Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Thrifty Treasures

Wasn't Southern Hospitality's Before and After Party fun? I think I went to every single blog to comment. I saw alot of fresh ideas and gathered alot of inspiration! In case you missed it, you can check it out here.

I have been meaning to make mention that I have updated my photography blog, Photographic Memories, with a recent portrait shoot of Kelsey. She is one of those people that I love to photograph. The camera loves her. I will be posting some other shoots that I did over the holiday's in the near future.
Also, at Plates and Places there are several recipes listed that you can mull through for some new inspiration in the kitchen. I keep forgetting to mention these blogs and so while it was fresh on my mind today, I wanted to mention.
Speaking of inspiration. I have been on a roll-especially after yesterday's before and after party coupled with the end of the holiday season. After clearing out all of our Christmas Decor I find myself doing alot of "fluffing" about my home. You know,moving stuff from here to there. I like to change things up. It is funny how different a room can look by just changing up the accessories. A fun way to do fluff is also by shopping thrift and consignments stores for some "new" looks. I made a recent trip to the thrift store. How I love that place. Aside from geocaching, it is a real treasure hunt. I had to share the treasures that I found.....
This leaded glass candle holder. Real leaded glass. A steal at $2.48
This drawer. Currently it is being used to lasso Big Daddy's umpteen remotes. Many, I have no clue what they do or are used for. But they are in the drawer. And I love the drawer and it's detailing. It cost a whopping $1.48. This photo does not do it justice. I hate a flash.
Here is the side of the drawer.


A precious white and green pumpkin/gourd. $2.48

And alas, the piece de la resistance- ironstone. A gorgeous patterned ironstone, "Olde English Countryside by Johnson Bros.
I purchased the entire set. Bowls, dinner plates, salad plates, saucers....all for a steal.
A sweet little scene of, what else? An English countryside.
I puffy heart thrifting.
What has been your favorite thrifting purchase?

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Top Before and After Projects in Bloggeritaville


Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is hosting a top 10 before and after projects of 2008! Me? Well, I have six. Which should leave you some bonus time to visit some more participants. To see mine, click on the link's provided. I invite you to join the party too.... head on over to Rhoda's.

Hope you enjoy!

Project #1
Garden Trellis Wall Art http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/11/tres-chic-garden-trellis-wall-art.html

Projects #3

Fishing for Inspiration: Minnow Bucket Luminaries
(Stock photo)


Monday, January 5, 2009

I know, it really is TMI. But I hear its "Carb Withdrawals"

A new year. How are your resolutions coming along? I know. I am sorry, to all of you who cussed my name at the Ashley Macs Strawberry cake post. It was low, considering so many of you are on "diets" (quoting with my fingers and said in sissy speak). But the cake really good. I swear. Nancy, of North Carolina, who asked the question about shipping the strawberry cake, I am awaiting an answer to your question and will let you know as soon as I find out. I do know that they ship brownies at the moment. I know they were working up to the cake. I will be in touch, Nancy. I want you to try it.
As for me? Many, many years ago I "resoluted" not to "resolute". However, last night I resolved myself to a detox of sorts. Detox never sounds fun. And I am here to tell you that it is not. I am detoxing myself of carbs. Complex Carbs, people. CARBS. No. I am not touchy.....That is what I, as a vegetarian, pretty much live on. So now...I am resolved to eat a head of lettuce for two weeks. Not really. But I have promised to myself to just eat fresh vegetables and fruit (nothing canned or fried-of course that'd make a carb.). I am also limiting some nuts and cheese thrown in for protein. I have given myself a challenge of two weeks. I lived through day one without killing off any of the family members, as they soaked their crescent rolls in some delectable sauce in front of my nose. They obviously like to live on the edge. While I await for my system to begin it's "flush" mode, my only thought is that I would like to take their heads and flush....

Sorry. I got sidetracked.
I kid. I really am NOT going to go postal.

