Super Happy, Fun Times with the Slaughters

Do you ever have one of those weeks that makes you look back and say, “Wait… what just happened?” We’ve basically had that kind of week. So, just for fun, let’s play a little catch-up.

Last week, I got in a wreck. (I’m totally fine–no worries!)

The next day, Husband found me a new bike. It’s a Hollywood Cruiser that I have affectionately named Betsy Schwinn.

The day after that, we bought our very first new car: a Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. I now have a car that is not only gorgeous and comfortable but will hold large canvases, groceries, and my dog all at the same time. I am in love!

On Friday, we drove to Nashville to see Tower of Power live at the War Memorial Auditorium. ToP is Husband’s favorite band, and he has been trying to see them in person for about 15 years. They did not disappoint. We danced our way, along with Bestie and lots of middle-agers with hair reaching to Jesus, through an incredible show! If you aren’t familiar with them, here’s a little taste…

On Saturday, we drove south to Chattanooga where we heard some gorgeous music performed by the best high schoolers in the state–the stop was a carry over from Husband’s band directing days. Then, we spent the rest of our day eating ourselves silly at St. John’s and the Stone Fort Inn’s Terra Mae. (We just love staying at the Stone Fort Inn. If you’re in the area, it is so charming!)

We wrapped up the weekend with a day of antiquing and (you guessed it) more eating with a show at the Tivoli. BILL COSBY! Can you believe it?! He was amazing. He was perfect. He was everything I wanted him to be, and I now find myself even more obsessed than I was before. I just adore him so much.

Finally, on Tuesday, we got invited to see a great show at The Bijou: Chris Thile with Brad Mehldau. It did not disappoint.

So that’s the gist. In between there were lots of other things but really, we are out of time and I could use a nap. So instead, please allow me to gift you the recipe for my latest drink of choice.

Pour yourself a glass of prosecco. (Cupcake is my personal favorite.)

Then, simply throw in a slice of lemon and a sprig of lavender from your garden. Trust me. It’s Springtime perfection!

Regular posting will commence again this weekend, with some BIG news coming next week. xoxo*

It’s Monday, Y’all!

Random Fact from my Life Last Week: Everyone I know is in a funk.

Personally, I blame the weather… and Lent… and the fact that everyone was referencing Les Misérables last week in the news because of the Oscar buzz. (Total downer, right?) Anywho, I am taking it upon myself to give you a little Monday pick-me-up.

“Keep busy searching out new ideas…” How you ask? Here are a few ideas…

Get a notebook. Carry it everywhere. Write things down.
Quotes. Moments. Doodles. Color combos. Whatever floats your boat.

Read this book… Bestie got it for me a few years ago, and it still never fails to get me excited about making stuff.

Read it? Then pick up a biography. Or find an author you’ve never read before. Or… wait for it… How about trying a new cookbook? (Personally, this one’s my new favorite!)

Maybe try a new method of cooking? or maybe just a new way of executing something you’ve done the same way for years. Rearrange your kitchen, mix up your wardrobe, find a signature color for March.

Need a little fashion inspiration? Why not pick up a movie you’ve never seen before. I fully support Mariah & Michele’s suggestion that you pick up a screwball comedy this week. Or how about a musical? (more on that later)

Don’t want to watch a musical? Just listen to some funky music. Might I suggest this playlist? Or how about this to get you started…

BTW, when was the last time you boogied?

Need an excuse to boogie? Remember, celebrating the ordinary, every day going-ons is just as important as celebrating the big events! And, on that note, here’s another tip: Make it a habit to always have champagne on hand.

Finally, turn off your computer/iPhone/Twitter/Facebook. Even if it’s just for a few hours when you get home in the evenings. We will all still be here when you get back, I promise!

When It’s Sleepy Time Down South

Karlie Kloss in Vogue UK, May 2012

A few weeks ago, I acquired a Jawbone UP, mainly because I was interested in the sleep tracking but also because I’m hoping it will eventually inspire me to get up and go to the gym. Yes, I’m one of those people. (Sadly, that perk has yet to be realized.) The sleep tracking, however, has been fascinating! It’s amazing what an effect sleep has on our mood, our appetite, everything. Which has also got me thinking about my bedtime routine. So today I thought I’d share a few of my Must Haves…

And, of course, a little mood music! (P.S. If I were trapped on a desert island and could only bring one recording, it would probably be this song by Louis Armstrong.)

