Southern- Scenes

What is the name of my Blog?

2013-03-07T15:49:00.002-06:00

The title should indicate that I have not blogged in quite sometime. I seriously typed in the wrong blog just then! I can truly say the last six months have flown by. There have been so many times I thought about updating only to once again get distracted and fail to do so. I will try not to bombard with everything we have done over the past few months. This post is my official back to blogging post :)

The biggest changes in our lives have been moving to Tupelo, Mississippi and my career change. I am not abandoning Interior Design just going in another direction for the time being. I have partnered with the creators of Proactiv in their Company, Rodan + Fields. Dr. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields are committed to changing skin and changing lives. I am super excited to be on their team as the company expands nationwide. I have been using the Reverse system for sun damage and have been incredibly impressed, no more red splotchy complexion! Will do my best to post pics as I progress.

New house at Christmas, love it

2012 College Football Kickoff!

2012-08-30T16:27:00.004-05:00

In honor of college football kicking off tonight, I wanted to share a couple of awesome new recipes perfect for tailgating!

Hot Caprese Dip

serves 2-4

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced

3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Preheat oven to 375.

Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

This was by far my favorite! It is so simple and SO delicious! I used Romas and basil from my garden and added salt and pepper. You have got to try this

I didnt even use good mozzarella and I still could not stop eating it!

I did not realize how poor this photograph is

Stuffed Baguette

I was tired of taking pictures at this point. However it is pretty straight forward, therefore not much to show.

Finished product

Ingredients:

Baguette about 14-inch long

8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
4 oz fresh goat cheese
1 large garlic clove, minced
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)
½ cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
¼ cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
2 oz finely chopped spicy salami
About 2 tbsp minced Italian parsley
About 1 tsp minced fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste (very unlikely since there’re plenty of salty ingredients)

Preparation:

Slice off both ends of the baguette. Using a long thin knife and working from the both ends, hollow the baguette out leaving about ½-inch thick crust all around.

Using an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Beat in the goat cheese and garlic. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.

Working again from the both ends, fill the baguette with the cheese mixture. Pack the filling tight. I like to use a slender tequila shot glass for pressing the filling in. Wrap the stuffed baguette very well in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days. Right before serving, slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and serve. For the most neat looking slices, treat it as a cheesecake – each time slice it with a hot dry knife.

Cheesy artichoke bread with hummus

¼ cup butter
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
4 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 French bread loaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the artichoke hearts, Mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and sour cream. Stir to blend. Remove from the heat and cool.

Slice the bread lengthwise and scoop out some of the center. (Note: You can crumble the pieces of bread and add to the artichoke mixture if you wish.) Spoon the artichoke mixture evenly into the bread shell and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
Place each half on a baking sheet and cover lightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese melts completely. Cut into slices and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Hurricane Issac

2012-08-29T16:40:00.000-05:00

Growing up in south Alabama, hurricanes are an annual event. I have many memories from Opal, Katrina etc. Yet somehow every years the pictures amaze me. The weather completely encompasses these places we love. Hurricane Issac spared South Alabama and the Florida panhandle for the most part but it is still raging in Mississippi and Louisiana. Praying that everyone in those areas stays safe!!

The calm before the storm

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Gameday attire

2012-08-24T16:01:00.000-05:00

Our lives have been crazy hectic the past few weeks. Unfortunately, the blog has been neglected. I will update with a separate post soon with news. But for now a lighthearted post.

It blows my mind that football season is upon us. Every year I love to search for new game day apparel. This season there have been numerous cute outfits. In honor of SEC football, I am including a few pictures of my favorites for this year. Enjoy and WDE!!

Blue Door Boutique

Gameday Boutique

Love this for LSU!

