AND THE WINNER IS...

Before I reveal the winner of my "G.R.I.T. S. ROCK Giveaway", I want to wish my BFF Teresa Jane a happy birthday today!!! Girlfriend, I hope you are enjoying all your birthday goodies!

Also, a lot of y'all e-mailed me to ask where you can find the G.R.I.T.S. apron. These are available online HERE.

Now, please practice proper giveaway etiquette and join me in congratulating...


Semi-Slacker Mom's blog is just too cute y'all! As I've told her in a previous comment on her blog...I would feel very at-home with her Southern family! Check out THE CREW over at the Semi-Slacker's Southern home.

Now Miss Semi-Slacker, I do hope you wear the darlin' apron when you host your next Bunco group. And...just for you, I'm including a box of instant grits--to add to your youngins' Major Food Group choices!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered this giveaway. I'm planning another special giveaway real soon...please stay tuned!

G.R.I.T.S. ROCK Giveaway!!!

Yes, we are G.R.I.T.S.--Girls Raised In The South! And, we do love grits y'all!!! Grits is a comfort food that has helped many a Southerner through tryin' times. Grits are "King" at the Waffle House and they are also a favorite on the tables at wedding receptions, funeral receptions, and posh Southern soirees. Just like the other well-loved Southern comfort food--macaroni and cheese, grits is a Southern lady's blankie!

Exactly what is grits? Grits is made of hominy and hominy is the dried kernel of corn after the hull and germ have been removed.

My giveaway is all about Grits!!! I love grits prepared any style...plain grits with real butter, grits with cheese, or shrimp & grits. When The Queen of Southern Cuisine, Paula Deen was married, the classic combo of shrimp & grits was served to guests at her wedding in martini glasses. Now my daddy would have said that was too high-fallutin' for him!!! I love it though...shrimp & grits served in a martini glass! I prepared Paula's recipe last night and we all loved it!!!


Here's some proper Southern grits etiquette for all y'all who live outside the South:

~Grits should always be served on a plate...along with your eggs and bacon and eaten with a fork; unless they are served alone, then you may use a bowl. Of course, they may also be served in a martini glass for a posh presentation!
~Grits are always eaten with a fork, 'cuz they should be thick enough not to run through the tines.
~Never put syrup on your grits--this irritates us Southerners to no end!
~Don't even think about putting sugar on your grits!!! Good Lord.
~Ketchup on your grits?...no ma'am, that's very Waffle House!
~Don't you dare eat instant grits...don't you dare!
~Don't call grits "cream of wheat"--again, very irritating to Southerners!

Recipe for Paula Deen's Shrimp & Grits:
2 servings cooked grits
2 tblsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced tasso ham*
2 tblsp diced onion
2 tblsp diced green peppers
20 medium to large shrimp, peeled and de-veined, with tails on**
1-2 tblsp white wine
1 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper
Green onion tops, chopped
*Tasso ham is a cajun ham found outside of Louisiana. You can substitute salt pork, pancetta, or prosciutto.
**Miss Janice takes the tails off the shrimp before serving

Cook grits according to package directions; set aside and keep warm. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tasso and saute until crisp. Add diced vegetables and saute until onions are translucent. Add shrimp and saute for 30-45 seconds, or until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside. Deglaze the pan with a little white wine. Slowly add the cream and let reduce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add grits to martini glasses and spoon the shrimp & sauce on top. Enjoy!

The Giveway...
First up, I'm giving away an apron just like the one I'm wearing today. It's too cute y'all! I get a LOT of compliments on it everytime I wear it!!! G.R.I.T.S. is printed in large pink and green letters and "Girls Raised In The South" is printed below in smaller pink and green letters. Pink & Green...Southern and preppy!!!

Next...I get so many emails from readers asking advice on 'How to be a Southern belle'. To help y'all start Southern Belle 101, I'm offering these two books by Deborah Ford.

"The G.R.I.T.S. Guide to Life"...The unspoken rules and rich traditions that makes Girls Raised in the South so unique! If you're not from the South and would like to learn more about being a Southern girl, this is the book for you. Or maybe you were raised in the South and now you live Lord-knows-where and just need a refresher course on Southern traditions. Love this book y'all!

Another book by Deborah Ford, "Puttin' on the G.R.I.T.S., A Guide to Southern Entertaining"--is a must-have for those who want to know how to be the perfect Southern hostess. From Potluck to Thanksgiving Dinner, this book has all the tips & ideas to help you plan the perfect social event!

It wouldn't be proper of me NOT to include some grits!!! And, they are Dixie Grits. Yes ma'am they are!

