an admira-belle cause…Jasmine Road

30 Monday Oct 2017

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We just had to share the news of an exciting new – and much-needed – venture coming to our area…Jasmine Road.  


Modeled after Thistle Farms in Nashville, Jasmine Road offers a path to freedom and healing to women who are trapped in a cycle of sexual exploitation and addiction.  With several friends extremely involved in making Jasmine Road a reality, we just HAD to give it a shout-out and let our big-hearted belle-friends know how proud we are of them for taking the lead in getting this program up and running…and how excited we are to get involved!


We recently attended a luncheon to benefit this worthy cause and had the opportunity to hear the founder of Thistle Farms, Becca Stevens, tell the riveting story of the process of saving our “sisters” from the tragic existence of trafficking.  The hope of accomplishing the same thing here in our own hometown makes our hearts swell.  Learn more details here

Check the website…jasmineroad.org…now for opportunities to help!  Needs include furnishings, time, and – of course – financial assistance.  

And check out their shirts…


We will wear them proudly!!

If you want to be a part of the road to freedom for those who are trapped, consider donating now!

A PSA from a&a

what’s ringin’ our belle…round 126

24 Tuesday Oct 2017

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Shiny walls…belles love gettin’ lacquered up…


Via The Neo-Trad

We are addicted to roasted cauliflower…


Via Alexandra Cooks
Can’t have enough white tops!…


Via Barneys

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…


Via Half Baked Harvest
A shagreen coffee table…

Via Williams Sonoma

Now that we are nearing ski season…dreamin’ of a getaway…


The top US ski destinations according to Condé Nast Traveler

We can hear your belles ringin’!

a&a

A Sephora-belle gift or two….

23 Monday Oct 2017

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This is the time of year that Sephora comes out with some awesome limited edition gifts and there are two in particular that we bought, love and are well worth the price! 

First in our cart is the Sephora Favorites- Give Me More Lip
This collection is $68.00 and is a $254.00 value. It contains at least five full size items and is chock full of high=end brands and a slew of great colors . Mattes, glosses, lipsticks and plumpers!


Pucker Power Belles!!!  Get it Here!

Next in the ole shopping cart is the Superstars – Every Day Must Haves…and they aren’t kidding! 

Again…we have several full size and great brands but most importantly every single thing in this package we either use on the regular already or have started using because of the package.  No joke!


And at $75.00 for a $224.00 value, y’all are more than getting your money’s worth.  Just sayin…

Available here

What we also like to do is break up the packages and use divvy them up as stocking stuffers or little extra presents for all the belles we love and adore.  Christmas is just 62 sleeps away!
Let the shopping begin! 
a&a

LBD musts for every belle…

20 Friday Oct 2017

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A smart belle knows that an LBD will take her far in life…and to every occasion.  Here are some of our recent picks…

By Alexis…

By Derek Lam …

By Black Halo…


By Likely …

By Solace London…

By Jonathan Simkah…

By Cinq a Sept…

#blackdressesmatter

Happy shopping, belles!

a&a

A belle worthy book by a belle extraordinaire friend …

12 Thursday Oct 2017

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One of us was blessed enough to attend Tulane University…actually belles went to Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University…Sophie Newcomb is no more, but the belles live on…

It was an amazing stroke of luck to get to spend those college years with a slew of fabulous girls…all with personality, charisma, mischief and creativity.  We thought it was about time we shared the tremendous creations and gifts they have brought to the world.

There is a long list, and they each deserve their own spotlight…so we will share them one at a time.

Sara Ruffin Costello is our first belle star! From the first day she stepped on campus, she was vibrant, vivacious, exhuberant and magnetic!  She was part of the dynamic team that started Domino Magazine…which is to this day one of our favorite mags…we only wish it was still a monthly.

Now we are proud to say that she has authored the most beautiful and extraordinary book…About Decorating.  In it, she writes about the work of famed Richard Keith Langham

Via Amazon

Even the hard cover is scrumptious…


Courtesy of Sara Ruffin Costello

And inside…oh my!  Yes, please!


Anyone who appreciates interiors, enjoys home design, seeks style with a touch of flair will adore this book…and it’s a great addition to any library or coffee table.

Y’all order it on Amazon!!

What a beautiful creation you’ve made, Sara…thank you for sharing!

a&a

what’s ringin’ our belle…round 125

12 Thursday Oct 2017

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Can’t wait to try this…


Via Design Sponge

Love these monograms…


Via Etsy

Must have these tortoise desk accessories…


Via Kate Spade
This top. This top! No words.


Via Farfetch

And a truly belle-ringin’ cocktail…

   
Via A Beautiful Mess

Well, ring my belle!

a&a

THE vinaigrette…

10 Tuesday Oct 2017

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We recently took a little journey to the west coast with a slew of amazing belle-friends…17 to be exact…


While there, our hosts at the AMAZING Inn at Newport Ranch served meal after meal that kept us raving!  One item that especially caught our attention was the salad dressing that has become their signature.  Luckily, they were kind enough to share their secret…from Mendocino Jams and Preserves.  

They happen to use the ginger mustard…


…to give their dressing a little somethin’ special.  Here’s the how-to…


Mendocino Mustard Vinaigrette

2 T “Our Ginger Mustard” (from Mendocino Jams & Preserves)

2 T Balsamic vinegar

6 T extra virgin olive oil

2 t chopped shallot

1 t maple syrup (may use honey)

Place all in a good jar or cruet…give it a good shake…and you are set!


Belleicious!!

a&a

some belle-baubles for the ears…

09 Monday Oct 2017

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Bauble Bar is still kickin’ it, belles!  They seem to stay on-trend without missing a step…all while being super budget-friendly.  What more could a belle ask for??

Here are some of our recent faves…

The Gabriela Stud Tassel…available here

Samba Ball Drops…available here

Tango Ball Drops…available here


The Shamia Drop earring…available here

Bauble on, belles!!

a&a

get ready for Scotch-tober, belles!

06 Friday Oct 2017

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While we each tend to have our favorite cocktail (Mount Gay & soda…Blanton’s & water), we are up for trying just about anything!  (All in the name of research for our TALKGreenville articles, of course)

That’s why this article from Liquor.com caught our eye.  Since we are not necessarily scotch drinkers, we consider it a challenge to make this elixir a bit of a focus for this month…and because “Scotch-tober ” has a catchy ring to it!


One scotch that we will certainly try is Auchentoshan…because it apparently has the vanilla and caramel notes of a bourbon.  Right up one belle’s alley!  We will just sub it in and see what we think.


Another goal will be to find a couple of mixed concoctions that suit our tastes.  A Manhattan or Old Fashioned mixed with scotch might be a hit.

(Image by Virginia Miller via Liquor.com)

Or how about something creamy and sweet mixed with Scotch??!  This one uses yogurt, honey, chocolate, and habanero bitters.  Who knew such a serious liquor could actually be fun??


(The Ichor & Glass at the Dewberry, Charleston, SC.  Image by Virginia Miller via Liquor.com)

Or maybe we will head down to Charleston and hit up the Dewberry for this beautiful, rosy, scotch-based creation.

The possibilities are endless, belles!

a&a