Indoor Romantic Picnic

     This post has been sponsored by NewAir. While this is a sponsored post, all content and opinions expressed here are my own

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The INDOOR ROMANTIC PICNIC with the Perfectly Chilled Wine

Since we’ve become empty nesters and as the onset of Autumn begins, I try to think of creative ways for my husband and I to spend quality time together.  We don’t go out as often in Autumn and Winter as we do during Spring and Summer, and there are fewer indoor activities to partake in.   A few weeks ago while out on a usual thrifting escapade, I came across this vintage picnic basket and thought – hmmmm…  we could do indoor picnics (sounds romantic right!?)…it’s something we’ve never done and it would be a new exciting adventure, especially since we’ve started trying different wines.   I personalized the basket by adding a monogram, lined the basket for warmth and replaced the plastic dinnerware with gold rimmed dinnerware, confetti glasses and gold flatware found at a thriftstore.

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Why use plastic when china is nicer.  I always want to impress

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Plan a menu of a few favorite finger foods and lastly, keep the wine chilling in our NewAir wine cooler unit.

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Now let me tell you about our fancy wine cooler from NewAir.    It’s an upscale new appliance with a sleek modern appearance that matches the kitchen and accents the look.

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With dual temperature controls it’s the perfect way to ensure all our wines and champagnes, stay at optimal temperatures. The unit is totally easy to regulate with one touch of a button and it runs quiet as mouse.  Because of its compact size and smooth base, the unit has mobility to be transferred to other rooms or it can also be mounted under a counter.

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Although it’s compact in size, take a peek inside to see that it holds up to 19 bottles

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The blue light gleams a soothing effect (especially at night) and we can dim the light to soften the glow or we can simply turn it off.wine-cooler10

The sleek modern structure doesn’t take up any additional space in the kitchen.   Another great feature is just in case you have children/teenagers around, you can lock the unit and it comes with 2 keys .  When I’m no longer using the picnic basket, I can swap it out and use it as a stand in the kitchen for a wine glass/coffee cup station.  I used my favorite DIY antler tray and it sits perfectly on top.

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Occasionally after work I like to wine down (chuckles.. yes.. wine down..) from a long day and these flutes are the right size for me to have a perfectly chilled glass to start my evening.

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Now that you’ve seen our swanky NewAir wine area and know how to create that romantic indoor picnic – I’ve got a surprise to announce…drumroll please….. NewAir is giving one lucky reader a chance to win a NewAir Wine/Beverage Cooler of their own. Isn’t that exciting news!!!!   Starting today thru November 30th at 11:59pm PST you can participate in this amazing GIVEAWAY!  

NewAir Fall Fun Giveaway!

Here is where our fun begins!  Imagine how many cozy nights we will share sipping our favorite chardonnays, merlots, proseccos, moscatos, etc.. now that we have the best wine chilling system.

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Tonight it’ll be just us, soft music, chilled wine, a few munchies and a deck of cards.  We’ve created our indoor fun – who knew having a wine bar could help create so much fun..

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It all started with our NewAir wine cooling unit and a picnic basket

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Hubby says let’s pop the cork and get ready!  So  CIAO everyone!

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Until next time – Happy hunting while you thrift your house into a home!

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s Been A Change

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Change – make or become different   or   take or use another instead of  –  That’s what took place about a week  ago.   If you remember back in July when I had the opportunity to attend the BLU2016 Conference, I was excited learning more about blogging, how to make it grow and how to monetize it.  The first step I had to take was purchase my domain, which ultimately was my birthday gift to me (a little late but it’s cool).. chuckles..   That, my friends, was scary as hell to me.. I couldn’t sleep the night before and was worried what if I’d made a mistake…

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Some people can take “change” as if it doesn’t phase them.. (I envy that) but me.. I’m one of those who shivers inside about it while talking a good game to myself.  It is one of my weaknesses but I’m work on it.   But the good news.. the change happened and I’m ready to push ahead with this “BLOG STUFF” lol  (insert BIG SMILE).. I really enjoy having it and I love, love, love the interaction and the concept of meeting new people.  Through the transfer process, I’ve lost some followers and would love to have you back…. So friends, family and followers.. Please take a quick moment to re-follow me – same name  just no (wordpress) on the end  ..  here’s the link to follow.  I’ll be kicking it off with wonderful give-away to a lucky reader so stay tuned..!  Thank you again for all your encouragement, reading and being a part of my blogworld!

Smooches!!!

Jamala

Charlotte Tastemaker Summit

 

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On July 27th, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a topnotch premier event, The Charlotte Tastemaker Summit, hosted by Black Southern Belle.  It was a panel of creative professional women ranging from interior decorators/designers, event planners, publishers, entrepreneurs, DIY crafters, stylists and bloggers who  joined forces for an inspiring display of influential women.   Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective was founded by Editor in Chief, Michiel Perry, who noticed while she was planning her wedding and decorating her home, women of color were not represented enough in the media, so she decided to create a platform to showcase the collective group of African-American women who are achieving their goals in this field.

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I was so excited as I took the drive up to Charlotte, (aka Queen City) ready to meet the Belle behind the brand Black Southern Belle. The event took place in one of Charlotte’s upscale design showrooms called TUFT.  Upon walking into Danielle’s beautifully eclectic designed boutique we were greeted with warm hugs, smiles and sweet treats and swag bags.

