Food Porn | Elephant Soup

This is the 2nd installment in my new "Food Porn" series. :) I hope you guys are enjoying it so far! Like my last recipe - this one also incorporates ye ole crockpot. I actually mixed all the ingredients (minus the vegetable broth) in a ziploc bag and froze it the night before. Then - when I got up the next morning all I had to do was cut open the baggy and toss (gently) in the block of soup (lol) and turn the crockpot on low. Done!  It was very satisfying to come home to a hot bowl of this soup after a long day of working in a building with no heat! NOM & BRRR. Here she be...

Elephant Soup

Ingredients:

1 yellow onion - diced

2 green onions - chopped

2 red bell peppers - chopped

4 cloves minced garlic

1-28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

8 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon of celery salt

1 cup uncooked brown rice

1 cup peanut butter (add very last)

sour cream (topping)

Directions:

Add all the ingredients into the crockpot minus the peanut butter and sour cream. (Yes - I said peanut butter) Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. When the soup is done stir in the peanut butter and cook on high for 20-30 additional minutes. Lastly - put some sour cream on top yo! 

New Blogging Space!

This little area may currently be my favorite little nook in the entire house. How adorable is it? :) I thought it would be fun to give a little e-tour of my new blogging space.

1. This gold vintage chair belonged to my great-grandmother, "NaNa." She passed away many years ago - but we just got our hands on this a couple of weeks ago. It was in a storage shed thats contents were going to be thrown away. Good thing we saved it!

2. LOL This is my "Patron Saint of Smiling" art. It is one of my favorite pieces in the house. Matt and I found it on a trip to Orlando. (Pure gold!) I have mad love for Will Ferrell...many of my friends don't...so they don't find it as amusing as I do. ;) If it doesn't make you laugh, it's your loss.

3. This is a painting that my grandfather affectionately calls "Mammie." The artist was a family friend that sadly passed away a couple of years ago. We have another painting that goes with it that is displayed on the opposite wall in the dining room. I don't think the other one has a name? It's an old man sitting on a basket with the same cotton field in the back. I can remember these hanging in my grandparent's house during my childhood...so they are both very special. :)

4. How cute is this desk? We bought it from our friend Erin just last week. It didn't look anything like this though! (See before and after photo) It was her dad's desk that he owned during the 60s. I think it turned out quite nicely! All it needed was a couple coats of paint, polycrylic, and new hardware. Brand new!

5. Awww - it's Silas' hands and footprints. He was 20 months old when he made this for me. I think it was a mother's day present? I adore it. 

6. Lastly, my Daher tins. Matt loves to give me lots of grief over them. He is constantly making fun of the name. Whatever! If you want me to love you forever...give me a Daher tin. You can find them scattered about antique and thrift stores. Make sure it has this stamp though! (Below) There are many fakes roaming around out there! One of my best friends (Ruthie) got me into collecting them. She has like...a million. They were used as decorations for her wedding reception. It was beautiful. 

Designed By Daher

Long Island NY

Container Made

In England

How was your day? :) Tomorrow is hump day! Does anybody else hate that damn camel as much as I do? I hear his voice in my head every Wednesday when I crawl out of bed. Ugh.

Lee County Fair

It's going to be a short and sweet post tonight. :) I am one super tired mama! We took the kids to the fair this fine evening and I have a few cute photos that I want to share with you guys. 

The nice "carnival man" was kind enough to let Silas post for a picture on the mechanical bull. Believe it or not - this is the first one of these bulls I have ever seen. Shocking right? I mean I live in Alabama...come on. ;)

I love this one of my dad and Miri. She loves her PaPa Buzz. :)

I hope everybody has a spectacular Saturday! I'm going to try to do two more posts this weekend!