Bobby’s Hot Tomato, Jack and Crab Dip

2012-08-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

Nonstick spray
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) grated pepper Jack cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 limes, juiced
1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Paula Deen)
1 pound lump crabmeat, well drained and picked clean of shells
1 cup seeded, diced tomatoes (2 medium tomatoes)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions), white and light green parts
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
2 avocados
Crackers or crusty bread, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1 quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pepper Jack, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce until smooth. Fold in the crabmeat, tomatoes, green onions, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Smooth the mixture into baking dish. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Split, pit, peel, and dice the avocados and sprinkle them over the crab dip after it has cooled slightly. Serve warm with crackers or crusty bread.

Olympics 2012

2012-08-06T15:28:00.004-05:00

Despite the opening ceremonies not being able to hold a candle to Beijing, there have been several awesome images from the Olympics. Even though I am not hard core fan, I think it is something that would be great to mark off your bucket list!

One of few breath taking moments of opening ceremony.

My personal fav image of the ceremony

Rings on the bridge look incredible

Rows of flags in streets of London

Not a fan!

Olympic Moments 2012

How to add sparkle to your home

2012-08-05T13:19:00.000-05:00

I have and always will love sparkle! However, it can be tricky trying to incorporate glitz into your spaces. Here are a few ideas to try, Enjoy!

Tile

Soap dispensers

Shower curtain

My fav!

Rural Studio Featured in Travel and Leisure

2012-08-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

Travel+Leisure Magazine features an article,"World's Most Beautiful Buildings." Included is a building from the state of Alabama., Akron Boys and Girls Club II. To be included is something to truly be proud of, there are incredible structures in the article. Congratulations to AL and thank you, Auburn University, for continuing to produce remarkable architecture!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-beautiful-buildings/1

11th Anniversary!

2012-08-03T13:15:00.002-05:00

July 21st we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. We have been traveling so often the past couple of months, we were happy to stay home! We went to a great restaurant and ate way too much! It is hard to believe it has been so many years. That amazing night seems like it was just yesterday! Heres to MANY more!!

Beautiful blooms!

On the way

T's steak

Horrible picture but amazing zucchini shrimp scampi

The finale

Bling

Best Hot Corn Dip from Pinterest

2012-08-02T16:22:00.000-05:00

Another recipe I found from Pinterest. Cece and I ate this all weekend. It was tasty reheated as well.

Hot Corn Dip:

2 cups shredded chedder cheese

1 cup shredded Montery Jack

2 tbs chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced small

1 small can (4oz) diced green chilies, undrained

1/2 cup Mayo ( Going to use Greek yogurt next time)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 11oz can of corn, drained ( I ued fresh)

1 small tomato

2 tbs cilantro, chopped ( I used more)

2 tbs green onions, sliced thin ( I used more)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the cheeses, chiptole and green peppers, mayo, garlic powder and corn together. Pour into an oven safe dish.
Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly
Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Mixed and poured into greased dish.

I may have added more cheese...

The toppings may have been the best part!

Wreck

2012-08-02T16:13:00.001-05:00

I have been completely MIA on blogging. At this time, we have many things/changes taking place. The last thing I needed was a wreck.... and a totaled car!! Most importantly noon was hurt. Unfortunately, my poor car had no chance against the expedition that plowed into it! New car to arrive next week.

Tomato Bread Pudding

2012-07-20T16:39:00.000-05:00

If you are wondering what to do with all your summer tomatoes, look no further. I had never heard of bread pudding. I combine several recipes to get this one. This is such a keeper! I cannot wait to share with friends and family. You have to make this! Enjoy!

3 lbs plum tomatoes (roma halved lengthwise)

1 12 tsps herbes de provence

12 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

1 head garlic (left whole)

10 cups country style italian bread (cubed 1, 1 pound)

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

8 large eggs

2 cups fontina (coarsely grated chilled italian, 9 ounces)

12 cup parmigiano-reggiano (grated)

1 tbsp tomato paste

34 tsp salt

12 tsp hot pepper sauce (tabasco)

23 cup water

23 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp worcestershire sauce

1 pinch cayenne pepper

3 tbsps fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart shallow baking dish (about 13 by 9 inches).