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This was definitely my kind of welcoming station!  Michiel and her staff not only planned one of the best events, but left no stone unturned as for creating style and grace.  The simple mere use of all vintage glassware was the complete pièce de ré·sis·tance for me.  The delectable sweet treats were the baked goods of Grey Ghost Bakery

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The buffet table was equally appeasing with catered dishes from Gravy Waltz Catering Services

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The bar cart was refreshingly stocked with Pure Leaf iced tea (looking just as sweet as she could be)

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To start the program, Michiel presented her opening remarks on how she started BSB, her goals, objectives and along with her future vision.

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Next were guest speakers talking to the attendees about their businesses, blogs, and designs.  We all listened attentively as they spoke of testimonies on starting their businesses, the ups&downs, highs&lows and gratifications of being an entrepreneur and how it affects their lives and livelihoods.

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All of the ladies were graciously answering any and all questions that were posed.

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In addition, we also were shown demonstrations on tablescaping and along with how to create flower arrangements

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And this lovely belle (along with some of the other photos) was photographed by Michelle Flowers

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No classy event is complete without a swag gift bag…

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Michiel and her staff created the most tasteful, elegant, and informative affair and I look forward to attending more.  Learn more about Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective and their chica-power upcoming Atlanta and Charleston events by clicking here.

The “A” list Vendors

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Thanks to Michiel for creating this hub for women to connect and inspire one another.  As always… until next time…happy hunting and continue thrifting your house into a home!

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardenia-Lime Sugar Scrub

To keep the momentum going, Dixie Crystals decided to give-away 3 tickets to next year Bloggers University 2017 and to enter you had to create your own sugar scrub.  So..  I decided to give it a try.  I love gardenia and wanted to use that in my creation.

It was so simple – and here are the ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Dixie Crystals sugar
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
  • 6 drops of White Gardenia essential oil
  • zest of 1 lime grated

Mix all the ingredients and find yourself a nice bowl to keep in the bathroom ready to use

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I used an antique silver miniature coal scuttle sugar bucket.  These are normally used for sugar cubes but I think it’s perfect for the scrub

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The buckets usually come with a scoop but unfortunately mine didnt’, which is why I got it for $3.00.  I lucked up and had a baby spoon and it makes a good scooper.

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This scrub has  the right blend of floral/citrusy smell and after you use it… the gardenia scent lingers on your fingers without being overpowering.

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It’s a great alternative to liquid soap and leaves your hands feeling soft and smooth

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So, go ahead, give it a try…you’ll have skin so-soft.

 

Scuttle buckets are  found at several estate sales and yard sales, but you can also find them here.

Until next time, happy hunting and enjoy thrifting your house into a home!

Smooches!

Jamala

 

Fruit Cocktail Bread Pudding

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Fruit Cocktail Bread Pudding w/Frangelico Carmel Glaze

I am excited to share with you that in two weeks I’ll be headed to Atlanta, Ga connecting with other bloggers who share the same passion as me at the Bloggers University Conference.

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This is my first bloggers conference and I’m skipping happy about it.  I started blogging for fun and now it’s turned into my passion.  I’m headed there on a volunteer ticket – but that’s cool because I get to share in on the fun and learn even more about this thing we call “Blog” world.   For my ticket I had to enter the Dixie Crystals Sweet & Southern Recipe Contest (talk about under the gun – I had to do this within 24 hrs – YIKES!!!)   but I’m happy to say I accomplished that goal.. – A girl on a mission..

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I’m sharing my version of one of the oldest southern classic recipes that will satisfy the after dinner sweet tooth for everyone.  Thanks to Dixie Crystal for having this contest where I’ll be competing nationwide with other bloggers submitting their Sweet & Southern Desserts.

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For the recipe of this delicious bread pudding you’ll need:

  • 1 loaf of white bread (I used Sunbeam giant loaf)
  • 5 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 large can of fruit cocktail (in heavy syrup)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4  cup Dixie Crystal pure sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp lemon flavor
  • 1 1/2 stick of butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   In a 9×13 glass baking dish melt butter (do not let it burn).  Tear bread apart and put in large bowl

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Pour both milks on top of bread and let it soak in.   Stir in fruit cocktail (with the syrup), egg, sugar, extracts and cinnamon.  Give a good stir.. I know.. (looks like lumpy oatmeal.. )

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Add melted butter and give a good stir.  Pour batter into dish (you melted the butter in) sprinkle top with a little cinnamon

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Bake for 30-40 minutes..     Let rest approximately 10 mins before cutting.  Drizzle with Frangelico Carmel Glaze (optional)

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Frangelico liqueur is a is a pale gold colored liqueur made of Tonda Gentile hazelnuts. It is distilled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy from an alcohol and water infusion of the nuts. Natural flavoring extracts such as cocoa and vanilla are added before blending with alcohol, sugar and water to meet the bottle strength.

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The glaze adds a bit of a nutty flavor to blend with the fruity flavor without having something crunchy in the pudding.  But for those who prefer your pudding plain, its just as yummy.

 

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For the glaze:

  • 4 tblspns butter
  • 1 cup light Dixie Crystal light brown sugar
  • 3 tblspn Frangelico liqueur
  • 3/4 cups half&half

In a small saucepan melt butter, add brown sugar, liquer and half&half.  Whisk until smooth  – drizzle warm glaze over warm bread pudding and enjoy

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As always – cooking is easy with “TLC”  Enjoy!!

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