even my hearts desires. What are your hearts desires for 2012?

peace | blessings

Crock Pot: Turkey Neck Bones

We use to call these naked bones when I was small because by the time you finished sucking the meat off, there was nothing left! You wouldn't believe how easy it is to cook these in the crock pot. And it doesn't even take long.  You can also try beef neck bones, which may have a little more meat on them.  Check out this simple recipe I came up with:

Sew in Love: Summer Dress

I love to sew and design clothes. Below is a breezy, vintage patterned, summertime dresses that I made. I like to start with a manufactured dress pattern, then modify it and make it my own. After learning how to make ruffles recently, I had to add ruffles to the bust, which added dynamic to an otherwise plain dress. I also added pleats to the waist. The great thing about sewing your own clothes is that you can use whatever fabrics you like and you can be assured that no one else in the world is wearing what you have on!

Pattern: Butterick 5632