Before you ask, no. A resounding no. I am NOT on a diet. The word diet is not in my vocabulary. I would rather not here any comments on how you think it might should be. There is a reason diets start with the word Die. It's just not meant to be. It's unrealistic. Moderation is the term I like to use. It's a good term. It's friendly. It's livable. But I am doing the detox thing, as a bit of an experiment to myself.
In the meantime, I am thinking back to my delicious supper last night. The last time I had carbs. It was wonderful. Not so much the carbs, as good as they were, but the company. The company was the best part. Big Daddy, the kids and I met our friends, the Sanchezzzzzzezzz as well as another dear high school classmate that Big Daddy, Freddy and I went to school with, Robert S. and his beautiful wife and son.

(Notice how fullfilled I look after sharing a basket of chips and cheesedip with friends....)

We have made a pledge to make it a monthly date to get together. Life is short. Enjoy the folks around you, ya know. I guess that is something I learned a long time ago and continue to carry with me into each new year. Live, laugh, love as they say. That is my resolution, if there ever was one.
I do want to make mention, that the supper would have been much better had the always effervescent sister of the great Zinnia Warrior Princess, Zannyha, made our supper, but you take what you can get. Zinnia will do. (I big gigantic puffy heart you, Zinnia).
Speaking of siblings....and highly talented Sanchez', while I am on the subject, I do want to make mention once again of my friend Fabian Sanchez. Fabian and his also effervescent dance partner of Dancing with the Stars, Marlee Matlin have just kicked off the new tour of DWTS. Meaning, it just started. It will make a stop in a city near you. I highly recommend going. There are alot of the show's stars from the current season to seasons past. But I will not lie, Fabian and Marlee, in my opinion, are the show stealer's. DO, check them out. And as my friend, Travis, mentioned in a recent comment on my blog.....the new Dancing with the Stars season will start the second week of March. It will be interesting to see what stars are chosen....and what dancers they get paired with. Tune in.
And also tune into my next post.......
1. Will the family continue to eat french fries with stupid smirks on their faces.
2. Will Leigh cave in to the fresh loaf of sour dough bread in the pantry.
and finally
3. When will the system begin flushing?
Dun! dun! dunnnnnnn!

.....ok, you're right. TMI. This is what happens when kids and the husband hone in on my computer usage and I am left to type up a post after midnight....and when one is not given carbs. I promise my future post for the week will not have anything to do with cycles of any sort. Or threat to my family. Tomorrow is a new day...and I know that by then my carb withdrawls will most certainly will have subsided.
But I do have some fun post this week. They include fluffing. Waffle irons. And out with the new in with the old. Hmm?

Lastly, a HUGE congratulations to my friend, J of Musings from Left Field who became "officially" engaged over the New Year. Congratulations.

Have a great week, y'all! And if you see me eyeing anything made of flour, rice or potatoes- hit me upside the head with a hot baking potato. I hear that helps.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

"My Home" on Pecan Street

It's official (in my dream world). I have found our retirement abode. Though, our retirement is not for another fourteen years (and counting). I'd love to start packing boxes at this very moment, if it'd get me in this home any faster.
But, I do, I just love this place. I am NOT a fussy woman. I really do not like alot of "cluttered" decor. I don't need a big huge home, my heart belongs to cottage style. Coastal cottage. And this is it!
Come on in, I will give you a tour....



Don't you love the look of that sidewalk? It's as if it has been around for a century.
As does the home....but it's brand new. It's classic bungalow design, with all modern conveniences.

I can see myself drinking a cold frosty glass of sweet tea or lemonade on the front porch. I imagine that I am getting lost in a good Hemingway book. Would you prefer a glass?

