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Staring at these during crazy winter storm….ordering because they make us happy !!

Get these sunny happy, smiley stunners here
And…you’re welcome!
a&a
13 Monday Feb 2017
Posted in fashion forward
Tags
Staring at these during crazy winter storm….ordering because they make us happy !!

Get these sunny happy, smiley stunners here
And…you’re welcome!
a&a
12 Sunday Feb 2017
Posted in bar belles, belles on the go
We stepped out in downtown Greenville in search of just the right Valentines-celebratin’ spot for our latest TALKGreenville article. Read on…

Just a few steps off main street and under the radar (as in underground), The Trappe Door feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. Located in a cozy little spot underneath Barley’s, we are thinking this might be the perfect spot to escape the crowds for a cozy little one-on-one with your sweetie (remember, fellas…Valentine’s Day is upon us). You’re welcome.
From the “flavors of the land”…
The cuisine at The Trappe Door is authentically Belgian (as in…you will find a vast array of flavor influences from around the world – as in…you WILL find something to absolutely DIE over!) Sweet sits alongside spicy and savory. Seafood sits alongside lamb, duck, ribs…you name it, you’ll find it. Our fave? Almost any one of the FIVE flavors of Moules Frites. Every one is a must-try!
The Nicholas Sage
While it might not be every girl’s dream to have Nicholas Cage as a BF, we can all agree on the “Nicholas Sage”! Pure perfection in its mix of Bulleit Rye, Lemon-Sage and Grapefruit Cordials, Lime juice, Sage and bitters, a girl can happily spend an evening with this handsome rogue of a cocktail..
The Apple of My Eye
Maybe treat the apple of your eye to this cocktail! Lovingly created by Dan during our recent visit, this one had not quite been named…so we took the liberty of choosing a moniker ourselves. Ask Dan for his brilliant concoction of Apple bitters, spiced syrup, gentian root, Asbach brandy and ginger beer. You won’t regret it (ya know what they say about an apple a day!)
It’s not just about the beer in here…
While the tag line at this cozy spot is “beer that knows no boundaries”, we would be remiss in not mentioning the by-the-glass wine board. At any given time, there are 10 bottles of wine being offered by the glass…and they are listed on a board on the wall for all to see. Once a bottle is finished, it comes off the list and you might be the lucky one to choose the next shining wine-star!
Casual and über-chill, The Trappe Door is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with friends or that special someone. The focus is on the food, the drink, and the “one you’re with”. Remember…no windows equals no distracting people-watchin’. He or she will only have eyes for you (and maybe that wine board…just sayin’).
The Trappe Door Restaurant & Bar . 23 W. Washington Street . Greenville
12 Sunday Feb 2017
Posted in just sayin'
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10 Friday Feb 2017
Posted in fashion forward, what's ringin' our belle
Tags
accessories, Gages on Augusta, Greenvile, H. Goose, M Judson, men, South Carolina made, Travelers Rest, watch maker, watches
Need a cool Valentine’s gift idea?? Check this out!
One belle recently made a new friend at the Post Office (it pays to be friendly, folks!). This new friend happened to be a young man who is in the watch-making business and was shipping watches to customers all over the country. Well, of course, this belle’s ears perked up! We mean…what self-respecting belle/style blogger doesn’t dig an enterprising young fella who is following his dream and making beautiful things??
Fast forward a few hours and we found ourselves searching through the H. Goose website and drooling over the simple, classic, locally-made timepieces! Take a gander…


And one belle’s personal fave…
The “larger” Saluda Field watch with smooth brown leather band. A MUST-have for our fellas (and perhaps ourselves!!)
Available locally (the Greenville area) at Gage’s on Augusta and M.Judson on Main Street, and online at HGoose.com, this just might be the perfect last minute Valentine’s gift for your sweetie (male or female!). And the price point is belle-ringin’ too! Just $165 for the majority of the designs. Score!!
Check it out, belles!!
a&a
09 Thursday Feb 2017
Posted in belle-icious, Uncategorized
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We are both in the kitchen a good bit, tweakin’ this and that, so even our old stand-by recipes are not immune to an adjustment or two. Case in point…one belle’s desire to change up her go-to Moroccan Spiced Butternut Squash soup…we published here a couple of years ago. Here’s what she came up with…
Smokey Butternut Squash Soup

2-3 butternut squash, cubed (or 3-4 bags frozen, pre-chopped)
1 onion, sliced or chopped
1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded
4-6 c chicken broth
4-5 cloves garlic
1 t smoked paprika
1 t Beautiful Briny Sea French Picnic salt
(Hint…we’ve told you about the Beautiful Briny folks before)
1/2 t each cumin, coriander, and curry
1/2 t ground black pepper
Olive or coconut oil for roasting the pepper, onion and garlic

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss pepper and onion in oil and season with a bit of salt. Place on a baking sheet. Form a foil pouch for the garlic, drizzle with oil, and place on sheet with pepper and onion. Roast in oven for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, place squash and spices in a saucepan. Pour about 4 c chicken broth over all and stir. Bring to boil and then turn to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
When pepper and onions are nicely browned, remove from oven and pull the peel off of the pepper. Now, dump everything (pepper, onion, garlic, and cooked squash and liquid) into a blender, vitamix, food processor (choose your fave)…or grab your stick blender and go to town!
Place soup back in pot and allow to simmer until ready to serve.

Some garnish ideas: bacon, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, toasted pecans, a swirl of cream…get creative!
Smokin’!!
a&a
07 Tuesday Feb 2017
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Tags
avocado hacks, camille styles, Glitter Guide, Hampden Clothing, healthy lifestyle hacks, how to cut an avocado, lizzie fortunato, minty pomegranete punch, refinery 29
Ringin’ our belles right now…


What not to put down the sink…
This Vegetarian dish…!!
These Lizzie Fortunato stunners at Hampden Clothing…
a&a
06 Monday Feb 2017
Posted in belle perks, fashion forward
We are always on the hunt for the next great hair accessories, and we are regularly sporting a ponytail. Finding holders that won’t crimp or harm your hair and still grip properly is harder than you think!
Nonie-belle (who is always looking out for us) made friends the Franceluxe belles, and they sent a slew of holders to try. Well, it was a veritable free-for-all when they came in…what with the teen belles still being home!
These are by far the best we’ve found to date!
Your hair will thank you!
a&a
05 Sunday Feb 2017
Posted in just sayin'
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03 Friday Feb 2017
Posted in belle perks, friday friend 1-1
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Check out one belle’s favorite Christmas gifts received!!!! This dryer has changed her life!!!
Both of her teen belles were also blown away and amazed…which is sayin a lot right there!
Worth every penny!!
a&a
02 Thursday Feb 2017
Posted in belle perks, what's ringin' our belle
We have found a great gift for the young and old…especially those who treat their phones as appendages!

Looking for a little Valentine’s treat?? This might work!
Get your game here! May the best belle win!!!
a&a