You’re Invited!
Join me and my friend, Brooke at SugarDrop for a fun night! Bring a favorite book to swap and a favorite dish to share! Don’t like reading? No problem, just come for the snacks and socializing! Hope to see you there!
/ Events, The Nashville Book Club
Join me and my friend, Brooke at SugarDrop for a fun night! Bring a favorite book to swap and a favorite dish to share! Don’t like reading? No problem, just come for the snacks and socializing! Hope to see you there!
The time after Christmas can often feel like a whirlwind and like a let down. The holidays are over, it’s cold and gray outside but the pinks and reds of Valentine’s cheer me up a bit! Here are a few of my favorite cupid-approved finds!
Twelfth Night at Travellers Rest
Cheekwood Winter Concert Series
AMH Travel Passport/Restaurant Week
People often stay, ”you travel alot”, ”Do you ever stay home?”…and it’s true-we love to travel! In a way, travel is therapuetic for us! This past year, we have had a lot of difficult personal things going on and travel has been a way to escape but of course, we just also really love exploring! Here some of our favorite places from this year! If you’re planning any travel for the new year, hope you find some inspiration! Happy to help you plan your next trip!
Nantucket: I have been dreaming of visiting Nantucket for many years and finally made it! LC and I ferried over from Cape Cod to the island for a day trip! **Favorites: Something Natural for the best sandwiches, swimming at Jettie’s Beach, ice cream from The Juice Bar, browsing books at Nantucket Bookworks!
Cape Cod: One of the best experiences this year was going on a whale tour! I got so teary-eyed seeing these beautiful creatures! The Cape is so nostalgic and charming! We stayed at Ocean Edge-loved their beach and activities! **Favorites: Frosty’s for lunch, Mac’s Chatham Fish and Lobster-the most unique menu for a seafood restaurant!
Delray Beach: We tried out a new spot for spring break! We adored Crane’s Beach House! Such a quaint hotel within walking distance to the beach, two onsite pools and closeby to shops and restaurants! And it’s pet friendly! Palm Beach is also a short drive away. **Favorites: Delray Beach Market-such a fun dinner spot with multiple restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
Lost Valley Ranch: Our original fall break plans were cancelled due to a hurricane that hit the hotel we were planning to go to! I’d heard about Lost Valley from a few online friends and decided to see if they had any last minute availability. And as it turned out-they did! We quickly traded in our swimsuits for cowboy boots. I’ve never cried leaving a vacation before but this was more than a ”vacation”-it was life changing! Being unplugged in God’s beautiful creation, meeting the dearest people, sharing delicious meals with new friends, connecting and learning to trust horses-it just felt how life should feel! We can’t wait to go back next summer!
Paris: Of course, it’s always been a dream to go to Paris! I’d never been to Europe before and sharing this magical experience was my daughter was just something I’ll treasure forever! So thankful to Open Invite Trips for planning this and for all the new friends we shared this trip with! **Favorites: Seeing the top of the Eiffel Tower, macaron class, Montmartre, Pink Mamma dinner
Long-time favorites
Barnsley: A family favorite! We always love spending time at Barnsley, it feels like family camp!
Old Village, Mt. Pleasant: The Old Village is probably my favorite spot in the US! Grabbing grilled cheese at Pitt Street Pharmacy, strolling on the Pitt Street Bridge and seeing the gorgeous views of Charleston, dinner at The Post House. You can’t beat being in the lowcountry. Find my Charleston Guide here.
*2023 Travel Wish List*
London
Yellowstone
Oxford, Mississippi
The Greenbrier (one of my all-time favorites) I HAVE to go back soon
Washington, DC
Where have been your favorite places or places you’re wanting to visit?
Give me a puppy and a stack of books for the best kind of day!
I’m sharing my favorite reads of the year! One book sent me on a rabbit hole of reading ALL THINGS about the Kennedy family! I have truly been fascinated and have listened/read way too much! Add these titles to your book list!