Toss tomatoes in a bowl with herbes de Provence, 1 tablespoon oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Arrange tomatoes, cut sides up, in a large heavy 4-sided sheet pan.

Cut off and discard 1/4 inch from top of garlic head to expose cloves, then put on a sheet of foil and drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil. Wrap garlic in foil and roast in pan with tomatoes until tomatoes are browned but still juicy and garlic is soft, 50 to 60 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Cool garlic to warm, then force through a medium-mesh sieve with a rubber spatula, discarding skins. Reserve purée

While garlic cooks, toss bread cubes in a large bowl with remaining oil until coated, then spread out in a large 4-sided sheet pan and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pan.

In a small saucepan simmer tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, basil, hot sauce and cayenne, stirring, 5 minutes. Add water or wine to thin, if needed.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, garlic purée, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in cheeses. Transfer bread to baking dish, then pour egg mixture over bread and add tomatoes, pushing some down between bread cubes. I always add olive oil to the top of dishes. Bake until firm to the touch and golden brown in spots, 50 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients for Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes and garlic

yummy, roasted garlic

Process until desired consistency

Finished prodect

U-Hauling it!

2012-07-20T13:42:00.000-05:00

After weeks of hard work and sweat, we got my sister moved. Upon hearing that G-Daddy was driving the truck home, JD proclaimed he was riding in the UHaul to Andalusia! JD was at his Dad's for the weekend when the truck was arriving. He was very disappointed to learn that he would not be able to ride along. Thankfully, G-Daddy was able to keep the truck until Monday morning and they were able to take her out for a spin! See the pics below my Aunt N was able to take!

Who knew a UHaul could be so much fun?

Notice Louie is being held against his will. JD wants to his friend SO bad

Happy Birthday

2012-07-19T16:27:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, we celebrated my Mother In Law's 60th birthday. It was a fabulous night with great family, music, food and friends! I told her she should make the party an annual event! Guest donated cash to a local animal shelter instead of gifts, love that! Here are a few pictures from a special night! Happy Birthday!

Fabulous picture

Party Decor

Great job on the yoga cupcakes, impressed!

Possibly the coolest veggie basket, ever

Band under the lights

Our sisters, C and A

Tried my best to get a shot of us :(

Love these lights

Not sure why we are holding our phones this way??

Which fruits and veggies should you buy organic?

2012-07-18T09:06:00.003-05:00

Color Inspiration

2012-07-17T16:18:00.002-05:00

I have color fever. Admittedly, I get bored with paint colors after a couple of years. Therefore, I have been searching for new color inspiration. Right now, neutrals, specifically black and white are very appealing to me. I am seriously liking only using color in the accents. Enjoy!

Digging the stripes but not in brown

Shows you can paint cabs without purchasing new

Accents and rug

Obsessed with black kitchens

Soothing

Selected and used a palette without color to the walls

Pink and orange!

Moody blue

Colorful accents

Great chairs

Teal

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Love it!

Beach Cottage Style and Inspiration!

2012-07-13T12:48:00.001-05:00

This has been an extremely ~~crazy~~ busy summer. We have not had a chance to go to the beach since our trip in May. The next few weeks may be just as busy. So for now I will post pictures of Beach Cottages and dream that I am there! Enjoy!

Perfect for reading and napping

Would never leave this swing!

Perfect

Not your average meal

Can I wake up to this?

Love these colorful houses

Lush lawn

Seriously?

Could sit here all day

Or here

Twinkle lights

No distractions from your view

Floor

Board

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Meal with a view!

Tex-Max Ravioli Recipe

2012-07-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Tex-Mex Ravioli Casserole

Ingredients:

16-ounce jar salsa

10¾-ounce can tomato puree or enchilada sauce

½ teaspoon ground cumin

28-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli, thawed or if you have Earthfare you could buy and use fresh

2 19-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 bunch green onions, sliced

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients. Pour ½ cup of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish. Top evenly with cheese ravioli. Add layers of the black beans, cilantro, green onions and remaining sauce mixture; top with cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes.Enjoy!