Difficult Decisions / Biscotti & Kate Mack Dress Feature :)

Ok folks - I'm going to break it down for you. Firstly, I'm going to apologize for my lack of posts. (Sorry y'all!) There...that's over and done with. Secondly, I'm going to get really serious for a minute. And...go... I've been thinking a lot lately about my portraits. I think it is high time for me to make a very difficult decision in regards to my business. Now that I have an (awesome) full-time job...I no longer feel the need to bust my tail drawing all of the time. (16+ hours for $25-35 free shipping) I've reached the point that drawing has become more of a chore than a time that I enjoy. When I get home at 5 o'clock I shouldn't have to worry about getting a drawing finished within a time frame that I promised. (etc) I should be able to throw some pajamas on and play with my children. Then I can leisurely write my blog after I get them tucked in bed at night. I should "want" to paint Miri a (My Little Pony) painting for her room. I shouldn't want to purchase it off Etsy because I'm sick of painting. (Sigh) So...I have decided to stop selling my art for the time being. I am working on the last portrait right now. I want to sincerely thank everybody that has purchased my work. You helped keep this former stay at home mom (financially) going. You helped fund many family dinners and other necessities. For all of this...I am grateful. I hope everybody understands.  Thirdly - on a much lighter note...I want to talk about Miri's new dress lol! 

Urban Garden Long Sleeve Baby Dress in Pink

by Baby Biscotti & Kate Mack $72 ♥

It's simply precious right? Words cannot even describe! I wish you guys could reach through the computer screen and feel how nice this little dress really is. It does not feel like your typical poorly made infant dress from Walmart. This little beauty has some weight to it and you can really see what kind of care Biscotti & Kate Mack puts into making these outfits. This particular dress is available in 12, 18, and 24 months. Miri is modeling the 12 month size...she will be 9 months on the 18th...so I personally feel like they run a tad small.

This particular dress is perfect for Fall. When it gets a little colder I plan on pairing some plain white leggings with it. :) Maybe some little grey shoes? 

Now there's a happy face! ;)

You can rest assured that your baby is stylin' and profilin' when she is wearing clothing by Biscotti & Kate Mack. Many of their styles have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Women's Wear Daily, Vogue Bambini, US Weekly, and Child Magazine - just to name a few. Oh - and this brand is a favorite among stars like Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, and Heidi Klum. Malia Obama actually wore a red Biscotti dress on her father's election night! How crazy awesome is that? I actually remember seeing it! 

(Strike a post vogue...vogue...vogue)

Do yourself a favor...

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Review | Taylor by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum Spray

Every now and then I feel so passionate about something that it requires me to go on a lengthy blog rant. I'm going to apologize for this one in advance. You best ready thyself!

----------> Begin rant <----------

Matt came home from work with a terrible headache today. Unfortunately - Miri decided that tonight was the infant night of screams. (Sounds like a bad M. Night Shyamalan movie) Literally...she would just sit in her bouncy seat and scream like a banshee. (Then she would purse her lips and glare/repeat) We have a professional diva on our hands folks. So - I decided that I would give Matt some relief and take Miri shopping with me. Miri and I love to go on mother/daughter shopping adventures. (We have loads of fun) I was on the hunt for roller clips for my hair...and hot chocolate...maybe lol. 

Our first stop was an unsuccessful trip to Wal-mart. We ended up finding what we were looking for at Sally's Beauty Supply instead. (5 mins till close) The cashier was actually really rude to me. :( I apologized to her for being in the store so near closing time. (I went right to what I needed and went straight to the register...probably 35 seconds of total shopping) She then snarkily said to me "Oh it's no problem! If you had been in any closer to 8...well...I probably wouldn't have been so nice." I just stared at her. I ended up hastily purchasing my clips and leaving. (Opelika location) At least they had my clips?

Crappy Sally's visit aside...Miri and I then travelled over to ULTA. We grabbed a couple items and were about to leave when I spotted Taylor Swift's new fragrance! 

