Sucre New Orleans

I came across Sucre New Orleans yesterday on Twitter. I was instantly head over heels in love. Who wouldn't. Carmel, chocolate, candied nuts, and wine! Oh my! The very next time I am in NOLA this will be my first stop after Captain Sals of course.

http://www.shopsucre.com/

Summer African Prints

I am just loving the African Prints.

Urbanknit handbages
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Urbanknit?ref=pr_shop

Duro Olown Spring/Summer Collection
http://www.duroolowu.com/ss11photos.html

Aroma Therapy

A few years ago while staying with my parents for a couple of months in my hometown of Jackson, MS, I learned how to make bath bombs. Instead of spending an arm and leg at the bath and body stores I made my own soaps, bath salts, and scrubs.

http://www.bathsaltbenefits.com/2/category/bath%20salt%20recipes/1.html

Margarita Popsicles

Today I was searching for recipes to make popsicles for Jaylan, instead I found a recipe for mommy. Enjoy!

http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/6454

Comfort Food

I need a little TLC this moring. There is nothing more comforting to a Southern than a bowl of hot grits. Wish I were having this right now.

http://www.ansonmills.com/page19/page39/page39.html

Paper Bag Puppet

Inspired by our visit to The Center of Puppetry Arts, Jaylan and I made a hand puppet today using a paper bag. If you are looking for something to do with your kids this summer here is a link for crafts and activities.

http://www.education.com/activity/arts-and-crafts/?cid=55000.0066127072&s_kwcid=TC8363kid%20craftsSb3815570665&gclid=CKDwhOiLtKkCFUiA5QodIW5eMQ

Southern Candy Confections

Last Thursday, Jaylan and I went to The Center of Puppetry Arts. I nearly wet my pants when I saw they were featuring Jim Henson. It was like I was an eight year old kid again. Remember this, "Laugh your tears away (clap clap), Worry for another day..." Yes, they had Fraggles.

Due to my lack of planning, Jaylan didn't enjoy himself nearly as much as I did. "Mommy, let's go eat." was all I heard for the entire 45 minutes we were there. After we left the museum I grab Jaylan Chick-fil-a and headed to my favorite candy store in Underground Atlanta. We picked up chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate caramel cashew clusters and fudge.

Here is a quick, yet great recipe for those chocolate cashew clusters.

Ingredients

2 lbs milk chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped

1 cup salted cashew halves

28 caramels

2 tsb heavy whipping cream

Directions

Line the baking sheet with wax paper and butter; set aside. In the microwave, melt 1 lb of candy coating; stir until smooth. Drop by scant tablespoonfuls onto prepared pans. Let stand until partially set, about 3 minutes. Top each with six and seven cashews . Let stand until completely set.

In small sauacepan, combine caramels and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. stir until smooth. Spoon over cashews. Reheat caramel over low heat if it thickens. Melt remaining candy coating; spoon over caramel. Let satnd until set. Yield 2-1/2 dozen

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Caramel-Cashew-Clusters

Great Apps For iphone

Recently I became an iphone user. I absolutely love it. The best part of using an iphone are the apps. I have three that I can't live without.

WineStein Pro- WineStein Pro App is a wine calculator that pairs wine with your meals. Giving you a score of 10 as to its compatibility with the meal , WineStein explains what type of wine you are buying and how much you should expect to pay for it.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/winestein-pro/id419100974?mt=8

Epicurious Recipes and Shopping List- The Epicurious app has been a plus in my kitchen, I have made several great recipes over the last 3 weeks.


http://itunes.apple.com/app/epicurious-recipes-shopping/id312101965?mt=8

OPI- OPI App allows you to try on all 200 and something shades of nail polish with a click of a button. You can even adjust it to match your skin tone.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opi/id355728893?mt=8

Cool Off

I don't know about anywhere else, but today in Atlanta it was hotter than Kim Kardashian in room full of professional athletes. All I wanted to do was grab something cool to drink. Once I got home I decided to make blackberry lemonade. Here is the recipe I used.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blackberry-lemonade-recipe/index.html

I Need A Drink

It has been a long hard one. I need a drink! With that said here is a great whiskey sour recipe.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fresh-whisky-sours-recipe/index.html

Eaters Unite!

Friday night I had to buy a size 36 DD bra and a waist smoother. I complained to my good friend, Sassha, about needing to lose 10 pounds. She recommend I go on the master cleanse fast for 10 days. Hah! Me not eat! Yeah right ! I told Renada ( another bestie) Sassha's suggestion and we laughed for a least 5 minutes straight. Her facebook status Saturday was "Eaters Unite!"

So in the spirit of eaters uniting Jaylan (my son) and I had Five Guys on Sunday for lunch. OMG I forgot how wonderful an old fashion burger, fries and a cherry coke can be!

http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx

Chocolate Tiramisu'

The best tiramisu I have ever had was in a little coffee shop in North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. That was almost ten years ago. I haven't had anything to come close since.

While I was at Tee Jenny's (my aunt) house on Sunday; I saw she had picked up the latest issue of Bon Appe'tit. Guess what I found? I scrumptious tiramisu recipe. I can't wait to try it!!!

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/05/chocolate-tiramisu

Dekalb Farmer's Market

Today I went to the Dekalb Farmer's Market. It is one of my favorite places in Atlanta. You can find produce, wine, bread, fresh cuts of meat, nuts, flowers (almost anything your heart desires). I picked up some brioche to make superb french toast for my Easter brunch. I also got a good deal on spices and dried fruit among other things. My cousin, Hayah, and I couldn't resist grabbing some chocolate pecan cookies before leaving.

http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com/

Host A Bake Sale

Share Our Strength is one of the leading organizations dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America. Instead of making a donation , I am going to host a bake sale to raise awareness and money. Join me!!!

http://gabs.strength.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GABS_homepage

Gotta Have A Snoball

On Saturday, at 11:11 pm, my cousin Michelle's facebook status read, "Plum Street Snoballs and Gene's Poboys. Enough said."

