Book Giveaway! Win Gone With A Handsomer Man before you can buy it!

Hopefully, you read my review of Michael Lee West's upcoming book Gone With a Handsomer Man here, and it left you with a lust in your heart to read it yourself. Well girls, I am here to help you out because the publisher has graciously supplied me with a copy for a giveaway!  How is that for book love?

All you have to do is be a follower of Southern Somedays, and leave a comment here on THIS post. That is all. 

If you would like to blog or share on Facebook and or Twitter about the giveaway you may gain one extra entry per share (you must leave separate comments for addition entries with links to each).

I will use the mysterious random number generator on Thursday, April 7, 2011 to pick someone to win their very own copy of this great, great book. I will post the winner on Friday the 8th!  Good Luck!

Oh, and the publisher just added a downloadable copy of Teeny Templeton's Kitchen Diary!!!

  Click here to Download your own copy!

Also, Southern Mommas is giving away a copy HERE for another chance to win! 

Open only to readers in the U.S. and Canada (per supplier's shipping request)

Wordless Wednesday



Old House love and Take a Walk in My Backyard...

There are times when those of us who live in older homes wonder why we do.  Maybe we have visited a friend with a lovely new home, complete with the latest floor plan, soaring ceilings, and all the modern amenities, or we have had a particularly trying time with the multi-generational wiring or decades old plumbing, or plaster.  We find ourselves sniffing after that "new house" smell and are longing for something that just seems easier (and less expensive, at least where repairs are concerned).  It happens.  But then, when you least expect it, something happens to remind you of why you chose this place, warts and all. 

Yes Ma'am, I took a walk around my backyard this morning and I fully remember why.

Linking to Beth at Unskinny Bop Wednesday Garden Party

Southern Lit., Pick of the Week: Gone With A Handsomer Man by Micheal Lee West

Mail time is sometimes an extra happy time around here, especially when I receive a package containing a new book to be read! Fortunately, for me, this particular package contained the book, Gone With A Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West. I had been anxious to read this one because I enjoyed the author’s previous work (Mermaids in the Basement)! Of course, knowing it was set in Charleston didn’t hurt either!

I was completely drawn in by page 3 when the heroine, Tenny Templeton, arrives home to discover her fiancé, Bing, playing naked badminton in the back yard with not 1, but 2 other women! Teeny stands stunned and out of sight, until one of the Trollopes kicks her dog, and then we start seeing the feisty side of our heroine. She springs into action, climbing a nearby peach tree and beginning an all out assault on the 3 badminton players with, yes…peaches! Unfortunately, for Teeny, this doesn’t end well and she finds herself on the receiving end of police charges and a conviction for assault. This peach throwing incident leads to more than a broken engagement and probation, as just a few days later Teeny discovers her ex-fiancé murdered and she is the prime suspect. The story has a variety of unforgettable characters and is sprinkled with some wonderful Southern foods and recipes. Teeny has a cookbook full of family recipes to which her Mother and Aunt added their own made-up funny and deadly recipes. These women coped by making up recipes to “fix” what or whoever ails you, the way some women use retail therapy! Some of the real (and safe) recipes are included in the back of the book as an extra bonus.

I enjoyed every twist and turn, as the mystery of who killed Bing and who will be next, unfolded. The descriptions of the South Carolina Low Country had me hankering to jump in the car for a road trip and even the descriptions of the interiors were wonderful. Throughout this book I found myself laughing at the good guys and the bad! This is a great book, which keeps its greatest surprise for the very end. Gone With A Handsomer Man is the 1st of series by West and I will be waiting, with great anticipation, for the 2nd installment because I have fallen head over heels in love with Teeny Templeton and her life.

Check out Teeny Templeton's Kitchen Diary:  Click here to download!

Gone With A Handsomer Man will be released on April 12, 2011.

This post was written as a member of the Southern Mommas Writers

Please come check out the Southern Sisterhood at Southern Mommas

and you don't have to be a Momma!

Lotus and Lilly & Southern Mommas



Thank You, Lotus and Lilly & Southern Mommas!

 A few weeks ago, Southern Mommas hosted a giveaway sponsored by Lotus and Lilly and I was super excited to find out last week that I had won!!!  The prize pack was filled with 5 (YES, 5!!!!) gorgeous headbands made from Lilly Pulitzer fabric.  They are gorgeous, and the most comfortable headbands I have every worn. 

Lotus and Lilly sells some amazing accessories for all you preppy and Lilly lovers out there, so check them out. 

Phi Mu Parents Weekend at Georgia Southern

We spent last weekend with our DD at her sorority Parents Weekend.  It was so fun and hearkened me back to my sorority days!



DD and me in front of her dorm.

DD and Me with the big letters!  What is a picture without BIG letters?

Sweet banner welcoming us to the Mother-Daughter luncheon.

DH and DD at the Father-Daughter bowling tourney.  Apparently, bowling is not our family strength!



We wrapped up the weekend with a Cocktail Party and Dance.



