Red Hot Mama

I'm BACK!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 01:30:00 +0000

So excited to restart.....just wait until you see what's coming!!!!

Current Cravings from Tory Burch...

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:59:00 +0000

Trying to keep my mind off the hurricane outside and thought I would share what I am currently craving.....Tory Burch has some fabulous Fall finds....

Tory Burch
Boot $550

Most gorgeous shoe from Tory Burch
$395

Amanda Hobo from Tory Burch
$465

Great outfit from Tory Burch, reminds me of Ireland....

Crazy weather week!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:27:00 +0000

This week will go down as the craziest weather week ever. It began with an earthquake....5.8 on the richter scale and then a series of aftershocks that I somehow managed to miss.....strangest feeling EVER!

Hard to get a photo of an earthquake...

Then, the smoke from the Great Dismal Fire nearly choked me yesterday.....

Aerial view of fires

and then today, Hurricane Irene is hitting Richmond with LOTS of rain and wind.

Hurricane Irene

This makes for a quiet day of blogging,

catching up on my magazines,

eating,

Homemade 4 cheese pizza

television,

and hanging with the pups......

hopefully there will not be any flooding but happy to have an excuse to stay home.....

Love some Lilly fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Love some Lilly fabric.....so excited to read this!!!!

Lilly Pulitzer partners with Lee Jofa for a line of upholstery fabrics and trimmings

Written by Laura Fenton

The preppy prints of Lilly Pulitzer have been racing out of the closet and into the home. First, bedding and bath goods with Garnet Hill last year, then a line of furniture with HFI Brands earlier this year, and now the Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa collection of interior fabrics and trimmings. Expect the brand’s signature prints—and some new patterns, too—in Pulitzer’s classic pink and green combinations, and other bright and clean colors. Available in cotton, linen, silk, chintz, and jacquard, the line carries 15 prints.

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa, $50 to $175 per yard, to the trade only in Lee Jofa showrooms; leejofa.com
For more Design + Decorating, click here.

Have you missed me?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:08:00 +0000

I have seriously missed blogging and all of you too! Tonight's post will include some of the things I am loving right now.....

My trip to Ireland was probably one of the most magical vacations ever....after seeing this, I think Scotland is next on my list:

The Anthropologist's Highland Heart, David Eustace, amazing photographer!!!

I love the food in summertime, it's fresh, it's cold and it's always colorful!!! Here are some great recipes:

Daniel's crab salad

Ingredients
• 1½ lb. fresh crabmeat
• 2 ripe mangoes
• 1 large papaya, either green (tastes similar to a cucumber) or ripe
• 1 cucumber
• 1 daikon radish
• ½ bunch each of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil, all rinsed and picked, reserving stems
• 3 limes, cut into wedges
• 3 oz. shaved coconut, lightly toasted

Special equipment: Mandoline

Directions
Check the crabmeat for shells. Peel the mangoes and cut the flesh into ¼" cubes. Peel the papaya and slice in half lengthwise to remove the seeds, then cut into four sections. Slice the papaya thinly on the mandoline, and then cut it into ¼"-wide batons. Using a channel knife or the tip of a spoon, shave the cucumber lengthwise, leaving a bit of skin between each groove to create a striped effect. Thinly slice the cucumber into wheels on the mandoline. Peel the radish, cut into 2-inch segments, slice thinly on mandoline, then julienne. Very lightly chop the herbs, or if desired, keep the leaves whole. Serve buffet style, placing each ingredient in a separate vessel (including the lime, shaved coconut, gelée, and vinaigrette—see below) or toss it all together and serve on salad plates. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 6 to 8.

