that’s hogwash, belles…a belleicious friend-1-1

08 Friday Apr 2016

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Hogwash – hog•wash, noun, orig. mid-15th century England 1. kitchen swill for pigs, 2. nonsense, 3. an incredibly belleicious concoction that must be made immediately…and often!

We recently discovered that hogwash isn’t just something our grandmothers accused others  of speaking (“Well, honey, that’s just hogwash.”).  

Hogwash also happens to be something we can’t live without from now on!  At a recent family oyster roast, a sweet brother and sister-in-law introduced us to this fresh condiment…and we went hog wild! 

Brother dear couldn’t quite remember where he found the recipe but we found it online from several sources…including Hog Island Oysters (from Tomales Bay in Northern California) and Martha Stewart. 

 

Hogwash – the belle-brother version

1/2 c rice vinegar

1/2 c seasoned rice vinegar*

2 large shallots, peeled, minced

2 large jalapeños, seeded, minced

1 large bunch cilantro, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime 

*Seasoned rice vinegar has sugar and salt added, so it adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lime. 

Mix all ingredients and place in a bowl near your oysters…and watch it disappear!  

And we wouldn’t stop with oysters. Hogwash would be incredible with almost any fish or seafood, pulled pork, grilled chicken or beef…the list goes on. This just might become a staple for every meal!

Go hog wild!

a&a


make mine Montana…belles on-the-go

07 Thursday Apr 2016

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Now that summer travel plans are in the works…we thought it might be wise to make a suggestion for a little getaway that the fellas would appreciate…  

Last summer, one belle had her delicate little arm twisted to go on a fly-fishing trip with her “reason for living” (aka…husband…who thinks fly fishin’ is fun). Now, a belle will pack her bags in a heartbeat for a good shoppin’ trip, but this one took some thought. 

The fella did some talking about the great food, wine, scenery, and overall hospitality of the ranch he has visited many times…and finally got a yes. This belle was not disappointed!

  

The accommodations…Madison Valley Ranch in Ennis, Montana.  Named the 2015 Orvis Fly-Fishing Ranch of the Year, this place just can’t be beat!  From the friendly greeting (thanks to hospitality guru, Elizabeth) to the cozy cabins to the gourmet meals…this is the place to “escape the hectic pace of everyday life and indulge in a luxury adventure.”

  

Serene doesn’t even come close to describing the vibe

  

…and we weren’t the only ones enjoying the peace & quiet

  

Days start early, but the view – and the bacon – are worth the crack-of-dawn wake-up

  

On the day that this belle agreed to fish, a friendly, professional, local guide whisked the two of us away to the river and did practically everything but catch the fish for us.  Their daily float or wade trips with experienced, Orvis-endorsed guides, mean that you are just a “cast away” from the finest fly-fishing experience ever! 

  

…and did we catch ’em!!  (This was a bit of beginner’s luck, but a belle will take what she gets…and will always be a good sport when she is forced to actually hold the “prize”)

  

And the fish kept biting!

  

After a full day on the river, cocktails on the porch with lively conversation, and a gourmet dinner prepared at the ranch and served family-style, it was nice to take a little sunset stroll.  

Each day can be more of the same…eat, fish, sleep…or you can do some exploring on your own…some suggestions:

Virginia City…

  …for a taste of the Old West

Quake Lake…just a bit south of the ranch…  

Beautiful…and haunting!

Because we kinda dig bourbon… 

Willie’s Distillery was an excellent way to while away an afternoon. As a side-note…because this belle is all about her bourbon…we introduced the guests at the ranch to the “Madison Mule” one evening during the cocktail hour. Using the local Willie’s bourbon with a sharp ginger beer and a twist of lime, we had a real belle-ringer. Word is they are still serving up the Madison Mule with regularity!

And we know we mentioned the food…but take a gander at the possibilities with these sample menus:   

 

’nuff said.  Book it, belles.  The fella will love ya for it!!

a&a

what’s ringin’ our belle…round 48

06 Wednesday Apr 2016

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Laundry…such a drag 

  
But here are some great tips and shortcuts to help with such a chore.

  
Red wine before bed equals weight loss!! If we read it, it must be true…..

   
Dying to try and make this cake….

We have made a Reuben Dip before…but we love this idea…  

Party pastrami sliders!!! Drool worthy 

  
Via Pinterest 

Some great tips on how to calendar your life

  
A little worldly etiquette

Spring-summer shopping has us in a frenzy…

  
Via Saks

Love these quilted Alice and Olivia shorts. Available in black too! 

  
Via Shopbop

Loving this Frock!!

belles are ringin’ all over!

a&a

this Monday perk will have us belles romping about…

04 Monday Apr 2016

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We grew up loving to pour over catalogs and now we ogle our favorite online shops and their look books. One such gander had us dropping our jaw and handing over our credit card. Sigh. 

You gotta love a Romper

  
Via Intermix

Order it at Intermix online

You need this, belles. 

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…cheers to HOPE

01 Friday Apr 2016

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We decided to switch things up a bit with our cocktailing this month. Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, we’re getting excited about spring parties and celebrations. One such affair only comes along every other year, giving us something extra-special to attend. 