Quinoa with Spice-Roasted Shrimp with Pistou

2012-07-10T16:41:00.000-05:00

Pistou is French for Pesto. This is a super easy, delicious recipe that is sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients:

1/2 lb medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 tsp fennel seeds, chopped

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1/4 cup canola oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup packed basil leaves

2 tbs flat-leaf parsley

1 tbs fresh rosemary

1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme

1 garlic clove, smashed

2 tbs finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 1/2 cups quinoa

2 1/4 cups water

Directions:

In a plastic bag, toss the shrimp with the first 6 ingredients, 1 tbs of the oil and 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425. In a food processor, pulse the basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic and cheese. Add 2 tbs of oil; puree. Season with salt and pepper. This is the pistou

In a saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and the remaining 1 tbs of oil. Season l with salt and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low until the quinoa is ready, about 15 mins.

On a baking sheet, roast the shrimp for about 8 minutes, until curled and pink. Cut the shrimp into thirds and add to the quinoa with the pistou. Toss well and serve.

Summer time with Wilson

2012-07-10T16:16:00.004-05:00

We spent last week moving my sister. There was a lot of work and sweat but we managed to have some fun as well. I gave GDaddy and Wilson a belated birthday cake since I had not seen them since their special day. We enjoyed watching Wilson as much as anything else!

How sweet is this?

Reaching and blowing out candles

Close up!

Hemp Seeds

2012-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have you tried Hemp Seeds? I had a groupon to my health store and thought I would give them a try. They are not inexpensive but great for you. Look at all the benefits! I like them on salad, oatmeal and in shakes!

Benefits from once site include:

Hemp seeds are an incredible vegan source of biologically available and easily digested protein. For those who are allergic to soy, hemp seeds are a great vegan alternative. Hemp seeds contain all 10 essential amino acids. And did you know 3 Tablespoons of Hemp Seeds = 11 grams of protein?

Orange-Banana Hemp Smoothie

1 frozen banana, chopped
1 whole orange, chopped
3 tablespoons hemp seeds (such as Organic Nutiva brand)
2 ice cubes
If you want a totally raw recipe use 5 raw almonds otherwise you can use 3/4 cup almond milk (such as Blue Diamond Original)
Pinch of cinnamon
Dash of pure almond extract

1. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!

Avacado and Edamame Summer Salad

2012-07-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

o 1 avocado, cubed

o 1 cup of pre-shelled edamame beans

o 2 cups of sliced cherry tomatoes

o 1-2 teaspoons of white truffle oil, to taste

o 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt

o 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Toss all ingredients in a mixing bowl and chill. Simple, delicious and good for you! Enjoy!

* The avocado will start to brown, so serve sooner than later. If you are bringing this dish to a party, simply bring the avocado with you and cut it up once you are ready to eat.

**I add flax and chia seeds to all my salads and Red onion to this recipe

Chicago style Pizza, Barrons and Gumbo Gala

2012-07-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share pictures from a very busy but fabulous weekend we recently had. My sister in law and her husband and daughter came to visit. Spence was a little restless in Auburn so her came over as well. The weather was pretty hot but beautiful .

Pizza dough

Gitty up!

Lost count how many times we did this!

Batter up

Great picture

It has gotten HOT

Great fireworks

Big mouths

Sampling the gumbo

He did not want to leave the cooling station

Cheese with a crawfish

Sloss

Re hydrating with Snow Biz

Chucky Chesesess

It always goes by too fast!

Pinterest Fourth of July ideas!

2012-07-03T16:01:00.001-05:00

Below I have added some of my favorite "pins" from Pinterest this week. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Jully 4th!

Father's Day

2012-06-29T16:43:00.001-05:00

We went to Andalusia for Fathers Day. And enjoyed a much needed weekend around the pool. Hope you had a great day G-Daddy!!

Cece and her babies

Big T lounging

Hot poodles! Coco's 1st swimming experience

Summertime dog cookies

Happy Father's Day!

Lifeguard Louie!