Don't you love the natural landscaping? Little upkeep. That's Big Daddy's dream. He is not a yard man. There are some beautiful palms in the lot, as well as some magnolia that you can smell from the front porch. There are also a couple pecan trees. Perfect for harvesting pecans for a slice of pie.
It's as if the home was just plopped down into the greenery. Like in the Wizard of Oz. But, no fear, there is no hidden witch here.
It's all good.
But you know, with my sense of humor, that I AM going to add this little doorstop to the base of the house.
I love a bit of whimsy. And reason to laugh.

Can't you see it there, tucked behind the low shrubs?LOL!


Come on inside......watch your step.

Here is the entry. It looks into the living room. I love the bungalow archway and pillars! Classic.


Check out the Chicago brick fireplace, to warm a fall evening when the wind might whip off of the water.


The windows let in alot of natural light.

Across from the living room is the formal dining room. I'll be serving freshly grilled blackened snapper here to our dinner guest. It's really fresh. I just pulled it in this morning, while Big Daddy slept in.

Simple elegance. No fru-fru. All Leigh.
Here is the fabulous kitchen...

Great use of counter space! And I love the pot rack that is easily accessible to fry up some corn fritters and hushpuppies.

Don't you love the tumbled tile back splash?

I haven't decided if I want to keep the natural oak cabinetry or go for something that is painted a ivory or black and aged as if it's been here forever.
LOL! I sound as if I am moving in tomorrow.

The back splash behind the stove is beautiful too.

There are three bedrooms in this home. Hardwoods throughout. Vaulted ceilings.
Take a look at the beautiful bathroom with it's intricate stonework:

Stone detail as a "chair rail" style border, as well at the base around the shower.
And a girls dream of a walk in closet. Big Daddy....all you need are a pair of board shorts. No sharing this space. Sorry.
Ahhh. Isn't that sweet?
What? Are you hyperventilating?
Come on, lets go out back for some fresh air....
The back porch space is covered but open. Again, more use of the stone in the walkways.
I puffy heart the transom windows. I actually convinced my parents to install these in their own home. It was a great idea. The transom's really let the light in.
Here is the pool area.
I will be serving my signature strawberry mojito's by the pool daily at happy hour.
That's five 'o'clock somewhere.
Y'all come.

Behind the green privacy fence is a storage space-or "pout house" for Big Daddy where he can store his tools. Or go and "out" when he gets in the dog house. Every man needs a pout house.
This home is just a block from the bay in Fairhope. It's a hop, skip and jump. And come Jubilee, it will take me no time to run from the house with my net and cooler to scoop up another day's bounty. If you haven't seen this natural phenomenon, it really is something that will leave you in wonder. And thinking up some great seafood recipes....all at the same time.
Y'all come for supper, won't you?
Ummm, hmm.....just another fourteen years and counting....

Friday, January 2, 2009

The Best Cake in the World, uh, in the Universe-Free

So....it's Sugar Bowl day!!! And in honor of all things "Sugah", I thought I would take this time to mention my beloved Ashley Macs.

How many times can I sing the praises of Ashley Macs Bakery? (this many)
As often as it takes to convince the world that at Ashley Macs you WILL find the worlds greatest dessert- Strawberry Cake.
It. Is. LOVE.
With icing on top.
(photo, Ashley Macs)
Ok, clearly, I am obsessed with the strawberry cake.
I do not have what you would call a sweet tooth. I will almost always take chips and dip -or better yet- a hunk of cheese-over something sweet. But I have a thing with strawberry cake.
Actally, I like to think of it more as a relationship.
It's love.
What more can anyone want?
A free slice?
Well, ok.
Ashley Macs is so certain that you will agree it is the best that right now they will convince you with one free slice of strawberry cake that is true love in this world.
Sweet heavenly bliss.
This article ran in the Birmingham News on December 19th
Read it, and learn what you have to do to get your free slice of cake.