What about you? Is there anything that helps you get a perfect night’s Zzz’s?

Belles Like to Boogie Vol. 1

Looking for a little Tuesday pick-me-up? Well, you’re in luck. Today I created a little playlist sure to make you boogie!

Click here to subscribe to this playlist on Spotify… xoxo*

Jayne Mansfield, 1964

Belles Like to Boogie Vol. 1

Fever ~ Peggy Lee
One Mint Julep ~ Ray Charles
Chain of Fools ~ Aretha Franklin
Trick or Treat ~ Otis Redding
I Just Want to Make Love to You ~ Etta James
I Got You (I Feel Good) ~ James Brown
Dimples ~ John Lee Hooker
Seventh Son ~ Sly & the Family Stone
Shakin’ All Over ~ Wanda Jackson

Hello, Gorgeous!

I hope that the chaos of the holidays has been enjoyable for you & yours! Here at the Slaughter house, we were hit with a bit of sickeness just after Christmas which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We’ve spent the past few days resting on the couch watching old movies & episodes of Coach. But now that our break is coming to a close, I thought this blog better get back in the swing of things. So here are a few New Year’s links to get your week started off in style!

Watch:

How about the quintessential New Year’s movie? When Harry Met Sally.

The movie that teaches us several important lessons to carry with us into the new year.

1.) It’s important to know & articulate what you like.

2.) Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.

3.) Hats should be worn with confidence–because years from now you’ll probably wonder what in the world you were thinking.

4.) The perfect go-to karaoke song is always “Surrey with a Fringe on Top.” (You’re welcome.)

Finally, everyone loves Meg Ryan. Everyone.

Wear:

Things I Covet from Shop Ban.do | Secrets of a Belle

from left to right: tiger lily / drinking the stars / up to no good

A statement piece,* of course! Lately, I have been eyeing the piece above from Ban.do.

*A statement piece is an eye-catching (but attractive) accessory. It says something about the wearer to the rest of the room… “I am confident.” “I am fun.” “I am certifiably insane but at least I’m having a good time.”

A good tip to follow when wearing a statement piece for the first time: Tone down the rest of your outfit from dress to hair to make-up so that the statement piece is not competing for attention.

Drink:

Something bubbly… might I recommend a bottle of Veuve?

Listen:

One of Husband’s very favorites…

Til next year! xoxo*

A Little Mood Music

I am a Spotify zealot and iTunes devotee so mood music for the season is a must. With that said, I’ve had several requests for Christmas music lately so I thought I would just do a little post about some of my favorite albums to keep on in the background while baking cookies, opening presents, and drinking champagne. Enjoy!

Pops Christmas Party | Arthur Fiedler

Joy to the World | Pink Martini

The Nutcracker Suite | Duke Ellington

Christmas | Michael Bublé

Crescent City Christmas Card | Wynton Marsalis

CeeLo’s Magic Moment | CeeLo Green

A Charlie Brown Christmas | Vince Guaraldi Trio

Miracle on 34th Street Soundtrack

Silver & Gold | Sufjan Stevens

A Merry Christmas | Stan Kenton

The Stan Kenton Christmas Carols | Boston Brass & the Brass All-Stars Big Band

In the Wake of the Storm

In light of all the devastation on the East Coast, it just doesn’t seem right to share recipes for Halloween candy or last minute costumes. So instead, I thought I’d share a personal story and a few of my favorite songs that seem to fit the current forecast.

In the Fall of 2008, I was finishing up my degree in graphic design and working at a local magazine in Knoxville when I was presented with the opportunity to interview one of my childhood idols: Debbie Reynolds. Speaking with her was every bit as magical as you would think. Her voice was melodic as she told stories of performing for her neighbors when she was still little Mary Francis from El Paso, Texas and getting discovered at a Miss Burbank contest in her early teens. Here’s what struck me then and has been on my mind recently. She was so matter of fact about her story.

“God always has something in mind for us. I think everybody has a talent of some sort, and mine was entertaining… Some things are just meant to be.”

Do you know what you were created to do? Do you know what talent God blessed you with and are you actively pursuing that daily?

Debbie’s gift definitely is entertaining, which is why we couldn’t help but pull out our new BluRay in light of the storms. There’s nothing like an old musical to make the day brighter. I hope, wherever you are, you are safe and dry. But if you are in the rain, I hope you’re singing!