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Why?? We ask why??!
a&a
time flies…just sayin’
08 Sunday Nov 2015
Posted in just sayin'
10 essential shoes for every belle…a shoe fetish friend-1-1
06 Friday Nov 2015
Posted in fashion forward
Tags
all-weather boot, amazon, animal print, Aquatalia, ballet flat, basic pump, booties, ChristianLouboutin, espadrilles, evening shoe, Gucci, Hunter, indispensible shoes, ivanka Trump, j.crew, Jimmy Choo, Muse Shoe Studio, must-have, nordstrom, pelle Moda, Rag and Bone, rain boot, Sam Edelman, sandal, shoe, Tory Burch, Vanelli, wellie
We’ve been helping a dear belle-friend get her closet in order after three moves and three years of being “unsettled” (poor dear). In the process, we realized that every belle could be reminded of what we deem to be the shoe collection top ten. In other words…the ten pairs of shoes that we couldn’t live without.
If you have ’em all, you’re a savvy belle (or a shoe hoarder…takes one to know one…just sayin’). If you don’t have ’em, we’ve given you some options so that you can fill those holes, pronto!
We started at our favorite local shoe haunt, Muse Shoe Studio, with some picks to fill every belle’s needs…and we’ve added some online options for our far-flung friends…
1. A simple black pump
Above is an Ivanka Trump design…classic and affordable…available at Muse and Amazon.
And this Christian Louboutin “simple pump” is a high-end no-brainier (its price-per-wear will make it a bargain!) Find it HERE.
2. A nude heel
A nude shoe goes with virtually everything…this Corso Como (above) from Muse fits the bill. Also available here.
And the Louboutin “simple pump” also comes in nude…just sayin’ ( at Nordstrom)
3. An evening heel
Above…this metallic, strappy Pelle Moda from Muse adds a bit of bling to your festivities.
And the Jimmy Choo “Lang” (find it HERE) is another great (albeit more pricey) choice
4. A fun print
From Muse, this Sam Edelman combines two trends that are on-point now…and won’t be “out” anytime soon…animal print and the pointy-toe flat. You can also order it from Amazon.
and we have been long-time fans of the calf-hair, animal-print “Elsie” pump from J Crew. Pretty indispensable in our book!
5. A ballet flat
The quintessential staple for any stylish belle, this Vanelli (above) from Muse combines a bit of brown with the basic black for extra versatility .
We are quite partial to this little beauty as well….may even have to get it in all three colors!! Order here now for 20%off!!
6. A sneaker/espadrille.
This fashionable flat from Sam Edelman will keep you chic and comfortable. Stop in for a pair at Muse… Or you can order here.
7. Booties/boots
Muse has an incredible selection in this category! Wish we could include them all! This basic bootie combines that of-the-moment shape with a comfortable heel-height and classic black. You can also find it here.
And we’ve touted the comfort and style of Rag and Bone booties before…but we are always willing to get preachy…the “Margot” at Nordstrom won’t let you down.
8. A sleek, all-weather street boot
We’ve sung the praises of Aquatalia boots before, belles…and we will do it again and again! This “Gael” all-weather riding boot will be a staple till the cows come home! (We’ve been known to wear ours every…single…day while on trips to NYC, Paris, Chicago…). Absolute perfection!
9. A pair of Wellies/rain boots
For walking the pups in style…or just surviving in this rain-soaked home we used to call the “sunny (hot, muggy) South”, this Sam Edelman bootie from Muse will keep you dry and happy. You can also order it here.
And the “Original Tall” Hunter boot ( find it here) is a classic…and perfect for entertaining yourself by jumping in puddles (we have experience 😉
10. A neutral sandal
Tory Burch offers great options each year. The Kieran is a favorite of the belles.
And this Gucci “Marmont” stunner…of a sandal will ring belles for years to come
Inventory time, belles!! Let us know if you have any additions. Wouldn’t want to miss out!
a&a
cocktailin’ while the show goes on…
05 Thursday Nov 2015
Posted in bar belles
We’ve been out doing some more cocktailin’…this time with a bit of a theatrical flair! TALKGreenville’s November issue is now on the stands, and here is our contribution…
photo, Cindy Hosea
November is here, and there is so, so much to be thankful for…the fall leaves showing off their colors, football is in full swing (cheers to those rivalries), sweater weather has settled in to stay, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner (our favorite holiday…food, wine, food, wine)! Cocktailin’, of course, will play a major part in that kick-off to the holidays…kinda goes with the territory. We figured now would be a good time to scout out Genevieve’s at the Peace Center to prep for the upcoming shows (including some holiday favorites…a delicious cocktail adds an enticing dimension to The Nutcracker in our opinion!) because an informed imbiber is a happy imbiber.