DD and DH, aren't they sweet?



The Phi Mu girls who organized the weekend did a fantastic job and we really enjoyed ourselves.  It is nice to be able to meet DD's friends and spend a little time in her world. 

Though, being surrounded by all that youth, beauty and, of course, all those cute clothes, reminded me of how old I really am...especially when we came dragging home after 2 late nights and Monday morning came way too soon!  

College Weekend



Georgia Southern University - Traditions

This weekend we will be out of town so no blogging for me. 
DH and I will be spending the weekend with our sweet daughter and her Phi Mu Sisters for Parents Weekend.  I miss my sorority days so this should be a fun treat. I can't wait! 

So, I will see you next week and hope everyone has a GREAT weekend because I am sure we will.

Wordless Wednesday

 



It is all about the Shoes, Jack Rogers versus Stephen Bonanno!

Jack Rogers



Stephen Bonanno



OK, girls (and guys if there are any out there reading), I have a shoe question....If you have had both Jack Roger's sandals and Stephan Bonanno sandals which do you prefer?  For me the Jack Rogers are locally available the Bonannos aren't...so I am considering buying the Jack Rogers but have heard they aren't as comfy as Bonannos...so blog friends, what has been your experience?

Southern Lit., Pick of the Week: The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

The Southern Lit. Pick of the Week takes us just a bit north of the South for this week’s read. I just finished Elin Hilderbrand’s The Island. It is set on a tiny rustic island off Nantucket called Tuckernuck where 4 women gather to heal, grow and make peace with where they find themselves.

The story revolves around Birdie, who is recently divorced from her long time husband, and her grown daughters, Chess and Tate, along with her artsy, widowed sister, India. Birdie has planned a month long get away to help her daughter, Chess, heal her heart after the end of her engagement and emotional breakdown. But, like all good books, each woman has her own “row to hoe” (as we say in the South) and being isolated and away from the busyness of modern life gives each heart the spotlight to open up, heal and deal with the pain of the past. New relationships develop among the women, along with a couple of surprises from unexpected characters. The story doesn’t disappoint and by the end you will find yourself longing for an escape just like what is found on the shores of Tuckernuck Island.

Reading The Island was like sitting on the beach listening along with the girls as they deal with where life as dropped them. Each of these four women are very different from one another, but I am sure you will find a kindred spirit among them, though by the last page, you will love them all. This is the perfect Spring Break book or beach read.

Also includes book club guide, Author interview along with recipes for some of the foods mentioned in the story!

This post was written as a member of Southern Mommas Writers

Please Check out the Southern Sisterhood at Southern Mommas

(and you don't have to be a Momma!)

For Japan with Love...



For Japan With Love

Please help Shelter Box 

 For more information or if you would like to participate, please visit Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged

You can also help by donating to IMB Japan Relief Fund

What is YOUR style?

source

When it comes to decorating, do you know your style? 
Are you traditional, modern, country?  Or do you fall somewhere else all together or have a mix of all? 

My friend Kate, over at Southern Belle Simple, found a fun, little quiz that is supposed to help you narrow down your style.  Of course, I had to take it.  My results were:  "You most resemble a Park Avenue Cocktail."  According to my results, I am a Center hall, formal dining, stately living kind of gal.  My kitchen is my prize. Well, so good so far....

"Decorative, finished...elegant.  A tailored bedroom rewards a hard day's work. Like the painter's brush, your composition is done in living color.  A lady like table suitable to a royal wedding. Afternoon refreshments on the patio, Pre-war, upper-east side attitude. A den of discussion for artists and intellectuals."

Suspected "Park Avenue Cocktail" celebs include:  Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn & Frank Sinatra!

So, go on and take the quiz (you know you want to!) and tell me what your style is and what it says about you!

Wordless Wednesday



Linking to Flip Flops & Pearls {Semi} Wordless Wednesday

also linked to: 

The Life of Rylie & Bryce, too

The Florida Hogan Family

Angelica's Awesome Adventures

Easy Weekend Recipe that is Company Worthy

I tried this recipe this week and my entire family loved it,  Plum Tomatoes and Artichokes with Penne Pasta.  It was easy and I would say definitely "company worthy".  I am not sure where I came across the recipe, but I have had it for years without trying it, as evidence by the worn and withered paper it was printed on but I am glad I kept up with it because it was so good.  My oldest son even asked if the left overs could be dinner last night (he is notorious for not liking left overs) so I think that says something.

Plum Tomatoes and Artichokes With Penne Pasta

*12 ounces oil-marinated artichoke hearts

    (I had to use 2 6 ounce to get the ones

    packed in the oil which is crucial!)