*Please note that I'm not giving away Jean Paul y'all...just the grits sitting next to him!!!

Rules for the Giveaway:

~For one entry--you must leave a comment on this post.
~For two entries--you must be a follower of my blog or let me know if you are a new follower.
~For three entries--you must post about my giveaway on your blog.
~For four entries--you must be a follower of SocialGraces101 (that's me y'all) on Twitter or let me know if you are a new follower.
~For five entries--you must tweet about my giveaway.

Good luck to everyone! I'm taking some time off be be with family this week. This giveaway will end at 12:00 midnight E.S.T on Friday, July 30th and will be announced on Saturday, July 31st.

LIKE MAMA...LIKE DAUGHTER!

I had a very casual day today...running around this small town where I live. Fabric store, drugstore, grocery store, lunch at Panera Bread, et cetera. My outfit was also casual...a very preppy uniform I might say!

"HERE'S WHAT I WORE." I paired the pink 'Resort' polo by Lilly with my khaki skirt from Tar-jay.

The pink & green ribbon belt is from CK Bradley...years ago. Love my preppy grass green 'Roped-In' ballet flats by Lilly. I carried my bermuda bag in the 'Shrimp Cocktail' pattern by Lilly--it is truly one of my fav pocketbooks. (The cashier at Panera Bread asked me "Is that a Lilly Pulitzer purse?" "Yes ma'am, I said...it's the Shrimp Cocktail pattern." She gave me that TMI look)! I wore a pair of gold monogrammed disk-style earrings and the matching monogrammed ring, all of which I've had forever! I also wore my 'Chameleon' watch by Rolex with a green band. My ponytail was adorned with a pink grosgrain ribbon. Of course, I wore my rollring wedding band by Cartier and my lipstick was 'Parfait' by Chanel. My fragrance of choice for the day...'Wink' by Lilly and my nail polish 'Pink Mink' by Chanel.

This is a stock image of the Rolex 'Chameleon' watch, with interchangeable bands. I bought mine back in the 80's and bought extra bands to coordinate with my outfits...Obsessed, even waaaaay back then!

iPhone cover of the day...white, with pink monogrammed decals, from 2PreppyGirls. Totally obsessed y'all!
Mlle. Coco Chanel had an appointment today at the beauty shop and of course, she had to dress up...like mama! Don't judge.

"HERE'S WHAT MISS COCO WORE." The bandanna is precious isn't it??? It's the Lilly 'Shrimp Cocktail' pattern (available on ebay at lillypadsstore)--Coco insisted on getting one to match ma mere's pocketbook!!! Her top knot is adorned with a darlin' pink & green ribbon and her leash and collar...pink, of course!

Thank you so much for visiting with me today. I'm trying so hard to keep up with my blog reading and it seems I'm just getting further behind! Please be patient with me. If you have a specific question for me, you may send an e-mail to: Miss Janice {at} Miss Janice {dot} com.

I'm planning a cute giveaway for next week...it's a Southern thing y'all!

LILLY-FIED SUMMER SOIREE ON THE PORCH

Lilly Pulitzer makes the cutest stuff in pink and green! Those two colors are definitely my favorite colors to wear. However, Lilly is not all about pink and green.

Going back to last year in May...I won a blog giveaway hosted by Muffy Martini and the prize was loads of Lilly paper products, provided by The Preppy Princess. I was tres excited to win the fabulous loot and was waiting on the perfect opportunity to use all the cute stuff. After I received all the products in the 'Loco Patch' pattern by Lilly, I found the cutest blue Lilly plates at The Lazy Daisy Lilly store in Vero Beach.

One year later...Putting it all together, I came up with a blue and yellow theme for my Summer Soiree on the Porch for some friends...with children! Waiting until the sun was almost setting and using the fans, it was quite nice!

A blue and yellow Lilly tablescape...
Fresh daisies adorn the white birdcage...

I LOVE the blue and yellow design of these Lilly plates. These are the ones I purchased at The Lazy Daisy Lilly store in Vero Beach. The table runners and napkins were custom-made for me...love the ric rac y'all!
Miss Janice adores the yellow gingham flatware, purchased from Ella Kitchens and Gifts.

Darlin' placecards, in the 'Coco Patch' pattern, by Lilly...

The napkin (with point facing toward the diner) is adorned with a Lilly-fied flower...I have these in every color to adorn my signature ponytail!!! These are made by Looking4Lilly. These napkin rings also doubled as my party favors y'all!

My signature beverage for the evening was Pomegranate Mojitos**!!!