It’s the HOPE BALL, benefitting the Cancer Society of Greenville County, coming up on April 29, at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville. We thought it would be fun to use a bit of what we have learned over the last year, interviewing bartenders, mixologists, bar managers and the like, by helping to create a signature cocktail…the “Hope-tini”, for this much-anticipated event. 

 
The Color of HOPE…
If you have ever visited the Cancer Society of Greenville County, you might have noticed its distinctive purple front door. This bold choice of color is not accidental. Purple is recognized as the color of hope…exactly what every patient needs and experiences once inside. The lavender used in our signature concoction is no accident either. That hint of color is a nod to the hope we have for each and every life touched by the CSGC.

  

The HOPE-tini…
The “Hope-tini” is essentially a lavender-citrus martini. It might sound a bit feminine and dainty, but this is quite a powerful concoction! Healthy doses of vodka and limoncello combine with homemade lavender simple syrup and fresh lemon juice to create a citrusy-fragrant party in a glass. The lavender hits the nose as the citrus hits the tastebuds…and the vodka hits the spot.

  
Lavender Simple Syrup…
This little recipe could come in handy throughout the summer, so commit it to memory. You won’t regret it! Equal parts of sugar and water are brought to a boil, then 2-3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds per cup of water/sugar are steeped in the syrup for 5-10 minutes. Once strained, this sweet, fragrant elixir is ready to use in cocktails, lemonade, Italian sodas, over ice cream…the list goes on.

  

An elegant affair…
Widely known as one of the most elegant affairs in Greenville, one will want to dress the part…long gowns for the ladies, black tie for the gents. But wear your dancin’ shoes. You just might not be able to resist taking a spin on the dance floor after dinner!

Gettin’ down to the details, now. The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) is a local organization serving local cancer patients (over 4500 currently). All funds raised stay right here in Greenville to give hope where it seems hard to find. The HOPE BALL is coming up fast, so don’t miss out! You may call the Cancer Society of Greenville County at (864)232-8439 or click here to register online – website:  www.cancersocietygc.org. 

HOPE to see ya there…we’ll be the ones with the martini glasses! 

#yeahthathopeball

a&a

fave mascaras…flutter away belles…

31 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Beauty belle

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It’s time to bat those lashes ladies!!!  This iconic mascara is at the top of our faves list. It thickens and lengthens.  Two swipes and you’re good to go!  If you have a little more time – or want to take it to the next level – swipe a few more times and get ready to be wowed! YSL SHOCKING FAUX CILS MASCARA. From Sephora, Amazon, and Nordstrom.

  
Next up on the block, a new but intriguing line for us. While out in San Francisco Nonie-belle introduced us to this fabulous Cosmetic line. Youngblood is one of our new favorite lines. The mascara is not as lush as the YSL but has an incredible brush that really grasps the lashes and coats them beautifully. It is more of a natural look when applied but can be layered for extra drama. 

By the way we have also tried Youngblood translucent pressed powder, which is actually a finely milled rice powder. It won’t clog pores, is absorbent, and refuses to become cakey.   We also purchased the Youngblood eye primer and looovve it. It makes a great base for shadow or can be worn on its own to even out tone on the eye and provide a smooth polish. 

  

The next favorite on our list is our go-to when we are looking for curl, lift, volume and length. Kevyn Aucoin essential mascara delivers on all fronts. It doesn’t clump, transfer or get stiff. It may just be tied for the blue ribbon winner. Available at Sephora, Amazon, and Nordstrom

And with swim weather approaching (along with the summer heat and humidity), a waterproof option might be in order.  However…we have yet to find one that we love.  But wait…

  
Enter Locked & Coated from Bare Minerals!  This bit of magic lets us use one of our favorites and then turns it into a waterproof version!  Voila!

Let us know what you think, belles…and share your faves as well.  We are always open to suggestions.  Just sayin’

a&a

what’s ringin our belle…round 47

29 Tuesday Mar 2016

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Via Pinterest 

How to avoid Awkwardness

  
Girls scout cookies + wine ?!?! Winning 

  
Our favorite show… Love these Quotes…

  
Via Pinterest 

We may want to rethink this Rule….

  
We are all about this Dress…

  
And are fighting over this Top…

  
Cheers!!
a&a

perk up your spirit (and your salad)…a Monday belle-ringer

28 Monday Mar 2016

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As y’all may have heard , we spent a little time out in Montana and while we were there we ate in one evening.  Out came this fabulous bowl …. 

 
Just like a good wine glass elevates the flavor of a wine, a beautiful salad bowl will upgrade the taste of even the most simple of salads.

  
This bowl is a great size, lightweight, beautiful and stylish. It fits into any decor and is available from one of our favorite Kevin’s catalog.  Kevin’s is the go-to for anything chic from hunting, entertaining, fashion, footwear, to home decor, linens, sporting and beyond. Stay tuned as a post with our favorites from Kevin’s is in the very near future. 

We have coveted this bowl for some time but seeing it in person sealed the deal. There are several styles and shapes that would be great additions as well. 
Time to shop til you drop! 

a&a