Thai vinaigrette

Ingredients
• 1 T sriracha chili sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 2 tsp. grated ginger
• 1 T chopped cilantro
• 1 T peanut oil
• ⅓ cup grapeseed oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Combine the chili sauce, lime zest and juice, ginger, and cilantro in a bowl. Whisk in the peanut oil, then slowly whisk in the grapeseed oil in a steady stream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Coconut gelée

Ingredients

• 1 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 whole-stalk piece of lemongrass, smashed and cut into chunks
• Reserved stems of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil
• 2½ tsp. powdered gelatin
• Salt, as needed

Directions
Combine the coconut milk with the lemongrass and herb stems and let rest, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, pour 3 tablespoons of cool water into a bowl; sprinkle the gelatin evenly over top. Rest for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water. Strain the coconut milk through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the lemongrass and herb stems, and bring ⅓ cup of the coconut milk to a simmer in a small pot. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few seconds, then stir in the gelatin. Combine with the remaining coconut milk, season with a pinch of salt if desired, then pour into a pie pan or a small, shallow dish. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for three hours or until fully set. Using a paring knife, slice coconut gelée in a grid pattern to form ½" cubes. Remove the cubes with a small offset spatula. Keep chilled until ready to serve the salad.

This recipe was originally featured in "Daniel’s Dish: Crab Salad

Lobster Cobb Salad

Ingredients
• 2 1½-lb. live lobsters, rinsed under cold water
• 8 quail eggs (or 2 hen’s eggs)
• Dash of white or cider vinegar
• 1 Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 T red-wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, leaves separated
• 3 ears of corn, shucked (2 cups fresh corn kernels)
• 12 cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup), or 1 large tomato, in ¼-inch dice
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into 12 wedges
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice (¾ cup)

• ½ stalk celery, thinly sliced (¼ cup)
• 2 sprigs tarragon, leaves only (2 T)

Directions
To cook the lobsters, bring a few inches of salted water to a boil in a stockpot. Stack the lobsters in the pot, with the corncobs on top. Cover, and steam for 10–12 minutes. Drain.
When the corn is cool enough to handle, slice the kernels off the cob and set aside. When the lobsters have cooled, crack the claws and remove the meat. Shell the tails, then run a sharp knife along the skin where the vein is. Remove the vein and cut the tails crosswise into 4 slices. Cover and refrigerate.
Put the quail eggs into a pot of cold water with the dash of vinegar. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat. Run cold water over the eggs. Once cool enough to handle, shell and set aside. (If using hen’s eggs, place them in cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes before shelling.)
Bring a pot of salted water and the potatoes to a boil. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
In a bowl large enough to hold the salad, whisk together olive oil and red-wine vinegar; season with salt and black pepper. Toss the vinaigrette with the romaine lettuce, corn, tomatoes, avocado, carrots, celery, lobster, and potatoes. Cut the quail eggs in half (or the hen’s eggs in quarters) and garnish the salad with them. Sprinkle with tarragon leaves and drizzle the dressing on top or pass on the side. Makes 4 servings.

Tarragon Dressing

Ingredients
• 2 T mayonnaise
• 1 T crème fraîche
• 2 tsp. water
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. red-wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
• 2 tsp. chopped chives
• 2 sprigs tarragon, leaves chopped (1 T)
• 1 sprig flat-leaf parsley, leaves chopped (1 T)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together. Season with salt and black pepper.

Jules Reid is one of my favorite designers and the fact that she is from Virginia just makes it that much cooler, she has some super fun things in her fall line....

Kate skirt by Jules Reid

The Mae by Jules Reid

The Walter by Jules Reid

Preston Bailey is one of those designers who always finds something to inspire me....love this lookbook inspired by the Tour de France....

While we are on design, here are some rooms that have just blown me away lately.....

I said it was going to be a bit random but I needed to catch up, I promise it will not be several months before my next post, what do you want to hear about next?

New Louboutins are here.....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:33:00 +0000

It's just too bad I cannot buy both...these are two of my favorites:

Pique Prive Patent Leather Pumps
$895

Bibi 140 Glitter Pumps
$795

Royal Wedding and LOTS of excitement!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:07:00 +0000

I think every girl my age remembers the day Princess Diana walked down the aisle.....