*1 cup chopped onions

*1 Tablespoon finely chopped garlic

*2 - 28 ounce cans plum tomatoes, crushed

*2 Tablespoons tomato paste

*1 teaspoon dried basil

*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

*1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

*Salt &  freshly ground Pepper to taste

*2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro

      (the recipe called for flat leaf parsley but all I had on hand was cilantro)

*Cooked Penne Pasta (12 ounce box)
*Parmesan and/or Mozzarella cheese (grated) to sprinkle on top

1. Drain the artichokes, reserving the oil, and halve them lengthwise.

2. Place 3 Tablespoons of the artichoke oil marinade in a heavy pot.  Add the onions and stir over low heat for 10 minutes, adding the garlic during the last couple of minutes.  Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Simmer, uncovered for 40 minutes.

3. Add the reserved artichoke hearts with the remaining oil marinade and stir occasionally while simmering for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the cilantro and adjust the seasoning to your taste and add Penne and toss well. 

Sprinkle with grated cheese to taste

Serves 6-8

Enjoy!

It has been almost 5 years!

Can you believe it?  Southern Somedays has been around for almost 5 years.   What started as a lark, became a hobby and led to some interesting opportunities (both personally and professionally) and introduced some very special friends into my life.  So, I am getting ready to celebrate my "blogversary" and putting together a very special giveaway for April!  I am gathering some goodies that I think represent me and Southern Somedays and it will include a signed copy of Nesting, It's a Chick Thing (I know that will get some of you VERY excited!)...and, of course, lots of pretty pink and green fun! 

So, keep checking back because I am so excited about this giveaway!   I should have something up very soon.

What Every Chick Should Have...

Today found me thumbing through one of my all time favorite books, Nesting, It's a Chick Thing by Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry (click here for my original book mention Deals and Inspiration.) I love this book, and anytime I pick it up, it seems I can't put it down!   I came across one of their wonderful "every chick should have..." lists pertaining to the kitchen, and since I have been spending more and more time in my kitchen lately, I particularly loved it and thought you might as well:

According to Beanland & Terry, in your kitchen "every chick should have....

* Luxurious hand lotion next to her kitchen sink

* A stereo in the kitchen to play tunes that inspire, calm, and cheer

* At least one delicious frozen entree in the freezer -- for afternoons or evenings too fun to stand in front of the stove

* A well worn recipe card with a favorite family dish from a grandmother or other cherished relative

* Pictures of family and friends on the refrigerator door

* Someone to call if you get into a culinary fix

* A hidden box or bag of some wonderful junk food

* A signature specialty that you can whip up with one arm tied behind your back

* Something distinctly "you" in your kitchen -- a frilly apron, an oven mitt, or a trivet from a memorable trip

* A beautiful bottle or tin of something deliciously refined and gourmet -- like a limited-run, estate-bottled olive oil or balsamic vinegar, or English tea biscuits in a vintage tin

* A neighbor who will lend you an emergency cup of sugar or an egg"

Ame Mahler Beanland & Emily Miles Terry, Nesting: it's a Chick Thing, 2004

Do you have anything/s that you think some be added to this "should have" list? 

What are your favorite must haves for your kitchen? 

Lemon Blossoms....

This week our neighborhood held the Annual HOA Meeting & Dinner and I was responsible for bringing a sweet, so I made these. They are my friend Beth Reece's recipe. Although I have loved their melt in your mouth goodness for years, I hadn't tried making them myself.   Well, they were as yummy as I remembered Beth's being.  They would be a perfect addition to a Spring shower , wedding or luncheon.

Lemon Blossoms

1 box yellow cake mix

1 (3.5 oz.) box lemon pudding mix

4 large eggs

3 ounces buttermilk

3 ounces oil.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil and buttermilk. Blend well. Spoon into mini muffin tins sprayed with Pam, only filling halfway.  Bake 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees.  Turn out onto paper towels and stand upright. Let cool and then dip into glaze (recipe below). Place dipped blossoms onto cooling racks placed on wax paper to catch excess glaze and let dry. I dipped them almost completely because the glaze is so yummy. 

Yields about 72.

Glaze

4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

3 Tablespoons water

3 Tablespoons oil

Sift sugar. Add juice, oil and water and blend well until there are no lumps.

recipe from Beth Reece, (Tasteful Creations, A Gallery of Recipes: Westminster Christian School, Gainesville, GA)

Wordless Wednesday

Spring is coming...

On Sunday afternoon it was so beautiful I had to snap some photos of what is blooming in my yard.

 The Bradford Pears are doing their part to encourage Spring to make her entrance!

 Please excuse all the electrical lines, we live in an older neighborhood,

 so we still have them above ground! 

Of course, the camellias could not be out-done!

One my favorite early spring bloomers,  the Saucer Magnolia! 

Those pink and purple blooms just sing...Spring is coming!

Even our Carolina Jessamine has decided Spring is close by!

The Dogwoods are preparing for a beautiful show along with the Azaleas (my absolute favorite!).

 We have had lots of wind the last couple of days...March winds arrived a day or two early!  When it settles down, I am going to be taking some photos around town to show you how gorgeous things are looking here.

So, I know lots of you are still feeling the grips of Old Man Winter,

but I promise.... Spring is on her beautiful way!