"Taylor" by Taylor Swift

$49.50 for 1.7 oz at ULTA

Anything Miss Swift always catches my eye because my little sister India loves her. We have listened to her albums many a time in Wanda (Yolanda) the Honda. (Accord) lol So - Miri and I rolled over to see what this new fragrance was all about! (We are fans of the Wonderstruck fragrance btw) Firstly, the bottle is to die for. It may be one of my favorite bottles ever. It's a large vase-like clear glass bottle with a smaller bottle inside that holds the liquid. (It makes it magically appear that you are getting quite a lot of product when you really aren't) The top of the bottle is flat with multi-colored swirls with pearls and a fanciful cap. It's just the bees knees. At first sniff I "thought" I really enjoyed it. Similar to Wonderstruck - it had a very sweet scent. (Luscious fruits, blushing florals, and soft woods blah blah blah) Initially I was sad...I thought "hey, I like this and I'm poor and can't afford it." Even a crappy roller ball "Taylor" was $20. -_- (Don't get me started on fragrance prices y'all) I then decided to spritz it on myself...right when this stuff made contact with my skin I knew I had made a terrible mistake that only a shower could remedy. The best way I can describe this perfume after it sat on my skin for about 30 mins is a bubblegum scent?...with a hint of cheap hairspray. (It's shocking/sad I know!) It actually smells like something I would buy Miri in the kiddie perfume section at Wal-mart. I mean...Love's Baby Soft cologne is better by leaps and bounds. (I've always loved that stuff, sniff sniff mmm...childhood) I immediately called up my sister to tell her the disappointing news. We also had a nice laugh over the name. Original Miss Swift...real original. 

Please go to your local perfume counter and give this stuff a good test. Let me know how you feel about it. I know I'm rarely ever this mean in a review but I just found "Taylor" by Taylor Swift simply revolting. There...I said it. 

Happy Saturday y'all hahaha!

NOTD

Man oh man guys, I am incredibly tired. I started my new job today at Mammoth Printshop today. Who knew that sewing tags on shirts all day could make you this tired? Or could it possibly be because I barely slept last night? I was so nervous - I just tossed and turned all night. (I'm such a weenie)  Anywho! I have so many fun products that I am going to review this week! You guys are going to absolutely love them! But tonight (since I'm in my zombie form) I'm just going to post a good old fashion NOTD.

(Butter London) "British Racing Green"

$15 at Butterlondon.com ♥

I'm not a huge fan of green nail lacquers, but I do enjoy this one. :) I can't wait to bust it out this Fall. (Come on Pumpkin Spice Lattes and cooler temperatures!) Fall is my favorite time of year and Halloween is probably my favorite holiday. The older I get...the more I adore it. Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up and have adult beverages? (Back to the polish!)...it's a lovely hunter green without too much glitter. I think a ton of glitter in a green or teal lacquer somehow cheapens it. This one has just the right amount and it's only really noticeable in bright light. I used two coats in the photo above. How was your Monday?  

Would you like to see my previous NOTD featuring a Butter London Polish?

-----> Click here <-----

Official Butter London Website

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Review | Kidecals - Keycals "Pretty Roses"

Up until a couple of days ago I had this terrible keyboard cover that I purchased off Amazon on my laptop. It was only $9.99 and it came with a pop on blue hard shell cover for the computer - so I shouldn't complain too much. (See here) The "free" keyboard cover was pretty darn tacky. Matt laughed at it when I first saw it. (Ugh...husbands) Craptastic Amazon purchase aside...my keys are now looking pretty darn spiffy thanks to sweet people over at Kidecals!