The Midnight Library: I started the year off reading this one and still think about it! The main character is given different scenarios of how her life could’ve been if she would’ve made different decisions. It was hard to read at first and dark but overtime, it captured me!
Meant to Be: Oh, Meant to Be! This story, loosely based on the love story of JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette was a fun one to read! However, it then made me want to learn all about the Kennedy family! This book also made me sad for what could have been…
The Book of Lost Names: Set during WWII, The Book of Lost Names follows a young girl who becomes a forger and helps children make it to safety in a war-torn France. This was a heartbreaking one to read but also a beautiful story! When I was in France, I couldn’t help but think of this story and what that time period would’ve been like.
Remarkably Bright Creatures: If you’re unsure about reading about an octopus, pick this book up and you’ll be glad you did! This is a story of redepemption, family and overcoming the past. I loved this one!
Mrs. Kennedy and Me: Written by Jackie’s secret service agent, Clint Hill, this book gives you a glimpse into ”Camelot” and all the drama, personal details and heartache that came after the assassination of President Kennedy.
Up next…
/ Recipes
Tis the season for baking and making your favorite holiday recipes! Thanks to everyone who contributed to our recipe swap! I can’t wait to try these new tasty treats!
Christmas Mint Oreo Dessert from Betsy Donlon @betsydonlon23
Ingredients:
– 1/2 c. Oleo (I used butter), melted
– 1 lb pkg original Oreos (not double stuff)
– 1/2 gal mint chip ice cream
– 12 oz. chocolate chips
– 12 oz. can evaporated milk
– 8oz tub cool whip
1) scrap white stuffing out of oreos, and then smash the Oreo cookies into crumbles. (**If you want to, save some Oreo crumbles to sprinkle on top!)
2) melt oleo (or butter) and add crushed oreos to it – mix together to form a crumbly crust. Layer in the bottom of 9×13 pan and put in the freezer for a bit.
3) briefly thaw ice cream (so that it’s not soupy/liquid but soft enough to cut/scoop out chunks). Cut out chunks and layer on top of oreo crust… typically it’s about 1-1.5″ layer. use a spoon or knife to even out. but in freezer for awhile to harden.
4) melt chocolate chips and evaporated milk on stove (low-medium heat)… stir until melted well, and watch. It should thicken into a creamy consistency – once it does, take off the heat and let cool for a bit (maybe 15-20 min+); you don’t want it to be hot and melt the ice cream. Can still be mildly warm but should be mostly cooled. Then add above ice cream layer and freeze.
5) spread cool whip as top layer and freeze. Can top with some crushed oreos (previously set aside), mini chocolate chips, anything else, or leave plain!
Savory Palmiers from @thenashvillemom
Ingredients:
1 package frozen Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, defrosted
¼ cup pesto
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
¼ cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, drained
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Sprinkle of salt
Directions:
Nanaimo Bars from Gretchen Gragg @gretchface85
Bottom Layer:
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1/4 c. sugar
4 TBSP cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 3.4 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. + 1 TBSP finely chopped nuts
1 c. coconut
Middle Layer:
1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 TBSP + 2 tsps cream
2 TBSP vanilla custard powder
2 c. icing sugar
Top Layer:
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
2 TBSP unsalted butter
*A couple of notes. I’ve never had it with nuts. My friend who gave me the recipe told me that he never makes it with nuts and doesn’t miss them. Also, custard powder can be found at World Market. It’s a Bird’s brand. For fun, google ”Nanaimo Bars”. You will find more information about these luscious deserts and other variation.
Mango Chutney Cheeseball from Jeri Lynn @the_hill_country_bon_vivant
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes:
Serving with rice crackers is key to the flavor. They are also gluten free for your guests.
Artichoke Dill Dip from Sarah Woodruff @sarah.e.woodruff
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a 1-quart dish that has been greased. Bake at 350 degrees for a 20-25 minutes until heated through. Serve with crackers or chips.