What I wouldn't do to have a Plum Street Snoball right now or any snowball as a matter of fact. The closest I am going to get to a Plum Street Snowball in Atlanta, is the Orleangian Snow Balls found at the corner of Moreland and Ponce de Leon. The little green trailer is parked in a gas station parking lot from April unto the end of September. Enough said.

NOLA

Plum Street Snoball

1300 Burdette Ave

504-866-7666

ATL

Orleangian Snow Balls lo

1161 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

404-897-4646

Georgia Aquarium

Yesterday I had the time of my life at the Georgia Aquarium. It is the largest aquarium in the world. DJ and I took his grandmother Bessie, and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. This was not my first visit, however it is such an amazing experience it never gets old. I encourage anyone who has not been to please go!

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Oatmeal

Last week I tried McDonald's oatmeal for the first time. I was instantly addicted. Instead of going to McDonald's everyday, I just decided to pickup some oatmeal and fruit at the grocery store this morning so I can make my own. Guess what? My oatmeal taste better!

Ingredients:

1 cup Oatmeal

1 cup Water or Milk

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsbp Sliced Almonds

1 tsp Brown Sugar

1/8 Salt Chopped apples as desired

Dried Cranberries as desired

Grapes as desired

Directions: Bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Add oats and vanilla. Reduce to medium heat. Cover and cook 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve in 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle on brown sugar. Top with apples, cranberries, grapes and almonds. Enjoy!

Tea Cakes

When I was a little girl growing up in Jackson, we always had tea cakes. My mom she shared with me a recipe for tea cakes like her grandmother use to make. If you are from the South here is some nostalgia .

Ingredients:

1 1/4 butter softened

1 1/2 sugar 3 eggs

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt 1

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions: Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy: gradually add sugar, beating mixture well . Add eggs and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Cover and chill dough at least 1 hour.

Roll dough into 1/4 thickness on a lightly flour surface. Cut 2 inches thick and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 350 F for 10 minutes or until edges are brown. Let them cool and enjoy.

TGIF

Thank God It's Friday!!! In celebration of my upcoming issue of Ruthe Bea Web Magazine and D.J.'s job offer, we are going to have dinner at La Fonda's tonight. I am going to enjoy a mouth watering skillet of seafood paella accompanied by a pitcher of Margaritas. Since it's Friday, treat yourself to a Margarita on the rocks.

Recipe

Ingredients: 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce of Grand Marnier, 1 ounce simple syrup ,1 lime juice

Directions: Place all the ingredients in shaker filled with ice. Shake ten times and strain into salted rimmed chill glass. Enjoy!

Anges and Hoss

Stephanie Wandell of Anges & Hoss, although a stranger is a very influential person in my life. About five years ago my mother was reading an article about her in Lucky magazine and told me to take a look. After reading the article, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I tore that article from Lucky, and posted it on my refrigerator each time I moved. That article kept me grounded, reminding who I was and what direction I wanted to take.

Utilizing a painting degree from Dartmouth College and a love of color and pattern, Stephanie naturally transitioned into print and textile. Using silk charmeuse, she has designed several collections of pillows, handbags, scarves, and lighting. Without Angnes & Hoss, there may have never been Ruthie Bea. Thanks Stephanie.

http://www.agnesandhoss.com/index.php

Just Desserts

Ever sense Drake uttered the word Moscato, it seems as if the delicious dessert wine is in demand. It reminds of the Patron craze three years ago, when people where buying Patron as if it was a top shelf Tequila. It still amazes me how much marketing and hip-hop culture effects our lives. For food and wine lovers such as myself, I have compiled a list of modestly priced dessert wines.

• EOS Zinfandel Port '06 -$21.99


• Beringer Chenin Blanc -$7.00


• Barefoot Reisling -$8.00


• EOS 2008 Moscato Tears of Dew -$20.00

Home Herb Garden

I am green with envy over the herb gardens, Tee Jeeny (my aunt) has planted in her back yard. She is growing heirloom tomatoes, garlic chives, thyme, basil, and sage . Maybe next weekend I will start my own little container kitchen garden to enhance my culinary adventures. If you need a weekend project here is a great link for herb gardening.

http://herbgardening.com/

Healthy Chips

Last week I confessed my weakness for pastries, all things sweet and a shrinking waistline to my good friend, Renada. She in return confessed her weakness for chips. She says she avoids them at all costs. Renada, my darling, indulge yourself. Here is a link for healthy chips.

http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/top-ten-healthy-chips#fbIndex1

COCKTAIL HOUR

My little cousin Valentina, is graduating from college next month. Being the diva that she is Val, has asked us to put together a cocktail party in honor of her graduation. She and I have just decided the signature drink will be a blackberry mojito. Try it out!

Ingredients:
6 mints leaves
5 each fresh blackberries
1/2 part simple syrup
1 part fresh lime juice
1 part white rum
1 part Creme' de cassis
1 sparkling water

Preparation:
In a glass muddle mint leaves with blackberries and simple syrup. Add lime jar, rum and creme' de cassis and stir to combine. Fill glass with ice, top with sparkling water and stir to combine. Enjoy!

PELO COUTURE

OMG! My cousin and fellow entrepreneur Martori Bailey, has expanded her business Pelo Couture. Initially Martori, started with her hand crafted bridal head pieces. She is now featuring tiaras, head bands, and combs essentially any accessory a modern brides needs. Pelo Couture will be featured in the first issue of Ruthie Bea online magazine in April. If you or someone you know is getting married check out Pelo Couture at http://www.pelocouture.net/