Loved the presentation for the mojitos...The acrylic goblets are from Publix. The precious aqua monogram decals are from 2PreppyGirls. The beverage umbrella straw is in the 'Coco Patch' pattern by Lilly. Doesn't every drink look a little more inviting with a little umbrella?!
Not to forget the cute coasters by Lilly, in the 'Havan A Coctel' pattern. Perfect!
Classic Summer Crab Salad*--on a bed of radicchio, and served with a mini French baguette...
Get your party favors y'all!!! Yes these precious napkin rings are the favors for the ladies. They are ponytail holders/flower pins/hair flowers. Aren't they darlin'?! I purchased these at Looking4Lilly. There is a little Lilly button in the center. Cute, very cute!
The children's table...

The paper plates and napkins in the 'Coco Patch' pattern by Lilly. Don't they just say "Summertime?!"
Chicken nuggets and tater tots...
Coke floats with Lilly name cards on the float straws...

Ready for Miss Caroline...youngins LOVE chicken nuggets and tater tots!!!

Party favors for the youngins'...cotton candy in a cello bag, yellow gingham ribbon, and Lilly 'Coco Patch' gift tag.

What's for dessert??? I kept it tasty, but simple y'all.

Aqua flatware for the youngins'...

'Loco Patch' dessert plates...
Lemon bars for the grown-ups!
Cupcakes for everybody!!!

Grown-Ups Menu
Classic Summer Crab Salad*
Mini French Baguettes
Lemon Bars
Miss Janice's Pomegranate Mojitos**

Children's Menu
Southern Fried Chicken Nuggets
Tater Tots
Coke Floats
Cupcakes

*Recipe for Classic Summer Crab Salad:
2 lbs. cooked crab meat, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 1/2 cups mayo
1 tblsp lemon juice
1 tblsp celery salt
Radicchio

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, green onions, parsley, and celery. Mix well and add the mayo, lemon juice, and celery salt. Cover and chill in the frig for 2 hours. Serve over a bed of radicchio. (Serves 4)

**Recipe for Miss Janice's Pomegranate Mojitos
12 shots light rum
4 cups Trader Joe's Pomegranate Limeade
4 tblsp sugar
20 mint leaves
1 lime sliced
Soda water
Crushed ice

Combine the rum, Pomegranate Limeade, and sugar into a large pitcher. Crush the mint leaves (reserving 4 whole leaves for garnish) and add to the beverage, along with the lime slices and crushed ice. Fill goblets with the liquid and add a splash of soda water and a mint leaf.

You can always substitute pomegranate juice and lime juice instead of the Trader Joe's juice. (I must say that these were also delish without the rum!!!)

So, Lilly Pulitzer is not always about pink and green. For this casual evening on the porch, "HERE'S WHAT I WORE" The shift is by Lilly in the 'Cape Cod Blue Fresh Fish' pattern. I wore a silver choker necklace with a monogrammed drop pendant, and the matching monogrammed earrings and ring. I also wore my rollring wedding band by Cartier. My ponytail was adorned with a white grosgrain ribbon...and--I wore my white Bonannos! My choice of fragrance for the evening was 'Wink' by Lilly and my lipstick was 'Parfait', by Chanel.

I haven't joined Marty at AStrollThruLife in a long time and today I'm linking up with her and other fabulous tabletop designers for her 'Tabletop Tuesday' event! Stop in and take a peek.

Thank you so much for visiting me with me.

CHECK YOUR BONANNOS Y'ALL!!!

Lord have mercy! Y'all need to check your Bonannos...'cuz they just might be knock-offs!!! On the Stephen Bonanno blog site, Vivian Benvenuto (I apologize to Vivian, as I previously posted her last name as "Bonanno"--*gasping with embarassment here*) wrote about several stores selling these knock-offs...Read about it here.

Goodness gracious, I purchased these pink and green Bonannos several years ago--I believe from ThePinkMonogram. I just know they are real!!!
I called in the order for these white Bonannos to the Stuart store early last summer and picked them up and paid Vivian herself for these...they better be real! :)
Hop over to the Bonanno blog to check out the story for yourself...if you have questions, Vivian's contact information is included in the post.

This morning I went to church and then The Cracker Barrel for lunch. "HERE'S WHAT I WORE" The 'Spring Fling' pattern shift is by Lilly and the 'Marilyn' cardigan is also by Lilly.
My white Bonannos look very cute with this shift, but y'all know by now that Miss Janice doesn't wear sandals into the sanctuary of the church. So, I wore my 'Magenta Revas' by Tory Burch and carried my Queen Bea straw pocketbook adorned with a magenta Midori-ish ribbon. I wore my pearl stud earrings by Ralph Lauren, my pearl bracelet, and my rollring wedding band by Cartier. My ponytail was adorned with a white grosgrain ribbon, my lipstick was 'Laser Pink' by Chanel, and my fragrance of choice was 'Wink' by Lilly.