We are privileged and grateful to have the Peace Center right at our fingertips, chock-full of events to please all tastes, and Genevieve’s has upped the ante on this fine establishment’s amenities. We paid them a little visit during a recent show and came away with quite a few suggestions for pre-performance, intermission, and post-performance hob-nobbing and libations.
the view from Genevieve’s can’t be beat!
This place deserves a Tony for its performance in a supporting role! With its breathtaking views of the Reedy River and cocktails created with nods to all things theatrical, this delightful space could be open seven days a week for all to enjoy. However, they are wisely focused on serving as an amenity, opening their doors and wowing guests only when Peace Center-presented performances are in-house. And let us give you some tips on how to “work” Genevieve’s to your best advantage. Arrive a bit early for your show and grab a table (you can also reserve a table in advance). Relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage along with some snacks, then let your server know that you would like to place an order for intermission. Here’s the mind-blower…they will take that order, let you pay in advance, and will have that order sitting at that very same table, all fresh-n-ready for you when you walk in after the first act! Tony. Award. Just sayin’!
Bar “boss”, Justin, has something to suit all tastes. These were our favorites…
photo, Cindy Hosea
“My Favorite Things”…
If you haven’t noticed, gin has come out of retirement and is making a rousing comeback of late. An alcohol that had taken a backseat to younger, trendier liquors, this boozy broad has re-entered society with smashing success! Justin, the suave and savvy bar manager, has quite a few creations featuring this throw-back spirit, and his love for the theater shines through in each delicious one. “My Favorite Things” is named after a childhood favorite of his, the Sound of Music. Here, gin takes center stage (told you gin was back in action) but is enhanced by cardamom bitters, cucumber and bay leaf. This drink deserves a standing ovation as the components play off of each other to perfection.
The “Employees Only”…
Much ado is made about the performers and the front of the house, but let’s not forget the hardworking staff that sets the scene, scurries backstage and puts all the pieces together. Justin has rewarded cast and crew with a liquid accolade in their honor. We can’t guarantee that it will be front and center on the menu, but if you ask for this secret cocktail, you won’t regret it. Earthy, with subtle notes of anise, a hint of sweetness, and an acidic note from a squeeze of lime, this beautiful amber elixir will warm you and energize you for the rest of the show.
The “Modern Gambler”…
You should be dancing into Genevieve’s at intermission soon to enjoy this concoction. Motown the Musical is showing this month, and Justin (bar manager extraordinaire) created the Modern Gambler with this show in mind. A true American dream story, and a great show for everyone, it’s uplifting, toe-tapping, and not to be missed. With songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “My Girl”, we can’t imagine not seeing this smashing hit. And the Modern Gambler will get you ready for all of that fun!
And now for a brief word about attire and such. With such sleek and sophisticated surroundings, we are compelled to put our best foot (we love a good shoe) forward! We encourage you to consider the performance and go from there. One might see jeans and cowboy boots for something like a Willie Nelson concert while the Nutcracker warrants a bit more festive, holiday slant to the wardrobe. However, the goal here is to bring a wide range of entertainment…and people…together for all to enjoy. Time to call the box office y’all!
a&a
what’s ringin’ our belle…round 29
03 Tuesday Nov 2015
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Tags
apartment therapy, autumn gimlet, beacause imaddicted, candlesforapurpose, champagne candle, chicken piccata, etsy, fall decor ideas, halfbakedharvest, how to fix a burnnt pan, refinery 29, thezhush, Tinsel earbud necklace, whats your wine sign
Ringin’ belles this week:
Fashionable, functional, and a multitasker’s dream…if you use earbuds, you need this chic option !
How about a fashionable accessory for the home …it should come as no surprise that we love this one….
Speaking of zee home…here is some fabulous fall inspiration…
Ever wonder what is your wine sign ?
Here’s a chicken piccata recipe we are drooling to try!!
Heaven forbid, but if y’all have ever scorched a pan…here’s your solution.
No need to cry over a burnt pan! Your time is better served celebrating autumn…in the form of a gimlet…just sayin…
Cheers until we meet again, belles…
a&a
belles can be a bit witchy…just sayin’
31 Saturday Oct 2015
Posted in just sayin'
Tags
be careful today, little lovelies!
a&a
slow cookin’…fix and forget it friend-1-1
30 Friday Oct 2015
Posted in belle-icious
With school and fall activities in full swing, we are always on the hunt for delish, go-to dinner options that we can throw together…fix it and forget it dishes. More often than not, these tend to be a little on the heavy side.