Diana....

So it is no surprise that on April 29th, 2011 I woke up at 5am to watch the next generation of Royals.

I wonder if I was the only girl with tears in her eyes when William and Harry arrived all dressed up?

I wonder if I was the only girl wishing their beautiful Princess mother was with them on this special day?

Di and her boys....

Every girl dreams about marrying her Prince and I could not be happier to see such a lovely Kate marry her Prince.....

Princess Katherine looking like Princess Grace....

Few images bring such happy thoughts to me as Princess Grace on her wedding day....every girl dreams about being the "Commoner" who finds her Prince...maybe mine is still out there?!

Gorgeous Princess Grace

I think this kiss says it all.....The Kiss

I can't begin to share all of my favorite moments from this day but this photo gallery has some wonderful pics.....Royal photos

Inspiration for April 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:31:00 +0000

"Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity."
- Herbert Hoover

This is beautiful.....

Salad Sunday is more like Soup Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:56:00 +0000

It is the end of March and it actually snowed this morning! So instead of a salad, today is more of a soup day!!! Real Simple always has some of the best recipes, this one looks delish!!!

Winter Lentil Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bunch kale, thick stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

1/2 cup brown lentils

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Kosher salt and black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce; optional)

Directions

1.Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.

2.Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil. Stir in the sweet potatoes, kale, lentils, thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

3.Spoon into bowls and top with the Parmesan, if using.

Elizabeth Taylor, you will be missed

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:48:00 +0000

Gorgeous beauty

Cleopatra

Elizabeth Taylor died this week at 79, she was a beautiful woman with grace and elegance. I know most people will always remember her as the woman addicted to marriage (or divorce) or as the woman who befriended Michael Jackson. I will remember her this way....goodbye Elizabeth, rest in fabulous peace....

Keep calm and have a cupcake!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:28:00 +0000

About a year ago, I bought a bookmark that said "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake." I keep it in my dayplanner as a constant reminder to myself. Lately my life has been incredibly stressful and when I stumbled upon this great blogpost from one of my favorite Bloggers, the adventures of tartanscot, I just had to do my own take on it. His design inspiration is always so fun and English, please check him out. I'm sure I would love meeting this guy!!!

Music, it makes any day brighter!

Shopping definitely soothes my soul!

Christmas is my favorite holiday and always cheers me up!

Best part about spring arriving is the beautiful sound of lovebirds.

Curious George, who doesn't smile when they see this little guy?

Doesn't everything sound better with a British Accent?

Rum? Yum-Yum!!

Such a handsome hero!

A nice Blue Moon always livens my spirit!

Had a Blueberry Cosmo at the Four Seasons the other day, it was dellish!

The one that started it all for me....

Jules did it again!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:18:00 +0000

I am a HUGE fan of Jules Reid, her style is very organic, a bit hippie all while being feminine and Southern....

These are some great pieces from her Spring/Summer line:

Pretty in Pink

LOVE this hippie chic look

How comfy does this dress look?

So Martha's Vineyard...

Perfect for a backyard fete!

Love this!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:05:00 +0000

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where
you are meant to be.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

-St. Thérèse de Lisieux, 1873-1897

Desperately searching for strength...

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:03:00 +0000

Life is full of surprises, there are challenges and rocky roads that you expect to hit along the way and then there are those that you don't see coming and you struggle with how to deal with them....

Over the past week, I have gotten some quotes that just seemed to have the perfect timing and I thought I would share....

"When I'm having trouble with someone, it's a sure sign that person is exactly the gift I am needing in my life. Sometimes it takes me years to write the thank you note, though." -Author Unknown

"What we accomplish in a day depends upon the way we approach our tasks. When we accept tough jobs as a challenge... and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. When we do our work with a dynamic conquering spirit, we get things done". -Arland Gilbert

"In the end, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and those you love and work hard. Work like there's no tomorrow. Train. Strive. Really train and cultivate your talent to the highest degree. Be the best at what you do. Get to know more about your field than anybody alive. That's what I've always tried to remember". -Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

Enjoy!!!!