Dishing with Ashley McMakin, owner of Ashley Mac's Catering
Posted by
Lynn Grisard Fullman -- Birmingham News December 19, 2008 3:00 AM
Ashley Mac's Catering,

759 Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park,
205-822-4142
and
3131 Bellwood Dr. (behind Starbucks and O'Carr's),
Cahaba Heights, 205-401-7321
News staff/Michelle Williams
Ashley McMakin, owner of Ashley Mac's Catering


Specialty: Home-style food with a gourmet twist -- plus incredible desserts.
What Sets This Business Apart From Others? The quality of our product and our commitment to exceptional customer service which generates comments like these: "I can't wait to eat your strawberry cake for every birthday for the rest of my life," "This is the best brownie I've ever eaten," "I would have licked my plate if I could have," "You and your entire team are so dependable and fun to work with and everything you create is always so delicious."
How Long Have You Been In Business?Since June 2007.

Explain The Business: The Bluff Park location is our original store which is a commercial kitchen and a storefront where we sell box lunches, frozen dinners, desserts and more and take orders for catering. There is no dine-in. Recently opened, our Cahaba Heights location is a pick-up store with a freezer full of frozen dinners and soups and a fridge of chicken salad, pimento cheese and cake slices. (You have to order the whole cakes and other stuff.) The new location was developed because we have a lot of clients who were driving all the way to Bluff Park from Mountain Brook and the 280 area, so this was a great way to service that side of town.
Honors: In The Birmingham News' "Birmingham's Best 2008" readers' poll, Ashley Mac's placed in the top five in five separate categories: Best Chef, Best Dessert, Best Take-Out, Best Pies and Best Bakery. Also, I was the featured chef for the March of Dimes' Signature Chefs event and was featured in an article, "Catering to Busy Lives," which ran on the front page of The Birmingham News Food Section in July '08.
What's New? We recently have introduced a line of reduced-fat menu items including shrimp and grits, Cajun fettuccini with shrimp and sausage, poppy-seed chicken, and white chicken chili - and there will be more to come in January. We also now ship our brownies and soon will be shipping our cakes and casseroles.
Job You'd Have If Not A Chef: I would be an anchor for the "Today Show" -- in my wildest dreams, that is.
Who Inspired Your Love For Cooking?My mom, Sandy King Deaton, is a fabulous cook and taught me all the basics when I was a kid. Food was always the central theme in any and every family get-together. I think I was 12 years old when I first read Southern Living. It is my wonderful husband, Andy McMakin, who inspired me to take my love of cooking to the professional level.
Your Mentor:Paula Deen. I have only briefly met her in person, but through her cookbooks and TV show, she is in my house and business every day.
Your First Cooking Memory: Sitting on the kitchen counter (and) cracking eggs for cookies when I was 4 years old.
Your Worst Cooking Disaster: When I first was married I was making homemade chicken fingers for my husband and I nearly burned down our condo from getting the oil too hot.
Restaurant-Related Thing You're Proudest Of: Having developed a wonderful staff who share our desire to continue to build Ashley Mac's into something special.
Favorite Food To Prepare: In general, people are usually cooks or bakers. People often ask me which I am, and I have to say both. It depends on what mood I am in. If I've had a long day and need to de-stress, I cook. I bake if I have a lot of energy -- and a sweet tooth.
Favorite Food To Eat: French fries.
What Would You Choose For Your Final Meal?Ashley Mac's strawberry cake and a tall glass of milk.
Favorite Food-Related Web Sites:
www.southernliving.com and www.foodnetwork.com
Favorite Restaurant Other Than Your Own: Bottega Cafe in Southside.
Chef You Most Admire: Frank Stitt, a small-town guy making it big. I love it! And every one of his restaurants is to die for.
Favorite Spice: Cinnamon, particularly Mexican cinnamon from Penzeys Spices.
Favorite Herb: Basil, fresh.
Do You Cook At Home?If I'm lucky, two nights a week.
Kitchen Gadget You Couldn't Work Without: Food processor.
Most Disappointing Kitchen Gadget: Bake-Even Cake Strips. They wrap around cake pans to make the cake bake evenly (but) they don't work at all. So getting our cakes level is a company secret.
Food/Restaurant-Related Pet Peeve: Bad service, which is why at Ashley Mac's we make customer-service -- along with delicious food -- our highest priority.
Advice For Someone Outfitting A Kitchen: If you enjoy cooking, get top-of-the-line knives, gadgets and equipment; doing that is worth the extra money.
Worst Mistake Most Cooks Make: Always following a recipe exactly. A sign of a good cook is someone who constantly is tasting their creations and adding ingredients accordingly.
Advice For Pulling Off A Last-Minute Meal: Go through your fridge or pantry and find one or two things that can inspire a whole meal. For example, if you have some peppers and onions, just grab some chicken and make fajitas.
Your Best Cooking Tip: You don't need a lot of ingredients to make a delicious meal; simple is often much better.
Where Will You Be In 10 Years?A mom of three or four with a successful retail and Internet business line of Ashley Mac's.
Final Thoughts: Please come visit us in Bluff Park or Cahaba Heights and tell us that you read about us in the this article and and we'll give you a free slice of our famous strawberry cake.