My cell phone was in the 'manners mode' during church service, but it still look cute in this hot pink cover...


Thank you for visiting with me today. I'll be back on Monday or Tuesday with photos of a Lilly-fied tablescape...from a 'summer soire on my front porch'!

Taking it Easy!

YAY! It's Friday!!! I'm having a quiet evening. Last night I stayed up waaaay too late...Merry nights, sorrowful days y'all! I'm taking a stroll up to the square to get some takout for dinner. I'm much too lazy to cook tonight.

Miss Coco wants to go also, but said she did NOT want to dress up tonight! I decided to wear a Lilly shift and Mademoiselle will be wearing her matching Lilly-fied leash and collar. This is one of my all time fav Lilly shifts in the 'Soleil' pattern. The lime green cardigan is also by Lilly.
The pink and lime green Jack Rogers match the shift perfectly! See Miss Coco's 'Soleil' Lilly-fied collar and leash...she loves it! I'm wearing a pair of gold Ralph Lauren button-style earrings, my rollring wedding band by Cartier, and my 'Oyster Perpetual' watch by Rolex. My ponytail will be adorned with a pink grosgrain ribbon, my lipstick is 'Laser Pink' by Chanel, and my fragrance of choice is 'Wink' by Lilly.

"Here's What We Are Wearing" Miss Janice is wearing the 'Soleil' Lilly shift and Mlle. Coco Chanel will wear the 'Soleil' collar and leash. (You can buy the collars and leashes on ebay in different Lilly-fied patterns at Scootergroucho) The iPhone cover is lime green...I am a obsessed with coordinating!!!

Relaxing Friday night...on the couch watching a movie, while tweeting and blogging! Happy weekend y'all!

My Office for the Day Y'all!

It's hot y'all and I spent the day at the pool...yes, this was my office for the day!!!
Love my green beach towel, monogrammed in pink! These towels are too cute and are designed to fit over the top of the chair and they have two side pockets...for your cell phone or whatever. I found this darlin' towel at ThePinkAzalea. A must have for the summer!

I carried the large pink monogrammed tote which held my magazines, sun block, and a smaller pink monogrammed cooler bag.

Love the little monogrammed cooler bag...a gift from Preppy101 last year! It's the perfect little bag to keep your lunch cool.

Dining by the pool in style...pimiento cheese sandwich, Panera chips, and a diet caffeine-free coke. My coke was kept cool by a Lilly-fied coozie in the 'Spring Fling' pattern another gift from Preppy101, and of course sipped from an umbrella straw!!! The cute little pink & green paper plates and napkins are from The Dollar Store. All So Cute.

Sunblock and sunglasses...a must y'all! And yes, I'm working...studying Southern stuff!!!

Love my croakies...monogrammed, of course! You can also find these at ThePinkAzalea. Tres cute.

You might be wondering, "What did Miss Priss wear to the pool?" Well, "HERE'S WHAT I WORE" The coverup is the the 'Tisket Tasket' Eliot shirtdress by Lilly. I love this dress as a coverup and I think it would also be darling with white leggings!

Of course, I love the color and pattern...

My bathing suit...by Lilly in the 'Grasshopper' pattern. I love it.

The pool bag...from the dollar section at Target, monogrammed, of course.

I wore my pink and lime green Jack Rogers and my lime green monogrammed cap. My ponytail was adorned with a Lilly-fied scrunchie--available at ebay (lillypadsstore). The perfect watch for the pool...my 'Desert Tort' watch by Lilly. My makeup for the day was sunblock by Coppertone, but my lipstick was 'Laser Pink' by Chanel! I wore my rollring wedding band by Cartier and a pair of silver monogrammed earrings. The cute pink croakies, monogrammed in lime green are from ThePinkAzalea.Love the Lilly 'Tisket Tasket' dress--it's great as a coverup! I would definitely feel comfortable wearing it to browse the posh shops in Vero Beach before heading across the street to the beach.
Here's a 'little peek' at moi, ready for the pool...wearing the cute Lilly bathing suit with the Lilly coverup...I do believe it's age-appropriate y'all!!!

Thank y'all for coming by to visit with me today. Remember, this is one of the few times you may sip your beverage with a straw--when drinking a coke from the can...totally acceptable and proper!!! And cute too.