Then and now....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Staying with my royalty obsession...

I think Princess Di would have approved....

The silver fox is my new man....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:13:00 +0000

Many of you call him the "Silver Fox," but whatever his nicknames may be, there are few as humble, inspiring and adorable as Anderson Cooper. He recently came to town and I was lucky enough to go to a VIP pre-event dinner and post-event meet and greet.....LOVE LOVE LOVE him!!!

Don't we make a cute couple?

Lovin' the English

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:08:00 +0000

The English have a unique style all their own and I'm currently obsessed with the Fascinator.....not many rock it as well as Kate Middleton....can't wait until you see mine, just a few weeks from now!!!

Luck of the Irish!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Ireland was my favorite locale yet and who doesn't feel inspired by these gorgeous hues of green?

Multistrand Clover necklace
Tory Burch
$195
Can't you just feel the luck of the Irish?

Robinson slim card case
Tory Burch
$85
How bright and cheery!

Assymetric Satin Dress, Lanvin
$2240
Sexy and sassy.....

DVF Julian Wrap dress
$325
Perfect!

Redux Charles Chang-Lima Ruffled Peplum dress
$1830
Feels like an Oscar moment....

Inspired by springing forward

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:36:00 +0000

We are springing forward today and if I'm going to lose an hour of sleep, I better feel inspired by the arrival of spring! Here are some of my must-have's for spring!!!

Eddie ballet flat
Tory Burch
$178
These shoes come in a rainbow of colors and look so fun!!

Oscar Fabulous Fashion 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:58:00 +0000

One of my favorite nights of the year is the Oscars and this year was just as amazing as others when it came to fabulous fashion, some of my favorites include:

Sandra always looks amazing and this year is no exception, love the red!!!

One of my other favorites of the evening, Cate Blanchette. LOVE the lilac!!!

Nicole Kidman has never had a miss in all of the award seasons and this year is just as amazing!!!

Jennifer Hudson looks stunning in this tangerine dress!

I am one of her biggest fans and I love the dress but not real sure about the hair...

I have made it a point to forget this chick's name since she stole my man but I have to admit,
they are a fabulous looking couple!!

My favorite look of the evening, is Gwyneth, you go girl!!!

Leifsdottir shoes, I die!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:31:00 +0000

There are no words for these pretty, pretty shoes!!!!

Kate does it again!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:25:00 +0000

Kate Spade always knows how to make me want to go shopping....pink always makes me so happy!!!!

Kate Spade Crystal Kaleidoscope Necklace
$295

Kate Spade Noura Coat
$525

Kate Spade Striped Jillian Dress
$355

Elizabethan Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:15:00 +0000

I went to Minneapolis a few years ago to visit my big sister from Meredith, Beth, and she took me to this adorable jewelry store, Sheer Addiction. Tamara makes her jewelry right there, it is unique and interesting. She recently posted this beautiful necklace that she said was inspired by the movie "King's Speech."

Elizabeth Necklace

And wouldn't you know it, it's sold out.....bummer!

Happy Un-Valentine's day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:52:00 +0000

Well, the day is upon us and I'm telling you....this is always the worst day...no matter how hard I try to keep my chin up....it's no use. Thank God it is only one day in the year and thank God for a bottle of red wine!

My Valentine's day date.....

I hate Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Pitts) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:57:00 +0000

There is one day every year that is another reminder about how it sucks being alone.....Valentine's Day. The funny thing is that even when I have been in a relationship on Valentine's Day, I hate the pressure of the day....if I could safely buy my own Valentine gitft, I know that I would buy myself some very pretty things!!!!

Love this necklace!