(photo Leigh)
If you have not been to Ashley Mac's, you are really missing out. Besides the worlds-uh-universe's best cake, they also offers boxed lunches and to-go dinners that you can pick up at Ashley Mac's locations. Sweet.
For those that live out of town, I don't think the free slice of cake will apply unless you come by in person to claim it, but do check out the web site of Ashley Macs. They now offer shipping on their products!

And please tell them that you saw it on
Tales from Bloggeritaville.

Now,
Go! Eat Cake!
and finally....ROLL TIDE!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Thank You Notes...Lost Art?

Toys are spread all over my house. Now. Now that my children have written their thank you notes to those who were the givers of such nice expressions. One pet peeve of mine is thank you notes. Or rather, the lack of in this day and time. I think it is becoming a lost art to write thank you notes. It is becoming a lost art to write period, but especially thank you notes. I think the combination of a fast paced world coupled with the fact that manners are so many times left to the wayside are to blame.
I make my children write thank you notes if they are given something each time. My oldest son loves to tell me with each note he has to write, "None of my friends have to do this." and "But I said thank you..." But for me, it isn't enough. The rule is that one cannot play with the toy, use what is given or spend it if it is money they receive, until a thank you note is in the mailbox. Only then can they. If someone goes out of their way to do something I believe in letting them know you appreciate it.
I began this practise very young with my children. Before they were able to write, it was a "thank you drawing". Then as they began to write, I had many forms of thank you notes that were preprinted, where the kids would "fill in the blanks".
Now, it is all up to the children on what they write. But I do require more than "Thank you. Love, ___". Three or four lines will suffice, but enough to express thanks.
It is such a wonderful exercise in thankfulness. This Christmas, while writing their notes they really become aware of all that was given, be it a gift, or someone hosting a party we attended. And they are appreciative, especially in seeing it through notes of blessings scattered about the table.
J. Smooth's Thank you notes:
Bama's:

Sister Sledge's:
(click for closer view)
And while I am on the subject of thank you's....

Dear Sweet Friends,
Thank you for the gift of friendship this past year. It been such a blessing. A wonderful gift -because it has meant so much to me. Everyone should be so blessed to have such an encouraging and supportive group of people around them. I never in a million years would have thought I would have found such a community of friendship and fellowship through blogging. I am so appreciative.
I excitedly look forward to the year ahead and what all adventures it will bring.
This New Year, I want to wish you all peace, love, happiness and prosperity.
As to my friends and family- Your thank you notes are in the mail!
Sincerely, Thank you!
May you be greatly blessed.
Leigh
PS- A special "Happy Birthday!" to sweet peeps who are "New Year Babies".
Cheers to you!
"High May"

"Bob" (mine and Big Daddy's former middle school principal)

and "Grannie"