Thanks to The Pioneer Woman, we have found a new go-to for weeknight cooking. Hot and Spicy Italian Drip Beef. Each time we make it, we get rave reviews from the whole family…which by the way, is not a common occurrence. This dish can be served in a sub roll, over pasta or rice for your heartier eaters, over sautéed cabbage for a lighter option, or just on its own with a crisp green salad. We’ve even been known to throw it in a tortilla and sprinkle a little cheese on it. It’s the dish that keeps on giving!!!
It also freezes beautifully, can be halved, and still tastes good if you substitute certain ingredients.
Grab a few pantry ingredients, a chuck roast and your crockpot.
We added an onion …because we tweak..it’s our prerogative…
Toss it all in that crockpot and proceed to tootle about your business for the next few hours …
So you can come home to this…
Scrumptious!
As a belle likes to do, we thought we’d add one more version of drip beef, again from the Pioneer Woman. )If you haven’t checked out her blog , please do…everything is tasty and belle-worthy). This one works in much the same way…pantry items, meat, and a crockpot or Dutch oven. Feel free to fix it in a multitude of ways…sandwich, salads, over rice, with roasted vegetables…. Have it your way!!
A few ingredients….
A little melting and sautéing…a tad bit of labor…but that’s it…
Now fix it and forget it…..
Ta da!!! Delicious!!
Crockpot couture….
a&a
belles try their hand at painterly pumpkins
29 Thursday Oct 2015
Posted in belle maison, belle of the ball
The season of gourds is upon us, and it seems everyone is getting more and more creative with that good ole pumpkin. We happily hopped on the day train and came up with this:
Via therarebelle
You might ask how we came up with something so ingenious. Well, the results were pretty good…and all ours…but we can’t take credit for the idea. We were cruising for some fall decorating ideas and stumbled across a few things on Pinterest that inspired us….
And then we happened upon these Chinoiserie Pumpkins !! Oh. My. Gawd. You could have knocked us over with a feather!!
Just take a gander at this from Enchanted Home :
Via enchanted home.com
And this…
And as we dug a little deeper, we came upon these from The Relished Roost
A nice bonus…we realized these incredible artists had these pretties available for purchase…and, with a little heads up, would even customize to a degree. So, of course, we tried to purchase a few for our fall table (bookshelves for the rest of the year!!). Alas…they were sold out.
Well, these belles are no quitters! We decided this was the perfect time for us to try and get a little crafty ourselves. So this is what we made with some acrylic paint, a few faux pumpkins, and some paint pens. Don’t judge too harshly…but we do think they turned out alright for our first go at it….
Above pic is pencil sketching our design …
We decided to do a Paris Porcelain effect with a gold and white look ….
And then we put them on display…
So belles, Cinderella those pumpkins…they deserve to be the belles of the ball!!!
(And they don’t have a midnight curfew!)
a&a
what’s ringin’ our belle…round 28
27 Tuesday Oct 2015
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Tags
a lip plumper alternative, beauty secrets, blat sandwich, browneyed baker, byrdie, career girl daily, cider cocktail, Florence foster jenkins, how sweet eats, kale and caramel, making mornings easier, my OBT, pumpkin breakfast muffins, refinery 29, Starbucks
Ringin’ belles this week:
Belles like to start the morning right..thanks Starbucks !
The perfect fall breakfast food…
A few beauty secrets that models swear by…so why not belles???
Speaking of secrets….we love this multitasking revelation…especially since it involves pucker power…just sayin’…
A sandwich we are anxious to try….
How about some grown up cider…. it that time of year ….just sayin’
We sure wish this lady were still around…and we will most assuredly go to the movie!!
That’s all for now y’all…
a&a
sing loud and proud, belles
25 Sunday Oct 2015
Posted in just sayin'
Tags
@lulusays
there’s always a song in our heads…just sayin’
a&a
belles like these balls…a lot…a friend-1-1 recipe
23 Friday Oct 2015
Posted in belle-icious
Tags
appetizers, football food, sausage balls, sausage hash brown balls, tailgate food, the bare chicken
There is no better find than when you can find a delicious, easy recipe that can be made ahead of time. This one freezes beautifully. We love this updated version of the sausage ball…the perfect hearty appetizer.
These sausage and hash brown balls from plain chicken are irresistible!!
All you need is a few key ingredients:
1 lb uncooked sausage
1 1/2 cups Bisquick
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Mix all ingredients together. The plain chicken makes a great suggestion to use your standing mixer with the dough hook attachment. We tried it and it makes this recipe beyond easy.
Form into bite-size balls. Bake in 400 degree oven for 17-20 minutes
If you want to freeze at this point, just put them on a baking tray in the freezer until frozen, Once frozen, you can throw them all in a bag. When baking add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
If you want to taste them now…..just heat and eat!
For the original recipe, you can find it here.
Try to restrain yourselves belles…
a&a
the RARE belle 