Dreaming Of...

There are certain things, about living in "The South." People talk with thick accents. When you talk about Sundays, you talk about NASCAR. Everyone has a porch. Sweet tea, is the "official" beverage of choice. And ferns are everywhere!!!

I personally, have been dying, to buy a bunch of ferns. Around here, you see these beauties inside and out! I personally, have been dreaming of ferns, hung around our "wrap around porch." The perfect "pop of color" against the white trim of our home.

I can't even explain what it is. But I'm just drawn to these plants. I've priced them out, at a few different nurseries. I've considered hanging them. Or buying plant stands. Even seeking out some gorgeous pots. But in the end, I've decided they NEED to be hung from our porch.

The weather may not be agreeing with me. But come this Spring, and we'll have at least, 2 dozen of these beauties. After all, nothing says "Southern Living," like a porch, bursting with ferns, and pitcher or 2, of "Sweet Tea." Yes, I adore "The South." And my "Southern Gentleman!" ♥

Texas Green Sauce

I think by now, you know that I'm from the Southwest. Born and raised. Until I met this guy, it was the only place I'd ever called home. I've lived in a few cities, in the southwest. For a short time, I lived in another state...still in the southwest.

So you should know, I was raised on all things chili. It's the one thing that I miss most, about living in the South. Especially the Southeast. Where in the heck do you find chili? Well, this guy, is a doll! And he even goes out of his way, to buy a couple of sacks. Every August, and has them shipped to us. Gotta LOVE My Guy!!!

I don't just like chili, I LOVE it! I NEED it! And well, I just enjoy every single bite!!! With that being said, not all chili is created equally. What My Guy and his buddy consider a "good bowl" of chili, isn't what I'm thinking. They're thinking of a "stew" like thing. Me? I'm thinking of fresh chili, blended up, nice and thick. And oh so hot!

So when I took a peak at this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, I was questioning myself. Do I try this? Who eats chili out of a can? With avocados? I LOVE me some avocados. But with chili, it sounds a little odd...



Texas Green Sauce

4 avocados, pitted, peeled and chopped
16-oz. container sour cream
10-oz. can tomatoes with chiles
1 T. garlic powder
4-oz. can green chiles
2 t. salt
1 t. lemon juice
3-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

Combine all ingredients in an electric blender; process until smooth. Makes 5 cups.



It's good stuff! Promise you. :) Coming from me, that means a lot. I actually made some fresh tortilla chips last night. And made a batch of this. I figured what's the worst that can happen? I hate it, and give it to this guy. But even I surprised myself. It's really yummy!

So much so, we ate almost the entire thing. :) I know! But it was tasty. And we were deep into our movie. I will say this. I drained the chili and the tomatoes first. Then I blended the cream cheese and sour cream well. Smashed half the avocados. Left the other half chunky. Then rough chopped the tomatoes and chili. It made for more of a dip, then a sauce.

I did this mostly, because I didn't know what the sauce would taste like. Or what I'd pair it with. I'm sure it would be nice over grilled chicken. But I was much more into the "chips and dip" thing last night. Either way, the taste is good. And definitely worth a try. ♥

Quirky and Fun!!!

Later this summer, we have a REALLY FUN event to go to! I already have the dress to wear. Which is gorgeous! Thank You Cole! And I got an e-mail with this picture. How fun is this?



Turns out, the fascinator is not optional! But that's perfectly fine with me! Because when else, do you get an excuse, to wear something like this? Between, fascinators will ALWAYS remind me of My Bestie's wedding. It's what we wore. :)

I'm so EXCITED for this Southern event. I've been counting down the days, since Christmas!!! Maybe because, it's a good excuse to get all dressed up. And have a ton of fun, with My Love! Oh, and definitely, to wear this quirky head accessory! ♥

I've Learned...

One of the things that I've come to realize, about living in the South is...ice tea is like water. Everyone drinks it. Everyone expects it. And everyone has their own twist on it. Around these parts, Sweet Tea is KING! For the love of God, you better have a fresh pitcher, in your fridge at all times!

Me? I'm a little partial to the Sun Tea myself. No sweetener. Just a few slices of lemon. Of course, it should be in a good 'ol Mason Jar. With tons of ice...and a straw. But that's how I like it.

And with your tea, should come, "long sits on your porch." Taking in the beauty of the South. Catching up with loved ones. Reading a good book. Writing in your journal. Or doing a little craft. We're lucky. We've got a "Wrap Around Porch." Goes all the way around our home. In the front, we've got 6 beautiful rockers. On the side, a fun swing. In the back, the most comfy furniture you can imagine!



And today, I've been feeling a little down. My Love, is out working. In Georgia. He asked me to go with him, but we still had guests. And I haven't been feeling 100%. My friends, well I just said my goodbyes. As they make their way home. They will be missed!

So I took to our porch. Ice tea, good book, and fur babies in tow. We've tried to relax, and enjoy ourselves. But something is eating at me. Making this a tough day. A little praying has helped to calm me a bit...

But I'm positive, I need to go tackle a project. A cleaning project. I'm thinking the kitchen could use another good scrub. And I still have a few cabinets to weed through. Am I the only person, that deals with stress like this? I have to clean and organize something. And minimizing our things, always puts me at ease. ♥