"Pretty Roses" Keycals

$14 on Kidecals.com ♥

These little beauties are created for Mac (Apple) keyboards only - so I apologize if you have to miss out on these. (Super sad face just for you) The designs are printed on high quality removable vinyl. They are really gentle on your keys - easy to apply and easy to remove! (No messy glue leftover) 

I absolutely adore this vintage design - it blends nicely with my "high quality" blue hard shell cover lol.  There were so many keycals to choose from - check out all of the designs right here. I had a bit of a hard time picking out my favorite. The whole process of the beautification of my laptop only took about 15 minutes. I was kinda concerned that the little stickers would be hard to apply at first, but it was really a breeze. :) Once you get the hang of it - it takes no time at all! I have been tapping away on my Mac for over a week now and I have had no issues with the decals at all. (No peeling or fading) My only complaint is that the letters on the keys are a little faint...so every now and then I may or may not hit an incorrect key lol. ;)

Kidecals doesn't just sell Keycals - they also offer personalized water-proof, kid's name labels and decals. They pretty much stick to anything folks! If you have offspring...do yourself a favor and go check out their entire line of products. :) I will definitely be ordering some stuff for Silas-man when he starts school. 

Follow Kidecals on Twitter

Like Kidecals on Facebook

Like Silas & Miri on Facebook

Visit Kidecals.com

----------> Special Offer! <----------

Just because you guys are so awesome - I have a special discount code to share with you today! It's good for 10% off at PrizeCandle.com! These candles are the best kind of candles...ladies...they come with jewelry inside! One of my personal favorite scents is French Brulee! Unlike other "prize candle" type companies...these come with an appraisal code. So you can easily find out how much the jewelry inside your candle is worth! (Shazzamm!) Oh, and if it is your first time shopping with Prize Candle (all natural Soy candles/made in the USA btw) your candle will only be $19.99! Don't miss out!

Coupon Code: SILASANDMIRI10

Like Prize Candle on Facebook

Follow Prize Candle on Twitter

PrizeCandle.com 

One last thing I swear! (Just for giggles) I have entered Miss Miri Mouse in a "Beautiful Baby Contest." It would be so amazing it you could click the link below and vote for her photo! 

----------> Vote for Miri <----------

Father's Day 2013

Today was not only Father's Day, it was also my brother's 23rd birthday! Super fun times I tell you...

Yes...Matt finally got the "Gandalf Arrives" Lego set he has been whining about forever lol.  I had to order it online because I couldn't find it anywhere. We also had a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy towel specially made for him. (Nerds unite) He also got two tanks from Target, and some Ninja Turtle boxers. (Silas called them rescue turtles lol.) Please note that my husband is a total goofball and never smiles normally for a camera haha. 

Check out the awesome Batman that my sister India made for our Dad! I'm super impressed...are you super impressed? I also made him a portrait of the kids (see closer photo below) and my brother got him some super cool books. I love you Dad!

The background is made entirely of dots. Will I ever make that mistake again? Absolutely not! If you are interested in one of my portraits, you can order one HERE.

Ugh, 23 years old...where does the time go? He is going to be training to be a fireman soon, I'm very proud of him. 

--------------------

We had a great Father's Day weekend, what about you? :) Before I go - I should mention that I will have a Birchbox post up soon! 

Feature | Eve's Addiction Blog

I recently had the honor of being asked to chat with the friendly folks over at Eve's Addiction. You may have seen their jewelry on NBC's Today Show, and on the Wendy Williams Show! They specialize in exquisite sterling silver jewelry. Seriously, you need to go check them out right now! 

You can read my "Q&A summer series interview about Southern summer fashion" on the Eve's Addiction Blog.

Wanna buy some art?

If you just so happen to be a fan of my art, you are in luck! I just added a listing on Etsy for 8 limited edition prints of my "Hairstyles" piece that I did for a good friend of mine. They are $14.99 each - with free shipping. It looks gorgeous framed. (See example photo on listing) Click the link below! :) Thanks for looking!

(Hairstyles by Brittany Cherry 8x10 print)

Business card | blog & etsy

I designed myself a new business card! My sister still has to edit it and add all the info. What do you guys think? :) http://etsy.com/shop/hippieatheart86 I'm now taking custom portrait orders.